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 [...]]]>

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!

Share/Bookmark

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 [...]]]>

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 13^th? 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 33^rdfloor 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!

~~~

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!

Share/Bookmark

1. [...]]]> I’ve had several clients and a bunch of friend of Facebook ask for a recommendation of a great every-day boot – one that can do double duty day to night. Here are my top picks. I decided to feature tall boots as they can be worn over and under your jeans and are super-versatile.

1. Wedge

Wedge-heeled boots were all the rage last Fall and are still hip again and everywhere as we go into this Fall. The wedge is a comfortable way to wear a heel and transforms day to night. I’m a fan of the suede but it is limited in the New England winters so you might want to go for leather to get a fuller season out of the boot.

2. Riding

Riding boots also hit the scene last Fall and it’s great to see so many more choices this Fall. I love the two-tone brown and black styles – more of a true riding boot, but also love that designers are integrating riding-style features into a simple flat boot. You want this boots to ride tall – hitting you just below your kneecap. If they are too short, they will cut your leg off and make you look shorter. Its an optical illusion – keep that in mind.

3. Cowboy

I love a good cowboy boot! Now, there are a few options here. You can go all out cowboy (or cowgirl) with a Justin, Durango or other true cowboy boot. I love the look and they are super comfy if you get the right fit. The only challenge with this boot is that it looks great with certain outfits but is not as versatile for day-to-night as the wedge or riding boot. So, I came cross these Frye boots, which give the look and feel of a cowboy boot, but have the more ‘tailored’ appeal of a riding boot and can be worn with jeans, dresses or just about anything. The price tag is a bit steep but I wouldn’t showcase them if they were a trendy shoe that will last one season. Frye boots tend to be more expensive but will be a boot that can be re-soled or re-heeled and last you 20 years. No joke. There are plenty of knock-offs too so keep those Stylish Eyes focused when you shop and see if you can get a steal!

4. Stacked heel

The stacked heel is a big trend for Fall. I’m loving it because it gives you height but is much easier to walk in than a stiletto or skinnier heel. It is a more substantial boot and can be easily worn day to night.

5. Over the knee

The over the knee trend is still hot this Fall! I have two rules: 1) Over the knee is different than over the thigh. If you’re short, be careful as you don’t want to look like you’re hitting the pole after work:) 2) The boot has to fit snug. Too much leather around the top of the knee and you’ll look like you’re wearing waders. I have a few over the knee boots – one a dressy stiletto. Suede pull on and very tight so it almost blends into my jeans. The other is a day boot with a stacked heel and it hits about 1″ above my knee. Fit is key here – they are super cute but the line between hip and hooker is a fine one!

Share/Bookmark

Suiting up a client is something I love. And, I love it even more when it’s for a great cause.

My client, Jeff, [...]]]> There is nothing like a sharp dressed man. You might be thinking ZZ Top’s 80′s hit. I’m talking well-tailored suit, eye-catching shirt, well-planned tie, properly-polished shoes, precisely-folded pocket square…the whole nine yards.

Suiting up a client is something I love. And, I love it even more when it’s for a great cause.

My client, Jeff, was selected to participate in the Project Smile 5th Annual Charity Date Auction. What a great concept. A bunch of hot single guys and girls who are bid on. The highest bidder enjoys dinner and a fun night out and a potential love connection with a devilishly handsome guy like my client or one of the lovely ladies up for auction. The best part is that all the proceeds from the evening go to Project Smile, a non-profit that donates stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons, small toys and children’s reading books to police and fire departments for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to children involved in traumatic situations. As a mom to two kids, I love that this charity is focused on children and helping them through tough times.

So, the first order of business for Jeff was to plan his outfit. The invitation for the event said “business/cocktail attire.” This is where most people have the “holy crap, what does that mean?! moment.” Do I wear a suit? Do I wear a ball gown? Do I wear jeans and a blazer? The problem with telling someone what to wear is that, unless it says “wear a suit” or  “wear a tux,” everything else is up to interpretation.

Jeff and I brainstormed on what he was most comfortable in. He works in sales and is used to being dressed for work – shirt and slacks. We decided that a full suit and tie felt too dressed and instead we would work with what he had and go from there. The starting point was a great shirt. A great shirt is a staple and an amazing outfit can stem from this simple piece. I’m not talking a white button down or a pinstripe shirt. I’m talking about a statement shirt. You’ve seen them – bolder patterns, color, interesting details like fabric-lined collars and reversible-patterned cuffs. Robert Graham is the master of such shirts and it so happens that I had already helped Jeff pick out a beauty. They’re not cheap, but again, it’s a wardrobe staple that goes with jeans to a bar, dress pants to a club, a suit to a wedding or event and with just about anything to dress it up and take the hip factor to another level.

I decided that I wanted Jeff in a classic black suit. It would be a perfect way to showcase the shirt and show-off Jeff’s fun and adventurous side while helping him invest in another staple for his wardrobe – the black suit. We set a budget and I knew exactly what I wanted. Simple lines, no stripes or checks, straight leg, European-cut jacket, flat-front pants. Stylish. Classic. You’ll have it and wear it forever. We set a budget and set off for the Men’s Shop at Lord & Taylor on Boylston St in Boston. L&T has an amazing Men’s store – great selection and prices, along with serious sales and coupons that can save lots of $$, which I love.

The first order of business was getting the right fit. The shoulders should fall perfectly. Sleeves hit perfectly at the top of the thumb, not too roomy in the jacket. Then, the fabric. All season is key here in Boston and is the most versatile. I chose a European-cut Calvin Klein suit for him to try, along with a DKNY suit. Both similar but I knew they would fit differently. A guy might be a 44R but each designer is cut in a unique way so one designer’s 44 is another designer’s 46. Gotta try the jacket with a shirt and the pants.

To the dressing room we go. He came out in the Calvin Klein and…wow! It looked amazing! The pants needed a hem but the jacket fit perfectly and with the shirt, it was stunning! He looked like a million bucks…and felt like a million bucks. Iliana came and took up the hem, promised them in two days (love that) and off we went to the register. No joke – 45mins tops from selection to try on to hem. The retail price for the suit was over $500. The sale price was over $300 and with the coupon I printed out for Jeff, he got an amazing suit including alterations for about $200.

I cannot wait to see the pictures from the event and hear the final bid. Knock ‘em dead, Jeff…you look amazing!!

Share/Bookmark

But, my stylish friends, that is all [...]]]> 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!

Share/Bookmark

With [...]]]> A friend of mine recently shared the dress code her HR department sent around to be sure that everyone is looking office-appropriate for the summer. I wanted to share it (anonymously) with you because it continues to completely baffle and frustrate me that companies need to send out memos like this to their employees.

With the warm summer weather, we all tend to get lax about adhering to X company’s dress code policy. We ask that you uphold the standards of business casual attire, which means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together.

For women: A reasonable length skirt (not miniskirt) or trousers of a non-jeans material combined with a top (such as a dress shirt, polo, or sweater set) is considered acceptable. An informal dress with appropriate skirt length is also acceptable.

For men: A combination of collared shirt (such as a dress shirt or polo shirt), cotton trousers (such as khakis or blue, green, brown, or black trousers), and modest shoes (such as loafers) with socks is generally acceptable. A blazer or business jacket can optionally be added.

Unacceptable for either gender: jeans, shorts, gym clothes, rumpled or ripped clothing, miniskirts, flip-flops, underwear as outerwear, inappropriately revealing attire such as bare midriffs, and flip-flops.

As with all X co policies, the dress code is reviewed on a regular basis, and as our business needs change, this policy, in particular, may be subject to change.

Source: www.britishcomedy.tumblr.com

Now, after reading this, I was left bewildered. First, does my company honestly think that I would wear my underwear as outerwear? Well, maybe if I were John Cleese. Second, they say no inappropriately revealing attire. How do I decide what “inappropriate” is? My definition might be that a low cut dress is not too revealing – does that mean HR will call me into their office?

I know that companies feel the need to provide boundaries for office attire. I get it. I’ve worked at big companies, mid-sized companies and little companies. This whole “business casual” thing has thrown everyone for a loop and there are always people who push the limits. I came across this post on Resume Bear, that gives some great tips for summer office attire. In my opinion, the most important rule for dressing for the office, regardless of the season, is to think about what you want your attire to say about you. For example, a strapless sundress dress might say – “Pick me up at 6, big boy,” while a fitted cotton shift dress says – “I know how to rock mad powerpoint skills while looking totally put together.” See the difference? I thought so.

I work in start-up life where anything goes. This mantra can be great because you can wear your cutoffs and ratty t-shirts to the office but, in my opinion, it’s a tragic state of the working world. Since when did it become okay to look like a cast-away from Gilligan’s Island in the office? How can I take you seriously when I’m wondering when that shirt was last washed or what the hell you were thinking when you pulled on those knee-length white socks with your shorts?! Oy…I digress.

On the other hand, the new business attire of khaki pants and polo shirts makes me equally mad but for a different reason. It screams “everyone look the same.” You might as well just call it a uniform and call it a day. Everyone in shades of tans and beige and that is a different kind of horrible. But, if I had to pick one, I would go with the business casual attire because it means, well, business.

Here are a few rules to follow as you expand your summer wardrobe and to knowing what’s not appropriate for the office.

1. If you’ve worn it to the beach, it’s not appropriate.

2. If you’ve worn it on a boat, it’s not appropriate.

3. If you’ve worn it to a cocktail party, bachelorette party, booze cruise or other such alcohol-induced festivity, it’s not appropriate.

4. If I can see your bra, it’s not appropriate.

5. If I can see your boobs when you bend over, it’s not appropriate. (sorry, fellas)

6. If I can see your undies when you sit down, it’s not appropriate.

7. If you think twice about whether it’s appropriate before you leave the house, it’s not appropriate.

8. If your mother would make a comment that it’s not appropriate, it’s not appropriate.

9. If your opposite sex co-workers are spending more time at your cube than usual, it’s not appropriate.

10. If you wear it to a club after work, it’s not appropriate.

So, I hope this was helpful as you navigate the world of summer style in your office. I’d love to hear what you think is acceptable and appropriate.

Share/Bookmark