Re-Vamped

We have re-worked our blog yet again.  What do you think?  Is there more of anything you'd like to see?  Less of anything?  I know we have to get better at blogging more often - we're working on that - PROMISE!  We welcome your feedback. 

As we've re-vamped our blog we also realized that it's now time to put away the flip-flops (praise God) and even though it is still scorching hot outside you need to be thinking of re-vamping your fall/winter wardrobe.  Is it going to be cardigans and loafers again this year for you?  We think (and hope) NOT!  Just because it's fall doesn't mean boring and covered up.  Use this year to think differently about yourself and how you present yourself to the world.  Spice it up!

If I see one more brown sweater, brown shoes, and khaki's in the fall and winter I'm going to jump out the window  - seriously I just might.  C-O-L-O-R!  Color works in any season and can help not only heighten your sense of style but also heighten your mood.  Put on those 6 inch blood red platforms with that black jumpsuit or throw on that cranberry scarf with that drab grey trench.   Even though color is great - less is more.  A SPLASH here and there works wonders.  A head to toe lime green ensemble wouldn't be as subtle if you get where I'm going :) 

So throw caution to the wind this season and go for the dark navy blue nails or try those Aubergine thigh-high platform boots with your skinny jeans.  Stay true to yourself but bust out with an element of surprise (and color) - you may be the one surprised you hadn't tried it sooner!

Until Then:  "Everything you now do is something you have chosen to do.  Some people don't want to believe that.  But if you're over the age twenty-one, you're life is what you're making of it.   To change your life you need to change your priorities."  John C. Maxwell

Indiana - The Next Milan?

I'm sure the title of this post has amused some but for others it feels like our only mission in life. Is it possible for Indiana to be a fashion haven for edgy, in the know, chic, fashionista leaders? In the land of fried twinkies, corn, soybeans, and basketball there is more to Hoosier Hospitality than meets the eye - really there is!

Over the past year I have been so amazed at the incredible people I've been lucky enough to meet. And the surprise was that I didn't have to wander very far. When I decided to get involved in my community and help improve where I live for my kids and for humanity in general the wonderful people just started coming and coming and coming. Every day I'm meeting people whom have the exact same outlook about our city, the fashion community, and improving both. Instead of sitting back complaining about not being in New York, L.A., or Chicago and getting upset as to how backwards or how late we seem to be about fashion here in Indiana I decided to get off my own butt and change the way things are going. The old saying "be the change you want to see in the world" truly applies in this case. When you get out and take the emphasis off of yourself and truly get into helping others, it not only changes the people or the area you're trying to help but you, yourself, are the most changed and for that I'm grateful.

So, in my quest to somehow think I'm going to change the realm of fashion in Indiana myself, I came upon many many others who paved a beautiful path before me. I've also found more phenomenal people working right with me - beside me, in front of me, behind me, wherever and whatever it's all about improving the fashion community.

A few days ago I was at a meeting regarding establishing a Fashion Council or Fashion District for Indianapolis and Indiana. Just being around people who truly want the same goal is just so thrilling. One woman, whom I hold so much respect for, commented that trying to get funding for this project would be a bit trickier than other projects due to the fact that most people view fashion as something dumb or frivolous - sadly she's so right. With this project it is our duty to change that view and to make those individuals understand that fashion is not so superficial but it will provide jobs and drive revenue to our city to boost our struggling economy. I say to those naysayers that this IS possible and WE WILL SUCCEED and you may as well jump on the bandwagon now or we'll leave you behind.

So, Milan? Maybe - but definitely watch out New York ,L.A., and Chicago - we're coming for you!

Indiana Designers, Fashion Writers, Hair Stylists, Reps, Independent Boutique Owners, Photographers, WE NEED YOU! Go to http://www.fashion.insideleg.com/ and tell us about yourself. We are collecting data which will help us in our funding efforts for our project. The more content we acquire the better our project can be.

Until Then: "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh

Summer MUST Haves from Wickedly Chic

Summer is officially here! Our friends at Wickedly Chic have put out yet another award worthy Summer Shopping Guide!!!

Looking for the perfect summer accessories, spa products, or gifts? Go no further than Wickedly Chic's Summer Shopping Guide running through July 12.

A selection of the hottest independent businesses are ready for you with fabulous and unique merchandise. Let your fingers do the walking (and shopping) and order without hassle.

Sizzling Hot Businesses in the Summer Shopping Guide Include:

Samara Botane (aromatic apothecary)

Lisa Lebow Designs (handmade and inspirational jewelry designs)

Hawaiian Bath & Body (natural skincare made in Hawaii)

Oak Ridge Candles (natural soy wax candles)

Golden Pony (hot off the runway fashion)

Magnapods (organize & store your cosmetics)

Support independent businesses on Wickedly Chic as well as right here in Indianapolis!

Until Then: "The point of living and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come." ~Peter Ustinov

Accessories Always Fit

Accessories, accessories, accessories - oh how I love thee!!! You are always there for me and never fail to set it off at all times. I'm including my beloved shoe collection as well. Some may argue shoes are not an accessory but I must say that as much as I couldn't live without them (literally) I have to admit I choose my garments around my shoes - thus making them an accessory.

A former boss of mine came up to me one day and said "Okay, I get you now. You wear more classic clothes and accessorize out of this world." At first I was like "is that a compliment or should I be upset?" Then I realized it was simply a true observation. I love clothes but I love accessories more. Or should I say accessories are always more kind to me in lieu of having three beautiful, yet 8.5 pound, babies. Let me explain.

When choosing the right outfit (which is always of the utmost importance) there are numbers involved. Some days the numbers are smaller than others. On those days it's fun to shop. After having three kids and still trying to lose the "baby weight" when my youngest is 3 just is not as fun and the numbers seem to have grown larger without my permission. Yet when shopping for accessories the only numbers involved are "how many should I buy?" including pairs of shoes of course. Accessories can transform an outfit from outdated to current from fuddy-duddy to extraordinary and from dull to fun with one choice of a bangle.

No matter what your body type, weight, attitude, mood, race, religion, creed, etc., accessories are always your friend. They don't care if you've gained 50 pounds or lost 50 pounds. They don't care if you went in for a salad but came out with chocolate chip cookies. They don't even care if you really did hear the birthday cake in the breakroom calling your name. But your little black dress does - oh yes, that little black dress can tell if you ate just one M&M too many. None of us want to have the days when we go to get dressed and nothing fits correctly. But on the occasion that we do just spice up something nice with fun, large, one-of-a-kind accessories. You can still feel good, updated, "in", and beautiful with a little help from your forever friend (s) ~ ACCESSORIES.

Until then: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." ~ Mary Engelbreit

Expanding Our Reach - Welcome Gaby Couture!

What an incredible week this has been! The weather is getting nice, everyone seems to be in a good mood, and the independent fashion realm is flourishing!!!

We are proud, excited, and elated to announce that we have a new line to add to our Aesthetic Design Style family. WELCOME GABY COUTURE! An amazing designer with amazing pieces who lives and creates in Indiana. This is what Aesthetic Design Style stands for and is all about - taking care of the incredible talent that we have in our own backyard.

A little about Gaby:

Created from her experiences as a child in Argentina and travels around South America, each "Gaby" creation stands out for its personality as well as its elegance and an inspiration of Euro-Latin culture.

This Argentinean designer started her career 30 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a passion that would take her all over the continent, including New York City. At twelve years old, Gabriela Frezza, creator of "Gaby" and "Gaby Couture", sewed her first dress in order to attend a party.

"I hope to show Indianapolis a little bit of New York high fashion in this upcoming show. I think the Midwest really needs something like this", says Frezza, who has worked for clients all over North and South America, including Chile and Argentina. Her pieces are always designed with the woman in mind, making sure every dress is sexy and shows off the sensuality of Latin Culture.

We are extremely honored to be working with Gaby Couture and see that the future is very very bright!

Join us on June 12th as we "Rock the Runway" in Fountain Square - Indiana, 1043 Virginia Avenue @The Murphy Arts Center 4:00pm - 10:00pm! Tickets are only $7 or if you bring a clothing donation for GOODWILL you will only pay $5. Come support local designers with global visions. Gaby will be there in full force so watch for big things happening very soon!

Until Then: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank