Prom Pop Up Shop: Free Prom Dresses for Young Women in Central Indiana

I never went to prom for many reasons. One my "boyfriend" at the time and I were on the outs...ugh -  just brings me back to all that high school craziness. But I digress...the other reason I didn't attend prom was because my mother was a single parent. A lot of my paychecks from my minimum wage fast food job went to help with home expenses. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to help my family. The money I would spend on prom helped put food on the table and was saved toward my college quest at Ball State University. Looking back I was pretty bummed about not experiencing what my other friends told me so many stories about. I missed it. But don't feel sorry for me, I'm using this experience to help others.

In the past, Aesthetic Design Style House partnered with a school district here in Indianapolis. We collected gently used dresses and they would be sold to young women at low cost ($15-$20). Lots of young women wouldn't take assistance because they didn't want to look poor or didn't want to be seen taking a hand out. Aesthetic Design Style House wanted to take the stigma away from this event  but we felt we needed to do more. We needed to help more people. We wanted this to be a community project, not just one school district. So this year we are introducing our Prom Pop Up Shop. Aesthetic Design Style House will collect donations of formal dresses, shoes, and accessories and give them away (while supplies last) to ALL young people no questions asked.

The date of the Prom Pop Up Shop is April 13, 2013, right before the start of prom season. We will hold our shop at our showroom, 1125 Brookside Avenue in the Circle City Industrial Complex from noon to 4 p.m.. We will have hair and makeup workshops, giveaways, and other surprises for all that want to swing by and celebrate this precious time in a young person's life.

But we also need your help. We need you to donate your gently used formal dresses, shoes, and accessories to our cause and you can do so easily. We will have donation days at our showroom February 19 and March 19th at 1125 Brookside Avenue (Circle City Industrial Complex) We also have four satellite donation stores:
~ ANSATZ Hair Salon - 114 N. Main St., Zionsville, IN 46077
~ Little Green Bean Boutique - 2809 E. 10th St., Indpls., IN 46201
~ Bling Beads & Boutique - 595 Westfield Rd., Noblesville, IN 46060
~ Evolution Hair & Nail Salon - 5641 Madison Ave., Indpls., 46227.

Please help us spread the word about the Prom Pop Up Shop so we can make this a special time for young people who may not be able to afford to go to prom. I wish something like this was offered when I was in high school. For more information, email us at inquiry@adstylehouse or go to our special website http://aestheticdesignstyle.wix.com/prom.

~Ruby

Spring Trend Report: Contrast

For the past few days almost everyone throughout the continental United States has had a taste of warm weather; makes us long for the upcoming Spring. You know what I love most about spring - shedding your cold weather frocks for new spring garments. This spring will be more monochromatic than in the years past.

Contrasting colors have hit the runway like a storm. Oscar, Ralph, Jason, and others (look at me talking about the greats on a first name basis. One can dream can't she?) dipped their pens in hues of white, black, and primary colors to bring us one of the hottest trends of the fashion year.


Oscar de la Renta Image from Vanity Fair

Jason Wu Image from Crafty Lady

Stripes, houndstooth, and solids are a staple in garment culture. I quite prefer it. It's not a secret I love black and white with a splash of red...and oh how I love a good houndstooth pattern. But when you pair contrasting colors with A-line maxis and a tailored vest, I go insane.

One of the fashion houses we represent, Studio NTK, picked up on contrasting colors prior to the new trend reports. Our designers are always leading the way in fashion. I tend to think the majors always mimic the minors!

Studio NTK Jacket: retail $49 Sizes 4-12 Skirt: $24 Sizes S-XL

Studio NTK Jacket: retail $49 (available in different fabric) Sizes 4-12 Leggings: retail $24 Sizes S-XL

Studio NTK demonstrates this spring trend with how this look is classic yet modern. This is just a sample of what's available in their spring line. Studio NTK comes in a wide range of sizes; XS-XL and 4-18.

Studio NTK Asymmetrical Tunic: retail $24 Sizes S-XL Leggings: retail $24 Sizes S-XL

Studio NTK Dress: Retail $40 Sizes 4-12

ERAS is our vintage boutique line and look at this cute find. This blue and white striped pantsuit is a vintage size 10 (6-8) and it's one of a kind. Dress it up with a belt and shoes of a primary color.



ERAS Vintage Pantsuit: Vintage size 10

To see more of what ERAS and Studio NTK has to offer or to order something you see here, email us at inquiry@adstylehouse.com.

~Ruby

Reflection: Race Relations in the Indianapolis Fashion Industry

Indianapolis is one of the most segregated cities in the Midwest. I've come to terms with that...really I have. I grew up in a world where there was no color. People gasped at me when I brought a white man home to visit my family. What did your family say? Say about what?!?! Well....you know about Jason being white? Umm...my family didn't say anything. I don't think they even noticed. I've been in love with every race there is...I'm an equal opportunity lover. (I haven't dated an Asian though, need to fill that void...no really just kidding!) And it's not that I'm naive about race, hatred, and exclusion; it's out there and it's stronger than ever. I just try not to let it rule my life.

This time last year, I decided to follow a dream of mine and work in the fashion industry here in Indianapolis. I didn't know much about our fashion scene, but I knew one was out there. So I started researching to see where I would fit in. I have met so many new and exciting people since I've started to surface among the scene. Too many people to name...but you know who your are. I've also learned of many catty fights and division in the ranks. What do you expect? It is fashion...the mother of all cattiness, but I didn't expect any racial division. I don't know why, it's Indianapolis.

In Indianapolis, we have the black clubs and the white clubs...black stores and the white stores...black salons and white salons. Now don't get me wrong...there are some people of both races that break the mold. They don't follow the status quo and visit places that cater toward the opposite race. But the fashion industry....really?

I saw on Facebook last week a boycott against Midwest Fashion Week because it's founder, a Haitian male has been accused of purposely not promoting African American models and/or designers, because he's ashamed of his African heritage. I was floored, because this same issue was on the tongues of some when the Indianapolis Fashion Collective started. Many people said the organization was full of elitist and didn't want to particpate because they saw no representation of color within the ranks or there was no representation from IFC at the "black" fashion events. STOP PEOPLE!

Are people being too touchy? Are people looking for something to bitch about or does the Indianapolis fashion industry have a problem with color? I think certain people do, we cannot change the ignorance of those who choose to walk down a path of intolerance. But what we can do is support each other, whether that person, model, designer, photographer, or corporation is black or white or any other ethnicity or creed. Let's stop focusing on and fueling the color line, but lets step over it. Because Indianapolis is filled with talent from all sides; just think if we truly all came together and worked on making Indy the new fashion hub of the Midwest. We would be unstoppable.

 

 

~Janelle

Fashion Night Out Indianapolis

CDFA

The fashion world waits in anticipation all year for Fashion Night Out. The Indianapolis fashion community is bursting at the seams and our Fashion Night Out continues to grow with the fashion movement. All over the city of Indianapolis tonight, retailers will open their doors fueling the fashion fires that burns within the shopaholic and showcase hot new fall trends, food samplings, and maybe a live band or two.

Here is a link to the Fashion Night Out website to direct you to retailers taking part in tonight's Fashion Night Out festivites.

http://www.fashionsnightout.com/fno/outside-nyc

Home Sweet Home

If you haven't heard yet, Aesthetic Design Style House has a new home! We are happy to announce our new headquarters in the Circle City Industrial Complex in the heart of Indianapolis, IN.

Our new address is 1125 Brookside Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Our contact information and telephone number is still the same.

We look forward to participating in our first First Friday soon and should have an open house so everyone can come by and learn more about what we do! Look for more GREAT and EXCITING things from Aesthetic Design Style House!!!

Halston Heritage Collection

It has come to my attention that HALSTON is my favorite designer of all time.  And in saying this I realize I have alienated many fabulous designers in the process - BUT for me personally he was the BEST.  I would literally wear every single piece he ever created and it would be an honor to feel it on my body - YES it's that deep!

In my research of Roy Halston Frowick I found out that there is probably an unconscious reason I love him so - besides the point of knowing every curve of a woman's body and being completely ahead of the fashion trends - he also has some Indiana ties.  He was born a Midwesterner in Des Moines, Iowa but he did graduate from high school in Evansville, Indiana and he attend Indiana University for one semester - we should be honored!  In 1952 he moved to Chicago and attended school of the Art Institute of Chicago and the rest is history.  In an unambiguous way fashion is born so genuinely here in the Midwest and along with Halston we can't forget about our other success story in Bill Blass (but that's another post altogether).

The company Halston founded had it's ups and downs to say the least.  I remember my mom being so excited that he signed a licensing agreement with JCPenney so she could buy some of his line for her own collection.  You have to understand how HUGE this was because my mom hates to shop so for someone like Halston to have that sort of affect on her was of enormous proportions!  With those licensing agreements and so many collections demanded of him, the selling of his name to Norton Simon Industries in 1973, and the firing from his own label in 1983 there was much controversy surrounding this amazing figure who single-handedly changed fashion (hello -  the Pill Box Hat made for Jackie Kennedy!!!).

“Halston had the strongest influence in fashion early in the decade, when he helped bury the wild, anti-establishment look of the 60's, with its gypsy colors, fringed leathers and tie-dyed fabrics. He introduced the more sober clothes that women were ready for.” —Lisa Belkin The New York Times 

His magic was lost for awhile and the whole reason for his being had seemed to be forgotten about by most.  The company has had at least eight different owners and six different designers since that time.

Enter Fall 2011 and the HALSTON HERITAGE COLLECTION designed by no other than Sarah Jessica Parker.  The resurrection of this line is one of the best play on Halston's vision and the merging of modernity I've seen.  You look at it and know it's Halston but there's a slight twist thrown in that makes it right now!  Finally, I feel, ol' Roy would be very proud ~

Until then:  "A designer is only as good as the people he dresses." - HALSTON

Transformations Fashion Show

Friday night, I saw an awesome show. Transformations is an annual show designed and produced by Catherine Fritsch for DivaFest.

Fristch speaking with the audience

 Fritsch is owner and designer of Mercurious Designs and Sweet Revenge Lingerie. She has 18 years experience in designing, pattern making and sewing services. In my book, she is the one of  the gurus of design AND she is one of the most humble and nicest person you will ever meet. She's also one of our clients at Aesthetic Design Style.

In the Transformation show, Fritsch takes off the wall objects, like styrofoam from bean bag chair and balloons, to make modern Victorian pieces. Models were supplied by LModelz Modeling Agency. Makeup was done by our own Julia Rutland and Christopher Thompson of Re-Creations and Kathy Moberly of faces by klm. Hair styling was provided by Geneva Hair Studio and jewelry by Cheeky Couture.

  

I was excited all week about this show. Here are a few of my favorite.

To find out more about Catherine Fritsch or Sweet Revenge Lingerie, go to her website.

Indiana Fashionista Meetup Luncheon

On Saturday, January 8, Aesthetic Design Style was happy to be in the company of some key players in the Indiana fashion industry. The Indiana Fashionista Meetup Luncheon brought fashion bloggers, designers and photographers together to network and share tips of the business.

The luncheon, planned by Leah Barr of Circle City Style, included attendees from Indianapolis and Bloomington; bloggers and photographers. Others in attendance were Michael Trace from Michael Trace Photography, Crystal Hammon and Emily Lytle-Painter from Dresses Her Days Vintage, Jessica Quirk from What I Wore, freelance fashion writer Erica Sagon, Truen James creative director of  the House of 5th clothing label and treasurer of Indianapolis Fashion Collective, Christy Pastore founder of the online magazine Fashion Wrap Up, Chelsea Kouns model and the 2011 face of Fashion Wrap Up, Kaitlyn Elyse Fashion Wrap Up stylist, owner and creator of T. Party Clothing, photographer David Van Deman and Janelle Cissell from Ruby Leonne.

Held at Cafe Django, owned by Barr's uncle, we laughed and talked shop. Aesthetic Design Style hopes to work with all attendees in the near future.  We are very thankful to Barr for setting the luncheon up and can't wait for more activities and networking opportunites in the near future.

Kaitlyn Elise of Fashion Wrap Up & T. Party Clothing and Truen James of House of 5th & Indianapolis Fashion Collective

Leah Barr of Circle City Style, Christy Pastore and Chelsea Kouns of Fashion Wrap Up

Crystal Hammons and Emily Lytle-Painter of Dressed Her Days Vintage

Truen James

Julia of Aesthetic Design Style, Jessica Quirk of What I Wore and freelance fashionista Erica Sagon

The ladies of Fashion Wrap Up

Julia and Jessica

From All of Us to All of You

Our focus all year long is to get our designers into boutiques and into the hands of shoppers around the world.  That's our goal. We've achieved, we've met halfway, and we've fallen short - it happens and we've learned from it all. 

We could not do what we do without you and all you do for Aesthetic Design Style all year long.  From the referrals to the facebook "likes" to the retweets we appreciate each and every acknowledgment that we are on the right path with what we are most passionate about.  We work so hard behind the scenes and to see things coming to fruition is simply the best gift we could ever hope to get.

This time of year it's so easy to get caught up in what someone else has or thinking we NEED so many things to make us happy.  The holidays are a nice time to sit back and re-evaluate where we are in our lives and what is most important to us.  Take the time to just STOP and realize what you have and appreciate each and every moment with the special people in your lives. 

Know how much we appreciate you and your support of us and all of our designers.  We look forward to working with many of you and bringing you the best and brightest in 2011.

Warm Holiday Wishes,
Julia, Janelle, and Alyssa

Hurrah for Indianapolis: Number Five in the Top 25 Shopping Cities

Forbes Magazine released an article featuring it's top 25 best shopping cities last week. Indianapolis ranked fifth on the list, beating major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago. Perhaps the rest of the country sees the prize us fellow Hoosiers ignore. According to Forbes, Indianapolis houses 5,955 retail locations and 18 shopping centers. Add on the seven percent sales tax, and Indianapolis is considered a major jewel in the retail economy.

But what makes Indianapolis so great? Is it our big box retailing or our independent and local shopping finds? There are many local retailers, within the Indianapolis and surrounding areas, that offer better selection, price and quality than its mainstream counterparts. We couldn't feature all of them, but here are a few gems that can't go unoticed.

Fountain Square: IndySwank (photo pulled from IndySwank FB page) Journey down Virginia Avenue and you find the Fountain Square district. In the heart of Fountain Square you can find one of the creme de la creme of  vintage boutiques, IndySwank. IndySwank features vintage items and handcrafted works from many of Indianapolis' fashion designers. IndySwank's address is 1043 Virginia Ave #4 here in Indianapolis.

Castleton: Butterfly Consignment (photo pulled from Butterfly Consignment's Facebook page) Butterfly has been opened for a year, but has already made its mark on retail here in the Circle City. The shop sells gently used, new and handmade goods. It's your one stop shop for clothing, jewelry and body care items. Butterfly Consignment is located on 6697 E. 82nd St. in the Castleton Village Shopping Plaza.

Broad Ripple: Rain Boutique (photo pulled from Rain Boutique's FB page) Rain Boutique is a place where California and Indianapolis meet. Owned by two longtime friends, Mesha Cabbell and Brittany Manning, the store specializes in denim, handbags, standard and plus size clothing. Rain opened up a second store in California in December 2009. Rain is located at 839 E. Westfield Blvd in the heart of Broad Ripple.

Downtown: Silver in the City (photo pulled from Silver in the City's website) On Massachusetts Avenue you will find a gift store that will WOW your senses. Open since 2000, Silver in the City was voted best local gift store four times. It shares space with its sister store, Home in the City. You can't walk out of this store empty handed. Silver and Home in the City is located at 434 Massachusetts Ave in Downtown Indianapolis.


Let's try to push Indianapolis to number one on Forbes' list next year. Make sure you support your local boutiques too.

Fashionable Indiana Archives

Each month I can't wait to rush to the mailbox to see if my new VOGUE has arrived.  Oh, VOGUE, in all it's fashion glory with its beautiful people and fanciful items adorning each and every page.  It's like a gift to myself every month.  No one in my house is allowed to touch it before I do!  My oldest daughter knows that she is not to leap through it or read any article until I've done so first.  It's my own little pleasure in life.

One of my very favorite sections in VOGUE is NOSTALGIA.  I have learned about many incredible, intelligent, gorgeous, strong, independent women in so many of their articles.  I get to live each month in the past for just a few moments while I read about stylish women who wouldn't take no for an answer and persevered on to do extraordinary things with their lives and careers.  In the same breath I've also learned of many others who had it all but at the end of their lives died alone with no one knowing who they were.  The latter group are the women I enjoy reading so much about - they took chances and lived life to the fullest and even though they may have left us unknown, VOGUE somehow resurrects them each month so they really are never forgotten. 

I do believe that I lived in the 30's in Old Hollywood and did something to be rich because I'm just enamored with that era.  The clothes the clothes the clothes let's not forget about the clothes in this era - simply stunning and classy.  That was when people dressed to impress and it DID matter how you presented yourself to the world.  Once I get wealthy in this life I will only be in vintage Chanel, Balenciaga, and a few rare Elsa Schiaparelli pieces added in.  It sounds funny to think that one must have money to wear "old" clothes but it's true and when that day arrives that's what you'll find me in!

Along with my love of fashion I'm an absolute history nerd.  I love love love history and everything about it.  Art history, Russian History, US History, World History, you name it I love it - the only classes I received A's in when I was in school in fact :)  My major in college was Anthropology and I wanted to be Margaret Mead since I was 4 when my mom read me a story about her.  I say all of this leading up to the reason I browse the Indiana Historical Society web site all the time. 

During one of my recent investigative sessions I came across some wonderful images from the Root Store Fashion Show to the 4-H Dress Revue winners from the Indiana State Fair to the Herz Store League of Terre Haute Fashion Models.  I was surprised and elated all at the same time.  You don't think of the Midwest as being fashion forward but I was pretty impressed with the images I collected from their site - proud as a matter of fact.  Proud that back in 1933 these women not only made most of these creations themselves but they looked AMAZING and always put together at all times.  Now I can't personally go back to 1933 and hear what New York or LA were saying about our style here in Indiana but from what I dug up I don't really care. 

I hope you enjoy this trip back as much as I did!

Until Then:  "In the adjustment of the new order of things, we women demand an equal voice; we shall accept nothing less."  - Carrie Chapman Catt

P.S. - Thank you Indiana Historical Society for the wonderful images!