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 06.29.11 | They say video killed the radio star but I’m gonna be one! I am humbled to be invited to Loreta LaRoche‘s
 Loretta LaRoche Get a Life radio show. I’ve never done radio before by my good friend and huge fan, Sue Burton, says “I will be a glamorista!” Well, those are big shoes to fill, but I will give it a try. Would love you to tune in Weds June 29th at 6:15pmET. Details below. Please tune in – would love you to call with your style questions! <grateful>
Have questions and/or funny stories? 1-800-570-0698
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.02.11 | I recently heard about the Pajama Jean – “Looks like denim, feels like pjs,” and I think I actually threw up a little bit in my mouth. I have to say, I am pretty outraged by this creation. Why? Well, there’s a bunch of reasons but let’s start with my practical reasons. First off, the pants have no zippers or buttons. Okay, last I heard, pants have zippers and buttons. Pants without zippers and buttons are usually called – leggings, sweatpants or…yes, pajamas. Even the jeggings I buy have some button/zipper styling. More than that, the idea of your pants being so comfortable you would wear them all day AND want to sleep in them? I just don’t get this. Yeah, I do get it on a pure comfort level. Believe me, I love my yoga pants as much as any other girl out there. But, there is a time and place for my yoga pants and they are not part of my “get dressed and go out” wardrobe and never will be (hint hint).
My biggest beef with this comfort-first invention is what it says about women and our ability to be stylish and comfortable. Ladies, do we really need to wear our pjs around town to be comfortable? I think not. I buy jeans and wear jeans a lot. And I have learned how to buy jeans that look great, fit great and feel great. I work full-time and my office is casual attire. I wear jeans to work almost every day. And, I sit at my desk most of the day in my jeans. I could not imagine wearing Pajama Jeans to my office. They are not jeans, my stylish friends. They are cotton pajama pants made to kinda look like jeans…but not really.
In my opinion, products like this are what’s wrong with fashion and style in America. Can you imagine a woman walking around Covent Garden London in a  pair of these? Or down the Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Paris wearing jeans that look like pajamas? Never. It would never happen. I don’t know why here in the U.S., we have gotten lazy enough to think that it’s okay to wear sweats, yoga pants and now pjs to the mall, to the grocery store, to lunch with friends, on a date with your man – it’s just not okay. I grew up in house where my mother would never leave the house unless she looked “acceptable.” This meant: hair done, make up on, clothes to match the occasion. Her motto: “You never know who you’ll run into.” That was drilled into my head and it’s how I dress every day. Think about the impression you make – the first impression you make – when you run into someone at the mall or at the movies or anywhere outside your home. People are visual creatures like it or not and they check out what you’re wearing and how you look. It may sound superficial. It may sound ridiculous. But it’s true.
Please, my lovelies, leave the pajamas at home. There are so many other ways to be comfortable and look stylish. I promise.
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.03.10 | Only in Tokyo, could pots, pans, knives and spatulas make it onto the runway. Japan, widely known for it’s fashion eccentricity and trendsetting, is the perfect place to showcase a new fashion trend. Kitchenware. Well, actually, it’s more of a branding and PR stunt than a trend (I hope). The company who produced the kitchenware couture is Fissler, a German cookware manufacturer. They decided to take their stainless steel goodies to their growing market in Asia through a creative kitchenware-inspired runway show. The fashions are not so much “ready to wear” but certainly give new meaning to the phrase “buns of steel.” (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) I applaud their unique approach to engaging with their market and love the creativity that went into designing each piece. Enjoy!
 Fissler Tokyo Fashion Show  Fissler Tokyo Fashion Show
By Michelle A Heath, on 05.27.10 | I thought long and hard about this title. I tried titles that were a bit simpler like: Rubber shoes FTL or Rubber shoes, who would wear ‘em? I even tried a title that would fit on one line. But then I wrote down what I really feel and this, my friends, is how I feel every time I see some middle-aged white guy strolling through the North End in multi-colored rubber shoes. There is a reason for the Facebook group: I don’t care how comfortable Crocs are, you look like a dumbass. You do.
Okay, so then the folks at Crocs come out with their new Spring/Summer line of shoes. I will say that as a marketer, it is brilliant. Someone at Crocs WHQ probably said, let’s expand our market and go after the people who won’t wear the rubber shoes because they look ridiculous. Yeah, you know the other zillion Americans that will wear rubber shoes that kinda look like shoes? Yeah, yeah. Let’s make the ugly rubber shoes look more like real shoes! Maybe it will double our revenue?! Wicked smart.
The problem is they are a) still rubber and b) still ugly.
Then, one of my fave sample sale sites, Ideeli, had a sale today for Melissa Shoes. The brand is new to me and, I will say, they give the Crocs new line a run for it’s money. While the Melissa shoes are still rubber and still ugly, they at least try to look more like something a somewhat stylish person would choose to wear. The Crocs people talk about “fusing comfort and style seamlessly” and “wearable hugs.” I know not of either of these nirvanas and know that, if they did exist, they certainly would not come in rubber.
Christopher Muther at the Boston Globe recently wrote a very funny post about how he became a Crocs “convert”, well sort of. I appreciate his candid quote where he says, “…but I’m not ready to part with my “Friends don’t let friends wear Crocs’’ T-shirt quite yet.” Well said, Mr. Muther.
I keep coming back around to a few main issues. First, rubber shoes make your feet sweat. There’s no way for those things to breathe – I don’t care if they have holes in the top and are made of super-special rubber technology, feet sweat, especially when it’s 90 degress out and feet encased in sweaty rubber is just gross. Second, they look like you chose comfort over style. There, I said it. Everyone I talk to about this subject says, “They are so comfortable!” Not one person EVER says: “They look so great!” And, lastly, well, I hate to say it, but it makes you look like you couldn’t spend the time to go to a normal shoe store, try on some normal shoes and actually make an effort to make footwear a part of your wardrobe. For this last unfortunate issue…I quietly shed a tear.
So, my rubber shoe wearing friend, what say you as to why I should embrace the rubber shoe bonanza and make it part of my wardrobe? I anxiously await your rebuttal. For those of you who agree with me, I welcome your non-rubber support. 
PS: I think this is the most times I’ve written down the word “rubber”. Ever. It is a weird word. Okay, that is all. Talk amongst yourselves.
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.20.10 | If you haven’t become a Rue La La addict yet, it’s bound to happen soon. Rue La La is the online shopping site for people who love famous brands, star-style and the magic of discovering a great deal. For those of you who know me, you know that I am the girl that manages to find the $750 bag for $99 at TJ Maxx. (Ah, the perils of my stylish eye.) Rue La La is the ultimate destination because of their fabulous prices, great brands and their ability to get you to act..fast. You see, a “boutique” will open for say 48 hours. The countdown begins. Love that ToyWatch? Better scoop it up or it will be gone in seconds. Want those Prada boots? Fuggedabout it. Gone in minutes.
As if that all isn’t enough, Rue La La gives members a $10 credit for inviting other members to join. Great way to incentivize people to do their marketing. Want to join? Here’s my referral link. Pay it forward, baby.
 L.A.M.B. "Zada" Nude & Forrest Leather Sandal Now, on to the ooh la la. For the next 2 hours, you’ll find one of my favorite fabulous and stylish brand on Rue La La. L.A.M.B. Who can resist the most stylish, Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B line of shoes? These coveted, funky, sexy kicks get better and better each season but typically run over $350 (thus my coveting them). Until noonET today, on Rue La La, they are over 50% off. Yes, my dear fashionista, you can now make Gwen proud by strutting your stuff in your deal of the century.
My only word of caution with Rue La La? Don’t fall prey to “I’ll come back later”. I have done this before and would peruse Rue La La, look around, put a few things in my bag and…come back later only to find out that they were gone. If you love it, buy it. Don’t wait only to miss out on a terrific deal. They have a 30 day return for merchandise credit for pretty much all items. Go get yourself some ooh la la today!
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.11.10 | It’s winter here in New England, in case you haven’t noticed. That means bye-bye bare legs and hello bundle up. I did see a girl walking down the street in the North End today wearing a skirt and Uggs. Um, yeah, that’s nuts when it’s 22 degrees out. So, in my effort to be stylish and warm, I have been on the hunt for cool legwear. I’m not talking your average tights from the bargain bin. I’m talking funky designs, luxurious fabrics and no-tear wearability.
I am proud to tell you, my fellow style maven, I have found them and I am addicted.
 Wolford Diamond Stripe Tights Wolford has been around pretty much since the invention of panty hose and quickly took what was becoming mass-market and turned it into a luxury brand. They premiered the Perlon seemless stocking back in 1954 and continued to innovate women’s hosiery through the 60′s with synthetic yarns, to the 70′s ladder-proofing patented process to the 80′s with a partnership with LaPerla and into the 90′s with the launch of beautiful lingerie and swimwear to expand the line. Wolford’s hosiery is absolutely beautiful. They have everything from plain black panty hose to a saucy pair of tights with knee-high boots stiched into the fabric. (Serious sauce!) I just love how they are willing to take a risk with design and give women a fun accessory – for legs. I am digging the Diamond Stripe Net Tights and the Flora cheeta-print tights are just to die for. I will tell you that these beauties come with a price of close to $60 per pair. Yes, I know, my stylista, steep indeed for hosiery. But, I will tell you that in addition to their fabulousness, I read a story about a woman who had her pair of Wolford hose for close to 10 years. I certainly cannot say the same for my bargain bin one-season tights.
Go ahead, bundle up and let those legs be your stylish accessory.
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.
By Michelle A Heath, on 11.14.08 | Let’s face it. Your personal style is the most visible way to invite people to understand you. It is the ultimate first impression. We believe that great style is something everyone deserves and, with a little help, something everyone can achieve.
That’s why we’re here. The Stylish Eye will help you discover your personal eye for style. Our unique approach makes great style approachable, affordable and attainable.
Are you ready to discover the stylish you? We thought so. Check out more about us and look at our menu to get started.
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