Carmen Marc Valvo fall/winter 2014/2015 New York Fashion Week

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Photos: Cathy/Bay Area Fashionista 2014©

Carmen Marc Valvo showed his fall/winter 2014/2015 collection today at New York Fashion Week and it did not disappoint!   The collection was stunning and filled with beautiful shades of oxblood, persimmon, mocha, ruby, rose gold, gunmetal, grey, black, burnished gold, steel and peacock with touches of metallics, lace, fur, leather and mosaic embellishments. Unfortunately my photos did not come out, but thankfully you will be able to see this fabulous collection in the press video at the bottom of this article!

The rich, deep hues combined with the texture and mixed fabrications showcased Carmen Marc Valvo inspiration taken from the crossroads of Constantinople and the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. The result is a stunning collection perfect for a string woman who can handle anything!

What do you think of the collection?

Packed for New York Fashion Week fall/winter 2014/2015

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Snapshot of what I packed for New York Fashion Week!

Blue Printed Dress / Ivory and black sweater / Sequin jacket / Skirt

New York Fashion Week is here! As you read this, I am on a plane to New York where I will be able to witness the new fall/winter 2014/2015 collections first-hand. I am thrilled to be able to bring to you the newest trends for the upcoming cool weather season hot off the runway. I am also looking forward to seeing what has influenced designers for the fall/winter 2014/2015 season.

Since fashion is influenced by the culture of the day, what social and economic issues will impact what designers create for fall? As we move through 2014, our economy is due for a change. With the impending slow-down of the economy from 2014 into 2015, we are looking forward to increased interest rates and inflation. The west coast is currently immersed in the worst drought since the 1800’s which could affect the nation’s food supply; thus, increasing food prices. We are looking at a continued social battle throughout the country regarding equal rights and its’ relation to God versus State. Technology has exploded into the daily lives of children and adults throughout the nation and is starting to fuse with fashion. How will these large topics influence the fall/winter 2014/2015 runways? Since fashion is wearable art, it generally reflects society’s attitude of the moment.

It should be interesting to see if designers take on our nation’s issues and show more serious designs for the fall/winter season than we have seen in the past few years. Or, will designers decide to use fashion as an outlet and create more lighthearted, whimsical collections to keep society in a more uplifted mood? We shall see on the runways of New York this week!

What do you think are the biggest societal and political influences of the day which may impact the collections this week in New York?

Le Angelique Curling Star 3 in 1 Set review

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 Photo: Curling iron: c/o Le Angelique “Curling Star 3 in 1 Set.”

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Photo: 32mm barrel used to curl ends under.

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Photo: 25mm barrel used to create wavy hair.

I have dry hair, so using a curling iron is not always my first choice when I decide to style my hair. So, I was thrilled when Le Angelque contacted me to test out one of their products. The “Curling Star 3 in 1” curling iron set is fabulous because it contains three different sized, clipless barrels which use Ceramic technology. The curling iron itself also has two heat settings which is perfect for creating a loose or tight curl.

I tested out Le Angelique’s “Curling Star 3 in 1” curling iron set on the low heat setting. The curling iron was gentle and did not dry out my hair. The Ceramic technology kept the heat soft and gave me the exact curl I was looking for. I used the largest barrel which is  32mm, so that I could curl my ends under for a clean hairstyle. The heating process was extremely quick and easy. Normally when I use a curling iron with a clip, it can take ten minutes to get my ends curled under and perfect. With Le Angelique’s “Curling Star 3 in 1” set I was able to curl all my ends in three minutes! The curl also stayed without falling which is always a plus.

Next, I wanted to create soft waves. I used the medium sized , 25mm barrel holding each wrap for about six seconds before releasing. This gave my hair a wavy look which offers subtle movement. The waves also lasted without falling! Love that! I was able to make my whole head wavy in about five minutes. That is a record!

This was my first time using a clipless curling iron and I have to admit I was a little scared. Without the clip, the whole process looks like a burn accident waiting to happen! Thankfully Le Angelique makes it easy to use a clipless curling iron by providing a thermal protection glove. You can grab the curling iron with the glove and feel a little bit of heat, but you will not burn yourself. 

Unlike a curling iron with a clip, in order to make a ringlet or tight curl you start wrapping the hair close to your head and wrap your hair around the curling iron out to the ends. Then, when you let go of your ends, your hair falls out of the curling iron without needing to be unwrapped. This leaves the curls tight. 

I am really excited to have Le Angelique’s “Curling Star 3 in 1” curling iron set. I know the clipless style will help me do more with my hair than I was able to do with a clipped curling iron. This set is incredibly handy too since it has three sizes.

Le Angelque’s “Curling Star 3 in 1” set is on sale for $99.99 and can be found online at LeAngelque.com