It has taken me a bit to respond to Project Runways newest episodes, but now I am in full swing. I'm going to skip out on Episode 5 and move right on over to Episode 6. I loved the challenge because it was near and dear to my heart. The challenge was to design a look for a little girl. Then, while they began on the challenge, they were given another challenge. It was to create a cohesive look for an adult. How much fun!! While Jonathon was completely unimpressed with working with children, Seth Aaron knew exactly what to do. I was immediately excited with the idea because I had also just posted new items to my store which were exactly this...Check it out here to see my matching mother and daughter sets, they are adorable!
So, back to Project Runway. It was actually quite humorous to see the different responses to the idea of working with children. Anthony was cracking me up because he was trying so hard to be cordial, but he had no idea how to even talk to a little girl. Emilio was also having a hard time with this challenge. His mind did not want to even attempt to understand the style of a young girl. His dress reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie" in a bad way.
But, coming out on top was Seth Aaron who had a daughter of his own, so he understood that they like to be stylish to. I think he nailed this challenge tremendously. Hats off to you, Seth Aaron!!
(picture from Bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com)
I will be blogging about Episode 7 soon, but I haven't even seen it yet. Thank god for DVR. Maybe I'll get to that tonight.
The Show will be featuring Brooke Catherine and Jennafer Grace. Come check it out, and mingle with the designers!!
This show is gonna be a blast! With over 100 creative minds under one roof, who knows what will happen? Come out and see The Local Boutiques designers spring line during the fashion show starting at 8pm. Local vendors from 7-9pm and great sushi specials!! Your name HAS to be on the list to get in, so please call Danielle of The Local Boutique to get on the list. 858-456-1133. Hope to see ya there!! :)
Photos: 1). Amy 2). Anna 3). Anthony 4). Ben 5). Emilio 6). Janeane
7). Jay 8). Jesse 9). Jesus 10). Jonathan 11). Maya 12).Mila 13). Seth Aaron
Photos courtesy of ProjectRunway.com.
On this week's Project Runway, the theme was "Design Your Heart Out". Cambells Soup and the American Heart Association teamed up to host an event. The designers' models were women who have been affected by heart disease that would be attending the event. All the women had amazing stories about how they have been surviving their heart disease. All the designers were very moved by their stories, and suprisingly, there were no conflicts between the designers and their models. As you can see in the picture above, some designers nailed their look, and others just didn't quite get it. As the models walked down the runway, I graded each on my own personal taste and aesthetic.
1. Amy:A
2. Anna:B-
3. Anthony:C-
4. Ben: B+
5. Emilio: C
6. Janeane: B
7. Jay: C
8. Jesse: B-
9. Jesus: B-
10. Jonathon: B+
11. Maya: B-
12. Mila: A-
13. Seth Aaron: A-
For the first time yet, the judges and I have finally agreed on the winner of this challenge. I loved Amy's dress and I feel like she made all the right choices; Her design line was aesthetically pleasing. Her fabrics draped beautifully and her model looked just like she felt inside: Amazing!!
Unfortunetly, the judges also decided it was time for Jesus to leave. I was a bit suprised at the harshness of the judges and the consensus to send him home, but Jesus had been in the bottom 3 too many times. I agree that his taste was lacking, but I think there were others who were lacking more. I admire how Jesus held himself as he was auf'ed by Heidi and also how genuine he was through the show up until now. He was a polite and respectable guy with no drama and cattiness. While that makes for a good show, I think his great atitude is going to get him far in his future. Being that he is 21, he really has a whole lifetime to learn and grow. This isn't the end for Jesus Estrada.
To vote for your favorite Project Runway Designer, click here!!
(1) Amy/Jesus 2) Anna/Emilio 3) Anthony/Seth Aaron
4) Ben/Janeane 5) Jay/Maya 6) Jonathan/Mila 7) Jesse/Ping)
Last night's Project Runway gave us an idea of what the future holds for our contestants. The "partnered" challenge showed the best and worst of everyone. While Jonathon seemed to be a bit unimpressed with partnering with Mila, the duo hit it off soon after compiling ideas. Their relationship ended with the finale product of designs that won the competition (#6) My personal favorite was Jay and Maya, with their futurisitc dress, that was actually quite appealing, and their knock off of Ben and Janeane's which turned out better than the original and much cheaper. Well done, Jay and Maya.
As I had once predicted, Ping's artistic ways of working seemed to be a challenge to Jesse. Although, I feel like Jesse already started off with a bad attitude when Ping chose to work with him. It was as if he was saying "I'm not going to let this be a good experience. I already know I don't like Ping." Not a good approach, Jesse. But, now that Ping is eliminated, he may have found validation in his opinions. And, I do actually agree with what the judges decided. Jesse and Ping were not a good match. Where Jesse has a more structed style of design, Ping is very loose and flowy. When the two of them tried to combine those looks, they did a horrible job. Neither of them tried to understand the other, if they had, they could've really made a beautiful masterpeice.
I do want to give a shout out to Jesus and Amy. Jesus saved himself this time around with a beautiful lace dress and cropped coat. But, more than that I loved their interpretation of Ping and Jesse's design. I thought it looked gorgeous and so much more well put together than Ping and Jesse's actual design. They should've taken some lessons from Jesus and Amy. Maybe they woud've survived.
Vote For Your Favorite Project Runway Designer so far by clicking on this link.
Episode 2 has just been aired for Project Runway and its already getting a bit exciting and a little catty. Who was your favorite this week, tell us anonymously by clicking here. For the new challenge, the designers were brought to a farm where they found Tim Gunn and all the models who were dressed in potato sacks. They used the idea that if a woman if beautiful enough, she can get away with wearing a potato sack and still looking good. The challenge? To use potato sacks to make a dress that was tasteful enough that the model could wear it to an evening out.
It was pretty impressive to see what people could do with their potato sacks. Many of the designers chose to die their fabric to change the whole look of it. That was probably one of the best ideas, because the color of the fabric itself is so plain and doesn't look very good against skin tones. Unfortunetly, Jesus Estrada knew that the color was off and chose to cover it up by sewing ribbon onto the fabric so that the burlap was only used for the inside base of the dress, which almost cost him his life on Project Runway.
If you ask me, I think Amy had the best design, for she used the idea of the potato sack to the rawest of its element without losing the concept of cocktail dress attire. She hand died all the edges of her dress, which almost gave it a burnt edge look, which was very different and yet very beautiful. She was given much praise, but didn't win the challenge. Jay was the winner with a dress that really did look amazing and was very hard to believe that it was made of burlap, for it was black, with a feather-like skirt. I loved the dress and wouldn't wore it myself if given to me, but I feel like I've seen it before, so I didn't think it deserved the win.
Ping and Jesus barely slipped through, once again. Jesus, as I said, didn't do the challenge appropriately...but another thing that the judges are starting to realize is that Jesus's style is looking much more mature and somewhat costumey (if thats a word). Although I am still cheering him on, I am really hoping he steps it up a bit. And his color schemes are looking the same. Change it up, Jesus! Ping made something that should've never been shown on the runway. Fortunetly, by the time it made it to the runway, she already realized that it wasn't working. The models butt was completely exposed and nothing about it looked ravishing or stylish. But, despite it all, Jesus and Ping were not the ones who went home tonight, it was Pamela. Her dress wasn't that appealing, but I really did think she did a great job dying the fabric. I'm sure she will still have a great future.
What will happen next week? I am already dying to see. Ah, the suspense of reality TV challenges.
Project Runway's Season 7 has finally begun, so back on the couch I will be every Thursday night. Tonight was the introduction to the entire crew of new designers, and one of those new designers was Jesus Estrada (the one I'll be cheering on this season). It's too early in the game to know who really has talent and who doesn't, but I can tell you I'm already disappointed with the judges. If you've already seen it, then you know that Jesus was almost sent home tonight and while I know he didnt' deserve it, I also don't think he should've been put in the hot seat. Biased? Maybe, but I don't think so. Did you see that hideous plaid dress from the other guy (what was his name?--there's too many in the game right now to get all their names straight)? Hmm, I'm just not sure. Maybe two years ago I would've found that cute, but I am over plaid...who isn't? If you ask me, it should've went home. While I agree with some of the critiques the judge gave Christiane King the designer who went home tonight), I also agree with Christiane when she said that she didn't have the worse looking dress there. I agree!
(winner to the left, loser to the right)
Now, as far as talent went for the first fashion show, I'm happy with whom the judges chose as the winner. Emilio Sosa has a great sense of detail and you could see it in his dress. I loved the way he chose the colors of his fabrics and interchanged them between the top and skirt. I am also interested in watching Ping, for she is by far the most interesting. Not saying she is the most talented, but definetly thinks so far outside the box that it leaves you wondering where her mind has been. Hmm, will she survive round two?
My last comment is not about the designers or the show, but about Heidi Klum...is she really pregnant again? I could've swore she just had a baby. Wow! She must really love motherhood. How does she keep that model figure after having what seems like a new baby after every season of Project Runway? I just find it a bit amazing.
Click Here to tell us who your favorite designer is, we'll see how opinions change each week and I will announce the results every week as well.
Come celebrate the premier of Project Runway Season 7 with Jesus Estrada, San Diego's up and coming local fashion designer and season 7 contestant. Enjoy and evening of fashionable fun as Jesus showcases his most recent collection.
Admission: $10, limited capacity. Tickets can be purchased at GOGA by Gordana boutique, 401 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Cash only please.
7- 9 pm - Tray passed hor 'd oeuvres
9 - 10 pm - Fashion Show, Estrada designs
10 - 11 pm - Project Runway Episode 1 Premier
21 and over
For public relations & marketing inquiries or additional information contact Jody Auslund, jauslund@gmail.com
See you there!
So the new season of Project Runway will be airing soon and I am excited for the countdown (you can see it below). It has recently been brought to my attention that a fellow graduate of Fashion Careers College had made it for the new season. Jesus Estrada was a student whom I remember starting school right as I was finishing. We had got a chance be involved with the same event, The Art of Fashion, just a year and a half ago.
When I met Jesus, I knew right away that he had BIG hopes and dreams for his future, and I knew that he would get right where he wanted to be. He is a talented designer, but he also has the charisma and attitude to make for a great TV personality. I remember when we were being filmed for San Diego Living about the Art of Fashion event, he breezed through his interview completely calm and collected. I, standing right next to him, had no idea what to say and was so nervous about being on film that I felt I sabotaged my own two minutes of fame. I kiddingly told him afterwards that because he did so well, he made me look horrible. Anyway, the next day was the event. We are all in the back room dressing our models, getting their hair and makeup done and in walks Jesus. You knew he was entering the room because he walked in with a complete entourage to help carry his design and all the accessories that came along with it. There were like five people who were all working for him (haha, pretty sure they were all related to him--but they made him look so celebrityesque, if thats a word). As I watched him, I remember thinking that he is going to make it just because he acted like he was already there :) .
So, as the new Project Runway season approaches, make sure to look out for Jesus Estrada and send him good vibes. Jesus, if you're out there listening, good luck!!
In the meantime, check out his audition with Tim Gunn!
Last night was the Grand Opening of Cecilia Boutique. It was an event I had been looking forward to because I have been involved with the process of transforming the new look. Cecilia Boutique was once called Christie's Boutique but, after the new owner, Elizabeth, continued the business for a year, she changed the look and style to be more fitting to her own personal style. Her reveal for the new look came as a big San Diego event. She had a fashion show, which featured my holiday collection of shimmer and shine, sparkle and fun. There were gift baskets, discounted shopping, and many great giveaways. The models shown below did a great job on the runway, showing off some of my peices. The picture to the left is my Black Long Sleeved Blouse and Metallic Pencil Skirt. The picture to the right is my Black and White Shimmer Dress with Teal Ribbon
Minh of Mahal Style used his video skills to whip up this amazing video of Jennafer Grace's Fashion Show at Ruby Room for Fashion Whore last weekend. It gives you a wonderful glimpse of the entire night...Enjoy!
Mahal Style & Jennafer Grace @ Fashion Whore from Mahal Style on Vimeo.
Wow, what a fashion filled week. It has been exciting and fun and oh so interesting. The finale was Ruby Room on Saturday night watching Jennafer Grace put on an amazing fashion show. She was part of Fashion Whore, a promoting group that host fashion shows throughout San Diego. The energy level was high and the show was captivating. There were many different looks, which all looked fabulous on the runway. The models looked like they were really enjoying themselves and the crowd kept yelling for more. In the middle of the show, Jennafer had this big guy with dreadlocks and a one peice romper walk down the runway to model the costume Jennafer had made him for the fashion show's 70's theme. The male model made quite the entrance and the crowd went wild. They loved the bit of humor that was added to the show. It was amazing and fun and was the perfect end to my fashion filled week.
This last Saturday, Bcat Threads had a booth at the All Things Royale Shopping Event, which was hosted at Voyeur in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. People were invited to walk around the club and peruse the different booths that were set up with holiday specials for everyone's shopping needs. There was clothing, accessories, eyebrow waxing, free massages, and much, much more. Our booth hosted designs from Brooke Catherine, Jennafer Grace, Chocolate Cherries, and Radokri.
This last Thursday, December 3rd, I was asked to assist for a Junior League Fashion Show at Confidential, a nightclub in the Gaslamp District in San Diego. What Junior League does, according to their website is: " implement changes and improve conditions in almost every sector of our society. Currently we provide hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours every year to help improve children's health and nutrition in the San Diego area, but in our almost 80 year history we have contributed to many causes".
The women of the group asked stylist and Cecilia Boutique owner, Elizabeth Leffler-Agia, to create a part in the show by using some of her peices from the boutique. She pulled two peices of my line, Brooke Catherine, and also asked me to assist in the show. Of course, just like any other show, we were crammed in a back room with clothing flying everywhere, models moving quickly, and everyone doing their best to keep everything in order.
Once we dressed the models, they looked amazing. This picture below is three of the four of them before they made their appearance to the crowd. The girl furthest to the left is wearing a Brooke Catherine Denim High Waisted Skirt. The model furthest to the right is wearing Brooke Catherine's 80's Rocker Dress, which can be purchased at Cecilia Boutique.
What was once known at Christie's Boutique in Mission Hills has been remodeled and renamed to match the owner's personal style.
Please join us for a holiday fashion show and the Grand Opening of Cecilia Boutique
When: December 18th
7pm-9pm
Where: Cecilia Boutique
928 Fort Stockton Drive
Suite 115
San Diego, CA 92103
(Mission Hills, San Diego, Ca)
Join us for a royale afternoon of pampering, deals and steals for the
luxurious ladies and gentlemen of San Diego. 30 vendors will be
showcased to provide an unique variety of goods and services.
Bcat Threads will have a booth where we will be selling all our designer clothing and accessories at a limited time only sale price! Come say hi, get your holiday shopping done, and have a fabulous day of pampering!
When: December 5, 2009
12pm-5pm
Where: Voyeur
755 5th Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92101
Jennafer Grace will be revealing her new designs on December 5th at Ruby Room in Hillcrest, San Diego, California. It is Maystar's Fashion Whore 4 year anniversary party. Expect fun, with a chance to play dress up, or go as you wish. The event is from 9pm-12am with midnight shopping and photobooth for the party peeps. Runway show by Jennafer Grace. For discunted $5 cover, email: clubfashionwhorevip@gmail.com
Think 70's porn mixes with fashion of the future.
When I purchased Christie's Boutique in January, I wanted to carry over the Christie's brand for a few months then transition the store into something more personal to me. It turns out that planning a wedding and starting a business is a lot to do in one year! So after months of planning and a week of mad rush remodeling, I am proud to announce the opening of Cecilia Boutique. |
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We will be open on Black Friday so stop by and do some early holiday shopping without the headache of the mall. We have great gifts and stocking stuffers including scarves, necklaces, earrings, purses, pursehooks, and much more. Look out for our Grand Opening Party coming in the next few weeks, it's tentatively planned for December 11th or the 18th. More info to follow. |
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If you haven't been to the boutique in a while, now is the time to visit and rediscover why you love to shop! -Elizabeth |
Cecilia Boutique is located at:
928 Fort Stockton Drive
Suite 115
San Diego, CA 92103
Elizabeth Leffler-Agia, of Cecelia Boutique and blogger for San Diego Magazine interviewed me for her holiday season blog post. Check it out!
This is a quick little blog to remind all our readers, if you like what you see here, you may be interested in signing up for our newsletter. We only send one out once a month with updates on designs, new designers, and the best part of all, specials that we are offering through the course of the month. These specials only go out to our newsletter subscribers and can save you lots of money! With the holidays right around the corner, saving money isn't so bad. We promise not to share your information with anyone. This is used solely for our Bcat Threads followers.
LOOKING TO LAUNCH A BUSINESS OR TAKE YOURS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Your entrepreneurial dreams need support and action in order to thrive and grow. The Ladies Who Launch Intensive Incubator Workshop was designed to provide you with the most 'fertile' ground in which to cultivate your dreams. The course is equal parts focus group, resource-sharing, support, and community. During the workshops you will complete a fun and creative series of 'launchwork' exercises for yourself and for your fellow incubatees, and discover the profound bond that women traveling down their individual paths share.
The Ladies Who Launch Incubator is...
- Your own personal think tank, focus group, and mastermind circle
- Expansion of your vision and zeroing in of what you really want
- It creates a level of accountability, guaranteed to move you toward your goals
- A place to have fun, meet like-minded women and design your life
View video testimonial to learn more about the impact of this program - http://vimeo.com/6062720
Next Workshop
This intimate program meets from 7-9pm for four consecutive weeks - Mondays: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2 Location: Christie’s Boutique - 928 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego, CA 92103 Investment: $350 - Special friends promo, use code “Launch” to receive $50 off when you register online at www.LadiesWhoLaunch.com/SanDiego
Contact: Felena Hanson, San Diego Executive Director - 619-889-7852 / Fhanson@LadiesWhoLaunch.com
Located in more than 50 cities in the United States & Canada, the Ladies Who Launch incubators are workshops that give women the support and encouragement they need to make their dreams a reality.
Incubator Intensive Workshop
Ideas need support and action in order to thrive and grow. The Incubator was designed to provide you with the most 'fertile' ground in which to cultivate your dreams. The course is equal parts focus group, resource-sharing, support, and community. During the course you will complete a fun and creative series of 'launchwork' exercises for yourself and for your fellow incubatees, and discover the profound bond that women traveling down their individual paths share. Although we don't write business plans or marketing plans, much of the work we do will INSPIRE you to create your plans and MOVE FORWARD.
We are back to the blog, after a long hiatus. As the owner and designer for Bcat Threads, I failed to do my job as a blogger is the last couple months, but with good reason. I got married on August 8th to my wonderful husband. And while that in itself seems to be a big deal, I also took on the duty of planning the whole wedding and not only designing and making my own wedding dress, but also the flower girl's (who matched my own) and my mother's dress. Needless to say, the business had to take second to my wedding day. But, now I am back and promise to never let you down again.
To get back into the fashion world, I kick started the upcoming season by attending a FOCUS fashion mixer at Christie's Boutique on August 25th. For someone who owns a small business and loves fashion, this is a beneficial mixer to attend. There are people of all different fields of fashion who get together to give and receive information to each other to help one another grow. It usually starts off with mingling amongst your peers, then someone in the field will talk about their experience and how they got to where they are now. Our speaker at the last mixer was Matt Schultz of Shultz American Original.
As explained on our fashion meetup website, which you are all free to join (http://meetup.com/sdfashion/calendar/10772113/):
About Schultz American Original:
Initially inspired by the Southern California surf scene, Schultz American Original has evolved into a brand that embodies freedom, individuality, and exploration. Comfort and style drive our designs in an ongoing mission to bring our customers all that is fresh. Express your unique style wearing Schultz American Original threads walking amidst the throngs of backpackers in Bangkok, Thailand, doing a morning surf check in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, or just rolling with the crew into your hippest local dive. Have a voice. Make a statement. Live your life. Learn more at www.SchultzClothing.com
When you start to attend more meetings, you begin to see familiar faces and not only make business connections, but relationships and friendships with people of the same interest. You encourage each other to do well and become successful within yourself. And, I encourage you to become a part of fashion meetup. There are groups in all cities nation wide, and there is always one ready to open its arms to you. All you need is an interest in fashion.
I, Brooke, launched my summer line this last Saturday and it was a great success. It was a beautiful day and there was a lot of ambitious help for the customers who paid a visit. I sold samples at a next to nothing price, past designs at a fraction of the original price, and sold my new, one-of-a-kind summer line. Don't worry, there are still some in stock. If you wish to take a look, don't hesitate to check out the website and inquire about other colors or fabrics if something is sold out, or go to Christie's Boutique to try the looks on.
Come one, come all!! Brooke Catherine is officially launching her new Summer 2009 Collection in a trunk show at Christie’s Boutique. Christie’s Boutique has been exclusively selling Brooke Catherine designs for the last few months and if you would like to be able to try on her clothes in person this is a great chance to do so. You will not only be able to see the brand new collection but you will have a chance to talk to the designer herself. Brooke Catherine has not shown her summer collection to anyone and she is unveiling it at this special event. Be the first to see her brand new line!!! At the trunk show, there will be models wearing Bcat designs, as well as drinks and appetizers. Brooke Catherine will also be selling her old designs and samples at a great discount. This is going to be a fantastic event so make sure to try to get out to Christie’s Boutique in Mission Hills. For additional info about the boutique, please visit: www.christiesboutique.com .
Who: Brooke Catherine
What: Launch of Summer 2009 line
The Ultimate Trunk Show
Models
Drinks and Appetizers
Where: Christie's Boutique
928 Fort Stockton Drive
Suite 115
San Diego, CA 92103
Why: We want to share this exclusive event with our most loyal customers!
When: May 2, 2009 12:00pm-4pm
Since we are dear friends with the owners of Christie's Boutique, we are excited to tell you all about their new website! They have a photo gallery, blog, and online shopping. You may see the section made just for Bcat Threads. They sell exclusive designs by Brooke Catherine that nobody else sells, not even Bcat Threads on-line. You can check out the website by going here:
