Tootsies Presents Alice + Olivia's Latest Summer 2014 Collection

Tootsies recently highlighted the latest Alice + Olivia collection during a 3-day trunk show in Dallas.  Once again, Alice + Olivia proves that clothes can be whimsical with a bit of edge thrown in.  The collection was a mix of feminine silhouettes and streamlined styles.  The collection featured a mostly neutral color palette with pops of light pinks and the essential black and white.  One of the components that I really liked was the leather-trimmed details on the tops and pants.  And my favorite piece from the collection was the pink flamingo blouse, of course!    

I enjoyed being able to see and touch the clothes in person.  If you didn't get a chance to see the collection yet, stop by Tootsies at the Plaza at Preston Center in Dallas.  They have a great selection of the summer line as well as previous Alice + Olivia collections.  If you don't live in the Dallas area, you can also visit the Tootsies locations in Houston and Atlanta.  Plus, you can shop Tootsies' online boutique at Farfetch.

P.S. - Tootsies is also having a great sale right now.  I found a Kate Spade dress for 70% off!  You can't beat that.  What designer steals will you discover at Tootsies this season?

Alice + Olivia Summer Collection @ Tootsies Dallas

Alice + Olivia rose as a fashion favorite when the brand was launched in 2002.  The label's designer Stacey Bendet seems to balance femininity with a fashion-forward attitude (like this dress!) each season.  Now you've got a chance to see the latest collection at Tootsies for a fabulous trunk show.  The summer collection is spectacular.  See for yourself at Tootsies Dallas from May 29-31.

Love Charlie J Candy Coated Cool Trunk Show 2013

Love Charlie J is an online vintage business run by Nicole Johnson, an El Centro Stylista.  She put on this amazing trunk show and fashion presentation last weekend.  I'm so impressed and inspired by all that she does.  Her collection of vintage clothing is to die for.  I had to jump at the chance to buy this pink sequin dress at the trunk show.  Best of all, the quality is high but the prices are reasonable for vintage fashions.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Nicole and her friend / employee Arielle Ward at SMU Fashion Week.  We got to talking and they invited me to the show, and I was so excited!  I also bumped into my fashion teacher, Professor Willoughby!  It was so great seeing him.

Here are some of my favorite items on her site available for purchase right now!

1. Chic Elegant Cocktail Dress

2. Versus by Versace Jacket

3. Denim Dress from the 1990s

Check out Love Charlie J's blog and online store!

 My pink sequin dress!

 Nicole Johnson

Small 4 Style Interviews Christian Siriano

With Christian in 2012

Christian Siriano, Project Runway winner (4^th Season), is one of the fiercest designers of our time. As a serious Runway devotee, I was completely obsessed with his incredible designs, likable personality, and his “tranny fierceness” since the very beginning. I got an email from Neiman Marcus Northpark announcing that Christian would be visiting for a trunk show, and I was beyond excited! When I arrived, there were so many fans and fashionistas waiting to talk to Christian, it was so cool! He was sweet enough to answer some questions.

When asked who his style icon was, I was surprised to find out that he actually doesn’t have one (which actually seems smart to me since he sells to the world’s most famous stylistas).  Instead, he talked about how he’s all about what’s “new and fresh,” and draws inspiration from women who are doing “new and fun things.”  I always love to know how people, especially fashion designers, describe their personal styles in 2 words.  Christian said, “I guess it’s kind of like British Boy-band.” I totally see that!

As the youngest winner of Project Runway, he is an excellent source of advice for those wanting to work in the fashion industry.  Christian suggests, “Find your niche and test out every little part of it (PR, Marketing, Design) because there’s so many things and you really have to find the right thing for you.  You have to really love it because fashion is not always glamorous.  You have to really be obsessed with it.”  I love that Christian took advantage of every opportunity that came his way after his win, like his collaboration with Payless and showing his collection at New York Fashion Week each season.

This was actually my second opportunity to meet Christian.  I met him in 2009 when he was in Dallas for a trunk show at Forty Five Ten. At that time, he had just released his book, Fierce Style: How To Be Your Most Fabulous Self (I HIGHLY recommend his book!).  I was so star struck and speechless when I saw him that first time.  I could barely speak.  I know at one point he pointed to me and said, “You look fabulous!” I’m so lucky I had another chance to talk to him (really, I talked to him this time) and look at his collection up close! 

With Christian in 2009

I love the Parisian stripes he has going on in his collection

Pink Ruffles: My Signature!

I'm obsessed with the cute collar on this dress

These shoulders are so fab!

This dress is even more gorgeous in person

Fierce

Christian Siriano: Interview Sneak Peak

I met fashion designer Christian Siriano for the second time today (I met him before in 2008) at Neiman Marcus Northpark!  I can't get over how sweet he is.  I'll be posting my interview with Christian soon, so stay tuned!  I know the stylish suspense is killing you...

SMU Fashion Week Trunk Show Featuring Piermarini Boutique and More!

Attention SMU students!  Stop by the Owen's Fine Arts Center Atrium on Tuesday March 27 from 11:00-4:00 for a fabulous trunk show!  I'm most excited to see John Piermarini's selection of spring 2012 pieces from Piermarini Boutique.  He is going to be there to hang out and help you style spring outfits!  Rent the Runway and other SMU Fashion Week sponsors will also be featured at the trunk show.  See you there!

And stay tuned for my interview with John!  Check out SMU Fashion Week's website for more information on this week's events!

Small4Style Interviews Thakoon

Me with Thakoon!  Photo Credit: Bo Joplin

Acclaimed fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul visited Dallas on Friday for a trunk show extravaganza.  Dallas stylistas and fans gathered at chic Dallas boutique Forty Five Ten to celebrate Thakoon’s spring 2012 collection.  Ten percent of sales from his collection will go to TwoxTwo for AIDS and Art, which benefits AIDS research and the Dallas Museum of Art.  I love it when fashionistas give back! 

You might remember Thakoon from the 2009 documentary The September Issue and from the runways at New York Fashion Week each season.  He was a recipient of the Vogue/CFDA Fund in 2006 and worked closely with Anna Wintour to launch his career in fashion.  Since then, his designs have been worn and admired by celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Moore. 

I was lucky enough to meet Thakoon, and he’s so friendly, just as I had expected.  He was kind enough to answer some questions!  I asked Thakoon if he could describe his style in two words.  He said, “No…  No and no.”  I thought that was so funny!  I always like to know who and what successful fashion designers look to for inspiration.  For Thakoon, a style icon is someone he “looks to for style.” Interestingly, his biggest inspiration is “freedom.”

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex