By Michelle A Heath, on 10.16.11 |  With the ever-so-talented and stylish, Wesley Nault Still basking in the light of last week’s 2nd Annual Catwalk for a Cure. I am honored to be a media sponsor and to have the opportunity to work with passionate, organized and professional people like Bryan and Nick, meet the amazing designers, like Wesley Nault and capture the spirit of survivors like Marybeth Fratus.
It was amazing to capture the models from the end of the runway – I told Marta, my ever so stylish +1 for the evening, that I felt like a kid in a candystore. The shoes, the fabrics, the talent, the strength, the pride – it was all so touching and overwhelming.
I was proud to have my girls there to support me – Lisa, Stacey, Diane, Marta, Julie – you guys are amazing! I am already looking forward to next year and have lots of ideas for the team.
Want to see all the pictures? Check them out on The Stylish Eye Facebook fan page – become a fan too…stay up to date on the latest trends and style happenings about town!
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.10.11 | Continuing my series on the designers who are making Catwalk for a Cure the style event of the season…I introduce Julie Montesion a local designer based in Natick, MA. Her collection carries her namesake, Julie Montesion, and is an amazing designer of evening, bridal and special occasion dresses. Cannot WAIT to see what she cooks up for us on Thursday night…hope to see you there and thanks, Julie, for your inspiration and dedication to fashion for a great cause!
And now, meet Julie Montesion…
Tell me about yourself. How did you get involved in Catwalk for a Cure? Why is this event important to you?
 Julie Montesion I am a self-taught freelance designer who specializes in special occasion/formal wear. This is my second year designing for Catwalk For A Cure. I got involved in 2010 because I was looking for a creative way to help raise money for cancer awareness. The event is important to me because I lost my grandmother to cancer in 2008. This is a way for me to honor her memory and to help raise money to one day find a cure.
What is your design philosophy? How does your creative process work as you’re designing new pieces?
I think fashion should be fun. I like a lot of color and my designs express that. It is classic styles with a flirty twist.
How did you work with the cancer survivors to design the pieces they will be wearing next week?
One of my models is currently fighting cancer and undergoing treatment. We worked together to make sure that the style was something that she would feel comfortable in. I moved up the necklines of some garments, added straps to hide bandages and incorporated silk scarves to add some modesty to the dresses.
 Julie Montesion "Terri" Dress How did you get started in design? What words of wisdom would you share with aspiring designers?
I got started in design and formal wear when I was high school. I would make custom prom dresses for all my friends. I would tell any aspiring designers to not give up and to keep at it. It is hard at times but also very rewarding.
What is one style trend for Fall you love?
I love the tie-neck blouses that have made a comeback this season.
What can the stylish guests expect to see from you at the event?
They can expect a really fun show with lots of sparkle!
What is your biggest accomplishment as a designer? And, what’s next?
Creating a wedding dress for a bride is always a big accomplishment for me. It’s a huge honor to share in someone’s special day and to be a part of their life changing event. Up next for me is my own wedding! I’ll be busy designing and making bridesmaid dresses for my 2012 wedding.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.10.11 | Being a media partner for this year’s Catwalk for a Cure has been inspirational in so many ways. I’ve had the chance to get the inside scoop on the creative process and what makes the show such a special event for everyone who attends. I wanted to share the story of Wesley Nault, creative director/owner of an inspirational collection of his own namesake, Wesley Nault. Wesley had the honor of being chosen for Season 5 of Project Runway (one of my fave shows!) and is based in one of the fashion mecca’s of the world, New York City.
Wesley is a featured designer at Catwalk for a Cure – just a few days away on Thursday October 13th at the ever-so-glam State Room in downtown Boston. Tickets are still available (get ‘em here) and I hope to see you there!
And without further adieu, I introduce Wesley Nault – his story in his words.
 Wesley Nault “I moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion at the age of 18. I was formally trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Fast forward a few years, and after spending a year working for Marc Jacobs, I was ready to break out on my own landing a spot on the 5th Season of the Emmy Award winning show, Project Runway in 2008. Although my “auf wiedersehen” came early, I said “guten tag” to countless exciting opportunities, everything from uniforms for the new Yankee Stadium and becoming a spokes person for Brother International, to vegetable dresses and superhero and showgirl costumes. In 2010, I won GEN ART’s New Garde grant with a fellow contestant from the Project Runway and together we showed a widely received collection that was hosted by Molly Sims. Later that year marked the launch of my namesake collection, Wesley Nault, which is currently in its third season.
When Bryan Finocchio, founder and director of Catwalk for a Cure, first reached out to me about participating in this year’s event, I could not have been more eager. Originally from Massachusetts myself, I would not be where I am today with out the support from all of my family and friends. And getting involved with Catwalk for a Cure meant I could finally give back to the community that has supported me all these years in a greater way… for a cause.
The easy part of designing for me is inspiration. I am inspired by everything! You just have to look outside of what something is supposed to be and see it for what it could become. But as the design process starts, it becomes a constant tug of war, a battle between hard and soft. Eventually, I find a middle ground that balances the two, but the road to it is sometimes a grueling one. There is so much emotion that goes into each piece I design, between the hints of inspiration and attention to detail and finishing. By the time I finish a piece, we have gone through a roller coaster of highs and lows. But at the end of the day, when I take a moment to breathe, I look around… and my creatively chaotic, too small, too cold, too expensive studio becomes a world full of beautiful things that I dreamed and sketched and designed and sewed and I just breathe it in… and its euphoric… because it is those moments I can see my past, present and future coming together and any doubts or what ifs don’t matter, because for that moment everything is beautiful again.
 Wesley Nault Collection I started designing during those awkward days in middle school. Growing up in a relatively small town, I didn’t have a lot of access to what you would consider “high-fashion,” so I was dead set on making it myself. Whatever I could get my hands on, I would push it through that sewing machine. I did a lot of deconstructing and reconstructing in those days. And I am so thankful for those experimental years, learning how things were put together by ripping them apart and really getting to know the sewing machine.
My best advice for aspiring designers is to first remember that the fashion industry is just that, an INDUSTRY. You really have to love it because the glamorous moments of photo shoots and fashion shows seam few and far between at times, especially with the countless, sleepless nights.
One could compare the Project Runway experience to an obscure sleep away camp… bunking together with new found friends, and foes, for a month and a half while every moment of every day is chaperoned, filmed, photographed and logged, with the added bonus of hyper competition mode. That set is a TENSE, TINY, HOT space. Did I mention TENSE. Oh and HOT. Who new mic packs could pick up sounds from the central air when its on? Thank G*d for my short shorts. Overall though, it was an amazing, exciting experience. It has really pushed me to come into myself as a designer since then.
Trends for Fall… Python seems to be the exotic skin du jour. Also among my favs, Navaho prints and palettes/sequins.
 Welsey Nault Collection I will be showing my Spring 2012 collection at Catwalk for a Cure, which I just debuted at New York Fashion Week in September. The collection is entitled The Annunciation of the Virgin, and was my first solo presentation under my name sake collection. The theme parallels works of art by the same title during the Renaissance and Baroque periods when the Arch Angel Gabriel ascended the Heavens to announce the Virgin Mary with child. Both gowns in the collection represent the majors players in the subject matter. The white gown representing Gabriel’s ascendance through the clouds and the beaded gown creating a three dimensional halo of embellishment, evoking the halo depicted in such works surrounding the Madonna. Black leather lilies stud and spike several pieces from the collection. Lilies being a common symbol in works of the same theme, Gabriel is often portrayed by artists with a spray of lilies upon his announcement to Mary. Lace also played a major role in fabrication throughout the collection. Laid among layers of tulle and receding into cloud-like dimensions, the lace was incorporated into soft drapes and tailored silhouettes, highlighting abstract skeletal structures. This season, I also collaborated with Satori Breonn, pairing each look with jewelry made for specifically for the line.In all, the collection was meant to be my annunciation to the fashion industry as a serious player to watch out for.
A milestone for the Wesley Nault brand this year has been dressing Kim Kardashian for several events, which also landed her on the best dressed list in People Magazine. Kim was recently quoted on E! News saying that Wesley Nault was one of her top 10 designers to wear. With only two seasons under my belt at the time, it was quite the complement and really gave me the motivation to push the collection to the next level.
Next on my wish list… have a chance to nap before my next show at Fashion Week.”
Well, Wesley, I hope you find time for a massage and a nap before your next show and will be sure to share a glass of vino at CW4AC on Thursday! Look forward to seeing you then and thank you for your amazing contribution to helping to educate and eradicate breast cancer.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.01.11 |  Bryan Finocchio I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Bryan Finocchio, Founder & Director of Catwalk for a Cure and wanted to know more about his organization and the event that’s coming up on Thursday, October 13th at 7pm at the State Room here in Boston (get your tickets here.) I’ve got my pink frock ready to go, along with my +1, the ever so fun and stylish, Marta Kagan. We’re ready for a fun night of up-and-coming designers, cancer survivors-turned-runway models and pink cocktails, of course. Thanks to Bryan for sharing the history of this fabulous event and for his passion and dedication to eradicating breast cancer.
Tell me about Catwalk for a Cure. How did it get started? What was at the core of how it all began?
In nursing school, many professors told us that “Nursing is your #1 priority, everything else comes second.” I guess I am defiant? Having a background in the performing arts, I have always wanted to do something different that incorporates my medical background and my arts background. I have had many women in my life diagnosed with breast cancer (grandmother, cousin, family, friends etc.) and one women in particular, my Women’s Health professor. She was a “tough broad”, or that’s what she called herself. She was very different from all the other professors. She understood everyone has their own separate lives and that you are able to do anything. Also, to be a women’s health lecturer, you need to have a sense of humor, and she did.
In April of 2010 she told the class, after waiting 2 hours that she was diagnosed with progressive Stage 3 breast cancer. I can honestly say there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. I remember sitting there speechless. I also remember thinking I am going to do something to give back. I am going to do a pink dress fashion show in Boston (something that hasn’t been done). I guess you could say she was the core inspiration for this whole idea.
I love the combination of fashion for a good cause. Tell me about some of the designers who will be featured on the runway?
 Zack Lo - Bumble Zoo Cerise This year we have eight designers participating in the show. Their assignment was to create a mini collection having one all-pink look and the rest pink accents. This approach is different than the all-pink fashion show last year. I wanted to give the designers more creative freedom to express who they are as an artist. We first start off with the cocktail hour. We will have eccentric shoe designer, Zack Lo, and environmentally-friendly designer, Janice Louise Miller dressing models to walk around cocktail hour and give the guests something new and fresh to look at. On the runway we’ll see six designers Nicole Herzog, Julie Montesion, Candice Wu, Julie Kontos, Drea Couture and Wesley Nault. The audience will be seeing fashion school graduates from School of Fashion Design on Newbury St, Lasell College, self-taught designers, ones who have studied abroad, and of course, Wesley Nault, our featured designer from Season 5 of Project Runway!
Susan G. Komen has done an amazing job raising money for cancer education and research. How did you come to partner with this organization for this event?
 Before I started Catwalk for a Cure, I knew I needed a charity to give back to. My mother worked in Radiology for some time and used to do the walks for breast cancer and had mentioned Susan G. Komen. I wanted a charity in Boston where the money went to education and research, because that is where the knowledge and prevention happens. The root for it is education. If women/men are not taught self exams, signs and symptoms, new treatments etc., we will be in much worse shape with statistics off the chart. After researching, I met with The Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for a Cure in a Starbucks right in the Financial District and explained what I wanted to do. Right away I had great feedback, it was something new and fresh, and they were thrilled to help with this project.
What can people who attend this fashionable soiree expect on Thursday, October 13th? Tell us about the venue, the program and the fashion!
I think telling people that it is at the State Room is good enough. The view  from the 33rdfloor of 60 State St. is absolutely incredible. Not to mention the modern architecture of the venue. Most people remember the place at the old “Bay Tower room”….I guess being 23, I have no idea what that meant. The event will start at 7pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction. Here guests will walk around, bid on items, enjoy a signature cocktail, fresh beer from Harpoon Brewery, hors ‘doeuvres from State Room, watch models walk and admire the looks, take a photo infront of our SOUL by Ludacris “step and repeat”, be interview by TTN-HD productions, and have their photos taken by “paparazzi”. The fashion show will start at 9:15pm. Here guests will enjoy our designers, music by Andrew Mason (DJ Dropl3t) and their collections as well as models, cancer survivors, and business professionals walking for the cause. After the show, guests will be escorted to the mezzanine of the Great Room for more cocktails, desserts from Five Bite Cupcakes, Pinkberry, and Chobani, as well as meet the designers and models who have made the night possible.
Where can people go to buy tickets?
Please visit catwalkforacure.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $100 and include signature cocktail, passed hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, fashion show, gift bag, and post reception and proceeds go directly to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer education and research.
What do you love best about the event?
Everything! I love the stress and excitement of planning it, the final product, but mostly the smiles on all the guests faces as well as the survivors. After all it is for them. When they smile, I smile. The survivors are who inspired me. I remember last year, a guest coming up to me, with tears in her eye, and explained to me how much she enjoyed the show…she was currently going through treatment.
Also, a few thank you’s to my team and the people making all of this possible. The event is hosted by Practically Broadway, Inc., a non-profit visual and performing arts organization. Also, I could not have done this without my team: Neira Pekmez: Event Coordinator, Christina Ruggeri: Model and Designer Coordinator, Iliana Galvez: Asst. Event Coordinator, Nick Mandella: Lead Photographer and Press Liaison.
And the big question…what will you be wearing?
That is a good question! I spend so much time planning, its usually the week of the event type deal. This year I have been looking at Express, Cole Haan, Nordstrom, and Brooks Brothers. I will most likely go with a black or gray jacket and pants, pink shirt and a pink tie, still keeping it fashionable and different. I guess you will have to wait and see! Be sure to follow us on Twitter for all the latest news on the show!
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Well, Bryan, thanks so much for telling all the Stylish Eyes out there about Catwalk for a Cure and the event on the 13th…I cannot WAIT! I am spreading the word to all of my fashionable friends who are looking for a stylish night out for an amazing cause. Breast cancer has personally touched my life through too many family members and friends and I am thrilled to support such a great organization and a fantastic night out in the city. Great work, Bryan and team!
PS: Stay tuned…I’ll be interviewing some designers and breast cancer survivors over the next few weeks as part of my Catwalking for a Cure blog post series. Thanks for tuning in and hope to see you on the 13th!
By Michelle A Heath, on 08.27.11 | Boston has never been known for it’s high-style or runway fashion. We are no Manhattan, LA, Paris, Milan or London. We are known for waspy and preppy not so much edgy and trendy. We are certainly not the first city you think of when you think of fashion.
But, my stylish friends, that is all changing. As a city girl, I am always poking into local boutiques to check out the latest threads on the rack. I live in the North End, known for cannolis and raviolis, not so much for fashion. When I moved to the North End 11 years ago, there was one boutique on Hanover where you could buy cool jeans or a going-out top. One. Now, the North End is a shoppers delight. Interwoven streets give style lovers lots to choose from. Everything from that perfect party dress at Twilight, to the perfect jeans at Injeanius, to the perfect accessories at Lit…and the list goes on.
 And now, Boston is home to Fashion’s Night Out – the one night every year where fashionistas from around the world get together to celebrate the latest trends and what’s next in high style. What’s so cool about this year is that it is Boston’s first “official” FNO. We’ve had loosely organized events in past years but nothing as hot as what you’ll find at this year’s FNO. Many thanks to my friend and fashionista, Michelle McCormack, for her insatiable passion for Fashion’s Night Out and elevating Boston as a style hub for the world to see. Michelle worked with Rue LaLa, The Ames Hotel, Mayor Menino and many other influencers here in Boston to make this year’s FNO the real-deal. Here’s what you need to know…oh, and all of this is totally FREE.
 Michelle & Mayor Menino at FNO press conference Date: Thursday – September 8, 2011
Time: 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Location: Boston City-wide (Copley Place, Shops at the Prudential, Newbury Street,
Downtown Crossing, South End, Charles Street, North End, and the neighborhoods)
PARTY: Rue La La and the Ames Hotel will host parties on two separate stages, from 6pm-11pm at Quixote Movie Studio (184 Everett Street, Allston). Details:
- stoli open bar all night
- sushi rolled by haru all night
- china glaze stations set up giving manicures
- the ames woodward bar experience
- rue la la mitchell gold living room on stage w/photo booths and models, fashion show
- paparazzi, celebs, the Mayor, me
- best part, and in the true spirit of FNO totally free, all inclusive and open to the public!
And be sure to follow FNO on Facebook and Twitter and let me know what you’re planning for Boston’s first official Fashion’s Night Out!
By Michelle A Heath, on 11.10.09 | I have some pretty exciting news for you Jimmy Choo lovers out there who, like me, covet thy stilettos but alas cannot part with $500+ for a pair.
Your day, my fellow fashionista, has come.
H&M just announced that they are launching Jimmy Choo for H&M. Now, that’s hot.
 The launch happens on Saturday, November 14, 2009. According to the H&M website, they are expecting a crowd and are providing wrist bands to the first 160 people in line. Wrist bands to buy shoes? I’m sorry, is this 1986 and am I trying to get Bon Jovi tickets at the local music store? Holy, flashback. Okay, back to the shoes.
Here’s the deal. You need to go to this link to see the collection and find out if the pieces you like are available in your area.
Queue record scratching music. After literally clicking on every item and the “collection locator” link, I am disappointed to say that seems Boston is not worthy of Choo’. We are not on the list  . Okay, I know we are no NYC or LA but, honestly, how can a company create a launch and get us all excited and then tell us we can’t get the product? The most frustrating part is that you can’t buy anything online at H&M. Maybe this is more a beef with H&M itself than just the Choo situation but how can you sell stuff in this day and age (man, I sound like my mother) and not have the ability for someon to buy it online?
<End rant>
So, if you do live in Cali, NYC or The Windy City, you’re in luck. Here are some of the gorgeous picks, mostly all under $200.
 Jimmy Choo for H&M  Jimmy Choo for H&M  Jimmy Choo for H&M
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.21.09 | Here in New England, the beginning of Summer is something we think about during the other nine months of the year. Warm weather, alfresco dining, sandals, sundresses and the lighter side of summer. It is also the time when we dust-off the clothes that have been hiding in the back of our closet waiting for warmer days. This ritual closet turn-over is something I look forward to each year – the unleashing of colors and fabrics along with the opportunity to update last season’s favorites with this season’s trends.
The challenge with this seasonal update is usually 1) finding the time 2) doing it cost-effectively and 3) deciding exactly what needs to stay, what should go, and what you need to add to your wardrobe. So, rather than walking aimlessly through the stores, a Style Swap is a fun, cheap and style-fabulous way to clean-out your closet and spice up your wardrobe. Add some friends, a few great wines and lots of style and a unique and fun night is in-store for everyone!
Last week, I hosted a Style Swap for a group of lovely ladies in Boston along with my friend and partner-in-wine, Rebecca Rethore from Pour Favor. The party was held for one of the women as a post-baby, baby shower. Guests were invited to come for a wine tasting and were asked to bring a bin or bag of gently-used summer clothes. Everything from tees to jeans to blazers and dresses were on the list. Guests arrived curious as to what to expect and ready for a fun night with friends. (Click on the image below to see the photos.)
A bubbly glass of Prosecco was poured as guests arrived and everyone enjoyed cheeses and light appetizers. Once the guest-of-honor got over the surprise and was greeted by her guests, Rebecca kicked-off the wine experience for the evening. She poured three wines – a white, a rose and a red – and encouraged everyone to experiment with the flavors, colors and aromas of the different varietals. The ladies really got into it and started explaining what they liked as they tasted the different wines. After everyone tasted the wine, it was time to get on with the swapping.
Guests unpacked the items they brought and we laid everything out so the girls could see what each person had to swap. In less than 10 minutes the guest-of-honor had an arm-full of tops, dresses and skirts and was whisked down the hallway to the “try-on room”. Everyone ohed-and-ahed as she tried on a gorgeous chocolate brown chiffon swing skirt with a matching silk top. “Perfect for my ballroom dancing lessons,” she said. She also tried several items she probably wouldn’t have if she were in a department store or boutique. One item – a bright, green peasant top with rouching at the arms and waist and yellow beading around the top – was one such experiment. It was a perfect compliment for her beautiful red hair and gave her a boost of color and a hip new summer trend to add to her wardrobe.
One of the other girls tried a great pair of seer-sucker wide leg trousers that were a perfect fit, along with a deep v-neck top that accentuated all the right places.
As the guest-of-honor emerged with her new pieces for the season and the other ladies shared what they swapped, everyone nibbled on cake and drank the last of the wine before the evening came to a close. Me? Well, I was busy bagging-up the left-over clothes for a trip to Rosie’s Place, where another group of lovely ladies will put the items to good use.
Some may call it second-hand. I call it recycling at its stylish best.
By Michelle A Heath, on 03.26.09 | The Stylish Eye is officially on the map. Last night, I threw an amazing event at The Achilles Project with my friend and local wine enthusiast, Rebecca Rethore from Pour Favor. It was a sold out show and people were emailing and texting us up to the last minute looking for tickets. Now that is exciting and humbling.
The event was the first of its kind – a wine and style combo plate. If you haven’t been to The Achilles Project, I highly recommend it. It is a unique combination of gorgeous clothes up front and wine and food in the back (Persephone). The staff in both the the boutique and the restaurant are amazing at what they do and know how to pull together a great event.
Now on to the highlights. We had over 50 people mix and mingle while tasting new wines, sampling delicious apps and perusing the unique men’s and women’s fashions. People were shopping, wine was flowing and networking was happening. What a beautiful thing. I had the opportunity to speak with a vareity of men and women at the event and here are some things that I heard.
“Wow, that looks great on you but I could never pull it off!”
“I only buy black. Other colors don’t work on me.”
“I would rather squeeze into my size 10 pants than go up to a 12.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“My closet is full of stuff I never wear.”
“I can’t wear this with that – it doesn’t match.”
The list goes on. What I heard in all these statements were a whole bunch of reasons that get in the way of exploring your stylish eye. When you put up a barrier like – “Blue doesn’t look good on me.” Well, blue will never look good on you. What if you said instead – “I always wear black but might consider trying blue.” Now, we’re talking possibility. Much of my philosophy about personal style is about pushing the edges, taking a risk, feeling a little outside your comfort zone, trying something new. Do it once and see what happens. I will bet you that what happens is this…People will notice. All it takes is a small change to make a big difference. Maybe it’s color, or cut or a trendy new accessory. Try one thing and change it up and see what happens. When you do, your style journey is on its way.
So, my friends, I raise my ice coffee to you all this morning. You are my inspiration and make doing what I do such a gift that keeps on giving. I encourage you to try something new today. Push your style zone just a little and see how it feels. I have a feeling you might like it.
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