Shop 'KIN LA' for Statement, Summer Fashion Trends!

(Asymmetrical Contoured Vest by Phillip Lim, $925)

(Cherry Top in Red Stripe by Again, $210)

(Cap Sleeve Blazer in Moss by Phillip Lim, $750)

(Alley Hat in Red by Brixton, $85)

Although I was unable to attend the recent VIP Media Event at KIN Los Angeles in West Hollywood (busy blogger over here!), I’m happy to share some of the statement, summer fashion trends this boutique is offering both in-store and online. 

Whether you’re all about chillin’ in your PJs and shopping your heart out online or more of the “I want to browse around and try things on” kind of fashionista, KIN LA can help add some edge and creativity to your wardrobe. Stripes…asymmetrical shapes…heavy doses of black...bold accessories? I say rock ON. 

Since 2004, KIN LA has been a highly coveted shopping destination on Sunset. Stocked with the latest collections from established designers around the globe, KIN LA is a multidimensional store that features both men’s and women’s clothing, as well as accessories from more than 20 international and domestic brands. 

No, I have not shopped the store yet. But as I continue to downsize my existing wardrobe to make room for hotter, edgier trends – YES, stepping foot into KIN LA is on my to-do list. (I’m much more of the in-store shopper, as I love the extra inspiration I get when touching fabrics, trying on clothes, and gaining product knowledge from employees.) 

Visit www.kinlosangeles.com to become familiar with this boutique! Be sure to also follow its Instagram page, where you’ll notice that some of Young Hollywood’s statement-making stars wearing designer pieces that are carried in KIN LA, such as Zoë Kravitz and Kylie Jenner. Happy Shopping! 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bolt PR 

MUST-READ Interview: FIDM-Graduate Riley Suchánek Prepares for Her First 'AD HOC' LA Fashion Show!

(Fashion designer and founder of AD HOC, Riley Suchánek)

A college graduate feeling hopeless after getting her degree because she has to find a “real” job? Totally normal. A college graduate who decided to take matters into her own hands (turning that frown upside down) and create a fashion show production company? Straight-out gutsy and admirable. 

Meet Riley Suchánek, the soft-spoken and strikingly introverted designer who is putting her degree from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) to good use. With an innate understanding of the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into fashion, Riley developed AD HOC with a specific goal in mind: To produce a fashion show that is anything but typical. AD HOC offers individual designers the chance to showcase his/her entire collection at one time versus a few select pieces here and there. The designers of AD HOC "pride themselves on their fresh intake and ambition and strive to get their feet in the overpopulated and highly selective door of the fashion industry." 

With a handpicked team of support, Riley is currently in the process of finishing up the planning of her first AD HOC fashion show, set to take place on February 27, 2014.  Having gone to several fashion shows for nearly a decade, I have always been amazed with the entire production of such an event. From the collections and the models to the music and the chosen venue – this is no easy feat. 

(Riley en vogue) 

So I encourage you to check out my exclusive interview with Riley, soak up her passion, and purchase your affordable ticket today! Yup -- I'll be there. 

So you went to FIDM! What was your area of concentration?

Yes! I did go to The Fashion Institute to study apparel design. It is a two-year program for an associates degree. I learned the process of designing, from illustration through production. 

What about fashion interests you the most?

I like fashion because there are pieces that you personally relate to. Not everyone likes the same outfit in one collection. The audience will be attracted to different things, but this one designer (or group of designers) projected their idea in a clear way that others can wear and carry with them. It's been said before, but fashion is an expression of yourself in a tangible way. That is interesting to me.

Growing up...Did you always see yourself getting in the fashion industry?

I decided I wanted to make clothes when I was around the age of 10. I was always into drawing and sewing, bringing something to life. I am a particular person, so I like the control of picking out a certain hue of a color, pattern of fabric, length of a hem, or even the men’s shoe that should be worn with a woman’s outfit. This makes every designer’s aesthetic, but I know mine very well. So it seemed fitting to follow what has been natural to me all along.

(The AD HOC team putting in work.)

 Tell me about AD HOC!

Well, AD HOC is a fashion show I decided to put on after struggling to find a job after graduating. Every job listing required 3-5 years of experience. School never seemed to fit the “experience” requirement, so I looked to see if I could show my ideas somewhere were others were in the same boat as me. Again, I am particular and couldn’t find anything that matched what I had pictured in my mind for that kind of event and environment. 

I decided to make this “thing” I was looking for, myself. I asked friends from school and different media outlets if they would be interested in participating, and chose four other designers. I built an Indiegogo campaign to help with booking a venue and started an Instagram page for the show to get people other than family and friends to attend the show. 

How involved are you with the entire planning of the show?

I am showing a mini-collection at the show as well as producing the show. This is the first fashion show I’ve been a part of other than this one Chloé show I was a dresser for. Being a volunteer dresser isn’t really a lot of experience to me, although it is on my resume! Ha! That’s just the thing about resumes, you can make yourself look really good, but from the hiring company’s point of view, you can’t really see the hard work behind the one-line description of your previous positions. 

I've been to several fashion shows over the last decade, and I know that there are tons of factors that contribute to it being a success! What do you believe makes a fashion show a success?

You could probably teach me a few things then! I’m always learning new things through producing this show. There are a lot of little details that sometimes are challenging for an introvert like myself. What makes a fashion show success, to me, is hard work and supporters. If it weren’t for those who believed in me enough to donate to the show, I wouldn’t have a show. You also have to give back. In building this for myself and my portfolio, I wanted to help others show their work. They can then put this one their resume and hopefully get a better step into the door they’re after. 

What do you hope to contribute to the fashion industry? 

I want to contribute an intimate feeling of comfort and easiness to looking androgynous. I’m not drawn to commercial brands. I don’t hate them, I am just more drawn to things that look like they took a lot of time and thought to make. That is probably why I didn’t land a job after graduation in the industry -- I am picky in where I spend my time working for someone else. That has been a blessing and a burden. 

It's been 10 years since I've been out of college...And I still miss a good lecture! Do you miss anything about being a student at FIDM?

Yes! As much as I complained about homework and going to class sometimes, I do love school. I liked my program because it exposed me to things I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. Art History, for example, became my favorite subject. I always liked art museums and had favorite pieces, but I would never even think to take an Art History class outside of my course. 

(Riley captured in thought...)

I also miss having more experienced people around me. I had a few really good professors, one of which I still keep in contact with, that really boosted my belief in my ideas. It’s very easy to second-guess yourself, but now I am clear on what I am capable of doing.

How would you describe your own personal style?

Androgynous with a baby-doll feel. Not the pink-girly-Barbie kind of doll, more like simple-silhouette-paper doll. 

Who or what inspires you?   

Honestly, everything inspires me. I really do believe everything happens for a reason, and with everything that happens to you, you learn something new about yourself. But, more specifically, designers like Rodarte, Acne, and Dries Van Noten further solidify that I should stand behind my work more. They are each very reassuring to me. I hope to be that to someone else in the future. 

Follow Ad Hoc on Instagram and Facebook!

I Chat With the Inland Empire Vintage Designer of 'Sweet Audrey'!

Recently, I met Ebony Robinson of The Shabby Atelier -- "a girlfriend with an amazing closet, and an inside dish to all things amazing." And during an enjoyable coffee chat last week with Ebony, which was a nice hook-up of sorts from my dad, the two of us discussed everything under the sun when it comes to fashion. From designers and budgeting to local shops and LA events, no topic went untouched. Especially when one of us is a vintage designer and a former boutique owner. And I love that she shares my philosophy that shopping without breaking your bank is totally attainable if you use your smarts. Think purchasing couture inspirations versus the real deal (unless it is an on-sale designer item, of course!).

So until our next Coffee Bean meeting this week or next, in which we are working on a fab projects (We are both fashion writers, personal shoppers, and stylists! So you can figure how many ideas were bounced back and forth between us), I decided to bring some of her flair to y'all -- my loyal Good Girl Gone Shopping readers.

Here is my interview with the brains behind her indie designer label, Sweet Audrey:

So tell me when you had your epiphany of “I am going to design vintage wear!”

I’ve always wanted to be a designer since I was about 9 years old. Upon graduation from HS I wanted to attend FIDM. Long story short, it didn’t happen. And from there I never imagined I could actually do it, let alone doing it 20-something years later. After closing my bath and body boutique in 2005, I decided to just try it. Upon designing my first pieces I was inspired by old black and white movies, pin-up girls and vintage glam goddesses. From there I created cute cocktail dresses under my brand label, Sweet Audrey, and showed my first collection at the Black Business Expo. The rest is history!

Do you also plan to design men’s clothes at some point?

No, I love everything girlie, ultra feminine...my favorite color is pink for goodness sake. So for now, I’m sticking to women’s apparel.

Who and/or what influences your designs?

My personal style is described as California Chic to the T. I’m a very Southern California, shabby-chic kind of gal. I’m an effortless dresser and I don’t follow trends. I wear what I think looks good for the day and the occasion. My personal style is a rainbow of skinny jeans, tailored denim jeans, tees, dresses, scarves, flip flops, stilettos, boots etc. What you won’t see me in is mini skirts -- they're just not my thing.

Tell me about your own personal style. How would you describe your fashion sense?

My personal style is described as California Chic to the T. I’m a very southern California shabby chic kind of gal. I’m an effortless dresser and I don’t follow trends. I wear what I think looks good for the day and the occasion. My personal style is a rainbow of skinny jeans, tailored denim jeans, tees, dresses, scarves, flip flops, stilettos, boots etc. What you won’t see me in is mini skirts, there just not my thing.

What do you think are fashion must-haves for every woman?

A fresh tube of mascara, an off-the-shoulder blouse, a great pair of jeans, a cardigan sweater, and also lipgloss. Nuff said.

So you were a boutique owner, now a designer, and you are also a stylist and personal shopper…How do you find time for all of your ventures?

I love the beauty of being a woman, so I embody anything than can assist in the lives of women to help them look better. I am ultimately a boutique owner who provides a well- rounded sense of service and business. I feel more boutiques should provide, personal styling services, personal shopping services, and special events, and create a private label that helps with marketing their investment, which is your business. Women are loyal, and if you provided them with options, I have to make time for all my creative ventures.
What do you have up your sleeves for ’09? What can fashionistas expect from “The Shabby Atelier” going forward?

The Shabby Atelier is my new baby. It’s a mix of eclectic women’s apparel from recycled, new, vintage and indie fashions. I’m looking forward to selling bath and body, candles, fun gift items, and plus-size fashions for my full-figured fashionistas, as well as the resurrection of my Sweet Audrey label. I’m hosting my first trunk show, and planning a full calender of events for the spring and summer. I’ve also made plans for opening a boutique/studio in the works. If the fashasionistas are looking for something that’s not cookie cutter and something different, then they can look me up on facebook, twitter, and my blog, http://www.theshabbyatelier.blogspot.com/. There’s so many exciting things happening in 09’!

* Ebony is based in Fontana of Southern California. Contact her via her blog regarding her vintage designs for purchase.


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Ebony/ pictures of her wearing Sweet Audrey exclusive designs.

A Memorable Birthday Pre-Party with My Niece

Last Saturday night, I enjoyed celebrating my semi-surprise 28th birthday with my friends, my love Steve, and my transformed apartment (he brought Hollywood to our place with a red carpet-themed party). And because I had to be out of the place at 4 p.m. for he and everyone to set up, I headed to my sister's place to get ready there.

...And hangin' out with my niece Neria "pre-partying" was one of the best birthday gifts I could have received (along with the big pink cupcake with "frinkles" on top she made me). So as I get primped for the party, Ri is enjoying herself in my blue suede Marc Fisher heels. I didn't tell her to pose for the picture; this little 2 year-old just knows how to look fierce.

For another lovely pic of me and Neria, check out Chic Galleria where I tell you how to turn your pennies into quarters with a personal shopper...like moi!

(party pics coming soon...)

Cute Shoes Make the World Go 'Round

Thanks to those who took my poll on what they consider affordable for shoes!

Turns out the majority of people who voted consider anywhere between $15 and $60 affordable for shoes. I have to say that I am in aggreeance (is that a word?) with you. For me, buying a hot pair of heels or boots for $100 + means that I'm splurging. And once in awhile, I LOVE splurging even though it can be extremely dangerous. So, for me, when I can score something great for my feet within my budget, I just want to run down the shoe aisle...jump up and click my heels twice. (Not only could I not even do that if I tried, but I would knock over the lady next to me who has too many shoes in her hand to try on and didn't see a big mama coming her way. WOW -- my imagination really took a hold of me for a minute....)

So, ANYWAY, now that I kinda have an idea about my readers' idea of affordability, I'm curious about something else: where do you typically wind up purchasing your shoes?

From the ooh-la-la eluxury.com to -- my buy-back vintage favorite -- Wasteland on Melrose, the options these days are so vast. So tell me, I'm dying to know!

...and tell me that is not the most AWESOME picture of shoes. I found it on a past section of www.newyorkmetro.com. It's like a mirror of my brain.