Fashion Los Angeles hosted the first ever, “Meet the Public”- a pop-up shop held in downtown LA that brought together jewelry and fashion designers, as well as artists to showcase their reasonably priced goods to the trendy LA consumers. Along with the pop-up shop, LA’s own burgeoning fashion blogger community- Two Point Oh LA also held a “Bloggers Cafe” during the event. I met up with Natalie of Nana Bijou Jewelry, who was showing off her latest beautiful creations that never cease to disappoint. As I browsed the racks, I found an amazing floor-length peach silk fringe gown by Natalia Romano. There is also a shorter version of the dress available as well. I spoke with Anh Volcek, designer of the line L’une Collection. L’une means “the one” in French. Anh’s line is meant to move with the body and uses only fabrics that stretch and are made to help execute that. Her line was simple, but it was the little things like a feathered collar, feathered skirt or a dress that tied at the shoulder that add that extra playful detail. I then stumbled upon a cute jacket that could be worn for work or dressed up for the evening. I admired the attention to detail the designer put into the lining of the jacket. I then learned that the designer was Lisa Michelle of the Lisa Michelle Collection. Along with apparel, she also has a new accessories line, which consists of: intricately trimmed belts and cuffs; and bib necklaces. I was able to speak to Lisa about her collection and inspirations and learned that she major in art at Reed College and loved creating sculptures. After creating sculptural clothing for her final project, she went on to study fashion design and pattern making at Otis. She launched her first collection after working as an associate designer for Monique Lhuillier. She looks at the 1920’s era and Art Deco architecture for most of her inspirations for her last collection of apparel and accessories. “…I sourced unique, vintage-inspired trims, which I collaged and layered to create many of the belts, cuffs and other accessories in the collection. These trims are also used to create special details in the clothes. I love to work with intricately beaded trims, stones and fabrications, like plush panne velvet, interesting knits and silk chiffon,” Lisa explained, regarding this season’s collection. Lisa was kind enough to gift me a cuff with ruffle/zipper trim and a sleeveless tiered ruffle dress, which I happily reviewed. To read the review, please click here. Chelsea Rebelle designer- Sarah Brannon had pieces for sale… two of her dresses were “to die for”…one was short-sleeved with an amplified skirt in navy but with a quirky twist: yellow bows placed strategically on the dress and the other also had the same silhouette and was done all in silver glitter (I hear Kelly Osbourne owns one). Both dresses are also made out of heavy fabric…but oh what we wouldn’t do in the name of fashion, I wouldn’t care if the fabric was heavy, that dress was amazing! I then met this petite fashionista with the cutest bangs and sweater and found that she was the designer for the shoe brand, Penelope and Coco…meet Marisa Spinella. PC is based out of LA and all their shoes are manufactured here in the U.S. The company’s mission statement, “Penelope and Coco thrives off the idea that it is nearly impossible to define ones style without having a little bit of diversity intertwined. Penelope and Coco brings together two alter egos in my life that defines my individual style and personality. The brand definitely portrays both personas ‘penelope’ and ‘Coco’ in its design aesthetics. We hope that when someone steps into a pair of PC’s, their own style develops even more and they have the ability to discover their inner Penelope and Coco.” When asked about her personal style, Marisa comments, “My style is always changing and mixing with one another. Sometimes it’s sophisticated, chic and modern while other times, it’s unconventional, dark and bohemian-esk. When I begin mixing these styles, that is when Penelope and Coco is truly present. (Penelope being the sophisticated one while Coco is the unconventional side.)” The best-sellers so far, have been the ‘Capone’ boot, the ‘Riina’ boot, the ‘Cooper’ leopard oxfords and the ‘Jo’ black snakeskin oxfords. Prices for the collection ranges from $459-484 for the boots and $382-484 for the oxfords. PC is currently available online, NY, LA, Hong Kong and coming soon to Germany! I’d like to spotlight a new skincare line that also was an event sponsor- Lily B. Skincare. Lily B. was founded in 2009 by Liz Bishop for skin that is beyond the acne phase and not yet ready for the heavy anti-aging products. I am currently using the Red Tea Defense Booster/Hydrating Serum, Multi-Action Rescue/Ultra Eye Cream, and 24/7 Defense/Daily Moisturizer. I love the products and I’ve noticed a change in my skin. It feels smoother and softer. The circles under my eyes seem to appear lighter and more youthful and the scarring from acne appears lighter as well. I’m definitely choosing Lily B. as my skincare of choice from now on! I would like to give a shout-out to make-up artist Anthony Gordon, who was doing mini-makeovers for the event and I was one of the participants. He perfected my ‘natural’ look and even created a nice dewy look without the make-up feeling greasy or caked on. The other brands that participated in MTP include: Brett Westfall; Gypsy05;Laugh, Cry, Repeat by Azen; Loaded; Louver; MG Black by Erik Hart; Norwick; Seam Ripper; TMinx; The Battalion; Yotam Solomon; Derapage Eyewear; Meyer Eyewear; Reiz; Joseph Brooks; M+R Jewelry; Shivaloka; Bagstil; Marmol Radziner; Novecento Antiques; Flaunt Magazine; Jessica Lee Garrison; Keith Jacobs; Taschen; Brendan Klein; Gino Perez; Michael Shields; Nora Shields and Patrick Shields.
Special Thanks: Kelsi Smith of Two Point Oh LA, Michael Venedicto of Fashion Los Angeles, the designers, brands and artists, Lily B. Skincare, Dry Soda Co., Anthony Gordon, the photographers…
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