#NYFW Kick-Off: Michael Kors Expands Brand, Adding Color and Scents!

Photo Credit: Business of Fashion

Runway Notes! Like Tory Burch, Fashion Designer, Michael Kors will expand his brand to develop "lifestyle" products (specifically, color cosmetics and fragrances): "Beauty is always such an important part of my runway. When we put on a fashion show — after this many years — I’ve learned the layers and the steps. When I first start thinking mood of the season, beauty is part of it from the start," says Michael Kors.

Kors spoke with The Associated Press about the expansion: 

Q: How is the process different for you in developing beauty products versus clothing and accessories? 

A: With accessories and clothes, first I have to fall in love with whatever it is, but then I get practical. Is the bag too heavy? Can you wear a bra with the dress? With beauty, it’s more of a quick mood check. … It’s more gut. Immediately, if I smell something and it’s evocative, I go with it. What takes so long is the packaging. 

Q: What about beauty products? 

A: When you buy something beauty, whether it’s a lipstick, nail polish or a new fragrance, it’s not a long shopping period. You either buy it or not. A perfume should take you away quickly — there’s no trying on pants with a shoe, rolling the jean just right, pretending you have heels on when you try on a skirt. 

Q: If women can get a pick-me-up from a new lipstick, how can you get that same quick fashion fix? 

A: Considering I wear the same thing almost every day, there’s not much I can do. For many men, the quick fix is the tie, and I don’t wear a tie, so I change my aviators (sunglasses). I’ll change the scale and color, whether it’s vintage leather, gunmetal or gold, that’s my mood quick-changer. 

Q: There are three types of muses for your three new perfumes, Sexy, Sporty and Glam. Who are they? 

A: There’s the “sexy,” who is all about confidence. She’s not naked, she could be in jeans or a gown, but she’s sexy. There’s “sporty,” the woman who could be headed to the red carpet or the gym, but she’s the type who just goes. And there’s “glam,” who likes to be the center of attention. 

Q: Did you have any of your famous friends in mind when you were making them? 

Runway Flashback via Fab TV 

A: I have a cast of characters that float by me, sometimes a friend, someone I work with, sometimes celebrity clients — all people who have those moods. For sporty, it’s Blake Lively — can’t you see her surfing and putting on a gown? Or Gwyneth (Paltrow) with her hair yanked back in a pony? Sexy is Angelina Jolie or Rihanna. They exude confidence. And then there’s the glamorous Jennifer Lopez. She’s never a wallflower. She goes big or goes home.

Q: Do you relate more to any one of the personas? 

A: I’m sporty by nature in that I’m relaxed. I don’t like to be stiff, but I’m the most uncoordinated sporty person. Roger Federer and I won’t be playing sporty tennis anytime soon. [Source: The Kansas City Star]

The Hook's Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. Chats with Celebrity Stylist, Ty Hunter

Style Notes! Ty Hunter went from window-dressing to styling THE HOTTEST superstar to hit the stage — Beyoncé (Knowles-Carter). Wondering how'd that happen? Ty tells all to The Hook's Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. (above) | Follow Ty Hunter on Twitter.

“I was working in a store in Houston and I met Ms. Tiny and we just clicked instantly,” He revealed to Billboard. “I had a day off and called her to see if she needed help. The rest is history. The next week I was at the Grammys.”

Source: Billboard 

EXCLUSIVE! Taliah's Signature Style

"I don't really follow trends (well just the right ones), I follow what feels right. Confidence is key." Taliah  

As a style blogger, I try to spark chats with people that embody a unique personal style, an overall presence that is unforgettable. For years I've been on this "embrace your individuality" movement, encouraging my readers to find a style that works "for her" -- and to feel completely comfortable  experimenting with trends.

Taliah of Fashion Was Here caught my attention, because she embraces [her own] style with confidence. Taliah has a keen eye for fashion, and a beautiful personality to match. Read on; get-to-know Taliah, a real stylista! 

Nikki: I’ve been following Fashion Was Here faithfully and absolutely love all the outfits you wear. (No really, I do!)

Taliah: Aw thank you! It’s fun to share my style with my readers and give them a taste of me. Of course I have my bad days, but you will never see that on the blog. [Laughs]

N: You’ve definitely mastered your ‘signature’ look! That being said, what inspires your overall personal style?

T: Well I didn’t know I had a signature look. I often think about how people define my style, because it’s usually hard for me to put myself in a box. I feel like I can be all over the place, but overall, I think culture inspires my personal style. I love to be different and take from different eras and ethnicities. I especially love anything from the 70s, like the movies and biopic films that showcase that style. I am a big advocate of vintage, so a lot of times I like to mix that with modern pieces to complete my look. Also, anything beautiful and romantic can inspire my style, like anything from a Japanese Geisha, to a Sudanese model, to great music. I love that!

In The Woods

N: So, for those who are in the midst of trying to develop his/her own personal style can you give some tips for success?

T: I would say to stay true to yourself by going with what feels right. Make sure you know your sizes and body type and let the clothes compliment your look. So for example, if you have short legs you may want to stay away from ankle strap shoes, because they can cut off the length of your leg and make you look shorter. Solid colors also make people look taller. Try different things like wearing a hint of color with an all black ensemble or playing with prints. Read and study magazines that give tips on how-to style looks. Also, find a celebrity or style muse who has a similar taste, or body shape as you—and let them inspire you. That always helps.

N: I understand that you have lots of love for classic pieces—and so do I! Which vintage stores do you enjoy shopping at?

T: I love Wasteland in LA, Spitalfield and Bricklane Flea markets and Notting Hill in London, Screaming Mimis in Manhattan, this store in Brooklyn (can’t remember the name), Killer Trash and The Zone in Baltimore, and the Little Five Points area in Atlanta, GA. 

N: What are some of your must-have staple wardrobe items?

T: Black patent leather pumps, a nice chunky sweater/cardigan, of course a great blazer (I like all lengths), an over-sized bag (I love black), I love wooden bangles and other styles, cocktail rings, sequin top or dress (I love sparkly things) and I have to have a great pair of skinny jeans.

N: Let’s switch gears and talk a little bit about your style blog, Fashion Was Here. Great name, by the way! What made you [want-to] create the site in the first place?

T: Thanks! I originally started my blog in '06 and the name was inspired by one of my favorite artists, Kelis, from the title of her album, “Kelis Was Here.” I felt it was a great title, because I was leaving my mark in fashion...like my permanent signature. I have been into fashion for almost forever, so once I started seeing these blogs on the Internet, it was my opportunity to share my passion for fashion. It wasn’t personal at first, just random write-ups on “What’s Hot,” celebrity style, magazine editorials, and style spotlights. I wasn’t too consistent with it but my friends loved it and supported it, so that made me happy. [Laughs] It was fun to do but I just didn’t keep it up like I wanted to. Now I look at it as my job more than just a hobby, so I take my blog very seriously.

LadyLike in Spring

N: The images of you on your style blog look professional. Who is the person behind the lens?

T: Well sometimes it's my good friend Jason—and other times it’s random folks like my friends and co-workers. Honestly, whoever can click the button for me on the camera is who I will ask, by any means necessary. I don’t have a personal photographer yet, so it can get hard at times to have style posts. 

Kimono Style

N: What do you like to do when you’re not blogging and talking about fashion?

T: I love to cook or eat out. Trying on shoes and shoe shopping, reading and going to the movies are my favorite pastimes. I am also a huge Internet geek, so I stay browsing other people’s blogs, websites, and doing massive research. But lately, I’ve become a couch potato, so I love to watch my favorite shows on TV like Gossip Girl, Real Housewives, True Blood and movies I’ve seen over and over.

N: So, what’s next for Taliah? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?

T: I am working on getting Fashion Was Here more features and sponsorships. I think it is vital to have more exposure and coverage for my blog so I can gain more readers and followers. I’m also going to launch an online store for my fashion readers to shop from my closet. There are so many supplements and additions I want to add to Fashion Was Here, but right now, I’m still working on the blog’s layout. I’m taking it day by day.

Editor's Picks! You all should know that it was incredibly hard for me to choose my favorite "Taliah Looks!" Because as I mentioned previously, I love all her outfits! There is always some special piece that I obsess over ... that's so #taliahstyle

Pink and Red

Pearls, Chains and Yellow Clutch

Winter White

Top Knot

Camel Coated

Corduroys x Red Lips

Romanticism

Big Brown Bear

Botanical Garden

Leather in the Evening

I Fell off my Pink Cloud

Russian Roulette

To see more of Taliah's personal style, visit Fashion Was Here.

I'm Inspired By (Senior Fashion Editor) Jenny Kang's Recent Refinery29 Interview!

Photo Credit: Refinery29

I love following the lives of  fashion editors that work for reputable magazines and websites. After reading Jenny Kang's interview: Jenny Kang's Inspiring Pop-Prep Style [via Refinery29], I am now searching aimlessly for her Twitter screen name.

Jenny is the Senior Fashion Editor at The Huffington Post/Stylelist. 

Below is an excerpt of the interview; these are my favorite Q & As! 

Describe your style in six words or less.

"Preppy sportswear with punches of fun (that's exactly six words!)"

You recently made the move from Lucky Magazine to AOL/Huffington Post. Welcome to the dark side! How's it working in online?

"Thank you! I'm really enjoying it—I'm learning so much about the digital world and it's an exciting time to be at AOL/Huffington Post right now because we're in a phase where we can create all new ideas and plan a full re-launch later this summer. We've built a brand-new team and the energy everyone has is incredible! I'm still getting used to the pace though. There's a lot less lead time than when I worked in print, but the great thing is you can bring your ideas to life almost immediately."

What's your go-to outfit when you've got five minutes to dress?

"A button-down shirt, cropped cuffed skinny jeans/pants, a mishmash of bracelets, and something neon. Go."

VIDEO -- Manny Norte Interviews Nicki Minaj

Model Spotlight: Katerina Savenkova

Nationality: Originally from Russia; now living in Miami.

Measurements: 34b-24.5-34.5; Dress 2; Shoe 8.5.

Career Highlights: My career is growing and blossoming every day; every project is a highlight!

Agent: Wilhelmina Modelogic

Known For: Legs, face and wonderful personality.

psst! Come get-to-know the Russian beauty, Katerina Savenkova!

Nikki: Your Levi’s Curve ID commercial screamed all sorts of sexiness. How was the commercial-making process?

Katerina: It was my first-ever commercial ... and was amazing, fun and exciting. It was definitely an experience I look to repeat again and again. Video and still are so much different from each other—each is exhilarating.

The 'Levi Curve ID' Commercial

N: So tell me, how do the Curve IDs really fit?

K: Great fit! Curve ID is all about the fit and not the size. There is an ID for every type!

N: "An ID for every type..."  I like that. Will you be doing more work with Levi’s?

K: Hope so!

N: What are you working on now? And how can people contact you?

K: Each day brings new opportunities and challenges—that’s what makes this business so great! People can contact me at katerina.v.savenkova@gmail.com. For projects, I will forward  to the appropriate agency.

Katerina’s Favorites…

• Favorite color? Blue.
• Favorite beauty product? Organic and natural products. Love pure Aloe Vera!
• Favorite fashion designer? Many! All designers are unique and bring special things I love.
• Favorite fall trend? Boots.

Katerina is actively seeking global representation. Photo Credit: Katerina Savenkova

Designer Spotlight: The Gretchen Christine Collection

Style Notes | Check out this month's fashion starlet! I am featuring the recently launched Gretchen Christine Collection (GCC) designed by the Orange County Housewife herself, Gretchen Rossi. GCC launched in July 2010.

Click the image to enlarge, or write to request a copy.

Design/ Layout Credit: nikkistyle.net 
Photo Credit: Shop NBC and Chad Schubert of EMC | Bowery