Baltimore Fashion Week's Blog

Change is good but it sometimes causes pain

2011-09-06T13:43:00.000-04:00

In the midst of our production phases for 2009, there was a hiccup in our production team and all of our posts from 2008 to what you see on the site were illegally taken. Once this came to our attention, I was absolutely devastated and did not have the energy to re-post the stolen articles, but God is good and we are actively working to revamp our team.

With that being said, we have a lot of work to do on our end to bring everyone up to speed on what is going on with Baltimore Fashion Week 2012 and BEYOND. We have made quite a few changes and we want to make sure that you--our readers--are kept up to date.

So keep an eye out for the blog; change is good and well deserved.

Remember to always "KEEP IT FASHIONABLE"

Sharan NixonFounder/CEO - Butterfly Productions [Home of Baltimore Fashion Week]

Lights, camera, pose

2009-10-10T01:44:00.004-04:00

The 2010 production will be open to all buyer, press and media professionals who would like to cover Baltimore Fashion Week 2010. The registration form is located on the Media/Buyer Registration tab.

In order to be fully registered for this upcoming event each interested attendee must go to the website to obtain a form. Baltimore Fashion Week would like to ask that you make sure to read and complete the form in its entirety. Any incomplete form will not be accepted.

All approved buy/media professional will receive a designer list of all participating designers scheduled to showcase during Baltimore Fashion Week.

If you should have any questions regarding this information, please send an email to prmedia@baltimoresfashionweek.com and one of the team members will address your concern.

More information is available on the website www.baltimoresfashionweek.com.

The team of Baltimore Fashion Week would like to extend the invitation to all of their merchandising and journalism professionals.

Baltimore Fashion Week schedules first designer question and answer session in December 2009

2009-10-10T01:29:00.001-04:00

For its 2010 production, Baltimore Fashion Week is hosting a Designer Open Forum. This forum was added to the fashion week schedule to help minimize the ongoing buzzing questions that surround the designer's participation in Baltimore Fashion Week. This forum is more of a question and answer session.

This meeting is open to all designers and will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Sharp. The location of this forum will be held at the Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21207.

The team of Baltimore Fashion Week would like to recommend that if you have any burning questions that you would like answered be forwarded to designerinfo@baltimoresfashionweek.com and those questions will be answered during the session.

So don’t be late and the team of Baltimore Fashion Week looks forward to speaking and meeting with you.

More information is available on the website – www.baltimoresfashionweek.com.

Designers can register to participate in Baltimore Fashion Week

2009-10-10T01:05:00.003-04:00

Baltimore Fashion Week 2010 is scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2010 through Friday, August 13, 2010 and will be held inside the War Memorial Building located in the heart of Baltimore.

The designer registration form has been completed, posted, and available on the website of Baltimore Fashion Week - www.baltimoresfashionweek.com. All interested designers should pre-register online. Once registered online, a fashion week team member will forward your information packet to your email account. With the form completed and received, you are one step closer to your pathway in fashion.

Designer categories for the 2010 production of fashion week are ready-to-wear; avant-garde; haute couture; and a Baltimore favorite eco-friendly fashions. The designer deadline for participation in Baltimore Fashion Week is Sunday, May 30, 2010.

Baltimore Fashion Week 2010 also opens its doors to high school students, university/college students, fashion academy students, as well as independent/professional designers.

We invite all interested designers to go to the website www.baltimoresfashionweek.com and complete a designer registration form and hopefully we will see you on our runways.

Stay Fashionable!!!

Baltimore Fashion Is Moving Full Speed Ahead

2009-10-10T00:44:00.005-04:00

Baltimore Fashion Week is the annual high fashion runway event featuring local, national, and international designers. This event, Baltimore Fashion Week was created to celebrate the collective talents of artists and designers by bringing individuals of the fashion and arts community together.

Baltimore Fashion Week aims to create a vibrant fashion community where designers can thrive, by providing a showcase of one-of-a-kind fashions. Baltimore Fashion Week will continue to support the rise of this creative class.

This is Baltimore Fashion Week's 3rd year in production of its weekly runway event. The 2010 production of Baltimore Fashion Week is scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2010 through Friday, August 13, 2010. Once again this event will be held in the historical War Memorial Building located in the heart of Baltimore.

Baltimore Fashion Week welcomes designers and lovers of all categories of fashion to next year's event.

Stay tuned as the team of Baltimore Fashion Week continues to bring to Baltimore a professional yet stylish runway event.

More information is available on the website www.baltimoresfashionweek.com.

Remember - Always Keep It Fashionable!!

Your Fashion Observer

Being fashionable in this recession = The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles

2009-09-03T16:36:00.013-04:00

Before I begins this article I feel compelled to provide a definition of the word “recessionista/recessionisto” – (a recessionista is a female / recessionisto is a male) an individual that loves to look good but likes to do it with a smaller fashion budget in mind. If that definition describes you then you need to take a trip to The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles – located directly across the street from the old Montgomery Ward building. For those of you that are under the age of 25 you might not know what I am talking about. Montgomery Wards was the JC Penny of Baltimore back in the 80’s I guess I am telling my age now, but wait let’s return back to the story at hand.

The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles (called The Boulevard) is located at 1835 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland. The proud owner of this vintage haven is Reanna Jacobs, and her staff are absolutely wonderful. While there I met Sherri and Charles – two of the nicest people you ever want to meet.

As I was on my way to The Boulevard, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The Boulevard was a vendor during Baltimore Fashion Week and they caught my attention when I walked by her table and saw a caramel colored leather woven clutch bag, but not the little ones that they carry now this one was like the ones mom used to carry back in the 70s very chic and extremely unique. I loved it, so I purchased it, right on the spot. I knew then I had stumbled onto something new, chic, and eclectic.

Let’s take a visual, shall we – as I entered the boutique from the door you could not see what The Boulevard had to offer, which I found to be very intriguing, but the first fashion garment in the window caught my eye immediately before even reaching for the door knob. In the window was a red and white pokka-dot blouse that topped off a denim skirt with apples along the bottom…aaaah to only be a size 6 again. If I were a six I would have purchased that outfit and rocked it as if it were no body-else’s business.

So, after dreaming of being a size six again, I finally entered The Boulevard and greeted Reanna (I call her Ree Ree now) and gave her a great big hug. (SIDEBAR: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO LOOK FABULOUS AND I LOVE VINTAGE – but enough about me back once again to the story) Needless to say I was absolutely amazed at the collection of clothing. The garment listed in the slide show image number 1, was the first ensemble that I noticed and the sequined blouse stole my breath away. Reanna was talking to me and I was drawn to the top, so I said to Reanna, “Oh my goodness I have got to have that top” as I was stroking it like it was a new kitten and then Reanna said, “Girl wait I have more come over here.” Can I tell you all, that I almost fainted when she saw the jewels stashed away in the corner of the store. I could not believe this jewel was hidden right in the heart of South Baltimore? So after I calmed down, she points toward the window and shows me this leopard print sheer duster, can I just say it was to die for. I do not have a photo of that because guess what, I purchased it.

I was so engulfed with the clothing that I had to ask a question of Reanna, “Where did you get all of these clothes?” and she began to tell me her story.

DeBois Textiles was started by her grandfather, and now is run by her mom and dad who are two more of the sweetest people you ever want to meet and then they have another family member “Lady” that is the golden retriever, she is so precious. I could not believe that story that Reanna told me. She was so passionate about her trade and her business just to hear her speak was mesmerizing. Here is a little bit about how this business was started, from my point of view.

The textile part of the business was started by Reanna’s grandfather, and is now being managed by her parents. Reanna manages the Boutique’s side of the business. I know . . . I know that is not much history, but it is the most I could remember for now, the clothes had me over excited.

So if that information wasn’t enough for this me, she took me to the secret hide-out where all the magic begins. ONCE AGAIN . . . can I just say that I thought I had died and gone to fashion heaven, that’s right not haven – H E A V E N it was absolutely and simply FABULOUS DARLIN’ (you have got to use the Eartha Kitt voice).

Okay, here we go . . . . Behind this door, is a warehouse that appears to be the size of two of the Raven’s football field and can I tell you I have never seen so many clothes in my natural born days. The clothes are kept in various blue huge mobile bins and they are separated by clothing category. But please keep in mind as you review the images in the slide show that The Boulevard only keeps V I N T A G E, (this party you have to say in a parent like voice) so little garments of several strands of thread, if you are not V I N T A G E to the dungeon you go. That’s right they get rid of ANYTHING that is not V I N T A G E. I almost lost my mind to think of all the clothes they get rid of – OMG!

Now let’s take a minute to discuss the main image of this article (at the top of this blog). The wool vest was found in one bin, Reanna, went to another bin and found the yellow blouse, then I found the cream colored trench coat (which I might add I wanted to purchase for myself, but guess what since it is V I N T A G E I could not fit it – darn this wide back of mine), and let’s not talk about the bamboo purse that was sitting in another bin just calling my name. It is in the image, but yes I purchased that item too, sorry.

So, now it was time to go play dress up and I felt like a kid dressing a really large baby doll – it was so much fun. The Boulevard has a female and male dress form, because a lot of their clothes are placed on Etsy for purchase, you can purchase great V I N T A G E finds at www.theboulevardboutique.etsy.com. We had everything that we needed but a skirt or a pair of pants and accessories. Well, of course the queen of vintage found the perfect pair of pants that were once again, were not my size, and a pair of coral beads were on the desk that her best friend and assistant found – VOILA WE HAVE AN OUTFIT!!. Did you like? The entire garment was around $38.00, not including the purse – remember that went home with me.

I absolutely love this store and have asked the owner, Reanna Jacobs to be my personal dresser and to dress me from the Vintage garments from her store. This is a store that Ms. Obama would love. J Crew don’t have nothin’ on The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles (I know that was not perfect English – but I think you got the drift – at least I hope you did – smile).

Since the original creation of this story I have been back to the store at least four (4) times since. In my purchases I have purchased the above items, plus two vintage Samsonite bags one (1) an onboard traveling bag, and one (1) 1980s version of a Hobo Bag – man I wish there was space to show you it is too cool. I also purchased a sleep jacket, these are the hipster silk quilted jackets that grandma used to wear over her night gown – come on I know you remember. Well any who, I purchased it to go over a cami. So when you see me on the street you can probably guess that I am wearing a Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles original and when you go just tell them that Sharan sent you.

So whenever you get the change stop by. The Boulevard Boutique is open Monday thru Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sorry they are closed on Sundays – bummer I know right! But save up those dollars Recessionista’s they are open on Monday’s unlike most boutiques, so while the other boutiques are closed visit The Boulevard and go crazy the V I N T A G E Way!

The Boulevard Boutique is located on 1835 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. Their telephone number is 41.0.837.8081. Or if time won’t permit you to get to the store personally, you can visit them on the web at www.theboulevardboutique.etsy.com.

HAPPY SHOPPING RECESSIONISTAS & RECESSIONISTOS!!!

Remember to always keep it FASHIONABLE!

Sharan AKA “Don Diva”

This would be the perfect look for the upcoming Fat Laces event.

This is the garment that started this entire article/blog. The sequin tops are just to die for.

This dress with a pair of cowboy boots or a pair of cream colored suede peep toes with a hint or coral piping,
some cream accessories with the hair pulled back in a seductive bun upsweep. SIMPLY FABULOUS!!!

This blogger purchased this dress wore it with the wooden purse above, a gold sequined belt, and a pair
of patent leather red stilettos with gold trimming - God was definitely smiling that Sunday.

Reanna Jacobs, Boulevard Boutique owner working her VINTAGE magic.
I was so amazed at her

Tips for Dressing for a Runway Event

2009-07-16T21:57:00.014-04:00

Hello ladies and gents, Baltimore Fashion Week is rapidly approaching and I know you’re excited, as you should be. Since the hottest event in Baltimore fashion history is right around the corner I thought it’s time we had the talk…about things to wear to an affair of this caliber. Now don’t be scared, don’t run away I’m not going to throw the book at you. I’m just going to give you a few tips on how to look hot when you attend such an extraordinary event. So get a pen and paper and ready those printers. If you’re aiming for THE RELAXED LOOK I would suggest wearing something that is Smart-Casual. Why? Because it's comfortable, it’s not too sophisticated, and it always leaves the impression that you are a fashionista at heart. So, if you want to wear those nice pair of jeans in your closet, match them with a stylish blouse and a sexy heel or if you have a cute dress match it with a sleek jacket. Remember, accessories make the outfit.

The same goes for you guys. Just look at Neyo and Will. These men can dress. If you want to have the fashionista’s staring at you, wear a suave outfit—a nice pair of shoes, jeans and a dress shirt with a few buttons loose (give us girls something to think about).

Have you ever thought about wearing one of the featured designer’s outfits to the show? On this, I say, take your cue from Rihanna. She wore a Gucci design to a Gucci runway event. Nothing compliments the designer more than to know that someone as hot as you wore one of their beautiful creations to the show. You’ll be hip, hot, and totally stylin’. So if you have a Prada dress and you’re going to a Prada show, WEAR IT!

Now ladies and gents let’s not just get caught up in the outfit and not Think About the Colors. I just have to say this black is always in style. You can never go wrong with black. But if you want to take a walk on the wild side, like moi, and spice up your outfit, always be certain that the colors you are wearing coordinate well together (that includes jewelry).

I’m going to leave you with My Most Important Tip that I got from designer Franco Mirabelli, “You have to look like you get it.” So, if you don’t have that $1,000 Fendi dress, don’t sweat it. Do like Baltimoreans do and grab those jeans and shirt in the back of your closet and make it work for you.

The Press Party will be up in smoke - IN A GOOD WAY

2009-07-05T21:43:00.010-04:00

This year Butterfly Productions is implementing what they are calling the kick-off celebration for Baltimore Fashion Week, gracefully entitled "THE PRESS PARTY" of Baltimore Fashion Week.

This year you can meet the participating designers of Baltimore Fashion Week and see a garment that they will be showing during fashion week; meet the five (5) finalists for the McCafe Inspired Designer Contest; and find out who will be announced the winner of the McCafe Designer Contest. This is one thing that I can't wait to see.

Besides all of that, Butterfly Productions has also secured Cross Street Tobacco as a cigar (product) sponsor for THE PRESS PARTY and they will be supplying cigars for the guests along side the pier during THE PRESS PARTY held at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

This year's theme for Baltimore Fashion Week is a fairytale theme, which is why it is entitled as "Once Upon A Fashionable Dream" - A Fashionista's Fairytale.

Tickets can be obtained via the website at www.baltimoresfashionweek.com for $40.00.

So, sit back and grab your mouse and scroll and see the picture shots we have for your.

Baltimore Museum of Industry - 1415 Key Highway - Baltimore, MD 21230

THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO WHAT WE CALL THE ENTRY TO THE ROAD TO YOUR FASHIONABLE DREAMS

MEET ME ON THE PIER FOR SOME CONVERSATION

We were just showing you how it looks now - but we will be transforming it for our event. I hope you are ready!

Your Fashion Bloggist

Style Highlight: Networking At PUR Ultra Lounge

2009-06-02T08:36:00.006-04:00

There will be a fashionable event happening the day before the BFW Crab Feast for any fashionable people that want to network! At the PUR Ultra Lounge located on 2322 Boston Street in Baltimore, KIS Agency will present its monthly industry mixer event, F.A. M. E. F. A. M. E. stands for Fashion, Art, Music, and Entertainment.

The event begins at 9 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. The schedule includes:

MODELS & BEAUTIFUL LADIES: The Official HYPE HAIR MAGAZINE Model Call! Register to enter the Hype Hair Magazine 13th Annual Natural Beauty Contest. The winner receives a photo spread in Hype Hair Magazine and a trip with hotel and airfare to
Cancun, Mexico. Entrants MUST bring a full color head shot, full length shot, and the $15 non-returnable Hype Hair processing fee. Hype Hair entrants should email Lana@KISagency.com to be added to the guest list.
9PM-11PM

MAKEUP ARTISTS: Be a part of Baltimore Fashion Week! Meet with BFW's lead makeup artist and sign up to join the make-up team. Please bring samples of your work.
9PM-11PM

HAIR STYLISTS, WARDROBE STYLISTS & MAKEUP ARTISTS: Primp Agency is looking for you! Meet the CEO and join the area's newest beauty and style team! Please bring samples of your work.
9PM-11PM

ALL GUESTS: Register to win tickets to join Konan at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans! There WILL be a winner from MD.
10:30PM- 11:30PM

Special guests- John Blassingame, Publisher of Hype Hair Magazine and Black Men Magazine, along with Stacy Montaque, Winner of the 2008 Hype Hair Natural Beauty Contest

Entry: $10 for ladies, $20 for Gents all night

If you are a make-up artist and would love the opportunity to showcase your skills at Baltimore Fashion Week 2009, you have to be at this event! If you are a aspiring model, stylist, hair stylist, or anyone else with a business in fashion or beauty, you should check this event out! If you have any questions about the event, feel free to e-mail Lana@KISagency.com

So what’s happening this week? Baltimore Fashion Week’s Crab Feast! It’s this Saturday on June 6th, 2009 at Tiffany East Catering located on 4116 East Lombard Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The crab feast starts promptly at 8 p.m. and will last until midnight.

BFW Crab Feast Next Saturday and BFW Tickets Are On Sale

2009-05-30T07:40:00.012-04:00

What screams Baltimore better than hot steaming crabs?

Baltimore Fashion Week knows that fashionistas and fashion forward individuals from Baltimore love crabs!, so on Saturday, June 6, 2009, Butterfly Productions & Baltimore Fashion Week will present it’s first crab feast with an open bar. The celebration is taking place at Tiffany East Catering located at 4116 East Lombard Street in Baltimore, Maryland at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $45 until June 1st, so get your tickets today or tomorrow because after June 1st tickets will be $55.

SAVE YOUR TICKET STUB FOR THE DRAWINGS FOR SPECIALLY ADDED SURPRISES - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WE ELSE WE WILL BE UP TO.

Get your tickets online and pick them up at the Will Call Area - click here to order tickets.

Now, if you aren’t really into crabs . . .don’t worry there is more than just crabs at Baltimore Fashion Week’s crab feast.

Take a look below at the Crab Feast meal:

STEAMED CRABS
Crab Soup
Corn on the Cob
Swedish Meatballs
Macaroni & Cheese
Beef BBQ
Fried Chicken
Whipped Potatoes
Beer & Soda
Tossed Green Salad
Turkey Breast
American Cheese
Relish Dish
Cole Slaw
Imported Ham
Salami
Swiss Cheese
Potato Salad
Sheet Cake

FREE DRINKS ALL YOU CAN DRINK
Hennessy
Jack Daniels
Crown Royal
Seagram's Gin
Bacardi Rum
Smirnoff Vodka
Beer - Bud Light
Beer - Coors Light
Wine - Chablet
Wine - Rose
Wine - Burgundy
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Sodas

Listen to the BFW commercial now.

*Do not forget to buy your tickets for the next Baltimore Fashion Week event, The Press Pary at Baltimore Musuem of Industry. Tickets to this event is $55 dollars before June 1st and $65 after June 1st. So, hurry up and buy your tickets now!

*Tickets for Baltimore Fashion Week are on sale now! Please go to www.baltimoresfashionweek.com to get your seat to the hottest fashion week of the summer! Ticket prices range from $20 to $55.

On the Road to Fashion Week: Designers' Meet and Greet

2009-04-20T16:04:00.027-04:00

Baltimore Fashion Week held its second annual designer’s meeting this past weekend on Sunday, April 20, 2009! With the help of two Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Fashion Design professors, Colleen Knox and Roland Douglas. Both Knox and Douglas offered designers hands on advice and techniques about finishing their garments both inside and out.

By the end of each designer’s mini-consultation with Sharan and the two BCCC Fashion Design professors, they all were told the day they would be able to showcase their collection during Baltimore Fashion Week, scheduled for August 10-14, 2009 at the War Memorial Building located at 101 North Gay Street.

Designer collections present included the following: jewelry, Eco-friendly, ready to wear, and this year we even have a childrens clothing designer. The list continued to grow as the designers came out to have their collection reviewed by the helpful and insightful panel. From what I could see, this year's collection for Baltimore Fashion Week 2009 will satisfy the fashionable cravings of ANY fashionista.

==============================

ATTENTION: LAST MODEL CALL FOR BALTIMORE FASHION WEEK 2009

The Baltimore Fashion Week team is having its ABSOLUTE last and FINAL model call! They are looking for both male/female models. Female models must be at-least 5' 6" or taller. Male models must be at-least 5' 10" or taller. They are also looking for plus size curvy models. If you think you have what it takes to walk down the fashion week runways then you should come out on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 12:00 Noon SHARP!!.

TIP FROM SHARAN NIXON: Please come dressed fashionably.

This last audition will be held at the Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207 at 12:00 Noon SHARP!! There are NO rehearsals for fashion week, so you have one chance to shine and Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 12:00 Noon will be it.

Stay tune for more updates about the road to Baltimore Fashion Week 2009!

STEPPING BACK IN TIME - THE MAGAZINE OF 2008's SUCCESS

2009-03-26T12:56:00.000-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing

Chic Pub Spot for Fashion Week

2009-03-03T09:21:00.009-05:00

As you may already know Baltimore Fashion Week's theme this year is A Fashionista's Fairy Tale.

On August 12th, 2009, the runway theme of the day will be imaginative fairytale of Onyxi: Ruler of Darkness Covering The Horizon With Magic. Sharan Nixon and her design team decided that this would be the perfect day to mix fashionable entertainment with a delicious meal.

Tanae Nelson Harris, production associate of Baltimore's Fashion Week, discovered Lucy's Irish Pub and decided this would be the perfect place to have a post event! The Lucy's Irish Pub is located in Downtown, Baltimore directly across from the Hippodrome Theatre. Stay tuned for more updates about post celebration spots for the 2nd Annual Fashion Week of Baltimore City!

Lucy Irish Pub Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/25114472@N03/3193788128/

Baltimore Fashion Week Still Wants Models!

2009-02-24T04:47:00.004-05:00

It's not normal for the Forest Park Senior Center (Baltimore, MD) to have visitors on a Sunday afternoon. Its definitely not normal for the Senior Center's gym to be full of aspiring models either.

The room filled up quickly with fresh model faces and some of Baltimore's Fashion Week 2008 alumni.

Each model that arrived on time was given a blue ticket with a number, due to the huge turn out, the gymnasium was so full some models had to stand.

Sharan Nixon, Founder/CEO of Baltimore's Fashion Week (the African-American queen of Baltimore style if you ask me), welcomed the models with announcements about the upcoming fashion week. "I would love to tell you the details, but I don't want to give away too much information, stated Nixon.

Once Sharan finished her brief speech, she introduced the models to Baltimore's Fashion Week's runway coach, Robert Mercer. Mercer gave the models a brief overview of what he wanted to see and then, Nixon began to call the numbers for the first batch of cat walkers. Mercer was quick and to the point when making his decisions with either a stern "yes" or "no". After seeing so many different runway walks, Mercer only chose a few males and females to become an official BFW 2009 model.

So, you think you have what it takes to have your stilettos clicking on the runways of BFW 2009? Or, if you tried out, but want another chance to be a part of BFW 2009? Well, now is your chance Baltimore's Fashion Week will have one last audition for models on March 15th!

The model call/audition will take place again at the Forrest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207. Same time. 3 p.m.

So, start practicing ladies and gentlemen and meet us at the gym!

HARD of SOFT -- Which One Do You Prefer?

2009-02-13T12:48:00.006-05:00

I have been noticing that now-a-days the “IN” thing is the hardcover wallets, but the question still remains, Hard or Soft?

Remember the good old days when we used to carry the wallets that had a three part fold. There were the plastic wallets that mom used to give you when you were two (2) to teach you some sort of responsibility with the change we used to ask for after a purchase. How about the Velcro wallets that always seemed to work when we were in elementary and grade school. As we reached maturity, we would get a vinyl wallet to keep our lunch money or our “I am going to the mall with my friends after school” money. Oh oh and let us not forget the infamous wallet that we received around the holidays, now you knew you were grown when you received a true LEATHER wallet. Those were the days.

If you like the old leather-style wallets you will probably have to visit a vintage boutique or even eBay, because the only types of wallets you will find now are what I call the high-end wallets, i.e. HARDCOVER wallets that are everywhere. You will find them in FOREVER 21, XXI (the upscale version of Forever 21), Macy’s, Nordstrom’s (they have the really eclectic ones with the vintage and stand-offish styles), and BeBe, just to name a few.

If you had your choice today which wallet would you prefer, HARD or SOFT? Personally, I like the new HARD ones, they are easier to find amongst all of my fashion week stuff….lol.

Always Fashionable,
Your Website Fashionista

Oh, What Shoe Will Fit Today?

2009-02-07T23:12:00.004-05:00

Today on the fashion scene are various types of shoes. There are so many to choose from like:

Boots
Open Toe
Rock & Roll
Metallic
Ankle Booties
Bowtie
Hardware - HUH
Sexy
Skyscraper
Strappy - Humm
Glams
Buckle
Reptile - Really Now!
Patent Leather
Platforms
Lace Up - You Don't Say

Well I have out of all the categories above I have 9 of the above. Does that mean that I have a shoe fetish? I say that not because I only have about 55 pairs in my closet, and personally I don't think that is enough. I believe a woman should have atleast 100 pairs of shoes in her closet, and should go shoe shopping at least every two (2) weeks. Holla back ladies!

Now colors, that is an entirely different story. Hot pink, grey, leopard print, gold print, gold floral print, white wrap a rounds, etc. Now question, if you still have in your closet the shoes that they wore in the late 90s that women used to string up the leg, you should know the "new" sexy, which is to tie the strings around your ankle with the sexiest bow you can tie on the outside of the ankle . . . hey you never thought about that did you? Don't forget the fly pair of tights or leggings that is so hot - try it and see how many head turns you receive. When they look at you that is a good thing, because they are living through your creativity.

Well its late and I have to get my fashion gear ready for tomorrow - get ready for the next blog - the first round of auditions for the models for fashion week is tomorrow.

Yours Truly,

Nixonious

FASHION Dreams Will Come True In August 2009

2009-01-17T07:03:00.007-05:00

Right after fashion week 2008, Sharan Nixon & Antoine Brown (Founders of Baltimore's Fashion Week) knew they needed to find the perfect flier to introduce Baltimore's second annual Baltimore's Fashion Week for 2009. They both knew the image had to be hot and the flier (both sides) needed to invite people to this event while at the same time it also needed to jump off the pages.

The quest was on to find that perfect photo and voila with only a few clicks Nixon found it, "Once I found the front flier photo - fashion week was birthed for 2009," stated Nixon. But for the finishing touches she turned to AW Creative Group and their team to make the back of the flier just as hot if not hotter.

Just like the flier designs for 2008, they continued their graphical excitement right into Baltimore's Fashion Week's 2009 production entitled, "Once Upon A FASHIONable Dream - A FASHIONista's Fairytale."

Let us know what you think!!!

Visit the website for more information www.baltimoresfashionweek.com.

The Fashion Editor

BFWNEWS: If You Can Draw It - Sew It - We Have Models To SHOWCASE It!

2009-01-06T00:03:00.005-05:00

Baltimore's Fashion Week has opened its doors to designers of ALL realms of fashion. From designers of punk to couture there is a day during our scheduled runway event just for you.

Designers are also welcomed to incorporate in the display of their collection their own models, if you have them - if not Baltimore's Fashion Week can provide them for you.

Baltimore's Fashion Week only has one request that they know how to walk straight runway and they must perform either a Chanel or an American Twist at the end of the runway - really that's three but who is counting...

This year's event will be held at the War Memorial Building located across the street from City Hall.

Placement forms are being accepted now, hurry before the deadline. Visit them on the web at www.baltimoresfashionweek.com.

The Fashion Reporter

BFWNEWS: Put One Step In Front Of The Other & Pose!

2009-01-05T23:57:00.004-05:00

Baltimore's Fashion Week will begin its auditions for the 2009 production of "Once Upon A FASHIONable Dream - A FASHIONista's Fairytale" in April 2009.

Both male & female models are wanted.

Models must be at least 5' 7" in height. Baltimore's Fashion Week is also also looking for our curvaceous/plus size models and tattooed models to be a part of fashion week.

If you think you have what it takes, stay tuned and Baltimore's Fashion Week will post information soon of where to strut your stuff.\

The Fashion Reporter

BFWNews: Butterfly Productions/Rockstar Runway gives a little taste of the Baltimore's Fashion Week Runway

2008-11-14T23:25:00.000-05:00

On December 14, 2008, Butterfly Productions and Rockstar Runway will present "And Then There Was Snow" runway show featuring some of designers from Baltimore's Fashion Week 2008.

Some of the Baltimore Fashion Week 2008 designers include LT Dickens, Formal Den, Viola Ricci, LADY, and J. Pilar.

The runway show will also showcase the designs of Creatively Yours Enterprises, and new featured designer to the Baltimore area - Stella Bonds.

This fashion event will take place at Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21207.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the runway event will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available online through www.butterflyprods.com for $20 dollars. Ticket price includes open buffet.

So, come out for a fashionable event and a meal!

The Fashion Reporter

BFWNews: Adding Another Charitable Orgainzation and Vendors Wanted

2008-10-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

Baltimore's Fashion Week is pleased to raise money for Susan G. Komen Organization and the Sylvan Beach Foundation. Now, we are adding the Casey Cares Foundation.

The Casey Care Foundation mission is to provide critically ill children and their families with programs that encourage them to live life happily and compassionately.

Also, Baltimore's Fashion Week is looking for vendors for fashion week that will take place from August 10 to August 14th! Vendors' exhibits will be displayed from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during fashion week. So, if you make jewelry or you make delicious food or you want to display them to the Baltimore City residents and guests, then let Baltimore's Fashion Week give you the space to show it off!

For more information visit, www.baltimoresfashionweek.com

The Fashion Reporter

BFW News: BFW's Runway Coach Planning a Model Training Program

2008-10-10T23:18:00.000-04:00

Want to be a model, but think you need a bit of training? Baltimore's Fashion Week's Runway Coach, Robert W. Mercer, Jr., will be interviewing and selecting candidates for his Fall Model Training Program on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at The Engineers Club located at 11 West Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Please come dressed to impress!

The Fashion Reporter

Photo Courtesy of Style.com

BFWStyle News: Official Designer Line Up is Up & One Day Remains Until Baltimore's Fashion Week 2008 Debuts

2008-08-10T23:04:00.000-04:00

On Monday, August 11, 2008, the War Memorial Building located on 101 North Gay Street was transformed into a fashion capital! Here is the official designer line up list for the runway events!

08/11/08 - THINK PINK

Featured Designer: KAS Collection, Inc.
The Honorable Sheila Dixon, Mayor of Baltimore City - Featured Model

08/12/08 - The Perfect Beginning

Drew Fashions
Cheryl Gould
Maine Strome
SwaggDog
B. Sassy
FLEX
Irregular
The Clothing Warehouse
Vammocho

08/13/08 - Thinking Outside The Box | Dare To Be Different

Madison Walker for Ms. B
Ying Edge
Cheryl's Fashion Design
EyeKandie
Elena Siri
BMore Creative
B. Sassy
Miriam Coffey
BluPrint
Lepe Fashion (Jewelry Provided By: Azul Designs)
Miyoko

08/14/08 - A Public Display of Af-FASHION

l u x u r i e (Featuring: BARCS)
NOIR
Ni Associates
Diallo
Rimarjo
B. Sassy
LADY
J. Pilar
Erin Ashley
Jazzy Couture
Artistic Sole
Cotrice
FQ Designs

08/15/08 - The Love For Haute Couture

Dermain Jackson for Madison Walker
Formal Den
Viola Ricci
LT Dickens
Bakhita Couture Jewelry
Diallo
Matt Tom
House of Jkare
FQ Designs
Indashio
Matt Tom

BFWStyle News: Baltimore's Fashion Week Is News Worthy

2008-08-07T22:57:00.000-04:00

On August 7, 2008, with a few days left until Baltimore's first Fashion Week makes its debut, Baltimore's Fashion Week received a lot of media attention.

On August 6, 2008, Baltimore's Fashion Week was honored to receive a proclamation from The Honorable, Mayor Sheila Dixon, Mayor of Baltimore City, made Baltimore's Fashion Week an official event of Baltimore.

On the local TV station, WJZ, we received one of our first TV spots.

Get this, the city of Baltimore may be creating a high school of fashion thanks to the debut of Baltimore's Fashion Week and all the young designers showing in the first fashion week.

Check out this link to see our TV spot, http://wjz.com/seenon

The Fashion Reporter

BFWStyle News: A Vintage Party In The Works

2008-08-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, August 6th, the Mayor of Baltimore, Sheila Dixon will be having a press conference at City Hall in relation to Baltimore's first Fashion Week.

Baltimore's Fashion Week and The Clothing Warehouse has team up to have a reception/party at The Clothing Warehouse located on 1211 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

This event is for all the designers, models, hipsters, and other connected individuals involved in Baltimore's Fashion Week.

Please come join us for refreshments, special prizes, and great selection of vintage clothing. If you would love to see The Clothing Warehouse, they will be showcasing their designs on August 12th at the Perfect Beginning Runway Event.

The Fashion Reporter

BFWStyle News: Anticipating The Debut of Baltimore's Fashion Week 2008

2008-08-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

It was on July 12, 2008 that Baltimore's Fashion Week had it's Kick Off Event also known as STYLE TRIBE.

The Style Tribe event was a success featuring designs from Handbags in the City, Blu Vintage, London Boutique, Babe Boutique, Cupcake, and other local clothing boutiques in Baltimore.

Baltimore's Fashion Week would like to thank the designers/boutiques, models, hair stylists, make-up artists and especially YOU the residents of Baltimore city for making this event possible.

Special thanks to Saran Fossett for her devotion to fashion and her production skillz!

The Fashion Reporter

Casting Call!!

2007-12-22T14:21:00.001-05:00

YOU ASKED FOR IT SO HERE YOU GO!

SEE YOU ON THE JANUARY 12, 2008!

Welcome!

2007-12-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Baltimore's Fashion Week Blog! Check back frequently as we will keep you posted about the hottest event in Baltimore City!

______________________________________________________________

Baltiomore's Fashion Week, August 11th-15th, 2008

WHO SHOULD COME? National and regional designers, models, media, buyers, and lovers of the best in fashion should plan to attend. Our week-long schedule of runway shows, workshops and mixers will be open to anyone who enjoys great designs.

WHAT ARE WE PLANNING? We’re putting together a dynamic event, filled with opportunities to mix and mingle with the best artists, buyers, photographers and stylists.The festivities will begin on August 11th with a reception in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Among the week’s highlights are workshops facilitated by world-renowned photographer Roy Cox of Roy Cox Photography [http://www.4-optic.com/], and famed image consultant and runway coach Ivory Narvell [http://www.narvell.com/].

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? This event is a chance for us to highlight the best of Baltimore – including those who work hard to improve our community. A portion of the week’s proceeds will go to two organizations whose work has been central to the residents of Baltimore City: the Sylvan Beach Foundation [http://www.sylvanbeachfoundation.org/] and the Health Education Resource Organization [http://www.hero-mcrc.org/]. Both organizations offer services that uplift our neighbors and improve our city.

WHEN CAN YOU BUY TICKETS? Tickets for the public events go on sale in Spring 2008! If you are a designer or artist interested in showing your line, you can register now. Baltimore is home to several of the best graduate fashion programs in the region. We welcome exceptional, hard-working students with finished lines to register for Baltimore's Fashion Week. Looking for another path to our runways? We're also looking for models, stylists, and production staff!