Monday, December 16, 2013

Models Ferns Francois and Joel Sanchez Launch Modern Advocates to Boost Boston Fashion


           There's a void in Boston's fashion community. Talent is plenty and the passion is strong, but very few have come together to make the industry bigger. After TheTents at Boston Fashion Week collapsed this year, two male models decided they needed to rally the city's fashion people.

            Ferns Francois and Joel Sanchez just launched a fashion production and networking community called Modern Advocates. Their goal is to exhilarate Boston's fashion industry by bringing designers, models, stylists, buyers, media, actors, and the like together at weekly mixers.


             I met up with Francois and Sanchez to find out exactly what Modern Advocates does and what they hope to accomplish. From revitalizing Boston Fashion Week, to getting more menswear designers in Boston, here's what they had to say.


             Their kickoff event, LA x Tokyo, took place last Tuesday at Naga in Cambridge. Tomorrow will be their last event of the month until their relaunch in January. Starting at 10pm, fashionable Bostonians can connect, drink and dance while making strides for the industry. So go to Naga tomorrow night, meet new people and start a new future for Boston fashion!

To get all the details on tomorrow's event, go to the Facebook page HERE.  

And make sure you check out Modern Advocates on Facebook, Twitter (@ModernAdvocates) and Instagram (@modernadvocates). 


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Fashionable Christmas Gifts That Give Back


          Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year! Not only because of what it means to me, but also because of how long it lasts. A whole month full of baking, decorating, music, friends, family, and shopping! You get every excuse to stay in and watch movies with hot chocolate or shop all day long for the right gifts. I still write the wishlists I've made since I was a kid. In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm very much a list person! While my wishlists have more clothes and fewer toys now, I still put the same amount of effort into making them perfect.

          In the spirit of the holiday season, I decided I wanted to do something a little extra this year. Some fashion brands are willing to give back with every purchase, a concept many call One for One. Stores like Warby Parker and Toms pledge to donate one product to charity for every product purchased. I figured this is a great way to spread the joy! If friends and family will be gifting anyway, why not give a present that donates another in return? I've considered getting new glasses for a while now, so instead of just one pair for myself, I'm asking for a Warby Parker pair to give back at the same time! Not only are they stylish, but they'll be helping out someone who can't afford eye care.

          Whether you're giving or receiving, consider adding these charitable and fashionable gifts to your holiday shopping!


Out of Print - Madeline Women's Tee - $28
          "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines." These books were among my very favorites when I was young and I can't imagine any little girl not growing up with them. Unfortunately, there are so many impoverished communities where kids don't even have the ability to lose themselves in a good book. That's why for every shirt sold, Out of Print donates a book to an area in need, in partnership with Books for Africa.

Toms + Tabitha Simmons - Blue Cricket Stripe Women's Desert Wedges - $168
           As one of the most successful, charitable brands, Toms' mission is no secret. However, a great new collaboration with shoe designer, Tabitha Simmons, has heightened their fashion appeal this season. Inspired by her own sons, Simmons' collection also features kid's sizes to fit the smallest of trendsetters! As always, with every pair sold, another will be given to an underprivileged child in one of over 60 countries.
 

Warby Parker - Chamberlain Eyeglasses - $95
           Warby Parker has become the hottest place for eyewear. Almost every magazine editor has a pair and their Instagram account has 85k followers. Plus, they make ordering online just as breezy as in person by sending you five pairs to try on before you buy. Glasses have never been so cool! But how did they make their brand even cooler? They partner with non-profits to improve low-income eye care and donate a pair of glasses for every pair sold.

KITE - UWEZA Pencil Pack - $10
          KITE teaches us not to underestimate the power of a pencil. Pencils can be the beginning of stories, learning, creativity, and even careers. These pencils are made in the USA and with their fun patterns, they can also be an unexpected fashion statement. A statement that enables children to attend school and better their lives. For every pencil pack sold, KITE gives a pencil to a child in need, including 13 million kids in the US and over twice as many around the world. That's really something to think about the next time you jot something down!



Monday, December 9, 2013

Tatiana Tejedor and Joel Benjamin at the School of Fashion Design


            Thursday night, I attended the Tatiana Tejedor/Joel Benjamin Reception at the School of Fashion Design on Newbury Street. It was an intimate gathering for an installation of Tejedor's fashion design and Benjamin's photography. Mannequins showcased her graphic, screen printed pieces, while his photographs of the designs lined the walls.

             Tejedor's designs reminded me of Mary Katranzou's wildly graphic dresses and gowns. Both designers create wearable patterns using pictures of nature and outdoor environments. One of my favorite pieces of Tejedor's was her suit covered in city lights.





Saturday, December 7, 2013

My Celebrity Best Friend Wishlist


         I've been a little absent from blogging this week because of Thanksgiving, family time, internship work, and my latest trip to Boston. So to get back into the swing of things, I'm doing this purely guilty pleasure post.

Is there any cuter BFF couple than Cara and Rita Ora? I think not!
         Everyone in fashion is obsessed with Cara Delevingne. Rightfully so, she's the coolest model of the decade, no doubt! I can't get enough of her hilarious personality and effortless, don't give a s*** style. Of course, as if she wasn't already perfect enough, she's best friends with all of the other models, singers, and actresses I obsess over.


          This brings me to my celebrity best friend wishlist. The women who inspire my style, don't care about what people think, are effortlessly beautiful and confident, and are icons of fashion on their own terms.

I love how all these fabulous ladies are friends.
  1. Rihanna







2. Sienna Miller









3. Cara Delevingne






 
4. Rita Ora








5. Jessie J










6. Chanel Iman








7. Freja Beha Erichsen