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Dangerous Curves Ahead
Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ 11:07 AM
Tamika Martell , founder of A-Line Style Services and fellow fashionistas Latina, is one dope chick! Not only is she driven to succeed, but she is by far one of the most down to earth females you will find in the fashion industry in Chicago! I was able to have a sit down with her about her up and coming fashion show Dangerous Curves! The show is all about the culmination of women of all cultures and all sizes coming together to show off their dangerous curves for a great charity cause! The show is a dream come true for this ½ Puerto Rican and ½ African American young woman who is now styling Chicago locals and graduated from the Northern Illinois University Fashion Merchandising program. Take a look at the interview below for a more intimate look on how she got to where she is now as well as her upcoming fashion show!
CRP: Tamika, what inspired you to begin your own fashion styling business?
TM: Well, to be honest, it really just came to me one day. I recently found religion again and with that I found a clarity in my life and I realized that I was not pursuing my dreams and goals or leading my life the way I wanted! I left a very corporate job and followed my gut. I was always being complimented on how I put together outfits and was always being asked for help on outfitting friends and family so I figured why not just go ahead and pursue styling for a living? It just came naturally!
CRP: There are a lot of people out there who dub themselves stylists, what makes you different? TM: I started A-Line Style Services with an idea in mind of the kind of woman I was set out to help. I myself, have a hard body type to dress and I know there are many other women out there who are just like me. I saw a niche market in the industry that needed some attention and I set out to give it to them. I am not exactly a plus size, but I am also no skinny minny and I know women like me who don’t understand clothing will often times just give up on shopping or creating wardrobes that make them look incredible. I figured it would be a great thing if I could offer my services and fashion background to the women like me, but give them better direction and a reason to look good again!
CRP: What are you currently working on to help jumpstart your business?
TM: Over the last few months, I have just hit the ground running! I am currently focusing on PR, promoting, styling in photo shoots and building up clientele with both general customers and retailers. It’s just me and I have to wear many hats in my company in order to become successful.
CRP: I know you have a fashion show coming up, can you tell me a bit more about it?
TM: Yes I do! I like to think of it as my coming out party! The show is called Dangerous Curves Ahead Spring Charity Fashion Expo. This event will truly help land me as a strong professional with great goals in mind for showcasing Chicago fashion and retailers. Its all about incorporating great looks for women of all sizes and of all cultures.I have a great Latino designer that I am showcasing! Her name is Angelica Santoyo of Angel Eyes Fashions. I am from a mix background, I am Puerto Rican and Black and I really feel that the mix in cultures will really add something special to my show! It’s about fashion for everyone and really just allowing people to gain a better understanding of the looks that work best for them. It is also an event for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds will be going to 2nd Chance Chicago, an organization that provides biblically-based programs and social outreach services to women and their children that address homelessness.
CRP: When and where will the show be at?
TM: The show will be at the Zhou B Art Center 1029 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL 60609 on Saturday April 25, 2009 from 7-10 PM
CRP: Do you have any trend or styling tips for our readers?
TM: I think it is incredibly important for women to realize that not every trend is right for them! I enjoy working with classics and adding a twist with a funkier trend. I think it is very important to know what your best assets are and playing them up while masking the parts of you that you may not like the most. Also keep your comfort level in mind because if you are not comfortable in what you are wearing then you won’t look good! Definitely check out my blog for more great style tips: http://blog.a-linestyleservices.com/
CRP: So, when people think of styling, they often see it as an extravagant expense they can’t afford in such hard economic times, what are your rates like?
TM: I work with every budget! I make it a point to make my services available to any woman. I make sure to look at sales when doing my shopping trips as well as quality pieces that will last for years. Check out my website for more information on rates: http://blog.a-linestyleservices.com/rates/ . With our economic issues it is also important to get items that will last you and that you won’t waste money on and never wear again. With a stylists help you really can bypass the buyer’s remorse that many women often get after a shopping trip. I help you get what you need and that’s it.Labels: a-line stylist, dangerous curves ahead, fashion, fashion show, stylists, tamika martell, women's wear
Music Meets Fashion-A Match Made in a Hellish Heaven
Saturday, April 18, 2009 @ 9:35 AM
Music, art and fashion are an uneven match made in heaven. With one comes the other. It doesn’t surprise me that over time music and fashion have become united forces in the industry. It seems that every musical icon leaves their very fashionable statement behind. Think back to the eighties when Blondie, Pat Benetar and Joan Jett reigned, you can visualize each of the artists’ looks! A touch of glam mixed with some grunge and punk. A funky look with incredibly glam makeup and dark, dark eyes. Even today, we still see the same thing. You think of Kanye and you see a hip hop prepster.
Yet, today it’s not just about the look. It’s about banking on the look and creating a brand. Artists are taking it to the next level when it comes to fashion. They are creating their own brand by banking on the look that they already wear. It’s no longer just about styling yourself, but now artists are styling their fans and the public.
Musicians like Sean Combs, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake are each incredibly successful musicians turned fashion designers. Each had a very distinctive style of their own as performers and took a chance to lend that style to their fans. Each of these stars now has launched incredibly successful lifestyle brands in the fashion industry. Sean combs launched sean jean, gwen Stefani created L.A.M.B, Jay Z created Rocawear and Justin Timberlake is backing the most recent William Rast line. Each of these musicians made the transition into fashion designer smoothly and with flare.
 What makes a musician a great designer? This is a question that is often mulled over and poked fun in the industry. Yet, in all reality these musicians/artists are incredibly smart to take heed and follow through with creating a brand. In essence these people are artists and many artists are jacks of all trades. They can dip their hand in every pot and genuinely create a beautiful work of art. What each has proved is that they have an innate sense of personal style along with an eye for the graphic appeal of art and what the public wants and needs.
 Gwen Stefani always had an interesting look during her heyday in No Doubt. She definitely made her share of fashion don’ts, but overall she was an artistic piece of fashion iconography. She took risks and made statements which, in turn, caused many of her fans to follow suit. As she matured and ventured off into solo-dom she began to mature in her fashion sense. As a solo artist she made more couture choices and was always looking for the unknown fashion types. It was a trip to Japan that definitely lead to her inspiration for the LAMB and the Harajuku Lovers fashions. Her line was colorful, bright, feminine yet edgy and different than the cookie cutter looks you saw at the time. Her artistic flare and ingenuity truly accounted for her success at creating a refutable line!
Most recently, the critically acclaimed pop tart, Justin Timberlake, flipped the switch and started a collaborative effort fashion line titled William Rast. Timberlake joined forces with Trace Ayala and created a full force, in your face fashion line that is one part bad ass and one part vintage chic. The line bleeds with American inspired looks that encompassed Thelma and Louise meets the high fashion streets of New York. The strength behind the line is the fact that Timberlake already had a large fan base while Ayala had some mad skills in the fashion industry. Timberlake made a wise choice to embody his own personal style within his line and brand it with smart looks, decent pricing and market it to his fan base.
This trend of musicians turning designers is in no way a new trend. It’s been around for quite some years, but it seems that today’s new breed is a bit wiser and all the more talented and are able to truly bring a brand (themselves) to the next level. They have creative streaks with a business mogul’s mind. They are the revolution of the artist as we know them today. Take heed in what they offer and why not follow suit. We need to move away from plane jane brands and truly create clothing that is inspirational.
Keep checking back for more (*MUAH*) Jenny Lezan Labels: chipped red polish, fashion, gwen stefani, harajuku girls, jay z, Jennifer Lezan, justin timberlake, kanye west, lamb, music, roca wear, sean combs, sean jean, william rast
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Dangerous Curves Ahead
Saturday, April 25, 2009, 11:07 AM
Tamika Martell , founder of A-Line Style Services and fellow fashionistas Latina, is one dope chick! Not only is she driven to succeed, but she is by far one of the most down to earth females you will find in the fashion industry in Chicago! I was able to have a sit down with her about her up and coming fashion show Dangerous Curves! The show is all about the culmination of women of all cultures and all sizes coming together to show off their dangerous curves for a great charity cause! The show is a dream come true for this ½ Puerto Rican and ½ African American young woman who is now styling Chicago locals and graduated from the Northern Illinois University Fashion Merchandising program. Take a look at the interview below for a more intimate look on how she got to where she is now as well as her upcoming fashion show!
CRP: Tamika, what inspired you to begin your own fashion styling business?
TM: Well, to be honest, it really just came to me one day. I recently found religion again and with that I found a clarity in my life and I realized that I was not pursuing my dreams and goals or leading my life the way I wanted! I left a very corporate job and followed my gut. I was always being complimented on how I put together outfits and was always being asked for help on outfitting friends and family so I figured why not just go ahead and pursue styling for a living? It just came naturally!
CRP: There are a lot of people out there who dub themselves stylists, what makes you different? TM: I started A-Line Style Services with an idea in mind of the kind of woman I was set out to help. I myself, have a hard body type to dress and I know there are many other women out there who are just like me. I saw a niche market in the industry that needed some attention and I set out to give it to them. I am not exactly a plus size, but I am also no skinny minny and I know women like me who don’t understand clothing will often times just give up on shopping or creating wardrobes that make them look incredible. I figured it would be a great thing if I could offer my services and fashion background to the women like me, but give them better direction and a reason to look good again!
CRP: What are you currently working on to help jumpstart your business?
TM: Over the last few months, I have just hit the ground running! I am currently focusing on PR, promoting, styling in photo shoots and building up clientele with both general customers and retailers. It’s just me and I have to wear many hats in my company in order to become successful.
CRP: I know you have a fashion show coming up, can you tell me a bit more about it?
TM: Yes I do! I like to think of it as my coming out party! The show is called Dangerous Curves Ahead Spring Charity Fashion Expo. This event will truly help land me as a strong professional with great goals in mind for showcasing Chicago fashion and retailers. Its all about incorporating great looks for women of all sizes and of all cultures.I have a great Latino designer that I am showcasing! Her name is Angelica Santoyo of Angel Eyes Fashions. I am from a mix background, I am Puerto Rican and Black and I really feel that the mix in cultures will really add something special to my show! It’s about fashion for everyone and really just allowing people to gain a better understanding of the looks that work best for them. It is also an event for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds will be going to 2nd Chance Chicago, an organization that provides biblically-based programs and social outreach services to women and their children that address homelessness.
CRP: When and where will the show be at?
TM: The show will be at the Zhou B Art Center 1029 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL 60609 on Saturday April 25, 2009 from 7-10 PM
CRP: Do you have any trend or styling tips for our readers?
TM: I think it is incredibly important for women to realize that not every trend is right for them! I enjoy working with classics and adding a twist with a funkier trend. I think it is very important to know what your best assets are and playing them up while masking the parts of you that you may not like the most. Also keep your comfort level in mind because if you are not comfortable in what you are wearing then you won’t look good! Definitely check out my blog for more great style tips: http://blog.a-linestyleservices.com/
CRP: So, when people think of styling, they often see it as an extravagant expense they can’t afford in such hard economic times, what are your rates like?
TM: I work with every budget! I make it a point to make my services available to any woman. I make sure to look at sales when doing my shopping trips as well as quality pieces that will last for years. Check out my website for more information on rates: http://blog.a-linestyleservices.com/rates/ . With our economic issues it is also important to get items that will last you and that you won’t waste money on and never wear again. With a stylists help you really can bypass the buyer’s remorse that many women often get after a shopping trip. I help you get what you need and that’s it.Labels: a-line stylist, dangerous curves ahead, fashion, fashion show, stylists, tamika martell, women's wear
Music Meets Fashion-A Match Made in a Hellish Heaven
Saturday, April 18, 2009, 9:35 AM
Music, art and fashion are an uneven match made in heaven. With one comes the other. It doesn’t surprise me that over time music and fashion have become united forces in the industry. It seems that every musical icon leaves their very fashionable statement behind. Think back to the eighties when Blondie, Pat Benetar and Joan Jett reigned, you can visualize each of the artists’ looks! A touch of glam mixed with some grunge and punk. A funky look with incredibly glam makeup and dark, dark eyes. Even today, we still see the same thing. You think of Kanye and you see a hip hop prepster.
Yet, today it’s not just about the look. It’s about banking on the look and creating a brand. Artists are taking it to the next level when it comes to fashion. They are creating their own brand by banking on the look that they already wear. It’s no longer just about styling yourself, but now artists are styling their fans and the public.
Musicians like Sean Combs, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake are each incredibly successful musicians turned fashion designers. Each had a very distinctive style of their own as performers and took a chance to lend that style to their fans. Each of these stars now has launched incredibly successful lifestyle brands in the fashion industry. Sean combs launched sean jean, gwen Stefani created L.A.M.B, Jay Z created Rocawear and Justin Timberlake is backing the most recent William Rast line. Each of these musicians made the transition into fashion designer smoothly and with flare.
What makes a musician a great designer? This is a question that is often mulled over and poked fun in the industry. Yet, in all reality these musicians/artists are incredibly smart to take heed and follow through with creating a brand. In essence these people are artists and many artists are jacks of all trades. They can dip their hand in every pot and genuinely create a beautiful work of art. What each has proved is that they have an innate sense of personal style along with an eye for the graphic appeal of art and what the public wants and needs.
Gwen Stefani always had an interesting look during her heyday in No Doubt. She definitely made her share of fashion don’ts, but overall she was an artistic piece of fashion iconography. She took risks and made statements which, in turn, caused many of her fans to follow suit. As she matured and ventured off into solo-dom she began to mature in her fashion sense. As a solo artist she made more couture choices and was always looking for the unknown fashion types. It was a trip to Japan that definitely lead to her inspiration for the LAMB and the Harajuku Lovers fashions. Her line was colorful, bright, feminine yet edgy and different than the cookie cutter looks you saw at the time. Her artistic flare and ingenuity truly accounted for her success at creating a refutable line!
Most recently, the critically acclaimed pop tart, Justin Timberlake, flipped the switch and started a collaborative effort fashion line titled William Rast. Timberlake joined forces with Trace Ayala and created a full force, in your face fashion line that is one part bad ass and one part vintage chic. The line bleeds with American inspired looks that encompassed Thelma and Louise meets the high fashion streets of New York. The strength behind the line is the fact that Timberlake already had a large fan base while Ayala had some mad skills in the fashion industry. Timberlake made a wise choice to embody his own personal style within his line and brand it with smart looks, decent pricing and market it to his fan base.
This trend of musicians turning designers is in no way a new trend. It’s been around for quite some years, but it seems that today’s new breed is a bit wiser and all the more talented and are able to truly bring a brand (themselves) to the next level. They have creative streaks with a business mogul’s mind. They are the revolution of the artist as we know them today. Take heed in what they offer and why not follow suit. We need to move away from plane jane brands and truly create clothing that is inspirational.
Keep checking back for more (*MUAH*) Jenny Lezan Labels: chipped red polish, fashion, gwen stefani, harajuku girls, jay z, Jennifer Lezan, justin timberlake, kanye west, lamb, music, roca wear, sean combs, sean jean, william rast
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Drea's Personal Blog
Im a 23 year old singer /songwriter ,one half of HE SAY SHE SAY , founder of CHIPPED RED POLISH and all around girl wonder :) I am a firm believer in balance , acceptance , love , and the right to be happy . I have an obsession with music , art , and beauty. I would much rather read a book then be on the internet all day and i love love love a good mix cd.Im not a fan of the narrow minded or the judgemental. I am a bit of a smart ass despite my wide eyed optimism .
My philosophy on life is "dead things don't grow".....change is definetly good!!! Monotony is killer and it makes me anxious. My goal is to constantly evolve and help those around me create opportunities for themselves to do the same.
My favorite authors are Chuck Palahniuk , David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs. White Oleandar by Janet Fitch is my favorite book to re-read. Debbie Harry is my hero and right now ive been playing a lot of Metric , Yeah Yeah Yeahs , Iggy Pop , Tribe Called Quest , X-Ray Spex , The Slits , Portishead ,and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
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Jojo's Personal Blog
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Princess's Personal Blog
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Gianna's Personal Blog
I’m a hair colorist at Art and Science Salon in Lincoln Park. I handle the dos and don’ts, what’s in or out, and what’s good and bad for your hair and its color. I, also, am a music theory/instrument swap wiz. I have been buying/selling instruments for 9 years, and studying music theory and playing multiple instruments for 17 years. You can come to me for where to take lessons, percussion deals and care, and where to buy and sell.
In a nutshell, I’m a tragically blunt, brutally honest, and highly inappropriate smart ass from Chicago. Life is too short to give a shit about what everyone wants from you so I tend to be unapologetic yet still believe in karma. You act like an ass, you get treated like an ass. There is a difference between holding your own and straight up being a cunt. I come off as harsh but I mean well. I’m a total bunny in a panther suit, hard exterior but a little squishy on the inside. As long as I have family, friends, music, and yoga I’m straight forward.
As far as musical taste goes, I am all across the board. My all time favorite bands are The Distillers, Bikini Kill, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Municipal Waste. I’m currently spinning The Music Tapes, Humanwine, and Arther Brown.
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Victoria's Personal Blog
Where to begin…I’m kinda a jack of all trades, I don’t like being bored & tend to be decent at a lot of things. Currently I am the founder of the clothing line thrift, My partner jenny lezan & I are involved in eco friendly reconstructed vintage clothing secializing in womens & menswear as well as accessories. I also do graphic design for a product development company called Snaproducts specializing in fashions & cosmetics. I contribute to Venuszine magazine, bartend part time & get involved in modeling, events, fashion shows, etc. You can come to me for fashion woes and fashion don’ts, trend watches, designer & industry firsts and lasts.
I’ve been told by many I intimidate others, I’ve also been told I always look mad, but let’s put it this way I’ve been confused for being negative when I’m a realist, I’m not mad I’m most of the time really happy I just don’t plaster a smile on my face, & I intimidate others because, well, I can probably kick your ass. I’m open to change & I seek new experiences. I stay true to myself & how I carry myself, I’m a lady, you will never see me hyper, whoring, or pretending to be something I’m not. I live by jokes, I’m chill, I like my personal space & the simple things mean the most to me. I think the “scene” is stupid, I don’t give into others egos & I don’t give sympathy unless it’s truly needed. But I have a heart of gold & will die fighting & loving for those that are close to me, I’ve been a fighter and a hard worker all my life & don’t know any different. I’m not a sore loser, but I don’t quit if I’m not winning. I’m that tomboy at heart & a thrill seeker, ill kick ass, beat you in a street race, ride my 4-wheeler & shoot my shotgun all in heels.
for graphic/fashion work email me at victoria.deldin@gmail.com
for my work- www.victoriarosedeldin.com
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Jenny's Personal Blog
Hey guys, my name is Jenny Lezan and I am the co-owner and one of the designers at Thrift – for the good find. I work with my business partner Victoria Deldin (owner and founder of Thrift) on creating new designs and innovative fashion for women and men. I am also a freelance fashion journalist, fashion consultant and graphic designer. I work for multiple Chicago publications including: The Chicago Examiner, Chicago Splash Magazine, CHIRemezcla and Philly’s very own The Wave Mag! You can ask me anything about what’s hot or what’s not in fashion as well as keep up to date with the latest and most innovative trends I am reviewing. I love researching trends and understanding the historical cycle of where fashion evolved from.
I grew up in Humboldt Park Chicago and am of Puerto Rican, Mexican and Spanish descent. My mom was a single mom and we never had much, but I made a choice early on in life to never become a victim of my circumstance. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am now in life. I am a 23 year old mom with a 1 year old daughter, 2 college degrees and aspirations to achieve all that I go after. I believe that I can make a difference through my art and my hope is that I will make a better world for the little girl in my life. I am a self proclaimed geek with street smarts.
When it comes to my musical influences, I am all across the board. Then again, I come from an eclectic background which would explain my crazy taste. Music inspires me every day and I love everything from: The Killers, Band of Horses and Jimmy eat world to Britney Spears, Madonna and Aretha Franklin. I have an ongoing affair (which was a well kept secret till now) with Jazz music including: Chuck Berry, Etta James and Sade. I love the old greats like Earth Wind and Fire as well as Rock legends like The Eagles, Boston, Blondie, The Ramones and Joan Jett! We can’t forget old school dj’s like Too Kool Kris and of course I love my merengue, salsa, bachata, and latino alternative groups like Calle 13!
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Arica's Personal Blog
My fault, my failure is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them - Jack Kerouac.
I've had many interesting jobs giving me some pretty interesting talents. From BK Lounge to making store front signs & screen printing tees. From Abercrombie slave to producing/managing street festivals that draw over 50,000 people in a weekend. This little head has a big brain packed with tons of useful and random knowledge. Now, you can find me just about everywhere. Part-time model, Part-time cocktail server, freelance graphic designer and marketing/events consultant. I'm a hustler baby, I want you to know. It ain't where I've been but where I'm about to go.
Design is the shit & I'm knee deep in it. I'm the one that will spend hours in the grocery isles & department stores just swooning over new packaging and genius products. My life is clutter but it's all inspiration. For me, life in itself is art. I get creative simulation from just about anything. I feel emotions times ten and will be the first to tear up over just about anything that makes a person smile, laugh or frown. I enjoy a chaotic lifestyle that is filled to the brim with adventure after adventure. Through the mayham, I still have a homely heart that strives on helping others, is strong in my faith, and loves baking for no particular reason. God knows I plan on saving the world one cupcake at a time.
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Michelle's Official Website
Michelle's Personal Blog
Married to Art and living for love affairs with Beauty. Plays in playgrounds without the rubber floors and soft edges. Prefers the rusted metal jungle gym where the paint peels off when we grab with our little hands and decorate our palms with colorful confetti over safe, sterile plastic. Plays different roles exquisitely- from the joker, to the sage, to the mother, to the child, to the Father, but always prefers the one of the Artist or the Human. A girl of a peculiar breed. A girl who would rather have your faith than your faithfulness. Inspired absolutely by Oscar Wilde, Anais Nin and my mother.
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