Balmain Resort

Dear Diary,

                 As I look around this summer when I go out to different places I began to notice a common trend for the everyday fashionable. People are beginning to dress more with a Cali-inspired style. The loose over-sized tees, pastel Aztec graphics, adorably fitting short shorts and of course the new “little black-dress”, that every women must have in her closet, a colorful romper. This trending statement says “I’m the fun girl from next door” but since it’s so common could it also say “I’m on the band wagon?”

So to help all of you fashionistas out there who loves to stand out and be a step ahead of the crowd while not being too radical like myself, I did a little research for you to help you to  "Unlock your style" this summer. Two words, Balmain Resort. Even though the French fashion house has always been known for its glam-rock style, with its Women’s Wear department under the new direction of Olivier Rousteing, he has brought up a line Cali-inspired while keeping the high fashion touch. Only being 25, Rousteing has already been with Balmain for three years and even before then he worked five years for Roberto Cavalli as the designer for the Men and Women’s ready-to-wear collections.

The best way to describe his line would be Cali meets Vegas while visiting Paris. From its bold Aztec prints, to the eye-popping gold fringe, mixed with oversized pastels and loose fitting belted bell bottoms, this line states summer for the seriously fashionable.

                                 

                                                                                                                                               

Inspired yet?

Unlock your style,

Sierra, Fashion Assistant

Phoenix Fashion Week

Dear Diary,

       Here are the official Top 10 emerging designers

 in Phoenix Fashion Week:

                                                                        Joli Richard

We at Joli are very excited to be represented as one of the Top 10 emerging designers. We are currently embarking upon making our Spring 2012 line. It is sure to be creativity beyond imagination and everything and more that portrays a Joli Woman.

Trenell Floyd; http://www.deedsoflove.com/

      Monyca Cordova;  http://www.deedsoflove.com/

                                                           
                                                        

  Will Chandler ;  http://www.dejamone.com/

                                                                      

  Mabel Cortez;  http://www.mabellachic.com/

Gary Jones;  http://www.jonescustomclothing.com/

                                                                             

 Anna Friss;  http://www.bluebirddenim.com/





Latonya Adkins; http://www.touchesofbeauty.com/

Missing Designers are Sebastien Million, http://www.sebstienmillon.com/, InDi http://www.indi-apparel/. com, Silvia Bours http://www.silviabours.com/

                                                                         

                                       Good Luck to all the Participants from the Joli Team

                                                                 and remember to

                                                                 Unlock your Style,

                                                             Sierra, Fashion Assistant

Fashion Blogger Oh To Be A Muse - Top Favs Emerging Designer Showcase

Dear Diary,

As you know, I'm a huge twitter fan. As I was tweeting on yesterday, I stumbled across one of my followers blog post entitled "Phoenix Fashion: Emerging Designer Showcase. Little did I know, she was in the audience. Check out her favorite designs of the night.

Unlock Your Style,

Joli'
www.ohtobeamuse.com/2011/06/phoenix-fashion-emerging-designer.html

2nd Challenge - Phoenix Fashion Week Emerging Designer Contest

Dear Diary,

While up late reviewing swatches, silhouettes and even video concepts, what you know, another challenge.  As usual, super excited.  The pages are getting pretty thick in this Diary.  Here are a few photos.....

Unlock Your Style,

Joli'

Save the Date...

Dear Diary,

            Today I stumbled across the best news to any high fashion lover’s ears, Swedish high street brand Hennes and Mauritz’s new designer collaboration will be with the one and only Italian house luxury designer Versace! Surprisingly as it may be, because we’ve all heard how when asked about it last in 2008 Donatella Versace said herself “to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand” which is understandable, being that the line is a respectably noted luxury brand Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor for H&M, states that line will be deemed as the first “Iconic Collection” for the store. This couldn’t have been worded more perfectly being that Donatella states excitedly she’s going to use “Iconic Versace pieces from Iconic Versace moments which are not exactly always the past but also the present.” and she even graced us with a sneak peek of the line during her Versace Men’s collection show in Milan.

The line is going to be composed of men and women’s wear, accessories and even newer for the store, homeware. “It’s going to be vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, color and exuberance in exclusive at fantastic H&M prices,” according to a press release.

   So let’s review, On November 17^th, 2011 anybody who’s anybody that loves great fashion at great prices should be lined up at your nearest H&M because re-sellers will too be on the prowl. We wouldn’t want a repeat of last years sell out in a matter of minutes of Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin line for H&M that showed up being sold all over eBay for costly prices.

…and for those real fashion fanatics like myself here’s another tip, it would be very beneficial to do some spring cleaning early for next year and make some room in your closet because not too long after the first release, January 19^th 2012 Versace will be selling their pre-spring collection online, you know what they say early bird catches the worm!

Unlock your style,

Sierra , Fashion Assistant

Magnify

Magnify

Phoenix Fashion Week...

Dear Diary,

            June 17^th, 2011 Phoenix Fashion Week introduced the top 10 finalists in their Emerging Designers competition. Up for grabs is a $15,000 prize package, specifically designed to take a new designer to the next level- launching a collection and taking it to market successfully.

   The competition is booked with finalists meeting with the Phoenix Fashion Week team on a regular basis; developing and defining their brand and fine-tuning a launch strategy. They also participate in photo shoots, fashion shows and gain exposure to media – all important components of a successful business strategy for a fashion designer.

   The winner of last year’s competition was SJ Couture, a custom bridal line which is designed by two local Scottsdale women, Sim and Jeanne Hankerson. After entering the contest for just experience purposes and yet emerging on top as the winner, designer Jeanne Hankerson says that winning the competition has definitely opened a lot of doors for SJ Couture.

   But the most vital information is that, for the first time this year, Phoenix Fashion Week accepted applications from designers outside of Arizona. Director Brian Hill is excited about the change, he feels it’s “a very effective program for emerging designers”. It was this opportunity that allowed for Diary of Joli to be represented as one of the top 10 emerging designers in Phoenix Fashion Week!

All of the emerging designers participate in the runway shows at Phoenix Fashion Week, scheduled this year for Oct 5-8. They are judged by fashion industry insiders and the winner is announced that evening. The $15,000 prize package that the single winner will receive is in services and support, including assistance with website design, a business plan and analysis, and an online showroom at Madison Buyer.com …and of course the glamorous spotlight from the publicity that comes along with winning! So as you would guess, we have our work cut out for us these next few months but no worries because we’re Team Joli.

Unlock your style,

Sierra Tossie, Fashion Assistant

Thanks to www.scottsdalefashionista.com

High Way 1

Dear Diary,

I love taking long drives with my windows down on these beautiful summer days.  The only thing that could make it better would be driving with a scarf in my hair and the Pacific Ocean at my side.  Just like in the Old Hollywood days while taking a drive on Highway 1.

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee 

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Pirates in Fashion

Dear Diary,

We're setting sail on the high seas of fashion today! Because how says being a pirate can't be glamorous.  I mean Penelope Cruz and Keira Knightly sure made it look good.

Unlock Your Style, 
Destinee

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The Hippie Way

Dear Diary,

I am beginning to think the flower children of the 70's were on to something.  As the summer days grow hotter I find myself wearing more hippie inspired fashions. The breathing organic fabrics and the relaxed fits are just what summer has called for.  It's just.... RAD! 

Unlock Your Fashion,
Destinee

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Feathers and Frill

Dear Diary,

I love watching fashion evolve through the seasons.  One of my favorite things to incorporate into my designs are unconventional materials.  However, here lately one of my favorite "unconventional" materials is gaining popularity.  FEATHERS! I love how they play with the air when they move and how they can add volume to a look without looking heavy.  Its my favorite..... FEATHERS & FRILL!

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Join The Movement....

Dear Diary,

This weekend Team Joli' will be in Phoenix, AZ collaborating with Brain Swan of RMHStyle as we rip the runway in "Join the Movement...A Fashion Show Charity Benefit for Multiple Sclerosis".  Please join us for one of my favorite charities. 

Unlock Your Style,
Joli'

Onward we GO

Dear Diary,

What a productive week! Let's hope this week will be just as productive. As I wait on my 630am meeting, I decided to blog. YES! You would think on Mother's Day, I could relax and not work for a change. Well. It didn't happened. I got a call from a new client whom just happens to be cute little bride wanting me to design a Bridal Shower dress. Not just a simple dress but a dress with elaborate trim and a train! WOW, I'm excited about this project. Immediately, ideas began flowing and our design was complete. Now onward we GO! Next stop-sourcing trim!

Unlock Your Style,

Joli'
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Who Would Boo Beyonce and Jay-Z? - Amplifier

Who Would Boo Beyonce and Jay-Z? - Amplifier

Vintage Hollywood Glam

Dear Diary,

You knew I would have to say something about this weekend's royal celebration! Two words, the dress. Although it is not what I was expecting to see Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, walk down the isle in; it was gorgeous.  I am so happy that she chose a dress that paid tribute to vintage Hollywood glam.  Don't believe me, check out the similarities to Princess Grace's, aka Grace Kelly, wedding dress.  Kate in my eyes is the honorary Joli woman of the weekend for rocking on her wedding day Diary of Joli style!

Unlock Your Style, 

Destinee

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

What's Your Fashion Statement....Cuff Me

Dear Diary,

Its never to late to develop your personal fashion statement.  I hope these pics expressing my signature fashion statement inspired you to do the same.

Unlock Your Style,
Joli'

Joli's Signature Cuffs by Joli Richard featuring magnetic bangles

As I Tip My Hat........

Dear Dairy,


Today I saw a dress inspired by the Jackie Kennedy style.  And I cannot seem to get Jackie of the brain… So I find it fitting to write about the pillbox hat today. The pillbox hat was all the rage in the 60’s.  And man, did Jackie Kennedy rock that look.  She was a woman with impeccable style and the fact that her look is still imitated today by women around the world stands as testament.

I thought I would give you a special treat. I have been writing about my favorite hats for a while now. I think that would be no better way to show you than to allow you to display my favorite hats from my personal collection. Enjoy!  Check out my vintage pillbox with Joli's favorite accessory-feathers.

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee,
Design Assistant to the Designer

Hats Off - A Tribute to the Royal Wedding

Dear Diary,


Fashion is art. And the fashion of head wear is no exception. Just look at these hats below:

With her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, Victoria Beckham elegantly accessories her outfit for the Royal Wedding with a black Philip Treacy piece.
 

Miriam Clegg adds a splash of colour to her outfit with a striking coral hair accessory secured by a thick black band.
 

Princess Beatrice's kooky nude bow-detail headpiece is definitely an attention-seeker.
 

A bright blue Stephen Jones design is the perfect finishing touch to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson's dress.

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee

Hats off - The History of Hats

Dear Diary,


Let them eat cake and have amazing fashion is what Marie Antoinette should have said. Marie was a woman of impeccable style. Before the French Revolution, she set into motion a fashion revolution. It was a time of great fashion and hats. If you thought the wigs were big, man you should have seen the hats! One woman was even documented wearing a French ship, Belle-Poule, with sails in her hair to celebrate the French victory in the American Revolution. Before the revolution both hats and fashion flourished. It is sad however, that is was short lived. VIVA LE FASHION REVOLUTION!

Unlock your style,

Destinee

Summer Time

Dear Diary,

Oh how I have missed the days of summer... I am so glad to see its return!  Although it comes with the heat here in the South, I will me so excited to feel the warm sun on my face again.

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Red Bottoms.....

Dear Diary,

Probably not the red bottoms you were expecting to read about. 

Many people do not know but one of my favorite designers is Elsa Schiaparelli. She was a fantastic designer that revolutionized women’s fashion during both World Wars. Schiaparelli’s innovative designs and style helped create one of the most recognizable hats in fashion history…. the Shoe Hat. It was designed in 1933 and was featured in the launch of the Fall/ Winter 1937 line. To many it might look odd but, it was worn by many influential fashionistas of the time. Schiaparelli accomplished what many designers today set out to do… design a fashion icon that will forever be remembered.

Unlock Your Style,
Destinee

Dress Me

Dear Diary,

As it turns out, I have a fashion event everyday this week.  These are my fashionable inspired looks.  I have challenge myself to select items in my closet that I have not worn in decades.  lol

Unlock Your Style,
Joli

Dress Me by Joli Richard featuring chandelier earrings