Memorial Day Tribute 2010

Memorial Day 2010:  Today's blog  is dedicated to the many lives of soldiers that have fought for our freedom and liberties and their families.

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Friday night: Cleveland Bizarre & Burlesque Fest (Cleveland)

Aurora Sans - Cleveland Burlesque Company
Photo by:  AlexaArt Photography

What does Cleveland's love child of vintage fashion, history and art look like?  Cleveland Burlesque Company! 

Aurora Sans and Terra Incognita formed Cleveland Burlesque company in response to the dying tradition of underground performing arts in the Cleveland area.  In the Vaudeville tradition Cleveland Burlesque Company hosts events throughout the Cleveland area to not just memorialize but create an experience for everyone whether on-lookers or performers. 

Terra Incognito - Cleveland Burlesque Company

For more details about Cleveland's Burlesque Company or tonight's Bizarre & Burlesque Fest- click here!

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Spotlight: Ohio's American Idol Finalist Crystal Bowersox

Were you one of the 19.6 million that watched American Idol last night?  Well, I was but truly I have only ever seen this show less than a handful of times (all seasons) as it usually is usually on when I'm still working.  But I was impressed with the many outfit changes and the variety of outfits the contestants had worn throughout the show.  Making Ohio proud was Sandusky's Mama Sox aka Crystal Bowersox who rocked her way to the final two but lost to winner Lee Dewyze of Chicago.

Here are some of the many outfits she had worn throughout the season:

For more of American Idol make revelations visit Stylist's interview by Beth Coon Fitzpatrick with chief American Idol make up artist Mezghan Hussainy.

While Crystal's style is a little bohemian and eclectic I just love how things are put together in such a wide variety.  One of my favorites that perked my interest to write about her was this video with Alanis Morissette:

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Wordless Wednesday: Dayton Designer Spotlight - Althea Harper

Dayton native and designer on the hit show Project Runway had a trunk show last week that show cased her latest work.  A blog write up can be found on the Pretty in Dayton blog.

Peek-A-Boo Tee - $165

Body Mini - $365

Christina Scarf - $250

Native Skirt - $275

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Tuesday Trend: Swimmingly great swimsuits!

Yesterday I was invited to the first pool party of the year, and now that means time to find a swimsuit!  Last night I went research shopping  at the local mall and was pleasantly surprised that tankini styles are finally main stream in Ohio - move over bikini!  Being someone with very fair skin and burning regardless of how high the spf realizing a swimsuit that was still comfortable but covered more for less burn pain is important.

Here's a few favorites found locally:

Target - Mossimo $18.99

Macy's - Gottex $78

Old Navy - Mix'n'Match $12+

Don't forget to pair them with your favorite summer sandals!

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Beauty: Eyebrows, to be or not to be?

Prada has really been showing us some new looks on eyebrows, what do you think?  A new trend waiting to emerge? 

Prada - Spring 2010  - Yellow tinted eyebrows.

Prada - Fall 2010 - Blue pastel

 
Prada - Fall 2010 - Eyebrow Glasses

What does fall have in store for us?  Eye glasses that have a 70s vibe but yet are arched like distinct colorful eyebrows.  Or will be we lightening our brows and then brushing them over with a variety of pastels in shades of red or blue?

What about the new spiked looked by Prada, spiked = scary?  or spiked = sexy?  You decide...

Prada - 2010

The decision is yours - will you follow the new trends walking down the runway or continue what a large percent of Ohioans are doing either plucking or threading their eyebrows to a nice arch. 

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Bored of your Prom dress? SWAP IT! or SELL IT! (Dayton/Miamisburg)

Yesterday we featured some of our favorite dresses and accessories -but what if you have more than one prom to go to?  Or would just like to sell a few prom dresses that you had stored away to buy an extra special dress?

Well Van Lear Bridals & Formal Attire in Miamisburg has just the deal for you!  They are having till June 5th every day they are open the option for you to pack up your gowns and go sell them for either cash or credit towards a new or gently used new dress. 

Prom gown swap sale details - here on activeDayton.com. 

Located at: (map)
106 S. Second St
Miamisburg, 45342
Phone:  937-866-9900

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Friday Five: Prom 2010

Night Moves by Allure - $290

Blondie Nites at Macy's- $169.00

Jovani at Henri's Cloud Nine - $490

And a  few of favorite accessories...

Hair accessories w/crystals (available in 40 colors) at David's Prom - $49

"Cotton Candy" - multi colored pearl necklace at BeautifulPetra - $35.00 

It is prom season!  The next few weeks are all a buzz about what girls should be wearing to the prom, well while prom was several moons ago for me doesn't mean I didn't enjoy browsing around to show you my favorite picks for this year!  I sat down and talked to some neighbor girls and a few moms about what seems to be the favorite trend for dresses this year and while it seems like these styles are out there is good mix of short cocktail style and ball gown style still being worn at the prom.

Please remember to stay safe this prom season, there are us other drivers out there!

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Spotlight on local fashionable star...Savannah Brinson (Akron)

While all eyes have been on the Cavs and Lebron James for the past several months, I have also been keeping a little more than half an eye on Savannah Brinson.  Savannah an Akronite but also girlfriend and mother of her and Lebron's adorable children over the past several years has earned the label of one of Akron's fashion elite.  She has been spotted not just court side, but also at several fashion shows across the country.  As her popularity raises I look forward to seeing more of her and about her, the spotlight will not evade this fashionable duo - ones to watch.

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Here Sushi, Sushi...A fashion show at Sushi Rock

When you think of sushi and fashion the first thing that pops into my head is bright colored clothing or jewelry inspired by the color palette of sushi rolls.  Such as this array of sushi on a pendant by local designer (Columbus) Sweet Stella Designs.

Well NOT Wednesday night - Sushi Rock who is teaming up with Style Lounge Boutique in Cleveland for a one of a kind fashion show on the bar at Sushi Rock.  The show steps off at 8pm with seating starting at 7pm - cost is $5.

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Designer Spotlight: Horst Couture -- Summer 2010 Collection

Above, some selections from the Horst Couture for Summer 2010 that debuted at Pour l'amour Fashion Show at legation, a gallery in Cleveland.  The show had a variety of designers all night including fashions from Anton Zbarzh, W Vaughn Gloverk, Jazmine Nossier, Matthew Bucsh, and Blake Peebles.

I was specially interested in designs by Horst after seeing his work at Kent State University and also after his Ohiofashionista.com debute as our Earth Day Designer Spotlight in March of 2010.  This collection was unique from what I have seen in the past of his work including a fusion with denim.  Overall I love the new collection, even tho there was none at the show I look forward to seeing any new purse designs.

More photos from the entire night taken by OhioFashionista.com can be viewed here, in Flickr.

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Are you smitten? - Smitten Boutique (Wadsworth)

With wedding season in the air many brides are looking for just the right touches to make their day unique to remember for a lifetime.  With the traditional blue accents many brides are also looking for such things as hair accessories that adds just the right touch. 

Smitten Boutique in Wadsworth has many one-of-a-kind hair fascinators that are truly fascinating!  While foregoing the traditional veil, hair fascinators are hitting the mark with a unique accent of color or even just to have a great conversation piece for the rest of the day.

Smitten boutique also sells bridal gowns, jewelry, corsets, and much more.  My personal favorite is the bridal top hat! 

Smitten Boutique is located at:  133 Akron Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Please make sure to check their website for store hours and contact information:  www.mysmittenboutique.com
You can also join their Facebook Fan Page.

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Designer Spotlight: Ill-la-la Designs

Westerville has a rising star, Ghanaian born designer Sheila Denanyoh -Ill-la-la Designs.  Denanyoh who by trade is an interior designer has been designing clothing since 2008 under her label Ill-la-la Designs, that are inspired by African patterns, and color palettes.  Denanyoh is recently being recognized across the US for her work and African inspiration and pride in her collections in magazines such as African Vibes Magazine, that also featured designers such as Korto Momolu recently seen on Project Runway. 

Ill-la-la Designs has been in shows across the state including charity shows hosted for collection of books for children in the village of Leklebi-Duga (Ghana, West Africa).   The next show will be in Washington DC, but we will be patiently awaiting the next local show!

Credits:
Photographer: Osas Agho
Models:  Priscilla Dwomoh, Jasmine Stronger
Designer: Ill-la-la Designs / Sheila Denanyoh
Websites:  Facebook Fan Page / Ill-la-la Designs

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Cleveland Show Alert: "Pour l'amour" Fashion Show

Friday, May 14th 2010
legation, a gallery
1300 D West 78th St - 2nd floor
Cleveland, 44102
Doors open at 7:30, Show starts at 8:00.
A reception for guests and designers will follow the show.
Tickets are limited! $10 per personTo purchase tickets or for more information contact John or Hilary Aurand at legation1300@gmail.com or call 216.334.7080/216.973.2687

Watch some of this region’s hottest designers bring their newest spring lines to the runway at legation, a gallery! The show features couture designs by recent Virginia Marti College of Art and Design graduates, as well as elaborate avant-garde felt creations by TJ Horst and one of kind urban inspired men’s’ jerseys and sweaters from the Xalter Zaughn Collection. Jewelry designed by Beatrice Bachleda.

Some works from designers that will be featured at the show:

Xalter Zaughn Collection

Eileen Dorsey Collection

TJ Horst

 

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Banding kids across America - Silly Bandz (Toledo)

While standing in line at the grocery this adorable little girl shared a 'gift' with me which was a bracelet to go with my other bracelets that she liked.  This bracelet was a rubber bracelet which reminded me of the rubber bracelets from my childhood 'a-la-Madonna' style 1980s.  But this bracelet was unique and different not just a bracelet but an angel, literally the shape of an angel.  I immediately commented on the uniqueness of the bracelet and the mother very excitedly told me how they are made in Ohio!  These bracelets have become all the rage and are made locally in Toledo by Silly Bandz.  While she said the common complaint is that they aren't found in Toys'R'Us or Walmart, I did find a list of local retailers that sell Silly Bandz in Toledo - more details on the Animal Bracelets Blog.  These bracelets usually come in packs of 24 for about $5 and come in all different colors, shapes and glow-in-the-dark. Oh, and yes they are popular among adults too, according to the mom and the cashier!

Photo: Sharon Gekoski-Kimmel / The Philadelphia Inquirer

Editors note:  Please know that some schools are banning Silly Bandz, make sure to check your local school regulations.

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Affordable and distinctive: Blue Orchid Handbags - Cleveland & Cuyahoga Falls

While browsing the Oddmall Show this weekend one thing that intrigued me was the style and design of the handbags made by Blue Orchid Handbags.  The wooden handles on many bags are beautiful accents with the varying patterns from florals to animal prints. 

Meredith Tiger - $51

Ava Cherry Blossom Evening Bag - $50

Sydney Optic Shoulder Bag - $60

Jasmine Pink Skull Clutch Bag - $42

You can shop online (click on the images to go directly to the purchase page) or shop at various shops in Cleveland and Cuyahoga Falls - click here for shop listings.

Photography credit to the Blue Orchid Handbags website.

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Strappity-Do-Da...by day or night!

Many of us have found ourselves sifting through our closets looking for that perfect outfit for just the right occassion time and time again.  Well Strappity-Do-Da has come up with a way to change up your outfits for a different look without comprising comfort.  Strappity-Do-Da makes bra straps that are easy to attach (and remove) to create many different looks with beads, crystal, and many other designs. 

Strappity-Do-Da straps are made by women in Columbia under fair trade practices. Strappity-Do-Da has become an international sensation with sales going global by 2006 also expanding into matching pet accessories and jewelry.

Here is a video from their channel on youtube.com about Strappity straps:

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From vegetables to fashion - the modern garden.

This year I have decided to put some artistic flair into the garden and plant some plants that would actually dye clothing, yarn, and other fabrics.  Plant dyes can either come from the roots, flowers, or foliage of various plants - this website has a great list of which plants, which part of the plant and which mordant to use when processing the dye.

Here are my favorites that I will try to be growing in my raised garden bed this year, I'll post updates as the garden progresses:

Dyers Woad:  (first year leaves only)
Before:    After: 

Madder: (root)
Before:     After: 

Tansy: (flower and stock - two different colors yellow vs. olive-green)

Before:    After: 

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