Wow can you believe it has been almost two months since our first annual LAYERS Fashion Show 8.31.19 benefiting Layers of Dignity?! Thank you all for being a part of this epic event. We are so thankful and also still coming out of the fashion show coma…just in time for fall! Make sure you follow us on Insta to catch sneak peeks as we continue posting content. In the meantime, we’d like to introduce you Avae Liyah from Aliyah Designs, one of our Continue reading
Category Archives: runway
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
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 hat. These 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
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
A Brooklyn Style Snapshot
Hello, Fashionistas!
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of falling in love-with Brooklyn! The borough’s artsy vibes mixed with wonderfully edgy fashion gave a new meaning to inspiration. –> Fun fact, did you know that the original meaning of ‘inspiration’ comes from the Latin, ‘inspirare’, literally, ‘to breathe into’, and figuratively, ‘inspire, excite’*? (Thank you, Professor Seiger!) Meaning, what if every breathe we took came infused with energy, life, spirit, colors, vibrancy? The catwalk would probably explode with excitement. I would probably explode with excitement. It would be worth it.
Back to Brooklyn! The Borough of Inspiration. I regret that I did not truly capture everything, but I invite you to browse some of the photos below. If you live in Brooklyn, you will probably wonder, where are the chic skinny black pants, loose but perfectly draped charcoal, white shirts, combat boots whose destiny is somehow both stealth seduction yet seamless, city street navigation? Not to mention the edgy couples who share each others’ skinny jeans and color boards, whitewashed jeans and fitted jackets, multi color patterns, hats hinting at a story, energy escaping the fabric, poise and color like a Mary Poppins meets Oscar de la Renta street painting, lights and smoke, endless cropped tops and basketed bicycles. I assure you, they exist! True Confession on the missing photos: I was too shy to ask enough people to take their photo. I know!! The worst. I guarantee I stared at way too many people, hoping they would read my mind and strike a pose. It didn’t work. Sigh. Next time, I would ask 100 people. Until then, hope you enjoy! 🙂
Thank you, Brooklyn, for keeping it 100! Until we meet again.
-xoxo Fashion Stoppe
Brooklyn Vibes. Photo Cred: J P NYC
Brooklyn Graffiti
A trendster seen near Washington Square Park, Manhattan. Isn’t she beautiful?!
Seen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Absolutely loved their street style! Also, they were the sweetest.
Apparently, I love Brooklyn graffiti.
Exploring in Brooklyn.
Totoro, totoro! Fashionistas living that knitted life.
with Love from Brooklyn! xoxo
Thank you for reading! Find what inspires you, and remember, you are fabulous!
Cheers darlings,
<3 Fashion Stoppe
Follow us on Insta & Twitter!
Insta: @fashionstoppe
Twitter: @fashionstoppe
*Regarding ‘inspiration’: My college voice teacher, Professor Seiger, shared the meaning with me! Here is a link with the skinny on inspiration 🙂
Notes: First and last photo cred: J P NYC. Others are original.
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
“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.
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.
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.”
Thanks Mara! Look for her next on Charlotte Fashion Week. http://www.charlottefashionweek.com/
Trend*Setting Fashion Show Takes City by Storm
The latest looks. Beautiful models. Edgy fashion. A recipe for the perfect fashion takeover.
The 4th Annual Trend*setting Fashion Show was a culmination of talent, beauty, style and something more. This year’s TSFS raised the catwalk for fashion. Talent strutted style, new looks and beauty to prove it.
On June 21th, over 7 up and coming designers featured new styles for men and women on the catwalk at Zinda in downtown Raleigh. From southern inspired classics to edgy Vogue streetwear, this show displayed many faces of fashion hitting the streets.
< And hitting the interwebs. With budding designers on the rise, building an online presence is key for their brand’s success. We feature our top picks below. >
Designers high school and up shared their hottest and most inspired looks. Lines included urban streetwear, a twist on southern classics, daring and dramatic, and playfully edgy.
Models petite to plus size, men and women, pop to flow worked the runway. Talent in Raleigh is unstoppable. The audience and runway’s energy was electric.
Many local models and designers who walk the Trend*Setting Fashion Shows don’t stop there. Produced the last four years and counting by acclaimed model and enterprise owner, Latrisha Valdez-Rushing, the TSFS initiatives are changing the face of fashion in the south. Latrisha recognizes the demands of the industry and gives people opportunities. She recognizes talent and dedication and gives them a chance to shine. (For more about Latrisha, read our exclusive interview below.) Many who participate in the show pursue their talents and become discovered.
Last year’s TSFS put a local designer on the map. In a designer competition, winner Cori Spade shared her looks and now is recognized worldwide for her signature styles. We can’t wait to see what happens this year.
Move over, Hotlanta. Look out, NYC! Raleigh is on the rise. We’ll see you on the catwalk.
What people are saying about the TSFS14:
“The TSFS is a great opportunity to bring local designers together in the Triangle.” – G105 Radio Personality, Kimberlee B.
“Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.” – Co-Host and Comedian, Jermaine Avery
Exclusive Interview with the show’s producer, Latrisha Valdez-Rushing.
What was the inspiration for the 4th Annual Trend*Setting Show?
I wanted it to be an intimate experience, more like the shows in NYC during fashion week. I wanted it to be standing room only type of crowd. This is why there was limited seating (not an accident). The 4th Annual Trend*Setting Fashion Show was exactly what I wanted.
And what attendees, wanted, too. When you put a show together, what do you look for in designers? In models?
I seek professionalism first, innovation, talent, passion and drive. Having these qualities makes for a well rounded designer who is going places! Models are another story. I look for professionalism, of course, but also loyalty, consistency, confidence and reliability!
How did you select designers for this show in particular?
It depends on the type of show, but just because the designers clothes fit into the theme of the show doesn’t mean they will make it. I go for more quality than quantity.
What motivates/inspires you in the fashion world?
I’m inspired by the art of fashion! When you see fashion from the perspective of the artist and get what the artist is saying or their story, it’s exciting. I’m also inspired by the innovation of fashion, the trend setters in the game!
What’s fashion life like as a mom and wife?!
Being a wife and mom has changed the way I shop and wear clothes, but I still appreciate other people’s perspectives and style like I always have. Now, I just try to figure out how to be stylish and respect my husband, and also let people know that I’m a stylish mom. Which makes me laugh sometimes, because I never thought I would be a wife and a mom, but that’s a whole other story!
What words of advice/encouragement do you have for designers, models, and talent?
I would say to designers, be yourself and don’t fall into the line of mediocre fashion. It’s ok to shine. We, your audience, wants to see you be different. We are tired of the same ole same ole things. To models and talent, know that YOU are in charge of your business, which is you! Make good decisions. Get a real mentor that has professional experience in the world of modeling to get advice. You need to keep your morals and values in check! Know everything out there is not good for you. Be careful.
What else do you want people to know about you?
I have a way in which I do things in this business-always uplift people and give them chances. I just want everyone to do the same. Let’s uplift and encourage one another to move the fashion industry in the Triangle area forward. Forward Movement!
Should Trend*Setting fans prepare for a 5th show? Any upcoming events in the works?
Every year I think either: “The next show will be bigger and better” or “I’m not doing another show”. Next year, I’m thinking I will do a show, but it will be a different vibe then I’ve ever done. I do have plans to do an ongoing pop-up retail type event with fashion and the arts. Stay tuned!
Thanks Trish! We can’t wait to see what happens next.
About LaTrisha:
LaTrisha Valdez-Rushing’s, founder of Avance` Enterprise, fashion career began in the early 90’s as a professional model. She has graced the catwalk for numerous designers including Oscar De La Renta, Betsy Johnson, and Fendi. With decades behind her, LaTrisha continues to remain a vital member of the fashion business, known mostly for her expertise of grooming aspiring inexperienced models into “seasoned, recognizable models” ready for the runway.
Keep up with Latrisha:
www.avanceenterprise.net
www.trendsettingfashionshows.com
Featured Designers:
The S.M.A.R.T. Hat Collection
Urban streetwear with a message.
Super. Mighty. Awesome. Righteous. Triumphant.
Featured: We can’t deny our love for the baby tee.
Follow S.M.A.R.T. Hat:
Shop: www.smart-hat.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearSmarthat
Instagram: @smart_hat
Demode
A stand-out style with something for everyone. Founded in Raleigh with locations in NYC, Demode is now worldwide. Offers looks for men and women.
Featured: We can’t resist The Vogue Shirt. Available online soon. For what Demode is up to next, go here.
Follow Demode:
Shop: www.demodeclothing.com
Tweet @demodeclothing
Insta: @demodeclothing
Models to Watch
Nissha McNeil: This girl encapsulates beauty and positive energy! She is going places. As a model, Nissha believes in, “Embracing curves and being happy in your own skin.” Words to live by.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PlusModelNisshaMcNeil
Tweet: @UnisshaM
Mara Wuliger
A runway and print model, Mara’s effortless poise and beauty make her a natural. Where you’ll see her next: Charlotte’s Fashion Week! More info coming soon.
Meet the Host: Jermaine Avery
Known for using comedy to connect with anyone, anywhere, Avery is an improv and comedy guru. “Comedy brings people together, it’s universal.” Says Avery on his craft. Advice to comedians starting out? “Be yourself and write. Have fun. Don’t take it too seriously.”
Follow Avery at @averyisfunny on Twitter or stop by Tir Na Nog on Monday nights for a stand-up comedy routine.
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