lifestyle June 22, 2011 11:04 AM

Fashion Maniac: Spring into Summer

Fashion Maniac: Spring into Summer
Fashion Maniac: Cheryl Gorski, Managing Editor - June 2011 - Keeping tabs on Buffalo's fashion industry, including models, catwalks, retailers, designers, stylists, visual merchandisers and jewelers.

FASHION MANIAC TEAM:

Features Editor : Cassie Elsaesser
All Photography & Managing Editor : Cheryl Gorski
Copy Editor : Chris Alfiero
Stylist : Cassie Elsaesser
MakeUp :  Dani Weiser
Hair Stylist : Whitney Curry
Casting Director : Kimberly Cohen
Prop Stylist  : Todd Warfield, Lucy Mancuso, Michael Merisola
 
Spring Into Summer : By Cassie Elsaesser and Chris Alfiero
 
It is time to jump for joy as the warm weather has finally found its way to Buffalo. This summer promises to be as fun and laid back as ever before. Festivals, lazy walks on Elmwood, outdoor parties and barbecues, and hanging out with friends and family are the order of the season. But fear not! Fashion Maniac is here to help you look your very best for all these occasions.

This season's look involves a significant use of monochromatic themes. That is, designers have delved into the use of single colors and various shades of them to create a look that has wide latitude, simple lines and textures, and a softness that so embodies the wealth of the "prairie." The look is further defined by the use of bold accessories that emphasize without detracting from the image. The accessories - shoes, bags, belts, headwear, and jewelry - are the finishing elements that punctuate the fashion statement.
 
 

Beige is NOT boring and whoever believes so has not seen the latest Spring/Summer collection from Marc by Marc. The runway was filled with neutral toned outfits capped with bright jewelry. The neutral look exudes a luxurious approach to the image by pairing tops and bottoms of the same color category. In some cases, a true monotone approach takes the look straight to the top. It promotes an image of strength, confidence and wealth.
 
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^National Trends

Alexander Herchovich took it a step further and introduced a line of fashion involving significant use of monochromatic nude. Thus, the contrast between cloth and human is dramatically reduced but captures the eye of the observer in much the same way our peripheral vision captures subtle but striking information and moves it front and center. Yes, it becomes that important.

Ana Sui went very retro by incorporating turn-of-the-century prairie styling. The coloration is a combination of what one might find in a Nebraska cornfield accented with pieces derived from Native American jewelry and headwear. The subtle combination works well to create a bold yet reserved statement (click any photo to enlarge).

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Tracy Reese also made use of the monochromatic and combined it with styling from the 1970's. Also from the same time period, Catherine Malandrino mixed macramé and loose textures to bring about a comfortable look with subtle hints of formality.

Michael Kors assigned clean cut lines to khaki, earthy greens and light grays. The sophisticated lineup included casual and semi formal wear with the accents defined by copper-colored belts and shoes.

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For truly formal wear this season, look no further than Monique Lhuilier, Neeh Kahn, Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra, and Editions' George Chakra. Each of these artists utilized the single-color, multi-shade theme, but united it with a wide array of textures and treatments. The result is the upper echelon of a theme that, again, represents subtle sophistication and taste.

Max Azria and Ports 1961 leaned toward the use of creams and white on white. The look is fresh and classic.

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For the genuinely casual approach, David Vasovic, Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor, and Mackage all used the monochrome theme but with a minimalist twist. Accessories were kept to shoes and belts and their respective colors added to the monotone.

Custo Barcelona, who typically makes grand use of very bold patterns and combinations of patterns, brought together this years' theme whilst still using bold patterns. It works. It's clean, a bit less subtle, and very comfortable.

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Stay neutral this summer. This season is all about being "easy on the eyes." Take advantage of the subtlety to bring about a look that exudes style, sophistication and comfort.

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Where You Can Buy The Model's Clothing:


On Brittany Cesar:
Cream lace dress - Lotions and Potions
Bracelet - Lotions and Potions
Shoes - Shoefly
 
White Jeans - Second Chic
Belt - Lotions and Potions
White shirt - Anna Grace
Shoes & Bracelet - Stylist's own

Khaki trouser pants - Anna Grace
Purple cardigan - Modern Nastalgia
Necklace - Half and Half
Shoes - Stylist's own

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On Jhorllana Romero:
Khaki cargo skinny pants - Anna Grace
Beige chiffon button up shirt - Second Chic
Shoes & belt - Stylist's own

Khaki colored skinny pants - Second Chic
Flower chiffon shirt - Half and Half
Shoes - Shoe Fly

Black pants - Model's own
White chiffon shirt with black line design - Modern Nastalgia
Black oxford shoes and white vintage purse - Second chic

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HALF & HALF CLOTHING 1088 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo 716-881-4147 | www.halfandhalfclothing.com
Lotions and Potions 789 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo (716) 886-6457 www.lotionsandpotions.com
ANNA GRACE 799 Elmwood Ave,  Buffalo (716) -332-7069 www.shopannagrace.com    
Shoe Fly 801 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo (716)-886-3595  www.ShoeFlyNY.com                  
Second Chic 810 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo (716) 882-8222 www.facebook.com/secondchicbuffalo 
Modern Nostalgia 95 Allen St , Buffalo (716) 884-4440  www.shopmodernnostalgia.com

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Leave it to the Fashion Maniac team to show that Buffalo has what it takes when it comes to fashion trends and models who like to showcase the latest and greatest. Check out the other shoots to see the national trends and where to find them locally: United We Stand @ Tifft Nature Preserve, bathing suits on the Spirit of Buffalo, Black Velvet, James Scissorhands, kicks and handbags at Niagara Square, Morgen Love, bowling, blue jeans on tracks, 1950's, rocking scarves, warrior, the workplace can be sexy, raingear and the twins, Li'l Black Dress, Lingering Nights, concrete jungle, Hay Fever, Freeze Frame, the custom hatter, night moves in Allentown, Who Did It?, Good Clean Fun, Love Never Dies, Buff Designs, and the sultry bridesmaid.
 
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Looking for models! Acting A+

Booking appointments for head shots. Sign up now!  Contact info@cherylgorski.com | 716-903-0600

Want your business to be Fashion Maniac's official sponsor? Please contact info@cheylgorski.com. Your business's add can be featured in our section. This would include all the numerous followers on Facebook and our team's personal profile lists. Stay updated with our Twitter and Facebook. Please forward to your friends!

Our makeup artist Dani Weiser just launched her new spray tanning business called Hollywood Sunless Tanning. If you're feeling a bit pale these days you should set an appointment. If you plan on wearing a strapless gown to an event, this is the perfect solution to even out your chest, neck, and face.
 
Cassie Rose, our stylist, is a personal clothing shopper. These days there never seems to be enough time, with the holidays and parties coming up ,they can relieve you of  stress and time. She also can help you get rid of clothing that needs to go, and articles that need to stay. You may not have enough time to keep up with the "times" and don't feel comfortable with your attire after work hours, "socializing"...  This is where Cassie can help you attain the essentials for your closet.

Whitney Curry stylist at Chez Ann Salon definitely brings creativity to your updo. She can give you a free consultation regarding a style that would complement your face and attire. Your hair will definitely stand out with her techniques. She taking appointments now for weddings and special events. 

I'm (Cheryl Gorski) shooting portraits, if you'd like Dani, Whitney and myself as a team, please call 716-903-0600 to schedule your appointment.  A portrait is a timeless gift to offer someone you love.

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Photos starting top left Clockwise: Kimberly Cohen, Andrew Brown, Whitney Curry, Dani Weiser, Cheryl Gorski, Todd Warfield, Cassie Elsaesser, Michael Merisola, Lucy Perrone-Mancuso, F

Contact info:

Cheryl Gorski | Photographer & Creative Director | 716-895-1689 | 716-903-0600 | info@cherylgorski.com | Also on Facebook specializing in: Fashion, Headshots/modeling/acting, Editorial, Portraits, Bands/ CD/ Press Kits, Corporate events, Web photography, Run-way

Cassie Rose | Specializing in Visual Merchandising, Styling, Fashion Editorial and Media arts, personal shopper, and blogger. E-mail Cassandraelsaesser@yahoo.com | Facebook - Cassie Rose | Twitter - CassieRosee 
 
Dani Weiser | Makeup Artist www.hollywoodmakeupartist.net | 716-348-1239 | Makeup teacher, weddings, TV, Film, Print and SFX. Hollywood Sunless Tanning, for appointments | Website www.hollywoodsunlesstanning.com | Please call for any questions.

Lucy Perrone-Mancuso | Prop Stylist | Owner of Moda 1509 Hertel Ave | 716-725-6636 | Specializing in accessories, antiques, jewelry, furnishings, buy & sell, motion pictures/films, photo shoots
 
Todd Warfield | Prop Stylist Extraordinaire | 716-289-1078 | Specializing in special effects, production of designing and building sets, theatre and photo shoots

Andrew Brown | Hair & Makeup Stylist : Owner Salon Rouge | 700 Elmwood Ave | 716-884-1010 | Specializing in: Cuts, Up-do's, Weddings, Events, Halloween Costumes, Runway, Photo shoots

Whitney Curry | Hair stylist  for shoots, films, bridal, personal | Whitfemale@gmail.com | Chezannsalon.com

Michael Merisola | Owner of Coo Coo U (modern antique store) | 1478 Hertel Ave | 716- 837-3385 or 716-432-6216. Specializes in: appraisals, special event/ prop stylist, liquidations, 1950's,1960's,1970's furniture.

Kimberly Cohen | Casting Director and Model/ Actress | kimcohen14@gmail.com | Specializing in Movies, Theatre, Photography and Film. Follow Kimberly on Facebook.  Follow Kimberly on Twitter at: kmcohen

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Comments

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Much better pictures than usual!

Again though: why do you feel the need to list the credentials of EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO TOUCHES THIS PROJECT..not once..but twice at top and bottom?!

And: what's with all of the shameless plugs in addition to this!? Take out an ad if you want to promote your new spray tan business! lol

Also: somebody needs to learn the meaning of clockwise, as the team photo caption isn't listed clockwise.

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Don't mean to be a hater...but I have to agree: the good work is BURIED in promotion. It kills anything I want to like about this initiative. Sorry, but do yourselves a favor and tone down the promotions-it looks so bush league.

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This "spread" would be most appropriately accompanied by Type O Negative's "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend."

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I agree - this picture set is certainly heading in the right direction. Great article as well :)

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