House of Etoile du North: Fall 2014

Hello Everyone!


I have been inspired recently to write about the kind of fashions I've seen on the streets of New York City. I feel like you can do anything here. You could literally go around in a black garbage bag and people would think your portraying some kind of an up and comer artists muse.

With that being said, I looked through many different designers Fall work and saw some synchronicity and some stark contrasts. For Fall 2014, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel focused on embellishments like finely placed jewels and the signature pearl look. His colors were cream, black and reds, very neutral and fall like.

Tom Ford was very black conscious with cognac and a few spritzes of red tones. His popular Tom Ford jersey worn by Beyoncé was everywhere! I'm sorry, but if one person wears it, it spoils it for the rest of us. Where's the originality? I'm not a fan of labeled clothing. Wear it once, then what? His boots were super high and reminded me of my Frye riding boots- minus the heel.

Ralph Lauren really played into the aluminum color. Think classic gray, jersey knit, easily moveable fabric. All I saw was this color! I love gray, suits look great and tweed inspired gray work dresses can be worn well from work to a night out.

Onto Valentino. He was inspired by the color red. Think Sangria and scarlet. Vibrant red! For some reason Valentino reminds me of Valentines day, hence the red. Maybe he was going for the same theme. Coincidence?

J.crew played on mixing florals with stripes and the color army green. Which is cool. I like the depth that these prints make when combined. Anywhere outside a major city, people would think I was colorblind. But, that's ok, I live in New York. Sorry, not sorry Y'all, New Yorkers are weird.

New Yorkers love their classic Wayfarers and Aviators. I went to The Metroopolitan Museum of Art for our new member night on Friday, wow what a crowd! I saw everything from a remake of Lourdes style, to Kylie Jenner. Yes, people are copying off the youngest Kardashian, or shall I say Jenner.

All I really want for Fall 2014 is a great pair of classic white Converse for commuting to and from work ( I put them in the washer almost every other month).   A chambray shirt ( I over worn my last one), I am really feeling the light chambray and a dark wash jean. A  black skinny pant, J Brand skinny jeans ,gray, black, and white shirts, and my navy blazer. Oh yes, a quality pair of black heels. I also found a cute pair of Sam Elderman ankle boots in cognac at Nordstrom. I can't forget my army green jacket!  I do like the idea of a punch of yellow for a clutch. This one is Dior. My list hasn't really budged much from last season except for a few minor details. I think this works for my Fall 2014 list.

Love this Chanel bag, Etoile du North loves it too! Fashion inspiration!

What's your Fall 2014 wardrobe wish-list?

Fall Color Trend Report: 2014

Hello Readers!

Each season, Pantone Color Forecasting releases their color report for the upcoming season. Since I have not received my September Fall Vogue issue yet, I am in full anticipation to hear all about the color combinations this season has in store.

I prefer classic neutrals, especially black in New York, but every once in awhile, I love buying a piece that accentuates my wardrobe. It's even fun using these colors with paint and crafts inside  the classroom and experimenting with different color.

You can even use their colors in interior design or buy a bunch of fresh cut flowers for your home. Flowers add a vibrant "pop" to any drab room. Try buying a radiant orchid in  the color "Radiant Orchid".  Some people are partial to "Trends" but I think it's fun to try different colors each season. So, enough of my babbling, here are the top ten colors for Fall/Winter 2014.

In no particular order. Have fun with it! Fall 2014:

1. Bright Cobalt
2. Cognac
3. Radiant Orchid
4. Sangria
5. Misted Yellow
6. Royal Blue
7. Mauve Mist
8. Aluminum
9. Aurora Red
10.Cyprus

Wedding Day Bliss

Hello Readers!

July went by in a flash! I can't believe our wedding day came and gone. We shared so many memories that evening with friends and family. It was a wonderful evening filled with joy and love.

Weddings are such joyous occasions that surround and embrace you with good vibrations and togetherness. I want to thank my friends and family for showering us with amazing gifts and a night we will always remember. My wedding planners, photographer, and wedding band were magnificent! If there was advice I could give a bride-to-be, I would say, relax and let everything just flow. That is exactly what I did. This event unfolded the way it was meant to.  The only time I thought I was going to ball my eyes out is when my dad kissed me on the cheek at the alter! I kept it together;)

My bridesmaids were beautiful and the wedding venue looked stunning! I think I was going for a formal romantic evening affair. I was imagining candlelight, chandeliers, and an old ballroom vibe. The flowers were white with a tinge of vintage pink roses and antique silver place settings with gold chairs and gold lined plates.

Jacquelyn Kennedy is an icon of mine and I had this picture in my head of her lighting a candle for a formal dinner at the White House. I think the recreation went all as planned. Here are some pictures of the wedding. These aren't the photographers photos, so I'm waiting to post those as soon as they are  finished.



My dress was a Legends Ramona Kreveza  gown I found in Belle Meade at a boutique called b. Hughes Bridal in Nashville, TN. I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on. I think my favorite accessory was my chapel length lace veil, and a borrowed pearl bracelet my best girlfriend let me use. My sister bought me the Mr. And Mrs. Kate Spade clutch as a wedding gift. It has such meaning that it resembles a New York license plate. I love it!

The night went by in a flash!  Professional photos to post! San Juan Honeymoon pics as well!

If you're planning a wedding, here are some great people to help!

Spencer Event Strategy:

http://www.spencereventstrategy.com

Stephen M. Tokar Designs:

http://www.stephenmtokar.com/blog1/portfolio/

Tom Forrest Photography:

http://tomforrestphoto.com/index2.php

Tony Quarles Discovery Band:

http://discoveryband.com

Spencer Event Strategy:

http://www.spencereventstrategy.com

My North Star: Etoile du North

Hello My Readers!

I hope you are all doing swell! I've been hard at work trying to kick start my creative motivation!   As you can see, I have a passion and eye for design and fashion. I also love teaching children and contributing to society in a meaningful way.

Late at night, I get bit by the creative bug that gets ahold of me and won't let go. Ouch! I'm tired, just let me sleep! It's a great feeling! I just wish it would bite me in the wee morning hours.

Since I live in the big city, it's only natural for me to gravitate toward Fashion Ave. I can't stop poking my head into Mood Fabrics. When I'm inside my creative button revs into overdrive and I can't stop touching all the beautiful fabrics.

I stumbled upon a jersey type stretch material and fell head over heels in love with it. I am a lover of stripes. Anything black and white, navy and white,  and red and white, just inspire me in their beauty. It magically brought me back to when I was a child wanting an exceptional blanket to sleep with at night.

It's lightweight but keeps you warm, and great for summer slumber because it has a cooling effect when you move. So cute as a weekend picnic blanket or a summer beach blankie! A perfect baby or children's blanket! I can totally see it over a stroller or in a crib.

I even put it on my fiancé when he was snoozing! I urgently needed a name and it "popped" into my head. "Etoile du North" which means "North Star" in French. As I'm eagerly anticipating my new last name and  shedding my old one, I thought I would rebirth my new brand!

I will be showing my new line shortly. I'm so excited! I will also be giving a percentage of the proceeds to an educational program in New York City. I want to improve their schools for the future. I found my North Star! Sneak Peek!

Children's Book in July: Time to Pee

Hello Readers!

Since I am a toddler 2-year old teacher, I thought this book would really come in handy for children's learning about potty training. As we age, it's really only natural to know how and when to use the potty. But, if you can think back that far, it's really a challenging concept for an itty bitty thing to understand.

 Children think very concretely, some look at me very strange when I tell them they need to use the toilet. I believe they are thinking,"why is she telling me to sit on that cold scary thing when my diaper is much more comfortable and easy?"

Don't get me wrong,  some children can sit and go potty as soon as they see someone else do it, but for others it's a little bit tricky. That's why I choose to talk about a good book, Time to Pee by Mo Willems. This book is very basic and full of illustrations and instructions on how to go potty.

Some children need charts and stickers, while others just need regular reminders. I have even heard about potty parties or to reward your child with a gift they have been really wanting. Every child is different! I have noticed that girls tend to learn the concept a bit faster than boys. Don't worry! Don't stress yourself out or your child, it's a learning curve for both parties.

Just remember parents, if you ever get impatient, just think about how someday you might be back in diapers walking ever so slowly to the potty. Show patience and understanding, you never know when you'll need your children's help someday! Give lots of love and excitement for those first few months of potty exploration!