Going barefoot to help save the world!

If you don't know about or have never heard of TOMS Shoes I want to take this time to fill you in on this wonderful company and the very special day they've created.

For everyone who has followed our blog (big smooches and THANK YOU by the way!) you know how much I'm obsessed with shoes. Well, TOMS Shoes takes this love of mine to an entirely different realm. My obsession is now not so superficial as to how cute a shoe is but rather what the purchase of that shoe can do for the world. I know it sounds cliche and unattainable but that's what TOMS Shoes do everyday - they change lives all over the globe. For EVERY one pair of shoes you buy from TOMS they give a pair of shoes to those in need, those who can't afford shoes, and those who may never have owned a pair.

Thursday, April 8 is "One Day Without Shoes". Here's how they describe the day from the TOMS Shoes Web site: "One day without shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child's life. On April 8th we ask people to go the day, part of the day, or even just a few minutes barefoot to experience a life without shoes first hand and inspire others at the same time."

Also, their Web site states THE FACTS:

• In some developing nations children must walk miles to school, clean water, and medical help.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil..
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

So join us tomorrow in chucking those heels for a day, part of a day, or a few minutes. Also check out TOMS Shoes to see, in depth, how they are helping change our world one child at a time.

Until Then: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has" ~ Margaret Mead

Midwest Fashion Week Spring 2010

Midwest Fashion Week is upon us once again. Created and founded by Berny Martin this event is becoming bigger and bigger bi-annually. This series of events based in Indianapolis, Indiana helps to focus upon and draw attention to local and independent fashion and accessory designers - which is what we're all about over here at Aesthetic Design Style.

This year we have a special stake in Midwest Fashion Week as our very own Catherine Fritsch Designer of Sweet Revenge Lingerie and Owner of Mercurious Designs will be participating in a spectacular show on Friday, March 19th at IndyFringe Theater located at 719 East St. Clair Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202. With the help of renowned Stylist Nikki Sutton and Makeup Artistry by Kelly Oswalt this show is sure to bring a breath of fresh air to the Indianapolis fashion scene.

You can now enjoy shopping for special pieces at our new re-launched Style Shop on our web site. Sweet Revenge Lingerie, Brynn Capella Handbags, Chic Gems Couture, and Bags of Blessing are all available with new looks for Spring RIGHT NOW.


















Come out and support local independent fashion and accessory designers.




Until Then: "It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed." - Vida D. Scudder

When Rachel Zoe Speaks - We Listen

Everyone has their own opinion regarding Rachel Zoe - I happen to love her. So when I stumbled upon her "The Not So Basics Guide - 20 Wardrobe Essentials" I just HAD to share. They all really make a lot of sense along with being fantastic. Some of her picks are on the more expensive side but if you use this as a guide you can put your own twist on her recommendations. Which is what we all should do anyway in order to stay true to who we are. Fashion is the one thing that lets us express EXACTLY who we are without saying a word - I just get all excited!!!

So here we go!! Rachel Zoe's 20 Wardrobe Essentials everyone should have (with pics of examples I have found from independent designers -of course!)

• Nude Pump: Pretty Birdie Handmade Wooden Platforms $550

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• Dark Trouser Jean: Melynda's Denim $60

Oversized Satchel: Large Brown Leather Travel Laptop Bag by The Leather Shop $160

• Sheer Detail Tee: Couture Silk Angel Wing Blouse by Prizy Sebastian $210

Body Con Dress: Bobbie Dress by Lara Miller $198

• Party Skirt: Katya Skirt by ANA!S $68

• Menswear Inspired Timepiece: Handcraft Watch TRES by JHA & Marianne $198

• Perfect Red Nail Polish - Essie Lollipop $8
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Feminine Blouse: Long Sleeved Black Collared Blouse by BrookeCatherine Designs $75

• Abstract Print Scarf: Silk Scarves "Spring" by Silk Wonders $40














• Dark Slim Fit Jean: Duende Skinny Jeans $99

• Standout Clutch: Metallic Oversized Heather Clutch by Brynn Capella $249
  
  
• Leather Biker Jacket: Black Leather Biker Chic Jacket by Santos Leather $280





















• Go-To Sunnies: Vintage Thin Frame Sunglasses by L I M I $15

• Wide Leg Jersey Knit Pant: Wide Leg Trouser by YYSTUDIO $128
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Oversized Sweater: French Draped Terry Cardigan by Lamixx $201

• Statement Making Flat: Lucy Zebra Flat by Kathryn Kerrigan $99

• Cocktail Ring: Royal Ball - Vintage Fashion Ring by ShaSAM3 $60

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• Denim Jacket: Your Ruffle Denim Jacket by The Butterflies Shop $69




















• Timeless Hat: Emilliner Women's Classic Felt Fedora $325

Until Then: "Style is what one creates - glamour is a state of mind." - Rachel Zoe

Aesthetic Design Style Welcomes - Sweet Revenge Lingerie

We are so excited to welcome Sweet Revenge Lingerie to the Aesthetic Design Style family! Here is a little more about them in their very own words: "Sweet Revenge Lingerie was created to provide comfortable lounge wear and sleep wear for the young at heart. The designs are flirty, feminine, and luxurious for special occasions but easy care for every day use. We pay close attention to details, fit, and fabric to make that special garment you will wear again and again.

Sweet Revenge Lingerie is manufactured in the USA, of the finest natural fibers. Each print and fabric is hand selected by the designer for that unique Sweet Revenge look. Fabrics and trims are sourced in the USA, as are the fabric printing, manufacture, and silk screen services to promote growth in the US fashion industry.

Catherine Fritsch is the Designer/Owner of the company, and has 18 years of experience in design and creation of custom fit clothing. Her company, Mercurious Designs, offers design, pattern making, and custom sewing services to local clients and new businesses around the country. This is her first foray into the world of ready-to-wear, and she expects the same quality from her manufactuer as she does for each custom garment she creates. Her inspirations come from vintage clothing, sweet treats, and the strong savvy women she knows and respects."

Welcome and we look forward to doing BIG things with Sweet Revenge Lingerie.

Until then: "In the end, the customer doesn't know, or care, if you are small or large as an organization . . . she or he only focuses on the garment hanging on the rail in the store." Giorgio Armani

Early New Year's Resolution - Blog More Often

This is my goal of the year 2010 - to keep my blog up to date and way more fascinating than it has been this year. Stay close as I know that 2010 is truly going to be year of wonderful fashion, life altering miracles, and just plain better judgement. You live and you learn and this whole blogging thing was new to me this year. I hope I have learned and can implement some better content, articles, pics, and more this coming year. So I say a huge "THANK YOU" to those who have actually read my blog this year. I do hope there was something that you did like or something that helped you in business or life or that you simply just enjoyed reading it.

Looking back on the start of Aesthetic Design Style in February of 2008 we have already come a long way. All of this started as a thought in my head and just evolved from there - one tiny baby step at a time. We now have 7 of the most amazing designers and women that you could ever meet. One of the 7 hasn't been announced yet but she is just as magnificent as the others and I cannot wait until the reveal. That's what is so wonderful about having your own business - I only have to have the lines and designers that I am in love with. I have the power to choose and help and be a part of the things that I feel are the best and that I feel are the best for others. It is such an empowering feeling and a great feeling to try and help others.

For the remainder of this year, let's make it priority to do just that - help others. I know we are in the midst of one of the most materialistic times of year but let's not lose focus on what it is all about. No matter what your race, creed, religion, culture, etc., everyone has a sense of self and a sense of helping others. It is in the simple ways that people are changed. Just a smile to someone on the street or a handshake does more for people than you'll ever know. Be conscious of the little things and be thankful for ALL of them.

Until then: "Nothing great has been and nothing great can be accomplished without passion."