#ashley tschudin
As the royal wedding buzz continues to spread, beginning the 2011 wedding season, Victoria’s Secret unveils their bridal lingerie collection. Modeled by Victoria’s Secret Angel and bride to be, Lily Aldridge, dressing up, or down, in bridal whites grabs the attention of soon-to-be blissfully wed couples.
While we do not all look like supermodels, no woman should be left feeling less than perfect on her special day. This bridal glow exudes as the queen for the day slides her panty, bra, and garter set on beneath her crystal-encrusted gown.
Some consumers wonder whether the exclusive bridal lingerie collection straddles the tight walk between classy and kinky bride. Unquestionable is the surefire blush of the groom as he rips the bridal bodice off of his new bride, uncovering airy ruffles, lace, and scallop detailed intimates.
Photos Courtesy of InStyleandMy Face Hunter
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live April 12, 2011)
Decked out in your LBD and red sole Louboutins, the only thing missing from your nearly perfect outfit is a glittering statement piece. VSL offers an exclusive range of luxury accessories — “blinging” jewelry seekers with cuff bracelets, chunky silver stacking bracelets, and glowing gemstones.
Victoria Shorten founded and is the head designer for VSL — a New York raised style aficionado. Setting up a public relations agency, Power PR International, in Dublin, Cork, and London, Shorten wanted to further explore her creative side, establishing VS Luxury Limited in 2010. With her unwavering commitment to quality materials and expert crafting, her jewelry exudes youth, glamour, and edgy elegance.
Especially notable VSL pieces, seen on arms of Lady Gaga, are the TILA cuffs and gloves. Always catching the eyes of other party and event goers, the Swarovski crystal embellished accessories are conversation starters and worthy of endless compliments.
Contact:
Website:http://vsljewelry.com/
Twitter: @VSLJewelry
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live May 13, 2011)
“Some Women Choose the Man, While Others Pick the MANolos”
Is it possible to have the complete package lifestyle, including the perfect career in fashion and the stable relationship? The balancing act between love and work is fragile, made even more delicate when working in the fashion industry.
Motivated by a desire to achieve success in an “eat you alive” industry, often times leaves you with little to no time to sleep let alone “sleep” with someone. Made easier by the occasional male or female model you meet at an event, who will sweep you off your feet for one night of bliss.
Time plays a crucial role in your balancing decision: often times at a young age striving for career success, jet setting from one fashion capital to the next, only to realize in your mid 30′s that you are all alone living out of a Louis Vuitton suitcase talking to your mini Maltese for advice.
Could it be time to unpack your luggage and settle down or does the draw of the runway lights and an editorial spread inVogue give your heart more of a pitter-patter?
Xx Cocktail Chic
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live May 7, 2011)
It is often said that women do not dress for men and that we instead dress to impress other women. There is a subconscious competition brewing in the female brain as we slide on our harem pants and oversized designer sunglasses, knowing that (most) women will envy our fashion sense. While the other women jealously eye us from across the room, we leave the men wondering why we look like MC Hammer, repelling them with our fashion choices.
Known as the “MC Hammer Effect”, the challenge when trying to attract a member of the opposite sex is often dressing the part. You may know how to dress for a runway show, but your “man repellent” (or female repellent in a man’s case) clothes need to remain on the hanger on date nights.
Women’s Fashion Men Don’t Understand
Harem Pants
Oversized “Bug-eye” Sunglasses
Fur Vests (It’s okay Rachel Zoe, Miss Matched still thinks they are BANANAS)
Excessively Large Handbags
High Waisted Pants
Jumpsuits
UGGs
Gladiator Sandals
Men’s Fashion (or lack there of) that Women Don’t Understand
Baggy Pants
Tight “Hipster” Pants
Speedos (It’s a European thing)
Men’s Jewelry (Leave the accessorizing to us)
Socks with Sandals
Short Shorts
Wifebeaters
It is surprising how little we understand about the opposite gender’s fashion choices (or how much we don’t care, yet wonder why we are still single)
Hence the creation of Man Repeller
Xx Cocktail Chic
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live April 23, 2011)
Just as you clean out the clutter of past seasons collections from your overstuffed closet, your heart requires you to conduct an emotional spring cleaning as well. Whether you are in a relationship, fresh out of a heart-wrenching breakup, or happily single, you owe it to yourself to clean out the clutter from past or current relationships – without doing so you won’t be able to progress romantically.
While you can dedicate a few hours (or in CC’s case, requiring an entire day) to bag up your last season’s Miu Mius, boxing and labeling your feelings “trash”, “donations”, and “keep” is not as simple. It is challenging to “throw away” your heartbreaks and placing them out of sight, out of mind comes more easily. This tactic of placing your emotions high on the top shelf only prevents natural healing and growth and does yourself a disservice. Since you can’t exactly “donate” your ex boyfriend or girlfriend to charity (let’s face it who would want them anyway?), you can evaluate why they no longer fit into your life and how the next season will be more promising then the last. The “keep” box is an acknowledgement of the positive things you take from past relationships and what you hope to see more of in the future. Hang these thoughts at the forefront of your mind.
Your emotional detox is a decluttering of your dating and relationship experiences, allowing you the opportunity to nix the negative and draw in your ideal partner. Without analyzing how you dealt with past relationships, you will never fully understand how emotionally saturated with debris your mind and heart are. Just as last fall’s rustic cape trend is passé, as are your relationship missteps – on to a new style of…dating.
Xx Cocktail Chic
Photo Courtesy of Oprah
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live April 16, 2011)
June 26, 2011– Take a walk with us down the GREEN carpet at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for the 2011 BET Awards
Kerry Washington in Michael Kors
La La Vasquez wearing Tom Ford
Nia Long in LWD by BCBG Max Azria
(FASHION FAIL) Mary J. Blige wearing form-fitting Herve Leger mini
(FASHION FAIL) Tika Sumpter in Herve Leger, paired with Giuseppe Zanotti heels
(BEST DRESSED) Michelle Williams in amethyst BCBG Max Azria dress with gold-plated Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
Eve atypical in leather Thomas Wylde
Keri Hilson wearing purple Tibi jumpsuit and mismatched necklace and cuffs
Justin Bieber presents wearing denim vest and a David Yurman bracelet
Brother and sister duo, Willow and Jaden Smith
(FASHION FAIL) Nicki Minaj in WHAT ON EARTH WAS HER STYLIST THINKING
Kelly Rowland dazzles in fuchsia Marchesa with nude Jimmy Choo heels
Alicia Keys keeps it classy with black and white Dolce & Gabbana
(FASHION FAIL) Ashanti goes to an 80′s prom in blue Jean Fares Couture gown?
White Party: Dawn Richard, Diddy, and Kalenna Harper of Diddy Dirty Money
Nick Cannon
Ne-Yo
The Game
(FASHION FAIL) Host Kevin Hart
Photography Sources: InStyle, MSN
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 27, 2011)
Project Runway judge Heidi Klum will launch a new “Wildlife” jewelry line with QVC, featuring 35 statement pieces including cocktail rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Wildlife, priced between $30-$200, will release in two parts: first, in early September coinciding with New York City Fashion Week, and then finally in October.
What should we expect from the supermodel’s QVC jewelry collection? “Each piece is designed to give any outfit a boost, and the vibrant colors and intricate designs are guaranteed to get noticed. Each piece in the collection is special by itself and can stand alone. I don’t think you need to match anymore; that’s out! Your earrings don’t have to match your bracelet and rings. The eclectic look is in” (Klum)!
Say Auf Wiedersehen to boring jewelry as Klum launches her second jewelry line with famous online shopping network, QVC.
Photography Source: Bing
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 27, 2011)
It’s as if we’ve stepped into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory mixed with Alice in Wonderland, where we are surrounded by giant Versace lollies and larger than life butterflies and flowers. Thursday marked the Pitti Bimbio launch of Young Versace, a new range of kids’ clothes from Donatella and Co.
Sticking with the whimsical surrounding theme, the pastels and Alice in Wonderland print onesies and dresses are sure to tug at your heartstrings. Sadly, those dying to deck their tiny tots in playful (overpriced) designer duds have to wait until next spring.
Photography Source: Fashionista
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 25, 2011)
Fashion News Live’s first introduction to Susan Foster’s exquisite fine jewelry was opening the April issue of GenLux Magazine where Alexandra Daddario dazzled in Foster’s handmade 18K white gold 16ct. diamond slice necklace with micro pave — a glistening glimpse into a jewelry designer’s world. Fast-forward two months and we have the pleasure of delving deeper into Foster’s creative mind: one filled with endless knowledge of gemology and impeccable style.
Originally a communications major and theatre minor, Foster found herself surrounded by an entertainment family: her stepfather designed and built John Steinbeck’s work studio in the Hamptons, her cousin is the set decorator for shows like Gossip GirlandSex and the City, and other family members have worked behind the scenes in films like the Godfather. With such an extensive entertainment background, you would think she would immediately dip her toes into the television or cinema pool, but the pull towards the world of style was too strong.
Following her college graduation, Foster packed up for Los Angeles, living in a Beverly Hills guesthouse — a move that would drastically change her career path. After settling into her new home, Foster was given a necklace by a neighbor; a cherished piece that sadly broke, only to take her right back to the neighbor’s home for immediate mending. As Foster watched her neighbor’s dedication, patience, and talent in fixing the necklace, she quickly grew fascinated with the art of jewelry making — thus began a star powered jewelry design career, filled with microscopes, calibrators, millimeter gages, and sketchbooks (essential tools for any jeweler of course).
Foster is a designer who finds inspiration from within, designing based on her feelings, and who believes that “you should not be afraid to indulge in fine jewelry for yourself: it is the best possible gift that’ll last a lifetime.” This belief in the longevity of jewelry is exemplified in her dedication to the craft and her collections, which are filled with “handmade, one-of-a-kind jewels that evoke mysterious glamour.”
Drawn to this mysterious glamour are celebrities like Maria Shriver, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, Jessica Simpson, Sandra Bullock, and Renee Zellweger and magazines such as InStyle, Elle, Glamour, and People(to name a few). Most recently Faye Dunaway wore her pieces to Cannes and Mila Kunis and Emma Stone just wore her creations this past week. While many designers approach celebrities, dying for exposure, Foster has never approached an actress (not that she needs to). Humbled by the extensive exposure and media attention her pieces evoke, Foster’s fine jewelry seems to mysteriously seduce her female clientele.
You too will find yourself tempted by the glisten of her perfectly crafted romantic yet whimsical treasures, that’ll outlast any and all fashion trends.
Foster’s Five Fun Facts:
Susan plays polo on the weekends with a bunch of Brits.
She’s a natural redhead.
She dated a rockstar (name not to be mentioned).
She collects modern Japanese pop surrealism art.
She flys planes from time to time.
*Extra Fun Fact* Foster is the Creator and Executive Producer of her own TV show in the works about jewelry and style around the word — so stay tuned!
Photography Sources: SusanFosterJewelry.com, Bing
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 24, 2011)
Flipping through the McQueen Resort 2012 collection images, my heart began to sink — the first few shots left me unsettled and discontent. Where was the over-the-top creativity that embodied McQueen? Where were the breathtaking gowns and higher that life heels? It wasn’t until some 20 images in, that inspiration grabbed hold.
A fusion of military details, Edwardian silhouettes, and the idea of “romantic utility” characterized Sarah Burton’s Mcqueen Resort 2012 collection. The tough elegance of the delicate lace skirts and trenches exuded strength and beauty. Appreciative of the fine tailoring and exquisite detailing, there remains something missing…
Photography Source: Fashionologie
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 23, 2011)
It seems like every few months Nicola Formichetti finds inspiration in another fresh face — from Lady Gaga to Rick Genest and now Nomi Ruiz.
The singer and model is in the forthcoming issue of V, shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Immediately after meeting for the shoot, Formichetti requested Ruiz for his upcoming Mugler menswear collection campaign film, where Ruiz can be spotted vamping on the bed in the bondage scene and her band, Jessica 6, can be heard on the accompanying soundtrack.
Formichetti is known for transforming relative unknowns into stars and has found his latest muse, Nomi Ruiz — a transgender singer from Brooklyn.
Styled by Nicola Formichetti and photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for Vmagazine.
Photography Sources: The Cut, Bing
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 23, 2011)
Could there be any better news on a Tuesday morning than finding out that Versace is doing a line for H&M?! Our only confusion lies in the fact that in 2008 Donatella Versace said that she respects designers who do these lines but didn’t want to do one herself “because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand.” As of this week, her tune changed slightly and the designer remarked, “I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere.”
The H&M “Iconic Collection”, featuring Versace archive pieces repurposed for H&M, will be available on two dates: November 17 including men’s, women’s, and homewear, and then a prespring collection on January 19. The November 17th collection will be available in stores, while the January 19th launch will be online.
Photography Source: H&M
Information Sources: Huffington Post, The Cut
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 21, 2011)
Stacy Keibler, Bachelor Pad’s Tenley Molzahn, and The Girls Next Door’s Hope Dworacyzk all donned Claudia E’s Marina Dress.
Stacy Keibler keeps it simple with her hair in a side braid, sans accessories.
Bachelor Pad’s Tenley Molzahn spends a day shopping in her black dress with a pink sash, adding a long silver necklace to the mix.
(BEST DRESSED) Hope Dworacyzk stands apart from the other young women in her striped dress and neon yellow sash. We do question her shoe choice though.
Photographs Courtesy of Michele Marie PR
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 21, 2011)
Cracking open My Life in Loubies in Los Angeles did not have the same effect it did as I perched my sore feet on a rock in Central Park to finish the New York-based novel. As a 20-something young woman with serious shopaholic tendencies, it is easy to relate to Vanessa, a New Yorker who thinks she’s got it all — the perfect boyfriend, a thriving company, a loyal best friend, and a closet filled with designer fashions. Little does she know, that her perfect world would come crashing down.
Author Erica Negi, creates a witty and morally endearing tale where one woman finds solace in a man who provides her with everything she ever wanted — or thought she wanted. Could her lack of financial control, her disconnect from a life she once lived, and her drive to fit in with the upper crust of society, leave her feeling lost and more alone than she was among a crowd of 20 million in New York?
Vanessa’s struggle to find herself and rebuild her life is a modern twist on the Cinderella myth, where she learns that money can not buy true happiness (even though it can fill an immense shoe closet). Ultimately, while she may not be able to live a lavish Louboutin-filled life, she continues to live a rich life, surrounded by family, friends, and career success.
Photography Source: EricaNegi.com
Novel Available on Amazon
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 21, 2011)
In a culture where materialism runs rampant and the pressure to live a life of luxury increases, women feel the need to wear gold, platinum, and precious gems. What these women do not understand is that jewelry does not always need to convey material wealth and can instead be whimsical and playful.
Plastic Seconds focuses on creating unique accessories — attention grabbing pieces without the hefty price tags. In this ecologically unsound culture, we leave behind many non-recyclables, which provide useful material for accessory designers because of their distinctive shapes and colors. Because of the wide-array of non-recyclables available, each is created with a different vision, making them limited edition pieces.
Plastic Seconds’ owner and designer, Maria Papadimitriou’s dedication to designing 3D props and accessories made from recycled materials is evident in the extensive press she has received, including features in Amelia’s Magazine,Percolate Magazine, on Supermarket Sarah, and soon ASOS. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree, a close friend and roommate taught Papadimitriou the importance of recycling, which led to her website launch in August 2010 with the aim to salvage as many plastic non recyclable bits as possible. The designer is “drawn to design which cleverly, and often humorously, places common objects in unexpected contexts and loves making bold pieces spark a conversation” (Papadimitriou). She strives to be socially responsible and to increase ecological awareness through her recycled adornments.
Greenis the NewBlack
Visit plasticseconds.com and TheJunctionBoutique.com to Accessorize with Maria Papadimitriou
Also, available on the ASOS Marketplace Boutique soon.
Photographs Provided by Maria Papadimitriou
Models Photographed and Styled By Secret Danger Sister
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 20, 2011)
“It’s not about the time u spent, it’s about the investment and dedication” -Ashley Tschudin
Blink and you’ll have missed how quickly Coco & Breezy hit the fashion scene — the identical twin accessory designers are making a name for themselves on the underground and online fashion scene. Working from a young age (not that they are old now or anything), taught them about dedication and following your life’s passion. Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota did not offer them the same fashion career opportunities that New York could. With a few dollars in their pocket and big city dreams, the two took their unique styles to the Big Apple in September 2009.
As soon as they arrived to their new home, it was impossible for New Yorkers not to stop, notice, and gawk — how could they not when the twins were decked out in wavy shades, embellished to a T?! What New Yorkers did not know was the passion and drive behind those frames: a sincere love for their craft and the belief that they could and WOULD make it in the cruel fashion world.
It seemed within days, the twins had their sunglasses on celebrities like Kelly Osbourne, Serena Williams, and Nicki Minaj and were featured in press such as the New York Times,Vouge Itailia,Paper Magazine,Vibe Magazine, and more. Since their arrival on the scene, they have expanded from signature sunglasses to include a full line of “Wearable Art” and children’s accessories; all of which tell a story.
What’s next for these down to Earth, unique women of style? Predication: a feature in Nylon Magazine (long overdue) and a brand reinvention possibly? Only time will tell…probably at rapid speed knowing how quickly they originally found fashion fame.
If The Celebrities Rock Them Why Can’t You?
Eyewear:
Liners
Corners
Riddicks
Startek
Starfleet
Starbuck
Feline
Spikey Chain
Evolution
Egyptian
Wearable Art:
Art-Mania
Beamer
Power
For More Stylish Sunnies, Wearable Art, and Children’s Accessories, Visit CocoAndBreezy.com
Photography Sources: Coco and Breezy, Bing
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 20, 2011)
You may know them as the “Bowtie Boys”, but when you meet the handsome designer duo in the streets of New York City try not to refer to them as anything besides Robot and Brucling. Their unique urban chic style and swag captivates a room, leaving others wondering whom these young men are.
Established in 2009, designers ”Robot” and “Brucling” founded the Robot & Brucling label, adopting their nicknames from friends based on their unique personalities. The two attended school together as youths but did not run in the same crowds — although they later learned how eerily similar they actually are. Years after being school peers, their strong faith in God brought them to the same church where they took to heart the message of the importance of two being a stronger force than one. This calling to work together, joining their creative passions into one company, began a fast-moving fashion force.
Creating hand-made bow ties, these self-taught designers began selling their products on robotandbrucling.com at the end of March 2010, with an original “11 piece collection ranging from the basic denim Chelseabow tie to the grand dame and first opulent tie of the label, Lady Vienna.” Not surprising, their statement bowties began appearing on celebrities, including Tila Tequila, singer Steph Jones, and most recently Beyoncéin the Oprah finale. Through the fast-forming fashion connections, the two began to discuss a collaboration with Richie Rich, former Heatherette designer. A collaboration that resulted in a full collection featured in the “Popluxe” runway show at Lincoln Center during the SS’11 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City and later during Miami Fashion Week.
In two short years, Robot and Brucling have made their mark on the New York and Miami Fashion scenes, but where will they take their ripped jeans, pocket squares, oversized sunglasses, and bowtie clad selves next? While getting your designs on Beyoncé may seem like a career peak, there is only further up to go for these designers: possibly getting a bowtie on the infamous Daphne Guinness (who has one designed in her honor already) or having their designs prance down the runway at the next LA Fashion Week.
There is no question that these wavy designers have luck on their side… it’s as if a bird pooped on THEM during a recent interview in Central Park.
Photographs Courtesy of Robot & Brucling
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 17, 2011)
June 16, 2011 — Rodarte debuts a couture site-specific installation collectionin Florence showcasing 10 pieces created exclusively on the occasion of the 8th edition of Pitti W. The 10 gowns are inspired by Fra Angelico’s frescoes in the monks’ cells at the Convent of San Marco as well as Bernini’s The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
Suspended in the air, the garments, constructed with feathers, Swarovski crystals, silk georgette, chiffon, organza, satin, taffeta, lamé, sequins, and tulle are like sculptures encompassed by neon lights. Four of the gowns incorporate elaborate hand-forged gold metal pieces including breastplates, belts and head pieces.
“Laura and I have been deeply inspired by Florence and its artistic legacy. We have spent countless hours dreaming of the poetic city, every detail magnified by our own curiosity and imagination,” says Kate Mulleavy.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is pleased to announce the promised gift of this exclusive couture collection by Rodarte presented at Pitti Immagine. If you’re as inspired as we are by these pieces and are unable to take your private jet to Florence, do not fret– unless you also don’t live in Los Angeles, which in that case enjoy the below photographs.
As if an installation exhibit was not enough, Rodarte’s first monograph, Rodarte, Catherine Opie, Alec Soth published by JRP/Ringier with a text by John Kelsey, will also launch at Pitti W — collaborating with two art photographers, Catherine Opie and Alec Soth, to create the first publication to examine the world of Rodarte.
Information Source: Paris-LA
Photography Source: The Cut, Paris-LA
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 16, 2011)
