Just a thought...

Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.

- Belva Davis

Just a thought...

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.

- Confucius

Just a thought...

No one succeeds without effort... those who succeed owe their success to their perseverance.

- Ramana Maharshi

Recessionista Files

Hello lovelies,

So it's a beautiful day and you are feeling great. Keep the good times rolling by doing 1 or 2 smart things today. By smart you know I'm talking about Smart Shopping! Check out Recessionista Files to find out where you can show the world just how smart you are! Cheers.

Just a thought...

There art two cardinal sins from which all others spring: impatience and laziness.

- Franz Kafka

Just a thought...

What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination.

- Zig Ziglar

Street Thread! Top looks of the week!

Seen in Rome via LookBook

Seen in New York via Gastro Chic

Seen in Paris via EasyFashionParis

Seen in San Francisco via Atlantic -Pacific

Why we love the streets!

There is so much creativity, freedom, innovation and passion in the streets. They are swarmed with people coming and going and are so RICH because they hold dreams, ideas, accomplishments and goals. One thing that the streets never lacked is INSPIRATION especially for fashion. There is something extremely appealing about what our peers are wearing. All day long we COMPARE ourselves to the people we encounter, complimenting friends and strangers alike on their shoes, dress, earrings, and so on. And that's only on our own stumping grounds.

Now, with the INTERNET we can see into other fashionistas sartorial world from thousands of miles away. How amazing is that? It's as exciting as VOYEURISM and as stylistically inspiring as glossy fashion mags. The internet makes this incredibly easy with websites like Lookbook and Chictopia, to only name those two. Thousands join these COMMUNITIES and interact with each other by giving nods of approval with Facebook likes, hypes and chic points to their fellow fashion-obsessed peeps. But not only are there communities centered around street fashion, BLOGGERS everywhere are starting their own websites to showcase their personal style.

We love Street Fashion because it's free, bold and at our finger tips! For our favorite looks each week check out STREET THREAD on Fridays and Sartorial Break! on Facebook and Twitter DAILY.

x's + o's

Just a thought...

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself.

- Confucius

Recessionista Files

Today is always the right day to shop when you can get a good deal! See our picks in the side bar - Recessionista Files. You'll find something that tickles your fancy! #Promise

For more news and offers become a tweep @Fashionwacny!

Just a thought...

All life is a chance. So take it! The person who goes furthest is the one who is willing to do and dare.

- Dale Carnegie

Fashion a la Michelle Obama

It's been a while since we posted looks from our beloved First Lady, Michelle Obama. Recognized for her iconic style and flawless figure, Obama embodies all the qualities we thrive to acquire as modern women - confidence, femininity, assertiveness and warmth all wrapped up in a well dressed toned body. Here are some of our favorite Mrs. O looks of late:

Photo courtesy of Getty images

Where? Soweto, Africa with Antoinette Sithole, Hector Pierterson's sister. He was a victim of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Wear? A color block dress and jacket.

Photo courtesy of AP Images

Where? In Johannesburg, South Africa with Graca Machel, Nelson Mandela's wife.

Wear? A raspberry skirt and jacket with Nava Zahavi turquoise earrings.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Where? White house State dinner with the German Chancellor and her husband.

Wear? Naeem Khan ivory chiffon gown with linear crystal beading and Alexis Bittar bangles.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Where? White House arrival ceremony with the president and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Wear? Dotted DVF dress with pink pumps.

Photo courtesy of AP Images

Where? La Moneda government palace with Chile's President Sebastian Pinera and First Lady Cecilia Morel.

Wear? Blue ribbon lace vintage dress, circa 1950s from New York Vintage.

Photo courtesy of AP Images

Where? Leaving London at Stansted Airport.

Wear? Peter Som dress and custom coat and Henry Schreiner brooch.

Photo courtesy of AP Images

Where? Hosting a dinner for Queen Elizabeth at the Winfield House where the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. lives.

Wear? Ralph Lauren gown, Tom Binns jewelry and Yewn diamond lattice ring.

Photo courtesy of AP Images

Where? Hosting a poetry workshop for students at the White House.

Wear? Naeem Khan pencil embellished embroidered skirt and cashmere tank.

For more on Michelle visit Mrs. O.org. There you will find play by play updates on her life of style.

Just a thought...

Do your work with all your heart. There is little competition.

- Elbert Hubbard

Mrs. O and Mandela; New J.Crew handbags collaboration; Lagerfeld in a tub;

James Franco sat down with an audience to discuss his new biopic, The Broken Tower at the Los Angeles Film Festival. [OK]

Marc Jacobs' president allegedly encouraged employees to poll dance. This request backfired when Lataillade filed a suit against the company saying that he was wrongfully fired because he refused to partake. [THECUT]

Michelle Obama accompanied by her daughters met with Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel in johannesburg, South Africa. Mrs. O wore a raspberry skirt and jacket. [MRS.O]

Fashion Scoop: Fiona Kotur and J.Crew are collaborating on a handbag capsule collection. Kotur is bringing her innovative style to the table. The clutches will be available next month. [WWD]

Janelle Monáe and Karl Lagerfeld together in a bathtub. 'Nough said. [W]

Just a thought...

Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.

- Proverb

Style File! Tip #43

FOCUS PLEASE!

When putting an outfit together ask yourself: "which piece do I want people to notice?" That piece is your FOCAL POINT. Whether it's a chunky necklace, a cocktail ring, or a printed blouse all the other items in the look should complement it not fight for the attention. Oversized earrings with and oversized necklace and an oversized cuff are just that: OVER!

PLUS...

If you must dazzle them more then once, section your body into thirds to give your admirers some breathing room. The 1st third starts at the top of your head and ends under your chest, the 2nd third is from under your chest to mid-thigh and the last third goes from mid-thigh to your toes.

Here's a suggestion on how you do it: wear a flamboyant hair accessory a la British Royalty (1st third) with an impressive cocktail ring (2nd third) and sky high pumps (3rd third) for a chic look done just right.

Just because we love it!

Brittania Punk leather box clutch by Alexander McQueen, $1,495 Net-a-Porter.

Why we love it?

Seeing the Savage Beauty exhibit reaffirmed our love for Alexander McQueen's work. The Metropolitan Museum of Arts opened a window into the soul of the tortured artist. Like in the exhibit this clutch puts on display the opposition between light and darkness, good and evil, softness and hardness with McQueen's genius know-how. The gold accents make this clutch extra chic and can easily dress up any outfit. We highly recommend everyone to see more of McQueen's work at the Met. It is pure magic!

PARALLEL UNIVERSE

Fling clutch by Rebecca Minkoff, $350. ShopBop.

REALITY CHECK!

Val clutch by House of Harlow, $195. Singer22

RECESSIONISTA FILES

Lidia Fishnet minaudiere by BCBGeneration, $98. Zappos

Just a thought...

We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon. - Konrad Adenaur

Street Thread!

Blair, San Francisco via Lookbook

M.K., Switzerland via LookBook

Karolina, Poland via Lookbook

Olivia, Southern California via Lookbook

Sisters in Florence, courtesy of theSartorialist

Taupe and white in Florence, courtesy of theSartorialist

Love all of the above! ;)

Just a thought...

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not by strength but by perseverance. - H. Jackson Brown

Recessionista files: Sample Sales

Hello my lovelies,

Hope you enjoyed the nice weather we had yesterday and are ready for more good news. We posted new sales for your shopping pleasure. You can find all the details in the side bar under Recessionista Files.

Enjoy!

Just a thought...

This one step- choosing a goal and staying to it - changes everything. - Scott Reed

Just a thought...

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. - Arthur Ashe

Chit Charity: Q&A with Kristina Lee Grandstaff

FWAC: Wh

y did you start this organization?

KLG: “Fashion is in my veins, but serving is in my heart.” I longed to serve women in difficult

circumstances and through our program equip and empower then to learn their true value and

purpose.

I began this organization at 22 years old. It all began very organically by first rallying a group of

young leaders in New York City together, After hosting 12 successful educational events around

the nation to make different networks aware of the topic of domestic sex trafficking and donating

our proceeds to a document

ary being produced on human trafficking, I did the legal paperwork

and attained out 501(c)(3) in 3 short weeks!

The mission of Freedom Forth is serve and empower women to fulfill their purpose. Through

strategic partnerships we work to provide medical care and other services to enrich the lives of

women of low income, domestic violence and sex trafficking based in the New York City area.

Bi-annually we meet with women for 3 month semesters serving women through our

"Purpose

Filled Steps" Program. We serve our participants with medical care, career, interview and

computer training, budgeting and finance skills, life-style and nutrition, equine therapy,

professional fashion seminars as well as parenting skills. In addition our program develops

community support systems with the intent to give our participants the

tools to become self-

sufficient, ultimately enabling them to return to the community and live independently.

During the program, each woman receives: A weekly support group to attend, Dental care, Eye

care and glasses / contact lenses, A computer , A professional outfit and pair of shoes, Hair

cut and style, Make-over (At the end of the

program we will be treating the women to a special

evening out in New York City for dinner and a Broadway Play.)

I can’t begin to tell you what a joy and honor it is to serve my life serving other women.

FWAC: If you were to go on a desert island and could only bring one thing what would it be?

KLG: My Bible. And in my Bible, there is a little case for my CoverGirl Lip Gloss ;)

Ok, I cheated.

FWAC: What is your guilty pleasure?

KLG: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

FWAC: What is the one beauty product you cannot live without?

KLG: Dior - Shimmer Powder.

FWAC: What is your favorite summer happening?

KLG: A Mediterranean picnic on the beach with the ones I love around me + love + music + laughter.

FWAC: In just a few words tell FWAC why people should come out to She is clothes in Strength on June 16?

KLG: Your ticket sale directly goes into our “Purpose Filled Steps” program serving women of low income and domestic violence this September through our 3 month program. Your ticket has the power to give freedom and healing.

Just a thought...

I long to accomplish a noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. - Helen Keller

Just a thought...

Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed. - Abraham Lincoln

Just a thought...

Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success. - Dr. Joyce Brothers

Recessionista Files

The bargains keep on coming. Don't miss your chance to be shamelessly opportunistic. Check out the featured sales under Recessionista Files on the right.

Lagerfeld to Design Glassware; Skinny People Make More; Feathers in Your Hair

Karl Lagerfeld is trying his hand at glassware design and the price tag is not cheap. [WWD]

Does your weight affect how much money you make? [JEZEBEL]

With an all-grown-up Dakota Fanning, we are wondering who America's Next Sweetheart will be. [FOXNEWS]

Feather hair extensions are the hottest thing right now. Women go to great lengths to customize the new accessory. [RACKED]

The CFDA Awards this year were particularly special this year. The atmosphere was exciting and all in attendance were there to celebrate fashion. [STYLE]

Just a thought...

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender, that is strength. - Anonymous

Just a thought...

Remember there is no small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple (effect) with no logical end. - Scott Adams

Gucci underpaid Rihanna; Cadbury apologizes to Naomi again; Pugh and MAC; The First Lady's pregnant cover

Gucci allegedly underpaid Rihanna for her Gucci Tattoo Heart ad because she is from the Caribbean. Josephine Robinson, a tax lawyer for Gucci said that she was asked by her boss to reduce Rihanna's endorsement deal by 30% when the Italian fashion house learned that she was not a US resident. This is part of a lawsuit Robinson filed against Gucci for racial -discrimination. [NYP] Cadbury apologized to Naomi Campbell after comparing her to chocolate in their latest ad campaign. "Move out of the way Naomi. There's a new diva in town." referring to their new chocolate bar Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate is the slogan that was used. [THE CUT] Gareth Pugh and MAC are collaborating to create a full scale make-up and accessories collection. The new assortment will be revealed next month at a cocktail party in New York to celebrate the venture. [STYLE] Pregnant Carla Bruni graced the cover of French Vogue. [HUFF]

Just a thought...

The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. - Hugh White

Street Thread: Favorite looks this week!

2

Adam, Riverside, CA. via Lookbook

Sophie, Manchester via Lookbook

Bowery St., New York via theSartorialist

Recessionista Files: Sample Sales

Happy Friday! What better way to start the weekend than with new duds? Get them at exceptionally great prices. Check out Recessionista Files to find out Who?, What?, Where? and When?! ... You already know Why?! :)

Stefano Pilatti on bloggers; Kanye West; Plus-size cover models; Gisele to become a billionaire

Stefano Pilatti is scared and fascinated by bloggers. [THE CUT]

Kanye will be presenting an Award at the CFDA Fashion Awards this month. Find out which one here. [PAGESIX/NYP]

Leave it to Italian Vogue to shock the industry with it's choice of cover models. For the June issue, three plus-size models got the job. [FASHIONOLOGIE]

Gisele may become the first billionaire model. [VOGUE UK]

Recessionista Files: Sample Sales

We just posted a ton of new sales taking place all over the city. Just in time for the nice weather. Note that most of them started today so you can get your hands on the good stuff if you act fast! Enjoy!

Editor's Journal: Welcome to the issue

Calling all dreamers back to earth. Why? Because earth is where dreams come true. You have spent countless hours thinking about your dream, creating it and crafting it in your mind. Now it's time to take this somewhat precise yet vague idea and make it a reality. The world is patiently waiting on you to take the next step. How ever big or small your dream may be, it is worth carrying out. Take our Chit Charity guest, Kristina Lee Grandstaff as an example.

She founded an organization called Freedom Forth. We are truly inspired by her journey to end Human Sex Trafficking in NYC. To raise awareness on this issue she uses many different media outlets, fashion being one of them. Stay tuned for more on her work, life and Freedom Forth's upcoming event: She is Clothe in Strength. This fashion show benefit will be held on June 16th in the Meatpacking District.

Also in June, the CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America, is honoring Marc Jacobs with one of its most prestigious awards: the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. The CFDA Fashion Awards is one of the biggest events highlighting American fashion and designers and will be taking place on June 6 in New York. Join us as we take a closer look at Jacobs' flourishing career in DESIGNER WATCH.

The flowers are in full bloom and it is finally getting hot - really hot and humid to be exact. But this doesn't mean that your style has to be limited to a bikini and a portable fan. Check out our TREND WATCH and STYLE FILE posts to keep your cool and look good doing it! Follow us on Twitter @fashionwacny for even more fashion tips and inspirations from our partners.

Here's to a summer well lived!

Love,

XoxO Kelie