2009~The Year of Change

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Good Morning Fashionistas!

2009 is the year of change! But, rather than waiting for the New Year to begin to work on my resolutions, I decided to get a head start. I thought about what I wanted to change or focus on and started the resolution journey in September. My Uncle normally starts his resolutions on February 1st. His theory is that you shouldn’t set yourself up for failure! Think about it, on the 1st of each year your either just coming home from a soiree, Times Square, house shing-ding…who’s thinking about going to the gym, eating a carrot or acting like the person you really want to be. Ok, some of us may be coming from Church, Temple or wherever you praise your God, so you may have a leg up…no offense party-goers. Either way, the first of the year symbolizes a new beginning a rebirth of sorts. We all look forward to it because its a time to re-invent yourself. My advice is to look at everyday as a new beginning instead of putting all this pressure on poor little January 1st. I suggest starting your journey off in small doses to achieve your goals, pick whatever day you want and go from there. Don’t feel defeated if you miss that day at the gym, loose your patience for a moment, or eat two containers of McDonald’s Cinnamon Melts (ashamed to admit they are really good if you find the right McDonald’s…I digress :). Just know that every moment can be a rebirth and you can, as I used to say when I was younger, get a “DO OVER.”

http://danalee-thefashionista.blogspot.com/

Sales of Note This Week

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Fashionistas Check this out…

La Perla sale starting today, December 17th to December 19th. Items as low as $10, this is what I heard Fashionistas. Sounds crazy, but check it out and let me know what you find. Located at 260 5th Avenue, between 28th and 29th Street, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Qristyl Frazier Designs Holiday Sale, features sizes 12-24, Thursday December 18th at Lounge 87, 87 Ludlow Street near Delancey. Please RSVP at qristylfrazierdesigns@yahoo.com. She is a Brooklyn based designer specializing in plus-size apparel. Her designs have been featured on BET’s RIP The Runway!

Carolina Herrara Private Sale begins Friday, December 19th to December 22nd. Women’s Clothing, Accessories and Bridal up to 85% off. Located a 317 W. 33rd Street, between 8th and 9th, 9 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. (718) 747-1656

The Dressing Room Boutique

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Good Afternoon Fashionistas! Hope you had a great weekend 🙂 I apologize for the late notice but you still have time to check this out!


Today, December 14th until 7p.m., JaaTee (Jeans And A Tee) will be having a Secret Sale at the Holiday Gift Market at The Dressing Room Boutique & Bar, located at 75A Orchard Street between Broome & Grand. You can have a glass of wine at the bar and shop, what could be more fun :). Up to 50% off…stop by if you’re in the city!

Tell them Danalee-The Fashionista told you….

The Holiday Season, Spending Time With Family, Friends & Loved One’s

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I am all about the Holidays! I love this time of year because of the festivities and being with family, friends and loved one’s. Although, for me the Holidays aren’t all about shopping. Hard to believe since I am the Fashionista! I mean of course shopping is a small part but as you grow older you realize that being with those you love and supporting your family and friends is more important than the gifts you buy. It sounds corny but its true. I have always been a big gift giving person for all occasions but realized I needed to slow down.

This weekend was a perfect example of why I love this time of year and being with friends and family. I started my weekend at the Guggenheim Museum, with my friend Eric, model, the hi-tech go to person and just all-around fun person to hang out with.
You should stop by the Museum on the First Friday of the month, its $25 unless you have a membership to the museum, which is $75. I suggest you become a member of a museum, if your into art and the like, there are some lucrative benefits. If you become a member you can also go to their other locations in Venice/Italy, Bilboa/Spain, or Berlin/Germany. Remember my last article, try something new! There were tons of people as you see in the pic and the music was great!

To balance out the weekend I decided to join my cousin for a little community service. Yasmine, wanted to go to the 34th Street Post Office and take part in the Operation Santa Claus Event.
I was barely awake Saturday Morning and I didn’t grab coffee. I am trying to wean myself off of it. Big mistake to try that on a early morning 🙂 But, I was still able to function, slightly. I have always wanted to take part in this event but didn’t have a chance. It was fun being with so many other New Yorkers sharing a common goal, to help a family. But, it was also sad reading all the letters from the children needing and wanting certain Christmas gifts. Even parents writing that they cannot afford to buy gifts for their children this Holiday Season. I found two families that struck my heart, a single young mother of twins and another mother of a baby that has had serious medical issues since birth. Its always good to take a moment to realize that your situation is not as terrible as it seems. Be grateful, keep striving but be grateful for what you already have! If you would like to help out with this event just stop by the Post Office, located at 421 8th Ave at 33rd Street, call (212) 330-3000 for more information.

The day wouldn’t entirely be complete if we didn’t do a little window shopping :). Since we were so close to Macy’s in Herald Square we decided to go and see what was happening. All I have to say is MADHOUSE! I don’t understand how people can shop when its so crowded. I like the store to be virtually empty when I shop. We still made our way around to the different floors just people and clothes watching. I loved this Cole Haan bag (right) and Michael Kors clutch (below)…I just looked! Have you ever seen the New Year’s Ball up close, well here it is in the middle of Macy’s (below). Its the 2008 New Year’s Eve Ball designed by Waterford Crystals. Its a beautiful sight! I’ve never done Times Square for New Year’s, actually standing out there for hours, thinking about it this year, if its not too cold.

The night was still young so myself and my two cousins headed up to Harlem. Ann Marie, fellow blogger, told me about Shop n’ Mingle , Uptown’s premier shopping event, hosted by the Brooklyn store, Harriet’s Alter Ego. The event was held at the National Black Theatre. Several designers were on hand selling their one of a kind creations and vintage clothing. I had a great time meeting the designers and sifting through their merchandise.
I met Eboni Cooper, President of Summer Cooper Co. Her line is dedicated to children’s wear, The Isuco Fairies. She has also started to write a series of children’s books. Very cute for young ladies!
Here are a few designs by Alicia Piller. All four of the designs you see here were Hand-Painted by Alicia. Very intricate.

I met Sandra Aya fellow attorney, we’re everywhere, and designer of her brand Pretty Afrika! Her line consist of hand-made funky Afrikan jewelry. Her Mom designs the handbags. I like the collaboration!

Rebel Chic! Love the name of Tisha Brown’s company and the jewelry. Its “Chic Jewelry with a rebel yell.” Her line is handcrafted and made from fine leathers.

Some other designers you should definitely check out:

Junkprints, funky designs, I like!

Nneka Saran Handbags, great one of a kind clutch hand-bags. I’m partial to the St. Lucia Clutch…I wonder why!

Jeans and a Tee, I love the snakeskin (real snakeskin so if your squeamish…) bangles.

Somaya Oueslati, stylist and consultant. Specializing in Vintage and North African Fashion. (212) 862-0427

Be sure to tell them Danalee-The Fashionista sent you!

By the end of the night we were starving, of course, Fashionistas have to eat! What weekend would be complete without some scrumptious bites. I ate Thai almost the entire weekend…a tad ridiculous that I felt that was the only selection on Earth. But, oh so good. Check out these two spots one in Park Slope, Song 295 5th Ave, and the other in Cobble Hill, Joya 215 Court Street. The two restaurants are exactly the same so just pick the location that suits you. Its inexpensive, the food is great, there is a DJ on Saturdays and great ambiance, oh and they only take Cash! Side note, there is one particular waitress at Song that lacks the Grace of most, but don’t let one bad seed spoil the whole establishment. Look out for her 🙂 To my surprise some friends were here from St. Lucia and they joined us for dinner, which made the night even more of a treat!

I ended the weekend with Sunday Brunch…a Fashionistas Trademark! In Law School, myself and two of my girlfriends would meet up for brunch on Sunday all the time. We gossiped (a little :), talked about relationships, our careers. Name it we talked about it! Yesterday, reminded me of that time. I met up with a good friend, Angela, also an attorney, she is hysterical and a lot of fun. Of course we had more Thai, this time we went to SEA in Williamsburg. We hadn’t seen each other for awhile. It was nice catching up. We spent a few hours just talking about, you guessed it, everything and joking around as Fashionistas do!

Here’s to Family, Great Friends, and Loved One’s and spending time with each other. What the Holiday Season is Really all about!

Ching Ching 🙂

Tuesday Tips/Elevate Yourself

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Fashionistas, its always a good idea to think about stepping out of your comfort zone. Someone once said to me that they wanted to elevate their circumstances. I thought that was an interesting way to put it, but I think you must also elevate your thinking for your circumstances to improve. So, often we get comfortable with what’s familiar that we either take it for granted or forget to explore the endless possibilities that are out there just waiting for us. Whether that means taking up a new hobby or leaving your surroundings, you should try something new. I think it’s crazy to put yourself in a box or allow others to put constraints on you. Its not only important to elevate your life with creature comforts, but its also important to elevate your way of thinking and attitude toward life and others. Here are some ways to elevate yourself and your thinking:

When it comes to yourself,

-Try going to a store you’ve never been to in another part of the city

-Try going to another borough, state or country for that matter…experience a different culture (if you don’t have a passport I suggest you make it your business to apply for one)

-Learn another language

-Read a book on a topic that you would not ordinarily read

-Move to a different neighborhood

-Take a class to learn something new: photography, sewing, graphic design (you get the picture 🙂

When it comes to your thinking,

-This is simple but taken for granted, treat people the way you want to be treated, don’t expect to receive something you have not given

-Try not to over think situations (so hard for an attorney:), things are sometimes exactly as they appear

-Try positive thinking and not dwelling on the negative, work with the present time not the past or the future just the present

-Try walking away from an impossible situation instead of arguing

-Try not to forget those around you by being so self-involved, this does not mean you loose your focus it just means that you are mindful of others

-Have a little patience with others

The point is not to limit yourself to your usual way of life or thinking, but to ELEVATE YOURSELF AND YOUR MIND Fashionistas!

Fashionistas in A Designers World: Steven Cutting

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Saturday was a beautiful, sunny, cold day. Perfect for Shopping! I grabbed my coffee and was off to a Sample Sale to explore the world of a designer, with fellow Fashionista. Priscilya, in addition to being Fashionista, friend and colleague she is also a great singer/songwriter. I predict you will see more of her in the near future. P, told me about this Fashion Designer and thought I may have bumped into him when going to class at the Fashion Insitute of Technology. Yes, Danalee~The Fashionista went back to school to perhaps pursue a second career in Fashion Design, contemporaneous of course to my Legal Career. I started this semester, its hard to believe that there are only two classes left till the end of the term. Enough about me…

That afternoon we met up with Fashion Designer, Steven Cutting, owner of Steven Cutting, Inc, a fashion design consulting firm. Steven was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and has been in the Fashion Industry for the last twenty years. His career started at the Fashion Institute of Technology and continued to flourish from there with assignments in Europe with several Fashion Firms such as Krizia. After returning to the Fashion Capital and becoming the Fashion Director for Phillipe Monet, a men’s leather outerwear label, he decided to go out on his own. In 1990, that’s when he created Steven Cutting, Inc. Some of his clients included Kenneth Cole, Reebok, and Collezione. He later became Fashion Director for Perry Ellis and some of his designs have been strutted by Boris Cudjoe, Eminem, Dr. Dre and LL Cool J. He then went on to design women’s wear for Via Spiga and Larry Levine.

Currently, Steven teaches at FIT and has continued building his company clientele with such labels as Andrew Marc (love these designs), Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein, to name a few. He is also an active community leader, mentoring children in Brooklyn through an organization called Children of Promise . He is also a Board Member of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a community-based organization involved in the fight against AIDS.

Steven recently took part in the 3rd Annual Front Row Fashion Show, sponsored by The Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The opening ceremony honored fashion industry leaders and icons, among them was Steven. Pictured above are Steven’s Designs featured the night of the Runway Show. Green is the new Black in my Fashionista Book! Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with wearing Black. Don’t worry I spice it up some times adding color. I love both looks. I think the colors are absolutely chic and there is a great sense of style that exudes in Steven’s garments.

My fellow Gemini Designer was a gracious host showing us racks, boxes and suitcases of his inventory. You know Fashionistas can be picky, but he was very patient and helpful. His lines consisted mostly of leather apparel: skirts, pants, jackets, blazers and boleros. Steven uses some of the best leathers in making his garments. He has forged a long-lasting relationship with Tannery Direct, which is a leading company in leather goods and is able to sell to his clients the best leather from Italy, India and South America. I picked up a great purple perforated leather bolero pictured here. It was a great deal. Priscilya didn’t do bad at all picking up two skirts and a sweater. Yes, he has sweaters also! The skirts have impeccable detailing in hues of gray and purple.
You too can grab a Steven Cutting Design and enjoy an intimate fabulous shopping experience. Please make an appointment to view his collection at his home by calling (212) 244-8886. Keep in mind that this is a Sample Sale so the sizes are limited to 6 and 8. Tell him Danalee~The Fashionista sent you!

After a hard days work of shopping we ended our evening with breakfast…truly a Fashionistas Day in a Designers World! 🙂

Staying the Course

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Staying the Course…a wise Fashionista imparted these words of wisdom to me. I fell in love with this saying immediately. So, what does it mean? It means stay focused, very simple. It means when things get hard like they often do or your disappointed by life or people, just stay the course. Don’t be moved, don’t loose confidence, don’t be intimidated…stay on track and most importantly enjoy life while on the Course. Easier said then done?! Nope its easy!

Ask yourself a few questions:

1) What do I want?
2) What do I have to do to get it?
3) What are my obstacles?
4) How do I overcome those obstacles to reach my goal?

This is your Course, when you have your questions answered then you stay on that Course until you reach your goal. You must understand that a Fashionista is a focused and well- faceted individual. Being a Fashionista is more than knowing how to dress, its knowing what you want and getting it!

Right now in this financial climate you have to Stay the Course. So, many are loosing their jobs, bills are piling up, hope seems to be diminishing on all fronts. But, this is the time to be EMPOWERED! If you have ever been on a fast then you understand. When you have given up something for a period of time, you have a sense of fulfillment in having gained insight into what you really want. Similar to a relationship, you never know how bad, good or how you could have made it better until its over. This is the perfect time you gain insight into yourself, during the difficult times: Do I need a career change? Maybe I need to spend more time with my family? Perhaps I should invest more time in my relationship or re-evaluate? Take this time to work on yourself, be more organized about your finances, decide what you can and can’t afford, take a look at your credit report (the pen is mightier then the sword so write letters to the credit bureaus and creditors, dispute discrepancies, put consumer statements on your report), what are some luxuries you can do without. Are you getting the idea?

Take a deeper look into your closet what can I give away to those less fortunate than me or can I get another use out of the sweater before buying a new one. But, if you must shop then perhaps you should think about a thrift store. I was watching the news the other evening and one of the stories discussed how many people have turned to thrift stores to shop. Its not appalling at all, people. There are unbelievable finds at thrift stores, brand name items and even new items with the tags still attached. Stores that have overstocked an item donate those goods to thrift stores. Its true…you can find vintage and all! So, if you still feel the urge to shop but want to do it on a budget check out some of these stores:

Golden Shoestring

Vintage, Consignment and Thrift Stores

Salvation Army- Hell’s Kitchen NYC (this one apparently has great furniture)

Its Fashionably Chic to be Cheap!
and
Remember to Stay the Course Fashionistas!

Close Enough

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I let a week pass before I discussed the utter exuberance I felt last week Tuesday. There have been so many comments, opinions and emotions that I needed to let it marinate before I spoke on it! First and foremost, Congratulations to President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and their families! I know technically, I should say President-Elect but I can’t wait 71 days, La fete est complet (French saying for the party is done!)

The city was live last week with Obama supporters hugging, crying and just screaming because of the excitement of getting it right this time. I was one of those Obama supporters crying and hugging strangers, but not strangers at all because we share so many common goals in life. I cried because I saw myself in Obama, I saw myself in Michelle, being a fellow attorney, being a woman, being Black! Obama symbolizes exactly what I saw that night in NYC: Unity. He does something to people that is quite infectious, he moves people toward a positive change.

I listened to Street Soldiers yesterday, a radio broadcast on Hot 97.1 hosted by Lisa Evers. The guest panel, Dr. Jeff Garde, psychologist, Sakia Sandefur, co-author of his book with Kanye West and Mike Muse, who worked on the Obama Campaign. They discussed many issues facing this Change that has come about. They touched upon relationships, in seeing how Michelle supported Barack and that he is with a Black woman, how children will have a new perspective on race, how the young black community is effected, how it is now acceptable to be smart or a nerd as some may describe. But, one statement did stick with me “drinking the Obama Kool-Aid” meaning that today people feel empowered to move in a manner to bring about change but tomorrow the movement tends to dissipate. We go through that on a daily basis in our lives, one day you are gung-ho about your career, a relationship, a new opportunity and the next day if something negative happens then you change your mind about everything. However, I want people to remember that this is not a one day celebration, don’t just drink the Obama Kool-Aid and not try to bring about change in your own life. You must look at this movement as a everyday stride. We have to support and be proactive and not seat on our laurels. Don’t let the slight instance of imperfection or a negative situation slow down your involvement in this movement of Change. It was not enough to vote for the change, now we have to continue to walk the walk. Sorry, don’t mean to preach, but I do because this goes for me as well!

The road ahead will be long and hard as Obama said, but I urge you to not criticize so harshly if things are not perfect. My new mantra besides Change is Close Enough! Let’s say it together people “Close Enough.” Close Enough is not a cop-out. It just means that we should not loose our momentum for the Change we have believed in and witnessed come to fruition on November 4th. Let’s not look at the glass half empty if, like I said before, things are not perfect. When people begin to scrutinize your decisions, I will applaud you President Obama and Vice President Biden for getting “Close Enough.” Throughout history, think of the many people, political religious and the like, that tried so hard to bring about change and got close enough but were still criticized. I feel that it will not be any different for this administration. They have come into this situation with great obstacles to surmount. But, I think we should realize we are on the path to change and should not loose sight of that in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

The Quintessential Fashionista: First Lady Michelle Obama

On a Fashion note let’s discuss Michelle Obama, one of the Top Fashionista’s in my book. My friend, Oni, commented that her choice in the way she dresses is “classy and regal” and not like the past First Ladies. I agree Oni! I absolutely love her sense of style and the Narcisco Rodriguez dress she wore that night was hot! Of course some called it the Hell Dress, blah blah blah, she is her own person and that’s why they criticize. That is what a Fashionista is all about, being your own person, not being in competition with others! One last note, my absolute favorite moment that night (everyone agrees) is when she and Barack embraced, kissed and she said I love you! It was beautiful to see that type of chemistry between the two of them! It was their private moment in the midst of millions watching. Can I tell you why that relationship works? It works because they are not in competition with each other. Most relationships fail because secretly one person is insecure or competing with the other party. Here Michelle has decided for herself what her role will be as First Lady, she is her own person and because of that I applaud you. She is holding down her man and her family! Take note Ladies and Gentlemen 🙂

Less Than 24hrs to Vote Fashionistas

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You must be thinking what does Fashion and Politics have to do with one another? Everything, especially this year. Several designers have shown their political allegiance in their fashion shows and through some designs to Obama: Tracey Reese, DVF, Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam are just a few designers. Donatella Versace said she was inspired by the type of man Barack Obama represents and dedicated her Spring 2009 Men’s Collection to him.

My message this week is short and to the point. Please go out and Vote! I can’t believe that it is less than 24hrs till we vote for our next President. Its a historic moment and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, you shouldn’t either. A few quick notes: do not wear any campaign paraphernalia to polling sites, bring proper identification with you, remember polls open as early as 6 a.m., and if you are denied the right to vote please contact 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

On a sad note my condolences go out to Barack Obama and his family. He lost his grandmother on the eve of the election. It has to be bitter sweet to be at the pinnacle of your success and have the last member of his extended family pass away. Keep him in your prayers.

Rock The Vote People! Obama, Obama, Obama….

If I Were A Boy…

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Don’t worry I don’t have a new version to this song…bad girl B if you ripped this song from someone else. But, really people it happens in every industry, so here are some ways to protect your hard work that will at least lend some negotiating power when the time comes for the stealing party to pay up!

Copyright Infringement

A case filed in January by Diane Von Furstenburg (DVF) against Target is a perfect example of copyright infringement within the fashion industry. Fashion designs are not completely protected under Copyright Law. Of course, you cannot copyright, let’s say, a dress. A dress serves a utilitarian function, it is not unique in its function. However, if you have developed a particular printed fabric, which is a signature of a DVF design, then perhaps you may have copyright protection for your uniquely printed fabric. DVF has several copyright registrations for original print and fabric designs. In the DVF case, the Target design is said to be identical to the DVF Design in terms of the print used called “spotted frog” and the signature wrap style dress of DVF.

Keep in mind, that DVF was able to sue based upon her registering her print and fabric designs. In order to bring a suit against another party for Copyright Infringement your work must be registered. Many have tried to gain protection of fashion designs itself, not just the printed fabric, to no avail. The Copyright Law has made the distinction between works of imagination, masks or costumes that may be protected, from garments considered works of utility. It has been proposed that fashion designs are works of art that should be given the protection of similar art works, especially Haute Couture designs. Proposals have been made to amend the Copyright Law to include Fashion Designs via the Design Piracy Prohibition Act. The Bill has been tabled since August 2007. Hopefully, the Bill will pass and designers will be afforded protection for thier designs.

Now, do not confuse Copyright and Trademark. Copyright, under Title 17 U.S., Copyright is a form of protection provided by U.S. laws to the authors of original works including music, literary works, and other intellectual properties. Works may be registered with The Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.

Trademark, is a word, phrase or symbol or combination that identifies a service product from another, for instance the Louis Vutton symbol. Examples of Trademark Infringement, may be the recent halt to T.I.’s video ‘Swing Ya Rag’ which not only talks about swinging your Louis Vutton and Gucci rag but shows him doing just that. Apparently, LV and Gucci found that this was Trademark Infringement because T.I. was using their logos without permission. Take note, to lay your claim to your symbol or mark simply use the trademark symbol, no need to register however use of the registered symbol informs the public that you are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This gives you legal weight in your claim to the trademark.

Fashionistas, remember to protect your hard work to the highest extent the law will allow. Be original, stay clear of copying, just be inspired by others!