Tag Archives: Iowa State Daily Style

Nick Arrojo visits Iowa thanks to ISU alumnea

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Nick Arrojo

Celebrity makeover stylist Nick Arrojo will visit West Des Moines thanks to ISU alumnea, Whitney Landa.

Arrojo, stylist featured on the TLC show “What Not to Wear” will be in West Des Moines promoting products for his haircare line and presenting live makeovers.

Landa, who works as the account manager for Arrojo Products in New York, is a former ISU student who majored in apparel, merchandising and design production.

“I came to New York five years ago to pursue a career in fashion, but have had many great experiences along the way, not all pertaining to fashion,” Landa said.

After an internship at JV8 Inc., a casting agency, she began to work at a fashion show production and PR firm, called KCD, where she was able to work with high profile clients such as Marc Jacobs.

“This was a company I had wanted to work for, as one of their main focuses was on fashion show production, something I came to love while at Iowa State,” Landa said. During her junior year she was the co-producer of the ISU Fashion Show.

Following her job at KCD she began working at J. Crew but said, “The beauty world was calling my name.” She got the opportunity to work for a company that is based in London but was opening its first U.S. flagship store in Manhattan called SpaceNK.

“SpaceNK was a brand I knew inside and out for two years, and where I had the great pleasure of meeting my current boss, Nick Arrojo,” Landa said.

She began working for Arrojo at his SoHo hair salon as a client coordinator for a brief amount of time and then was given the opportunity to be the relationship manager for ARROJO Ambassadors, for salons across the country that carry Arrojo products.

Her mother, Cindy Landa, hairstylist and owner of Estilo Salon and Day Spa in West Des Moines, is one of ARROJO product’s top accounts and has the pleasure of hosting Arrojo, for the second year, in her salon. The event is for staff and clients and includes makeovers and a showing of the product line.

The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at Embassy Club West, in West Des Moines. Tickets are $15 and are available at Estilo Salon.

Landa’s advice to others who want to achieve their dreams is, “Keep your eyes open, create opportunities for yourself, and network with others.”

Vera Wang Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

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A soft, natural look paced the runway in the Vera Wang 2011 fall fashion show today.

Black iron gates, dim lights and soft eerie music set the stage for a single runway. The emotion of the show was mysterious with a subtle edginess.

The same look was reflected across almost every garment. Each one was a solid, soft color with added accents of a drop-hemmed waistline, a plunging neckline or a cut out back. There were two look shown off, one being a romantic, flowy sense that was paired with a slightly edgy feel.

Despite the fact that chunky, dark boots and dark leather gloves were paired with most outfits, the garments themselves were light chiffon and soft. There were a small variety of colors shown throughout the show like: olive green, dark brown and black, rusty red, ash gray and cream.

No prints were shown but instead a flowy shear look followed by pleats and small ruffles. There was much added attention to outerwear as well. Lots of vests and coats roamed the runway.

This fall’s show had an almost rock and roll, punk feel to it rather than previous year, which debuted a girlier theme including sequins and strappy shoes.

Click here to watch the Vera Wang Spring/Summer 2012 show.

Photo courtesy of FabSugar.com

Blogger Style Profile: The Man Repeller

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Photo by Rachel Scroggins, Courtesy of ManRepeller.com

It’s no secret that chic doesn’t necessarily mean sexy and that sexy only sometimes ends up looking chic. Fashion followers walk a fine line between these two ideals, but there’s one chick out there who is fully committed to not only crossing the line, but jumping over it with a bravado no less than hypnotizing.

Meet Leandra Medine, the witty blogger behind The Man Repeller. Her purpose? Showcase fashion that is all about capital-F Fashion with little regard for what straight men might want.

You won’t find many short sequined mini skirts on this particular blog. And deep cleavage-revealing necklines? Not too much in that department, either. Fringed, sack-shaped sweaters and high-waisted, flared jeans on the other hand are par for the course.

Medine brings up several valid points about fashion today. Should you dress for the menfolk or yourself? Where is the line between beautiful and hideous, tasteful and tacky? Are clothes meant to be fun or functional? And perhaps most relevant: girl, where did you get that snow leopard-printed vest?

An ensemble inspired by The Rainbow Fish, courtesy of ManRepeller.com

The Man Repeller blog shifts focus between designer collections and European street style, snaps of the blogger herself in her living room and details of professional photoshoots in which she has been featured.

Some of the funniest of posts use the infamous “Who Wore It Best” tagline. Where you might expect to see celebrity candids and red carpet photos, however, Medine has compared her own style to her mom’s for a Mothers’ Day special, and–featured at right and below–the Man Repeller takes some hilarious inspiration from the children book The Rainbow Fish.

While you might not end up emulating every one of Medine’s outfits item-for-item, take a look and gather up some courage, because those pleated maxi skirts and printed pajama shorts certainly aren’t going to wear themselves.

Courtesy of ManRepeller.com

Show your Cyclone spirit

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The Admirer

Prepare for the downpours of April by slipping into some rain boots designed by Cuce Shoes, a company that sells boots with college logo inspiration —our beloved Cy being one of them. Aside from showing everyone your Cyclone school spirit, the boots are just downright adorable and a creative way to show your Cyclone spirit during tailgates and VEISHEA week.

The Enthusiast

Cuce Shoes carries four distinct styles: the devotee, the admirer, the enthusiast and the supporter. The supporter, $145, and devotee, $135, are similar to the furry Ugg styles while the enthusiast and admirer, both $89, come in rain boot styles. We suggest pairing the boots with plain jeans and a white tee. They’re sure to be a conversation starter.

Cuce Shoes is planning to expand their business to more than just college football. Kathleen Cuce, co-owner, said customers can can expect to see all 32 NFL franchises available by August 2011. Not to fear, Cyclone fans, Cuce Shoes still intends to provide Iowa State with fashionable footwear to show off that school pride.

Annual student-run fashion show fills Stephens

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The 29th annual ISU Fashion Show took Ames by storm Saturday evening.

When the first ISU Fashion Show hit Ames in 1982 there were only 52 attendees. On Saturday, April 9, Stephens Auditorium was practically filled. Danielle Powers, one of the fashion show producers and a senior in apparel merchandising design and production, commented on ticket sales: “I think people come to expect the show and it has grown so much. I am fairly sure we sold out this year.”

The show displayed 103 looks. Apparel shown ranged anywhere from bright, spunky outfits for little girls to romantic bridal wear to though fur-lined military jackets for men.

At the end of the show 22 awards were given out ranging from menswear to wearable art/experimental. Fashion industry professionals judged the looks, Matthew Christopher being one of them.

Christopher, ISU alumnus, created his own bridal label at age 26, and left Stephens impressed by all the students work.

”I think the show was phenomenal. I’m really proud of the students. The program has grown so much when I was in it in 1997.”

Every aspect of the fashion show was created and planned by students. The fashion show planning is done in a three-credit class offered at Iowa State, AESHM 271/481. Natalie Gendle, the fashion show faculty advisor, stated what made the 2011 show different from the past was the sustainability theme.

“The students come up with great things every year,” Gendle said of the theme.

The set of the show was made up of all recyclable materials.

“Everything was left in their original form, everything can be recycled,” Gendle said.

Ian Laughead, a member of the set tech committee and a sophomore in apparel merchandising design and production offered insight to the set theme.

“We wanted to show the rebirth of clothes.”

The first half of the show had a plastic bag wall as the backdrop which was used to show “the first stage of consumerism,” Laughead said. The second half had a backdrop of colorful tees, which was used to display “a wall of beauty.”

“We wanted to make T-shirts more than just what they are,” Laughead said.

What was especially impressive about the set was the mechanics behind it. The show began with what originally looked like a small mountain of plastic bags rising up to the ceiling. During the second half of the show a chandler made of plastic bottles dropped from the ceiling.

Stefan Tauber, graduate in apparel educational studies and hospitality management, was the DJ for the entire show. Tauber got his DJ experience growing up in Berlin where he played in clubs.

“I prepared for about one and a half to two months selecting music. I got a feeling of what music not to play. You need a walking, engaging beat with strong vocals,” Tauber said.

Most of the music Tauber selected was European.

The success of this show came from hours of rehearsal and planning both Powers and Laughead said they thought about moving their beds to Stephens because they had been spending more time there this past week than their homes.

If you wish to view the winning garments they will be on display at the Mary Alice Gallery from April 27 to Aug. 26.

Behind the scenes of the ISU Fashion Show

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The ISU Fashion Show is grand but, it wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous amount of time and planning that is put in months before the show.

This year on April 9 everyone will go to Stevens Auditorium and witness the hard work that was put in by so many.

In order to have an occasion such as this one, it takes a team behind it all to make that possible. There are a various selection of roles that come in to play while getting ready for the fashion show.

Producers, which are at the top of the chain, provide guidance to assistant-producers, directors and committees. The producers run the fashion show class — AESHM 271 — and oversee all the decisions made about the fashion show. Along with attending director meetings and working in close partnership with the textiles and clothing faculty advisor to make sure things are running smoothly.

“I think that this year’s team is one of the best of all the different years, said Hayley Osenbaugh, an assistant producer.  ”We all have different personalities and work well together. We have great communication and that is definitely key to making an event like this run efficiently.”

Assistant producers assist the producers in many of the same roles. They provide supervision and aid to all fashion show directors and committees.

The directors of the fashion show are in charge of the different committees and making sure they are fulfilling committees’ requirements and duties. Not only do they work directly with the committees but they also keep in close contact with the producers and assistant producers to insure development of the show.

There are 11 different committees that people, not only fashion and merchandising students, can be apart of. The different committees are: alumni and industry relations, art direction, behind the scenes, design, fundraising, gallery and display, modeling, public relations and marketing, photography, set tech and treasurer.

Committee members learn and exhibit the concepts involved in the production of a fashion show. Not only do members work with their committee’s focus, such as design or photography, but they are also required to help with any committee when needed.

To get involved in the Fashion Show there is an application process. Anyone interested in applying for a position can go to the Fashion Show website to get the application and receive deadline information.

“After being apart of the public relations committee last year, and now being able to be an assistant producer it feels so rewarding to be such a big part which makes all the time and effort worth while,” said Lindsay Michaelson.

The fashion show at Iowa State is a largely anticipated event and would not be possible with out the many people that contribute to creation of the show each year.

ISU alumnus, bridal designer shares story of success

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Christopher and one of his designs

Matthew Christopher wasn’t your typical farm boy, growing up he had a secret relationship with Barbie.

“Me and Barbie were best friends,” said Matthew. The ISU alumnus is now one of the most recognized bridal designers based out of New York City.

Growing up Christopher was the creative child between an athletic older brother and younger sister. At a young age Christopher was inspired by his Barbie’s fashionable outfits. “She had this beautiful wedding gown,” Christopher said during a lecture at the Memorial Union.

When Christopher was 16 years old he went along with his girlfriend to go pick up her prom dress that she had made. “When I walked in the doors of the shop I fell in love, I turned around to see bridal gowns hanging and a sewing machine going, and thought this is it.”

During his senior year Matthew made seven prom dresses. By then his skills improved tremendously and he was ready to excel.

Christopher first went to New York on a tour through Iowa State. He interviewed at many places such as Vera Wang and Think Bridal. He received an internship but turned it down. “I was only going to be a runner and I wanted to design,” Matthew said.

In 2002, Matthew’s parents sat down with him and decided to start the company Matthew Christopher.  The company, Matthew Christopher will have its 10 year anniversary in 2012. The gowns range from $2,000 to $7,000 and can be found in stores across the country.

Matthew’s advice to anyone pursuing his or her dreams, “never let the fire burn out, just keep fighting.”

Rent and Return

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For the latest and greatest dresses and accessories, go no farther than your computer. Rent the Runway and Avelle: The New Bag Borrow Steal are transforming difficult to afford designer luxuries in to affordable accessories.

Rent the Runway Delivers Fun Fashions

With Rent the Runway, ladies can rent their dream wardrobe, from dreamy dresses to nifty necklaces and elegant earrings. The system is simple: pick the designer style you love and after you receive the item, you have four days to strut your designer stuff all over town. Prices typically range from $25 to $300.

A pretty perk – it’s free to sign up.

Fashion favorites such as Badgley Mischka, Nina Ricci and Vera Wang and other up and coming designers are available to rent. In the What’s New tab, members can see what others like, what stylists like, what’s available immediately and what is on hand to pre-reserve.

Ladies of Iowa State, Rent the Runway brings the designer styles you love at affordable prices. There are dresses for any occasion, from cocktail parties, to sorority formals, to date nights and more. Brides, bridesmaids and, wedding guests can benefit from this smart operation too.

Avelle: The New Bag Borrow Steal Provides Amazing Accessories

Find it. Enjoy it. Return it. Those words are the slogan of Avelle, a company that brings its members expensive designer accessories at a fraction of the cost.

Avelle members rent handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and watches to accent their wardrobes.

In order to partake in the delicious deals, savvy shoppers must subscribe to the company. There are three subscription options: you pay $5 per month for a year, $6.65 per month for three months or pay $9.95 per month for as long as you like.

Subscribers can rent an accessory for weeks at a time or months at a time. They pay accordingly. Each designer and accessory has a short biography for users to learn more about them.

At Iowa State, a Coach bag is a signature staple. You can get your Coach bag through Avelle. The Coach Chelsea Signature Tote costs $19 a week or $55 a month for members.

Fat Tuesday Accessories

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1. GoMax Pumps $39 – LuLu’s

2. Old Navy Flip Flops $7.50 - Old Navy

3. Distressed Flower Earrings $1.50 – Forever 21

4. Writer’s Block Ruffle Wallet $19 – Lulu’s

5. Iridescent Bead Bracelet $2.80 – Forever 21

6.Simple Beaded Necklace $6.80 – Forever 21

Battle of the fittest

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Juicy Couture dress

Juicy Couture Avery Paisley dress $198.00 at Bloomingdale's

The lights dim, the music raises and out trot two dresses, ready for battle. Facing each other for the umpteenth time, are the must-have dresses of the season. In one corner, tall and mighty, the admirable Juicy Couture dress, inevitably costing a pretty penny. In the opposing corner, the affordable and equally-respected Allen B floral printed dress.

Arden B print dress - $34.99 at JCPenny

The ref stands back, and the bell determines the start of the match. Spectators are tottering at the edge of their seats as Juicy throws the first punch, boasting its v-neck and bow detail. Allen B, against the rope, swings back with its button front and tie waist belt.

Preparing you for any balmy day, Allen B’s sleeveless arm swings again with a right hook. Juicy is backed up, ready to throw in the towel, due to its three-quarter length sleeve. Both determined to win your hearts, the pair raise their hands in agreement and bow to the onlookers. Fans of both sides jump to their feet and applaud the warriors on their long and trying brawl. So there you have it, sports fans, now who you will you pick?