MARIALIA

140 characters on twitter was not enough to say what I am most thankful for today so I brought it over to this journal instead!!! I am bummed that I wasn't able to volunteer at the LA mission today because all spots were full when I applied, but it makes me happy that the rest of this city is so eager to help others that don't have it as well as most of us. I have always always wanted to help out at a shelter for Thanksgiving- next year I know to apply much earlier!

Anyways, I just wanted to share with everyone how THANKFUL i am for everything that I have been BLESSED with. Jesus has been my homeboy for a long time now & he has seriously helped me out with everything that I have accomplished so far, so for that I want to give him a big hug and kiss. I am such a hard working person & all modesty aside for a second- have come a really long way since the high school days when I started doing this whole fashion design thing for real...I have so much determination & passion & will to succeed and even through all the daily bullshit that I deal with to get from point A to point B, all the sleepless nights finishing pieces in time for deadlines, and all the frustrations when trying to make my latest collection the best they can possibly be- when I look past everything and at the overall big picture- I am honestly living my dream right now & I couldn't be more happy, grateful, and thankful for it!

 

With that said, one of the most important things for me to say THANK YOU to this year, and every year after this, is THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU GUYS. Every single one of you that always supports me and motivates me and gets inspired by me....Reading all your nice emails comments messages etc makes everything worth it & I want to give all of you a giant hug! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Being able to do something i have always dreamed about since I could remember and having support & fans & people that love my art is the best feeling in the world. I LOVE YOU!

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR???

 

xo

marialia

It's probably apparent by now that I have really hard feelings against chain clothing retailer FOREVER21. FOREVER21 has come a long way over the years, offering chic style at an almost ridiculously affordable price. What many FOREVER21 shoppers don't realize though, is that handfuls of those "chic affordable" items are legitimate RIP OFFS of other hard working clothing, footwear, and accessory designers. Now, before you get too defensive on me—I understand that almost everything in the sense of originality is a rip off of something else; that designs cannot be copyrighted and that everything has been done before; that knock-offs have existed since forever (ex: LV, Coach, Prada, etc handbags); and last but not least: that FOREVER21 isn't the only chain that "copies" designers' original work. I realize that other places such as H&M, Massimo for Target, & even other high-end designers such as BCBG Max Azria "copy" from other high-end designers as well. BUT no one makes it more apparent than FOREVER21, and no one has had more lawsuits filed against them for stealing patterns and designs than they have. Diane Von Frustenburg, Gwen Stefani, Ana Sui, and most recently EXPRESS, are a few among the many 50+ lawsuits that have been filed against the chain retailer for copyright infringement aka: stealing their original design, manufacturing it, and selling it a much much lower price.

I must hand it to FOREVER21 founders Du Won & Jin Sook Chang—what a genius idea their company has become (especially in time of recession). Who would want to spend $150+ on a pair of shoes when you can just walk into your local FOREVER21 and find the most similar pair possible for just $14.80? As an independent designer & day job styling for BCBG Max Azria, I hate on FOREVER21 for doing this—I have experienced it first hand from seeing designs at BCBG and then going into F21 and seeing the same thing replicated for much much much cheaper. It's annoying, & its really not fair to all of us designers out there. I understand that consumerism is everything in this world and with that being said that most of you will see my point and still disagree with me because forever21 is "more affordable"...but regardless, lets take a look at some of the rip-offs that I have noticed below...

 

 

Classic! I know copies of Converse have been around for forever, but it still doesn't make it right!...

 

 

 

They even rip off independent artists!

 

 

..back in 2008 Forever21 was seen ripping off a milk&cookies tshirt design from Threadless.com, a site where independent artists sell their work on t-shirts. I love threadless.com & think its a pretty low blow that forever21 would do something like this to an artist!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some EXACT rip-off's of items that can be found @ your local BCBG Maz Azria:

 

 

...zipper headbands that look exactly like the ones above, courtesy of forever21.com, were released in early fall by BCBG Maz Azria

 

Additional past copy-cat claims, courtesy of various online sites...

 

 

To sum everything up: NOT. COOL. I can't stand the fact that after so many lawsuits, FOREVER21 still continues to get away with copying from other designers. I, personally, stopped shopping there a few months ago after learning and researching more about this. It's so blatant that the company does this just to gain more revenue and steer consumerism, and its not fair. Its not difficult for them to have the same price point, but come up with their OWN designs...

 

Now for the big question, what do you prefer: FOREVER21 Knock-offs or Designer Original? What are your thoughts on FOREVER21 copy cat pieces?

 

xo

marialia

I was told recently that I should make more videos more often...I never really know what to make video media about, & I usually prefer photos and writing! BUT I thought this could be a good start...a q&a video! Its been done, I know. But I get a lot of emails and questions on here about my work and sometimes I forget to reply to ever single one of them (sorry!) :(

 

SO...post your questions below...later in the week I will make a video response to answer as many as I can!

 

 

 

Happy asking!

xoxo

FASHION plays the starring role in pop-culture.

 

I am not a huge fan of trends, but sometimes there's no escaping them. In honor of the new Twilight series movie New Moon & its release right around the corner, I thought it was appropriate to focus on a look that has been taking the runways by storm since the entire "vampire" phenomenon has become a huge thing in current pop culture. Whether you are a twi-hard or not (I'm not! But I do enjoy the movies and am admittedly sort of looking forward to seeing New Moon, shh...), the vampire-inspired look can be very chic & sexy... depending on how you put it together. Think lots of lace, textured blacks, and subtle accents of white and deep red... you don't need to be an Edward&Bella obsessed freak to rock it! 

 

 

Take a look at a few villain inspired looks I put together below...

LOOK 1:

 

Stud gloss leggings $55 @ topshop.com, lace top $98 @ bcbg.com, metallic lace trim bandeau $19 @ ardenb.com, multi cross necklace $38 @ bebe.com, DV by dolce vita "carly" bootie $99 @ nordstrom.com, O.P.I. nail polish in malaga wine $12 @ opi.com

 

LOOK 2:

 

Lace tier skirt $58 @ urbanoutfitters.com, Jeffrey Campbell boot $160 @ lorisshoes.com, paisley fishnets $5.80 @ forever21.com, sheer lace black tunic $78 @ freepeople.com, NARS lipstick in sephora flame $24 @ sephora.com, bow clutch $29 @ speigel.com

 

LOOK 3:

Tiered lace bubble top $48 @ ardenb.com, ruffled military jacket $148 @ bloomingdales.com, point knit lace legging $71 @ nordstrom.com, spike stud bracelet $14 @ bebe.com, charm ribbon bangle $39 @ bebe.com, dsquared bootie $390 @ yoox.com

 

WHICH LOOK IS YOUR FAVORITE? ARE YOU INTO 'VAMPIRE-CHIC'? COMMENT BELOW & LET ME KNOW!

 

xo

marialia

Do not expect people to tell you the truth because they also lie to themselves. Why I decided to sit here and waste time and write a journal right now is beyond me, but sometimes I get in those moods? weird i know. In high school when I took my favorite class ever aka creative writing, we did this thing called free writes every single day. Its where you open your journal, set a timer for 5 minutes, and just keep writing...we would get in trouble for stopping "the pen needs to keep moving!"...none of it ever was supposed to make sense- you would get the words out on paper before you had time to think of how to make sense of them. Afterwards, we had to highlight our favorite phrase and circle three words, and then we went around the class and everyone would pick one of the words they circled to say. That class was seriously my therapy. I loved it, and i had the journal somewhere up in my closet for years and right now its in my lap, along with my binder from senior year. Everything is exactly how it was when I left it...I was an amazing writer if I do say so myself, I loved writing- I still do, I would assume, but fashion design has eaten my soul....flipping through it...not much has changed...its important to never forget who you used to be; i did for a second and then I started reading what i used to write...here's a free write right now...for old times sakes...

 

monday novemebr 11, 2009 7:48pm

nothing short amazing not much has changed photoshop makes anyone look good, you have to be good at what you do in order to succeed, i will not succumb to anyone you can come along for the ride or get the fuck out of my life, i don't have much time for drama or idiodcy, i live for me and you can love it or hate it, maybe people don't understand that i will stop at nothing to achieve what i have always wanted i wonder if my meal on cafeworld has spoiled yet or is ready to be served? i should probably check on it ..my head itches and my mouth itches but i have to free write for the next 5 minutes and i cant stop the pen must keep moving! so grateful for everything that has been given to me i am so incredibly blessed and lucky sometimes you just have to keep your mouth shut, its not about always needing to defend yourself, sometimes its just not worth it. my arm kind if hurts right now from the constant typing, i dont really know why i am doing this but its pretty refreshing and theraputic i suggest everyone try it! gotta keep writing now my ear itches? gah so weird jdksjdksjdjsi blah blah blah no thoughts are really forming in my empty head its amazing what comes out of your head when you are not thinking about making it make sense some of the best things in life dont make sense, they just are..mi mancha l'italia, mi sempre manch e non vedo l'ora che ci posso andare un altra volta, un sacrifico e perche il sogni nascono qui, certe volte sometimes spero che avrei un cuore freddo non mi devo fregarre di nessuno il mondo e mio. one more moar minute left i took a long walk last night and prayed to god that everything was going to work out for myself i do believe in god and alot of the times i find myself rambling like a crazy person to him, he and my mom and the only people in my life worth being her for i cant even explain how amazing it feels to have a sense of support that really cant even be explained to begin with, this is where i start contradicitng myself, sometimes i wish i were even a bigger bitch than i already am i dont think i am because im not malicious i just dont put up with bullshit and my feelings towards almost everyone is  cold and causal i dont expect anything out of anyone except myself its all just a let down, i pity those without a mind of their own, get out of my way i put everything out in the open im never ashamed. arrivederci, time is up, questo mi serviva. 7:54pm.

 

i LOL'd at the dgaf part below...haha...oh, past.

one of my favorites...

poem book..

not much has changed?...

 

 

do you free write? journal? i should start making time again...just got a major blast from the past...good to know i had the same attitude three years ago that i do today. Its weird hitting the "publish" button right now...

xo marialia

It's getting close to winter! Cold weather, long nights, the spirit of the holidays...time for you fashion bunnys to get cozy and wrap yourself up in...fur coats?

 

Oh, the great fur debate. We all know where I stand on this—I do consider myself somewhat of an animal rights activist & I shudder at the thought that in this year 2009, there are still people and designers ESPECIALLY that think its okay to still wear and use real fur in their collections. Animal fur looks better on the animal, simple as that—and not to get too controversial in such a hot subject already, but do you know where most new fur comes from and how its collected? Google it if you have the guts and prepare to have your heart broken.

 

Personally, "vintage" fur is just as bad and it really saddens me to see people and runways sport any sort of authentic fuzz—and although I have been called a hypocrite for being so against real fur and loving FAUX fur, I most definitley do not see it that way. The point of this weeks fashion feature is to focus on FAKING IT. Faux is the only acceptable way to rock the fuzzy look by my standards. Feel free to disagree, complain, & voice all your arguments in the comment box below...

Here are a few of my personal favorite faux fur pieces that I would rock any day of the week!

Vintage style faux fur coat $250 @ topshop.com

Love love love the length. pair with leggings and ankle boots and you're set!

 

 

Jeremy Scott Faux Furry FLINSTONES dress, available spring2010 @ jeremyscott.com

Posted about this before and posting about it again! GENIUS!

 

 

LOVE THIS ONE! Calbourne faux fur jacket lauren by Ralph Lauren $499 @ bloomingdales.com

(Considering this is a RL piece, I'm pretty surprised this model isn't photoshopped to have a 10inch waist. But i also assume RL fired her after this shoot for being "overweight" yeah?)

 

Handmade faux fur skirt @ weardrobe.com  

...loving the where the wild things are take on this photo! such a cute skirt.

 

 

Krok the blue furry monster backpack $60 @ etsy.com

...Okay maybe I'm the only one crazy enough to sport this, but hooowww cuuuute! I would totally wear this out. MUST HAVE! Taking faux fur to the cutest level ever!

 

 

Furry animal ring $8 @ etsy.com

Rein Peppard TAKE NOTES! THIS is the way to rock animal heads as accessories...recycled craft feathers, googley eyes, and recycled wood. I think these are way cute!

 

Bombshell faux fur jacket $120 @ karmaloop.com

MaryKate and Ashley need to get some of this in their closets!! Super cute with a party dress and tights =]

 

Yeti boots by Roxy $39 @ roxy.com

...FAVORITE!! I have loved the polar bear feet look for so long, but its been hard to find a pair that is 100% faux. I'm typically not a fan of Roxy clothing but they get a giant gold star for putting these out. Must order asap!! Way better than the Koolaburra ones!

 

 

What are some of your favorite furry items??? My only tip is- don't wear faux fur all at once! You'll look like a wookie ;)

And now for the big question...Real fur ( :[ ) , or FAUX fur ( :D ) ??  Comment & let me know!

 

xo

marialia

Fashion should be outrageous, but without committing crimes.

 

 

We all know I love anything and everything in fashion that is out of the ordinary—when I dress and especially when I design. I would probably wear everything that others' don't have the guts or taste to rock. BUT surprisingly enough, even I have some rules and limitations for fashion that I follow religiously. Curious to know what's on my Do & Don't list for everytime I dress? Read below!

 

 

DO!!

Over-accessorize. There is no such thing as too much—it's all in how you pair things together. I love stacking bracelets, putting way too many rings on my hands, and throwing something obnoxious in my hair. When you are confident in whatever you are wearing, it boosts your outfit all that much more. Lately I've been loving:

Giant blinged out snake rings! $98 @ bcbg.com

Studded bracelets! $43 @ maxandchloe.com

 

 

 

DON'T!!

Acrylic nails with tips. I'll admit I was guilty of this every month in high school, but after horrible nail damage, and realizing it was almost impossible to sew with, I stopped getting them. Now when I see them, they look tacky. Short manicured nails may not endure as long, but they are undoubtedly much more chic! Its amazing how a horrible nail look can ruin your outfit...same with chipped nail polish! NO-NO.

 

 

DO!!

Big Hair. Nothing ruins an outfit/look more for me than flat hair with zero volume. Bleh =/ Whip out that teasing comb and root pump and start volumizing! I'm not saying that you need humungous hair thats three times the size of your head, but a little tease never hurts! Give your look more bounce like the MARIALIA model below:

 

 

 

DON'T!!

Ugg boots with mini-skrts. The Eski-hoe look is done done done, & I'll admit I used to be guilty of this my sophomore year in high school! If you must sport the Ugg Boot, pair them with pants please!

 

 

DO!!

Put bows in your hair. Wear them with anything! Its one of my favorite outfit accessories & it will never get old for me. Nothing adds that little "extra something" to your look like a bow does!

 

 

DONT!!

Ever own a pair of Crocs. EVER. They will never be cute, i don't care what you say.

 

 

DO!!

Over-indulge on expensive cosmetics. The quality IS better than the drugstore brands—maybe not by much, but why not treat yourself every so often? My guilty pleasure: Dior lipsticks in any shade of pink. Its definitley my lip color, & a little bit of lipstick can do wonders to your outfit! Find your signature shade & enjoy!

Available @ sephora.com $28

 

DON'T!!

Wear jeans that are too tight at the waist. No one likes a muffin top (and they can happen even on the skinniest of people)! Jeans are difficult to find a flattering fit if you have hips, which is why I personally never wear them...but when I do I normally end up getting a huge size that simply sits on my waist and then tailoring the legs to make them form fitted. If this happens to you...ditch the jeans!

 

 

DO!!

Opt for FAUX fur! Who cares if its vintage? Its still gross! If you want to rock the fuzzy look this winter, make sure you fake it- I always do!

 

DON'T!!

Don't forget the FASHION TAPE. Example: Miss Tara Reid. Poor Tara, amongst others such as Miss Lohan, would have been spared such the embarrassing situation if only they had remembered to tape and secure =[ Fashion tape works wonders. Don't own it? Go get it!

 

DO!!

Get your ruffle on. Ruffle details can make anything cute—from dresses to t-shirts to accessories! Ruffles always add a playful and flirty edge to your look so start adding more ruffles to your wardrobe! My new collection features a ton of ruffles- obsessed!

Lanvin ruffle t-shirt dress SPLURGE! (I LOVE THIS!) $1,050.00 @ barneys.com

 

 

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS:

 

Now that you know some of my secret fashion DO's and DONT's, share some of yours! Are you guilty of some of my No-No's? Leave a comment below telling me what tops your list!

xo

marialia

 Style & fashion speak your personality without having to say any words...

 

I respect almost everything in fashion/art that is different—whether it be other people's personal style, or a fellow designer's latest collection—AND I almost always disagree with "worst dressed lists." With that said, there are some things I see on people that I just don't understand and it makes me want to hang my head in shame. (and I am sure many of you feel that way towards me and my fashion sense lol). There is a WRONG way to do "different" & this might be the classic case of me the pot calling the kettle black, but below are a few cases of celebs dressed in a manner that makes me seriously question... WTF?!

They are guilty of some serious fashion faux pas...

 

 

 

Brooke Hogan

I think this girl is a little notorious for her choice in wardrobe, and I actually like her. I enjoy watching Brooke Knows Best & although her music is whatever, I don't mind it. BUT... these outfits... are pretty tasteless & trashy.

 

 

Suggestion:

Dear Brooke,

If you insist on wearing cheetah print, atleast go with a classic cut dress!

One shoulder silk dress by Blumarine, $1,680 @ saksfifthavenue.com

 

Pair with...

Gold stud belt $55 @ topshop.com

 

Pair with...

L.A.M.B rhett shoe $349 @ piperlime.gap.com

 

 

 

Perez Hilton

The queen of the media has some really strange taste in fashion... really REALLY strange. I wish he would be more chic & fierce in with his outfit picks—and as for the middle picture—that better be faux fur! The only thing I approve of in all of this is the Hello Kittys on the shower cap.

 

Suggestion:

Dear Perez,

I don't get it. Please just stop. Try something like this instead:

7 for all mankind tux jacket $395 @ bloomingdales.com

 

Pair with...

Big Mac Tee by T.Rains (Traver Rains) $35 @ T-Rains.com

 

Pair with...

Marc by Marc Jacobs slim fit dark denim jean $188 @ saksfifthavenue.com

 

 

 

Christina Aguilera

Now that the XTina days are over (thankfully) I think she's over commiting such fashion atrocities... and I know the last dress in a more recent photo of herself isn't horrible, but I don't think its too fabulous either, and neither is the overbearing cleavage. Cover it up! As for the see-through little number: It can be seen as sexy when the top part is sheer and you can see the matching bra underneath, but never ever ever when the bottom is see through as well! Very tasteless choice in "LBD". No kudos to you, christina!

 

 

 

Suggestion:

Dear Christina,

Its not difficult to have sex appeal without looking trashy. Put those boobs away & get into one of these little black dresses instead:

Sequin strap dress by Herve Leger $1,250 @ saksfifthavenue.com

 

Pair with...

 

Mendel wedge bootie $595 @ bcbg.com

 

Pair with...

Jane Bollinger clutch $1,100 @ marissacollection.com

 

 

 

Lindsay Lohan

Love her as an actress, but all I can say is: trainwreck trainwreck trainwreck. Someone is in some serious need of fashion tape for the first dress...shouldn't your stylist always have that on hand?!! As for the other two looks... no thank you.

 

Dear Lindsay,

Stick with your typical black leggings look—they seem to be the safest for you:

Rag & bone leggings with mesh $250 @ shopbop.com

 

Pair with...

Mari tunic $118 @ marciano.com

 

Pair with...

 

Pairing a sheer top, usually black, with the same color lace/subtle detailed bra can be chic & sexy. One wrong move though, and it can look very wrong. See-through is cool only when the top has some tasteful print/pattern on it!

lace miracle push up bra $55 @ vicotiassecret.com

 

 

 

Mary-Kate Olsen

I have mixed feelings on the Olsen twins, especially because they always insist on wearing dead animals, but Mary-Kate in particular has some very... umm eccentric taste in how she decides to dress. NOT a fan, at all. Someone so beautiful and petite should be in things that are more smashing!

 

Dear MK,

The constant fur look is really disgusting. Poor animals. Why don't you opt for faux, wear clothing that actually fits, and try not to get lost in your dresses? Try this—faux fur is all the rage:

Ishii faux fur snow leopard jacket $402 @ shopsheboutique.com

 

Pair with..

Lacy floral dolman tunic $118 @ freepeople.com

 

Pair with...

Rock&republick skinny jean $209 @ emoda.com

 

 

 

 

Lily Allen

I like Lily Allen, I just don't like how she dresses. She needs to leave the pink hair to the professionals that can actually pull it off, stop wearing wedding dresses to magazine events, quit mistaking the daytime for some bondage lingerie show, and seriously do some major altering/taming on such a bold gown. 

 

 

Suggestion:

Dear Lily,

I think you're rad, but I also think you need a major wardrobe makeover! Try this for something fun & cute:

silk one shoulder romper $100 @ topshop.com

 

Pair with...

 

Phillip Lim maribou feather sequin bolero jacket $950 @ net-a-porter.com

 

Pair with...

JCampbell berlin boot $209 @ freepeople.com

 

 

 

What other celebrities do you think have awful style? Do you agree/disagree with my picks? Comment below and let me know!

 

xo

marialia

"I didn't invent fashion, but I sure as hell am reinventing it. They say dress to impress; I say dress to stand out."

 

Throughout high school, the only important thing to me about the school dances wasn't finding a cute date, and it was never about the theme or the actual dance itself- it was all about what I wanted to wear (surprising huh?! ;]). I think I must have worn some of the most ridiculous things at one point- from short tutu dresses to crazy string outfits that surprisingly never got me kicked out for breaking dress code haha. I didn't go to many of mine, but Homecoming is right around the corner for many of you (and already passed for some =[) so let me show you a few outfits that I would have loved to wear if I could go back in time and relive those days, or that I would wear currently if I could go to your school's homecoming now!

 

 

Look #1

I would kill for this dress by Devani Weaver...I love it I love it I LOVE IT! 

Yarn monster dress $335 @ devaniweaver.etsy.com

 

Pair with...

SPLURGE! Alexander McQueen<3 stud cuff $1,095 @ alexandermcqueen.com

 

 

Pair with...

Stud clutch $48 @ shopharmonylane.com

 

 

 

Pair with...

BRIGGHT steve madden shoe $130 @ endless.com

 

 

Look #2:

I'm sure its not a coincidence that this dress from FOREVER21 looks alot like Betsey Johnson fallwinter09 collection, but its still cute & the price is borderline ridiculous.

Floral party dress $22.80

 

Pair with...

Pink foil baby bow head band $12 @ velvetvillage.etsy.com

 

 

Pair with...

Pleaser Women's Teeze pink glitter pump $60 @ endless.com (I WANT THESE!!!! SO HOT! :D)

 

 

Look #3:

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this IS one of my favorite dresses and not just because its made by me!

queen of hearts dress $220 @ marialiaxo.com

 

Pair with...

Bebe hear rhinestone braceletes $39 @ bebe.com

 

 

Pair with...

rhinestone ankle wrap heels $35 @ amiclubwear.com

 

 

Look #4:

JOVANI is one of my favorite dress labels of all time... almost every single dress they make, I fall in love with. Check out the amazing colors & design on this one- to die for!

JOVANI 2010 dress- available soon @ jovani.com

 

Pair with...

Golden Glitz clutch $175 @ couturecandy.com

 

Pair with...

Marciano Reiko sandal $130 @ endless.com

 

 

 

Special Occassion NO-NO's:

 

Whether its Prom or Homecoming or any other formal event, there's always that one (or two, or three) poor clueless girl in the group limo picture with the awful dress- the one that everytime you look back at the photos you thank your lucky stars it wasn't you? Don't be that person! Below are a few dresses that you should burn before you ever think of wearing them...

Dance Hall Blitz dress $150 @ modcloth.com

Maybe more like Dance Hall Disaster dress? This cut wouldn't look good on anybody and the mis-matching shoulder ties looks a little cheap. There are so many more chic options if you are trying to go for the classic black & white look!

 

 

Micro mini dress $27.80 @ forever21.com

There IS such thing as too short, and not only is this dress cheap in more than one way, I guarantee you that mini dresses are a huge regret the moment you try to sit down (or maybe not? to each their own) ;]. You don't want to be remembered from a school dance or formal event as the girl with her butt hanging out, so stay away from the super mico mini "sexy" short dresses!

 

 

Eliza J Chiffon Trapeze dress $118 @ nordstroms.com

This style dress is really rough on flattering your figure--mostly because it doesn't... at all. It is such a boring style & in my opinion most "trapeze" dresses have way too much going on at the collar. No thank you.

 

JS Strapless beaded gown with scarf $180 @ dillards.com

 

...this kind of dress is SO "out" that I don't even know how or why they were once "in". Strapless chiffon gowns plus cheesy matching "shawls" are beyond hideous and overplayed. I remember this look from when my sister went to her prom in 1999...its been done, its out, its ugly, DONT DO IT. Furthermore, anything with chiffon + beads can be dangerously tacky so be cautious ;]

 

 

Which look is your favorite? Which look do you hate?

I love them all! Comment below & let me know!

 

xo

maralia

so many pictures!! photos sum everything up: cruise ship. puerto vallarta. mazatlan. cabo san lucas. 

i had so much fun! it was hard being away from my work but vacations are good for my mind and sanity- and just what i needed, no cellphone/internet for the whole time either...nonetheless Im happy to be back "home"...enjoy..

 

 

do you like to travel??

It's Halloween, it's Halloween! The moon is full and bright &

we shall see what can't be seen on any other night.

 

My favorite time of year is right around the corner & I don't know about you, but I am sick of seeing the same old packaged halloween costumes in stores every single year. Playboy bunnys, Nurses, Alice in wonderland...*yawn*... even the supposed funny and original ones aren't very funny OR original anymore; and the "sexy" costumes are incredibly played out. But have no fear! If you aren't able to design and make your own, below are a few costumes carefully put together by me from mixing and matching clothing pieces that you can easily do yourself. Best part is- you won't have to suffer the horror of seeing someone else in the exact same costume on Halloween!

 

 

 

Cutie Ballerina

This costume is so gorgeous thanks to the handmade details and the ruffle corset! I'm loving all the subtle flower accents! Pair a one of a kind corset top with a matching tutu skirt, throw on some flats in the same color story, rock a hair style covered in glitter hairspray, and you're set!

handmade corset $120 @ etsy.com

 

Pair with...

princess tutu $35 @ etsy.com

 

Pair with...

pink ballet flat $20 @ delias.com

 

 

Kitty Cat

A much over-done costume, I know, but there are so many ways to go about this one! I went with a sequin/stud theme, some adorable tights that you would probably use over again, and threw in a cat woman mask- pair this with some huge teased curly hair and killer makeup, and voila!

catwoman mask $35 @ etsy.com

 

Pair with...

sequin body $80 @ topshop.com

 

Pair with...

pyramid gold cuff $9.80 @ forever21.com
pyramid stud bracelets $25 @ bloomingdales.com

 

 

Pair with...

heart tights $16 @ topshop.com

 

Pair with...

trinitis black sequin pump $99 @ stevemadden.com

 

 

 

Superwoman

This one has been done a million times before too (almost all costumes have, i know i know!!), but at least this superwoman costume is cuter than the cheap packaged ones from the halloween store! A bright blue AA bodysuit can be used more than just for Halloween, and getting creative with the superwoman accessories (such as bedazzling your own mask, studding the gloves, adding in a belt, etc) is a lot of fun!

strapless bodysuit in teal $26 @ americanapparel.net

Pair with...

metallic lame gloves $22 @ finalegloves.com

 

Pair with...

gold belt $25 @ ardenb.com

 

Pair with...

gold pumps $10 @ makemechic.com

 

Pair with...

gold mask $10 shopzilla.com

(DIY: cover it in bling by hot gluing gold sequins or rhinestones on it to make it look better!)

 

 

 

 

 

Shewolf

I love masks, but not so much using them to cover the face. Using a halloween mask as a headpiece and wearing dramatic makeup instead is alot cooler in my book. Velvet bodysuits and staple black boots are something that can be added to your closet and used on more than just this occasion, and throwing in silver accessories is key! PS-ripping your own black tights to shreds for this costume tends to look better than the already ripped ones that are sold.

wolf mask $85 @ etsy.com (wear it as a headpiece rather than a mask with super big hair!)

 

Pair with...

velvet bodysuit $55 @ topshop.com

 

Pair with...

Faux fuzzy black vest $37.80 @ forever21.com

 

 

Pair with...

 

ripped tights $10 @ yahoo.com (BUT the ones you rip yourself always look better)

 

 

Pair with...

DV dolce vita thigh high boot $170 @ endless.com

 

 

Halloween essentials:

 

I don't know if many of you still trick or treat or not, but regardless I love the hello kitty candy buckets that come around this time of year! I have a black and orange one from Target from last year and it makes for great house decor. So whether or not you still go door to door (& you can never be too old for that!), if you're a hello kitty fan one of these is a must have!

Hello Kitty trick or treat Pail $6 @ partyamerica.com

 

 

 

Candy Apples are non-negotiable for the Halloween season. Definite must-have for any Halloween parties, & the gourmet ones I personally think are the best! Even if you are only able to have a piece or two (I can't imagine how messy or painful eating a candy apple is without cutting it first) before you pass out from sugar overload, its not Halloween to me without these around!

 

monster candy apples $4-$6 each @ monstercandyapples.com

 

 

 

Many of you don't live in Southern California, but there has to be something similar in your city to what we all obsess over going to every single october: Knotts Scary Farm! Halloween isn't Halloween without attending these things; there are a handful of different parks that do this every year & even though most of them suck for me because I don't find any of the mazes or attractions scary, I still love going!

Knotts scary farm Halloween Haunt, thur-sun all October long $50/ticket @ ticketmaster.com

 

 

 

 

What are you planning to be for Halloween this year? Do you usually buy your costume, make it, or put stuff together like I did above?

Comment and let me know!

 

 

xo

marialia

Fashion is more than just what you're wearing- its a lifestyle.

 

A fashionista can never have enough closet space, fashion magazines, or ridiculously overpriced shoes. We live for fashion and enjoy the art of individual style, and have realized at a young age just how powerful outfits, clothing, and fashion all together really can be.

Nothing can define me better than what my closet holds, what I am wearing for the day, and most importantly what I create as a fashion designer. I have new fashion obsessions and must-haves nearly every single day, and my list of things I want to add to my wardrobe could go on forever. I thought this week's fashion picks would be fun to just list everything fashion that I am currently obsessing over- from garments, to accessories, to styles & looks! 

Calico faux fur vest $22.80 @ forever21.com

 

Crinkled leatherette jacket $34.80 @ forever21.com

I have an admitted love/hate relationship with Forever21 & i am sure we can guess why... but I must say I absolutely LOVE this ad called "FAUX for fall". I have a big thing against leather (that stops at shoes), and an even bigger problem against fur. I am glad that XXI is bringing attention to this, offering chic and affordable alternatives to leather and fur, and helping people understand that its more than okay to fake it. FAUX FTW! Polyurethane > cow skin =]

 

Denim hair bow available soon @ marialiaxo.com

Denim hair bows!!! And denim hair accessories in general! A great way to make use out of your old jeans. I hate wearing blue jeans but I do love them in my hair; the fraying is awesome and is a nice alternative from the normal satin or tulle bows. Its hard to find these online because they are mostly made for kids, but I will have these available in my webstore soon!

 Dolce Vita stud over the knee boot $355 @ bloomingdales.com

Thigh High boots!!! These are my favorite to pair with mini skirts or over sheer tights- or if you're very daring, take a tip from miss lady gaga and wear them with a bodysuit outfit! They can have that real "working the corner" tacky look depending on the texture and the heel height, so try to go for a short heel/flat boot style. I love these embellished ones by Dolce Vita- so fierce!

 

O'Neil top $42 2 dillards.com

Ruffle Tiers!!! Tiered ruffle details are AMAZING and take form in dresses, skirts, tops, purses, shoes, scarves, everything! There is something really pretty, elegant, and flirty about ruffles, and the best part is a tier ruffle style garment is flattering on almost every single body shape. I own a ton of ruffle tiered items and I cannot get enough! Next time you are out shopping, pay notice to this fashion detail & see how its incorporated into a lot of looks.

Xhilaration swimsuit $10.48 @ target.com

Juniors cotton dress $5.74 @ target.com

GO int'l floral ruffle skirt $6.74 @ target.com

 

Cat is out of the bag: I have a secret obsession with the 75% off clearance rack at Target (& all sales in general). Most of the time I won't even look at the new arrivals (Target carries such cute clothing!) and head straight to the sale section. OH, the guilty pleasure of finding $3 tshirts and $10 dresses. Half the time I find myself filling the cart with things I don't even need, and won't even end up wearing. There is just something so rewarding about scoring clothing for cheap!

Sequin pants $58 @ emoda.com

markus lupfer sequin skull sweater $380 @ my-wardrobe.com

SEQUINS!!! I adore anything sequin- and pretty much anything glittery or shiny. Sequin shoes, sequin dresses, sequin accessories... these colorful little sparkly appliques bring any look to life, & although some may think they are a little obnoxious and hate sequins, I say the more sequins the better! Ironic though, because I personally hate working with sequins for garments- they always break my machine needles & I desperately need to get a sequin embroidery machine to create these things myself!

Giornali Italiani di moda!!! My coffee table is full of these. There is something so inspiring about Italian fashion magazines to me, maybe because it's everything I am in a glossy little book. I love collecting and reading them, always noting the daring differences in style between LA and italy. Italian designers design so elegantly and beautifully, just everything about these magazines is probably one of my biggest obsessions! I just wish they weren't always so damn expensive here.

 

Happy panda shoes $22 @ emandsprout.etsy.com

Panda Shoes!!! i think I am going to own every single pair of animal shoes em&sprout makes by the end of this year, haha. Panda shoes are so cute and adorable, and i love that they come in a ton of different styles. Now all I am looking for are so hot animal inspired killer heels!

 

 

Nars lipstick $24 @ sephora.com

 

Matte bubblegum pink lips!!! Nothing screams more "80's" to me than this makeup look. I did the red for a while, but soon ditched it and started using light pinks. Looks best on dark complexions- I wear it with everything!

 

What are some of your current fashion obsessions?? Comment below with some links, I would love to see!

 

xo,

marialia

"If being a slave to fashion and its art makes me materialistic- then so be it"

 

New York & London fashion week recently just wrapped up its springsummer 2010 show, and while LA fashion week is just around the corner (ps, i have no shame to say MARIALIA & 24karat collection was a fashion week reject this year for their emerging designers contest =P), I thought I'd share my most favorite looks that made it down the runway...and the not-so-favorites, too (of course). We all know by now that I have a very bold taste and different outlook on fashion, so enjoii ^_^

 

LOVE:

1. Betsey Johnson SpringSummer2010 RTW

OFCOURSE Betsey Johnson is my first pick!!! Love her whole collection. I think I would love anything she puts out, she has won my heart that much. I am digging the over dramatic hair pieces & i think I just have to have that last dress. The thing I love most about Betsey Johnson: she stays true to her aesthetic every single season. No matter what she tries new, she always adds that touch where you can just tell its a betsey johnson.

 

2. Moschino Cheap & Chic SpringSummer2010 RTW

&hearts; &hearts; &hearts;

!!!!! GENIUS. AMAZING. STUPENDOUS. INCREDIBLE. The last outfit with the duck!!!! I. HAVE. TO. HAVE. IT. ...I seriously want every single piece of the moschino runway collection. I feel like the entire creative side of my brain has been picked apart and put into this collection kdsjklajsdkljsadkjdskjksla PS: I like this better than Betsey Johnson =O

 

 

3. Luella SpringSummer2010 RTW

Okay okay the hairbows and the polka dots won my heart. I love the dresses Luella put out this season, except for one thing: who would want to accentuate their hips?! I feel like the only people that can wear these would be people like the models themselves, and those of us with big bootys would just have to watch in envy. The whole collection is fabulous- very flirty and girly. I LIKE.

 

 

 

4. Marchesa SpringSummer2010 RTW

Marchesa is undoubtedly gorgeous, glamorous, innovative, and chic all at the same time. I would feel like a princess in anyone of their dresses & would kill to own that white and black one in the middle. Gigantic kiss of approval this collection gets and I can't wait to see more.

 

5. Jeremy Scott SpringSummer2010 RTW

Jeremy Scott is another one of my favorites, and I LOVE his Flinstones take for this collection (we all know how much I love animated and themed collections!!!). Everything from the hair, to the bone bows, to the shoes, and to the nails is perfect & I would wear any of these for any reason. The faux furry dress is my favorite & I am really intrigued and inspired by it. I hate working with faux fur but i might just have to take this idea and make a furry dress myself!

 

6. Basso & Brooke SpringSummer2010 RTW

 

 

Holy Moly I can't get over how incredible this collection is!!! I want to wear every single piece. Although they have been around for a while, Basso & Brooke are new to me, and I have fallen in love with them -everything is genius! & I love how a lot of their looks are accented with gold shoes. This neo-pop themed collection is so fabulous. Basso & Brooke is undoubtedly my favorite designer for this season next to Moschino Cheap & Chic: they totally take the cake, mmm.

 

LOATHE: 

 

1. House of Holland SpringSummer2010 RTW

 

...this is definitely a new way to draw attention to your bust. reminds me of that scene in Mean Girls minus the horrendous matching skirt.

straight out of Fresh Prince of bel Air...? I kind of love this, I kind of hate it. I just cant imagine any straight guy actually walking out of the house with pink short shorts and matching pink socks

House of Hollands' rendition of Star Trek wardrobe? I hate this look so much.

This looks like A Night at the Roxbury gone wrong...+ random feminine "man purse". I dont get it? If a designer is going to put these kinds of looks on a guy, make sure its the right kind of guy because the preppy clean cut image + crazy wardrobe does not work together.

 

House of Holland: there are other ways to be different and creative and I think this was a huge fail. I'm confused at what the inspiration for this collection was: bondage or outer-space?

 

 

2. VPL SpringSummer2010 RTW

 

kdjksajklas??? this creation on the bottom looks like a Hefty brand trash bag! and the shoes...and the slim fit shirt paired with such a messy skirt...and the overall color combination...BLEH.

NO. I don't even know where to begin with this one. To put it nicely, I think its ugly. 

 

I can't tell what's worse...the fact that the top is completely see-through, or the fact that pants are completely see-through as well?

Trash bag jumpsuits? I can't really tell, but it looks like a glossy type of lightweight polyester...the kind that makes that swishy noise everytime you walk from rubbing the inside of the legs together? Not a fan.

 

VPL: very boring *yawn*, and I feel like the little bit of creativity that was attempted with these looks just wasn't working. 

 

 

3. DURO OLOWU SpringSummer2010 RTW

 

o_0...there is NOTHING "ready-to-wear" about this dress. seriously, WTF?

 

I have a patchwork quilt that looks a little bit like this (I really do). I don't know where i am going with that statement, but I really donut like this...AT ALL.

 

Gypsy-chic?

 

...is this SUPPOSED to look like an apron at the bottom? I don't understand why anyone would ever wear this.

 

Duro Olowu: I just don't get it. I am really really really confused when I look at your collection. I am not impressed, I am not disgusted...just incredibly confused.

 

 

 

 

Its a big breathe of fresh air that so many collections are beyond creative and borderline ridiculous this season- I LOVE it. Sometimes though, I think being creative in the wrong way can create things that are a little....ugly (re: above). And othertimes, being too BORING (calvin klein, tomyy hilfigher, michael kohrs, etc) makes me want to slam my head into a wall. Would it kill them to spice it up just a little bit?? I've said it before and I'll say it again: fashion to me is about the art- if I'm looking for a simple pant or button up nautical blazer, I'll go to the department store....or Kohls (lol), not fashion week.

Which designers that I posted are your favorite? Not-so-favorites?

I can't get over the Moschino Cheap & Chic collection...I need to shop it ASAP.

xo

marialia

 

 

After winning the "Best brand of 2009" contest (because of you guys that voted!), I Am The Trend decided to ask me a few questions about my fashion line... Read it below or at www.iamthetrend.com & let me know what you think!

 

 

 

 

So first off congrats on winning our 2009 Best Upcoming Brand Competition! How does it feel?  Thanks!! Its pretty awesome considering MARIALIA was up against a lot of very talented graphic artists and t-shirt designers. I bet people were like...where the hell did this cut and sew brand come from?

 

When you saw that you basically were the only cut and sew line in the competition did you feel like that was going to help or hurt your chances of winning? Everything about my brand either works for me or against me. I'm an alternative high fashion designer; my designs are not the typical looks you would see in this industry- and in many cases, it works in my favor because I'm brining something new to the table, but in some cases, it works against me for that very reason. I thought it was going to work against me because the entire competition focused on t-shirt brands- in fact, the entire iamthetrend.com website focuses mostly on t-shirt brands so I was pretty surprised I even got to the top 10!

 

So lets talk about MARIALIA! When did you start the line and what inspired you to get this going? All I have ever wanted since I could remember was to design clothing. I would sew and sketch since forever ago and 5 years ago when I was 16 I finally decided, "You know, I'm going to do this for real." I think this whole MARIALIA thing was just a result of me following my intuition- i believe we all have plans/purposes in our life; that everything happens for a reason- and being a fashion designer was mine. From the moment I started MARIALIA, I knew I wanted to do things differently and design outside of the box. There's no easy way to really explain everything; I think it "just is".

 

From your website you describe yourself as alternative high fashion, what exactly does this entail? High quality, creative, and couture fashion designs that are out of the ordinary- for the person that loves things that are different and appreciates the art behind fashion. The "alternative" image has made its own meaning these past few years with its underground scene/lifestyle finally beginning to make its mark in our society, and MARIALIA is proud to stick behind the aesthetics and art its put behind its brand since day one. MARIALIA as an alternative high fashion label doesn't only reflect on the clothing I design, but the image I have myself as a designer.

 

When you are designing pieces are you looking for pieces that can be worn everyday or more just for special occasions? I don't really know how to answer that because I would probably wear my craziest and flashiest designs on an "everyday" purpose. But to generalize, I know MARIALIA is not contemporary so I imagine the public looking at my designs as things they would mostly wear only for certain occasions. I tone it down a little bit sometimes and mix my designs with stuff thats still wild and fun, but not as much as the rest of my pieces to gain a wider appeal.

 

How many pieces do you usually make of each item? As many as are ordered for the specific period I have them available for in my store.

 

What is the biggest challenge in running MARIALIA? That I am a one man army and basically do everything from A to Z all by myself. I live off of sugar free redbulls, strong coffee, and under-eye concealer, hahaha.

 

Any new projects or lines that we should be on the look for? I am currently working on my collection for SpringSummer2010 which is called "24 karat". Every item in the collection is created with the same shiny gold fabric.

 

Do you have any plans of branching into mens clothing? Eventually- most likely in the far future.

 

Congrats again on winning our first ever Best Upcoming Brand contest! Is there anything you want to add before we sign off? Yay thanks! Just thank you to everyone that voted my brand & I look forward to everyone's continued support for what I do! Shop my line at: www.marialiaxo.com  Big hugs & kisses all around! xoxo 

 

The art behind fashion is something that needs to be revived. 

 

There is nothing I hate more than celebrities that brand their name on a line of clothing, have someone else do all the design and manufacturing, and then call themselves "fashion designers". This past week it seems on buzznet, we have been focusing more on these celebrity brands and gathering opinions *cough abbeydawn cough*, so I figured this week's fashion feature would be perfect to follow on that! There are a few, and I mean very few, celebrity fashion brands that I think cross over from being just another celebrity with a clothing line, and actually have talent and love for the fashion industry.

 

No thank you's:

 

1. LAUREN CONRAD: After taking a giant break from a few seasons to "re-evaluate" her boring and over-priced "lauren conrad collection" line, LC takes another stab and teams up with Kohl's! Her recently launched "LC Lauren Conrad" line with this store is not impressive at all, and is a perfect example and foundation to completely prove my point that in most cases, celebrity + clothing line = epic fail.

Seamless camisole $20 @ kohls.com

...because offering a basic tank top in 4 different colors is so original! i bet american apparel, forever21, jockey, and about three hundred other brands are bummed they didn't already think of that o_0

 

Striped boyfriend cardigan $44 @ kohls.com

...you guys, this also comes in black!!! -_-

 

Watercolor dolman top $34 @ kohls.com 

...the creativity in this piece is all on the textile designer, and even then, I don't think its all that great. Watercolor print has been done over and over and over again and it still hasn't become a classic! I say give it a rest, I am not a fan =/

Solid leggings $20 @ kohls.com

...just in case you didn't already have a million pairs of these & you wanted "LC" branded on the back tag. You know, because a lot of people are going to ask you where you got those incredible, amazing, and originally crafted plain black solid leggings from.

 

2. MILEY CYRUS & MAX AZRIA: Designer of internationally known fashion label, BCBG Max Azria, Max Azria himself decides to team up with breaking star Miley Cyrus to offer an affordable collection for Wal Mart. Gee, I wonder why a designer would team up with a teenage pop icon to supposedly "collaborate" with on a collection? Money, maybe? -_- The Max&Miley line portrays NOTHING of what Max Azria is about and showcases zero of his original design aesthetic. This is definitley something Miley Cyrus could have done on her own...but I guess the economy was tough around the time Max Azria created this, and I guess he decided selling out his brand was more important. I am pretty disappointed to the extent some designers go to, where it becomes obvious that they have turned their lucky fashion career into just another clothing line and stopped doing it for the art of fashion a long time ago. 

 

Juniors zebra vest tee $10 @ walmart.com

...if the label on this top was changed from "max&miley" to "abbey dawn", I would not even know the difference. Definitley not cute.

 

"fashion revolution" tee $7 @ walmart.com

...i can't even stop laughing right now at how ironic this t-shirt is.

 

Juniors trompe l'oeil vest tee $10 @ walmart.com

...just in case you couldn't get enough of the zebra version and absolutely had to have this one too. Oh, and max: using french on the name of a clothing item doesn't make it any less horrendous looking. 

Juniors tie-dye tank $6 @ walmart.com

...the things you can do when you have a big name. I feel like Max Azria had absolutley nothing to do with the designs of this collection, and if he did, he must have check-approved everything with his eyes shut. 

 

3. ABBEY DAWN: As if we didn't get to see enough of this brand from one of Audrey Kitching's recent posts (Audrey.buzznet.com) as well as the Buzznet homepage, I feel the need to poke some fun at it a little more. Avril Lavigne created this clothing line in 2008, and has since offered it for sale at *gasp* KOHLS! This whole celebrity/clothing business is all about money- always has been, always will be- so I'm sure Kohls made a great decision on carrying it. A ton of Avril fans are probably all about Abbey Dawn and have since spent a ton of $ on this line- if she has any fans still, that is. 

Rock punk glam burnout tee $28 @ kohls.com

...because wearing a t-shirt that says "rock, punk, glam" on it in huge letters isn't embarrassing...at all.

 

Skull and crossbones tee $28 @ kohls.com

...wearing skulls and checkers makes you such a punk-rocker. Oh, and this one comes with removable checkered suspenders! You know, in case you want to wear them with the "rock, punk, glam" tee as well! -_-

Skull and crossbones hoodie $40 @ kohls.com

...goes perfectly with the skull and crossbones tee! Too bad Rockett (ridetherockett.com) has already created hoodies like this back in 2003.

i always get what i want hoodie $48 @ kohls.com

...this is almost just as bad as the "innovative" pink stripe avril used to wear in her hair. What a great phrase to wear on your back! Its totally not narcissistic, obnoxious, or borderline stupid... nope, not at all. o_0

 

Yes Please's:

1. WHITNEY EVE: Apparently, not all stars of The Hills that decide to venture in the fashion business are completely talentless. Whitney Port, now star of MTV's The City, recently launched her own clothing line called "Whitney Eve", and I must say that I was very impressed. Not what I expected at all, and I actually really like a lot of the pieces. Now, whether or not she actually sits down and designs them and creates the samples herself and actually knows how to sew, is a different story. But all in all, I'd wear it. Whitney Eve gets my kiss of approval.

Silk dress $149 @ whitneyeve.myshopify.com

...everything about this dress is gorgeous! i love the back criss cross detail and the layered lace at the bottom. The print almost looks like peacock feathers! Id wear this with black flat boots and a giant bow in my hair.

 

Off shoulder dress $225 @ whitneyeve.myshopify.com

...the soft print on this is really flirty and I am loving the off-the-shoulder look! Also loving the mix of colors with the blue slip peeking from the bottom. What a perfect spring/summer dress.

Whitney eve holiday 2009 dress $100 @ whitneyeve.myshopify.com

...so affordable and so chic! This dress is fun, simple, and stunning all at the same time, and those combinations usually end up being a disaster. The fuchsia and silver look great together, and I'm a sucker for anything with a giant bow!

Whitney eve holiday 2009 $100 @ whitneyeve.myshopify.com

 

...I can't tell if this a a one-piece or if its a jacket and skirt put together, but whatever it is its working for me! I adore the mix of colorful stripes with a classic white and black jacket with bows on both! Very girly and very pretty. Thumbs up!

 

2. L.A.M.B.: LAMB by Gwen Stefani is probably my most favorite celebrity-turned-fashion-designer, and probably the one I have most respect for. Gwen Stefani is fierce, and her designs are right up my alley. Designing for a handful of years in a row, she must be doing something right to keep continuing with such success! I like!

L.A.M.B. springsummer2010 Ready to wear

...I love this dress! L.A.M.B. is amazing because not only are the designs very cute and original, but it has a higher price point and the quality is great! Super cute and I cannot wait for this item to be available in stores!

L.A.M.B Springsummer2010 ready to wear

...Love this entire outfit! So chic and classy, and still a bit edgy. Oversized blouses accented with statement belts are my favorite- and paired with this skirt makes the outfit even better. I might swap the skirt for a pair of black skinny pants or shiny leggings though.

L.A.M.B. springsummer2010 ready to wear

...I love the no pants thing and its great to see Gwen Stefani answering back to the bodysuit/gaga phenomenon and making some of her own! Lace tights/leggings are another favorite of mine and the shoes complete this look. Big kiss of approval!

L.A.M.B. springsummer2010 ready to wear

...the print on this dress is fantastic and I love the mix of big and little stripes. Off the shoulder is always great, especially on a dress with a fitted bottom. The more I look at it, the more I want this dress. My favorite out of her entire ready to wear!

the end!

 

I was only able to pick two "yes please's" because the more i looked around at other celebrity fashion lines, the more I hated them. The "No thank you" list could seriously go on and on in my opinion, so its a big relief to at least two celebrities doing something great in the world of fashion and not just marketing their name on a piece of clothing.

 

As NY fashion week most recently wrapped up, next week I will look at my favorite ready to wear collections for spring/summer 2010!

Thoughts? Comments? Anyone strongly disagree with my loves and hates? 

What are some other celebrity fashion labels that you like/dislike?

 

xo,

marialia

Hi bunnys, I just got back from grocery shopping at trader joes, picking up shipping supplies for this recent massive order, and thrift store shopping!!! I bought: 3 dresses, 1 top, and 1 lace/crochet poncho thing that was in style years ago but I dont care, Im still going to rock it...all for under 30 dollars!!! All the dresses are long old bridesmaids/prom gowns that i am going to cut and alter. Which brings me to my next thought: I am thinking about combining my love of vintage/thrift shopping with my own design aesthetic...

what would you guys think if I started altering my thrift store treasures and offering them on my store? They would all be extremely one of a kind and a little pricey, but I think it would be very cool! This is going to be another distraction from finishing my 24 karat collection but its something I plan on doing soon.

 

Speaking of the new collection: I know a lot of you are wondering, and i know I keep pushing back the date but I am about 45% done with the collection and plan on having it finished by end of October? i am going on a one week cruise to Mexico in the begining of Oct so as soon as I get back it would strictly be 24 karat boot camp so I can have everything done. Regardless of when it gets finished, I still need to shoot the lookbook, and since its for spring/summer 2010, probably wont be available online until january or february. But I know you are all dying to see it and I'm very excited about it! Keep in mind this is the collection that was recently rejected for LA Fashion Week emerging designers contest, so you can assume its going to be extra weird, but still fierce! You know how I do.

 

 

 

I have been up to my neck with clothing orders this past week, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Keep adding to your closet & take some style risks: shop now @ marialiaxo.com !!!

 

 

 

As you all know my best friend has been in the hospital for the past week from a horrible car accident on labor day weekend, and before that was in the ICU for 3 days and had to have emergency surgery and I am not exaggerating when I say this: she nearly died. I was a very very sad panda all week and seeing her in the ICU last week broke my heart, i can't handle hospitals. Things have been looking up and my week started to get better: the other night, after visiting her in the afternoon and then watching the VMAs, I learned she was really lonely and sad and felt left out she was stuck in a hospital bed and couldn't watch MTV. Jonathan and I immediately left my apartment and drove over to the hospital again at 1130 at night, snuck into the building through the stairs, brought my laptop, and stayed with her til 1am watching highlights from the VMA show and keeping her company. Yesterday she got sent home and is still recovering but I am so happy and thankful she is okay. If you're reading this, I love you jennyfur<3 :)

 

 

 

 

 

.

Here is a recent interview I had with a UK altenrnative magazine called VANITY...I love doing magazine interviews, but I always wonder if people even read them?

 

 

 

 

How did you start out designing clothes?

Designing and sewing is just something I grew up loving. I've always wanted to make clothing and be a designer for as long as I can remember. A lot of what I learned was from my Mommy =]

 

Do you think you need to go to college to create a successful clothing line? Absolutely not. I can't stress enough how unnecessary it is to spend 30k a year in design school just to graduate with a BA in fashion design. It's all just a big facade that many people think is necessary. I personally, think its just silly.

 

When creating a new line, where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere and anything! I never know how to properly answer this question when I'm asked because I don't know how to properly explain my inspirations.

 

Your clothes are colourful and fun, how long does it usually take you to design one item? It depends on the item, my designs can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

 

Do you create clothes against what is in fashion, and instead do whatever you feel like designing? Or do you follow what's in trend that season? I don't believe in trend-forecasting and I think doing so limits your creativity and turns your designs more into just a product and not an art. I am all about just creating things that come to me - screw the trends.

 

Who do you aim your clothes at? Anyone and everyone willing to rock them. Through the years  I have figured out that my target audience is mostly teenage girls through the late twenties. I think its just the generation; we're all about the alternative art; we're the modern day Warhol's, and I think as our generation gets older my brand will still appeal to that same "target audience" that loved it ten years ago.

 

Who do you think has been the biggest star to wear your clothes? Most recently, I would have to say Audrey Kitching. To me its not about having the A-listers or internationally famous movie stars wearing my clothing because chances are, they wouldn't. Its too wild. If there is one person that can represent my brand in a nutshell, it would hands down have to be Miss Kitching. She is an alternative style icon to an immense amount of people, and I don't think anyone could rock it better. Its an honor to be on that same level and have her in my brand.

 

Are your clothes only stocked in the USA? And if so, do you have any plans to widen that to other countries? Yes, only in the USA right now. I am in talks of having them available in the UK as well but that would also only be available online. I have big big big plans for my future and hope to soon physically have my clothing available in more areas.

 

As well as for girls, you do for boys as well. Do you find it harder to design for a male? Yes and no. Yes because male clothing is pretty shapeless, and no because its hard to be creative with it. I find that I don't have much to work with but as I focus more on male clothing I know I can change that.

 

What plans do you have in the future? Ah, so many! There are a million things that I plan on doing as my brand expands. Its just all about the waiting game and having the right opportunities come along!

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, thank you again to everyone who voted for me! MARIALIA was named the best upcoming brand of 2009 by iamthetrend.com!

 

 

What do you think of the MARIALIA+thrift clothing idea? Do you like reading my interviews?? & I never write journals like this...should I start doing it more often?

 

Love you guys!

 

meow~

 

ciao,

marialia

 

 

 

There is more to fashion than following runway trends, and breaking the rules is just more fun anyways.

 

Summer has come to an end (Thank God)! And that means it's the best season for fashion! I don't know about you, but although I work 24/7, I seem to be a lot more productive in the Fall than I am in the summer. I went to the fashion district again this morning (i always try to make it there before the entire block starts smelling like those disgusting hot dogs) to pick up some fabrics for orders and already started noticing some new pieces that would make awesome outfits for this season.

My biggest pet peeve of summer going into fall going into winter? The escalation in a lot of brands' color stories for the season. Again, I don't know about you, but its really depressing! Why can't we have fun bright colors all year round? Just because its sweater and stocking season doesn't mean everything has to be a darktone neutral like black, brown, grey, and navy. My personal style never really changes with the seasons, it's always borderline ridiculous and whatever I feel like wearing for the day-even if its raining outside. Weird much? This week's fashion picks are going to be a handful of whats on my shopping list for Fall, and you can bet they're going to be fun, full of color, and something your 11 year old sister would wear.

Enjoii ^_^ ....

Non-strapless jumpers/rompers! I'm really into the ones with vertical stripes like this one; flattering on almost any body type. I've stated it before and I will state again: get use out of all your jumpers through wintertime by pairing them with appropriate color tights. Fabulous!

Silence & Noise button sleeve surplice jumper $58 @ urbanoutfitters.com

Loving stripes! Long sleeve bodysuits are a great basic (I will be having a few crazy ones in my store soon @ marialiaxo.com!) but not many people can pull off the no-pants look, and with how high-cut most of them are made, I don't think a lot of people would want to. Pair these with any kind of dark pant: high waist, denim, shorts- just as long as its not a legging because VPL (visible panty lines) are not cute.

Printed cotton spandex bodysuit $36 @ americanapparel.net

Outrageous feather headbands are a great alternative to flowers and bows and are a perfect pair to any look.

Headband $39 @ bebe.com

 

Flower mesh tights! These are really pretty and would look amazing dressed up or dressed down. MUST HAVE.

Bouquet mesh tights $7.80 @ Forever21.com

Which animal do you want to be today? Animal hoodies are so cute and comfy they almost make my heart melt. They're not easy to find, so if anyone knows where I can get a cute bear, cat, and anything else hoodie let me know!

Panda bear hoodie $55 @ aprikotdiy.etsy.com

Plaid button ups are always my favorite and I throw them over almost everything. I usually steal my boyfriends' or purchase the ones they make for guys because they are longer and fit nicer with a belt. This one here is from Express and I think purple is a fun color- I love mixing it with pink to look absolutely ridiculous like I got dressed in the dark.

Ruched lurex plaid shirt $50 @ express.com

Tier tops are another favorite of mine- especially the lace ones like the one to the right. So flirty and cute with a pair of tight pants and a blazer! This green one above I actually bought last week and its made from this "liquid jersey" fabric so its really comfortable and interesting. Teal/green is a gorgeous color and I want to see it in stores more!

BCBG Max Azria liquid jersey tier top $118 @ nordstroms.com

Charlotte Russe lace tier top $22 @ charlotterusse.com

Sequin blazers/jackets make a huge statement- maybe thats why I like them so much. They're a bit pricey and it's hard to find one that doesn't itch on the cuffs but I think this one is smashing. Pair with jeans, dresses, anything! I wonder if they make sequin raincoats?

Tiffany sequin blazer by lisli $200 @ theoutnet.com

Em & Sprout shoes are a must have!!!! I have these in pink and I need to have every single pair they make. I can't get enough, they are so cute and surprisingly they are incredibly comfortable! I wear them with dresses and leggings and get a ton of weird stares! haha These ones are a new color called Bubble Gum Bunnies. MUST HAVE.

Bunny shoes $24 @ emandsprout.etsy.com

Leggings with pockets seems like a genius idea to me. I rarely wear any other kind of pant and I cannot stand blue jeans, so anything legging I absolutely love! Amazing item for the colder season, and i don't even need to begin to explain how versatile they are! 

$18 @ forever21.com

Fringe boots are pretty cool in my opinion, and I need to get my hands on a pair or two this season. I wear them with everything. Seriously.

Minnetonka moccassin fringe boot $98 @ jildorshoes.com

I'm a big fan of kiss marks (could you tell?) and i know the Kitschy Kiss collection from Betsey Johnson is almost impossible to find, but I have loved this bag for forever! I really wanted the bigger version but they're gone =/ Perfect for throwing your entire life into and lugging around all day- who doesn't overload their purses with useless things?

Kitschy Kiss small tote $98 @ daisyshoppe.com

Squiggle scarfs are my new favorite style! Really pretty ruched cashmere scarves in happy colors like YELLOW are perfect to keep your moods up during those cold rainy days.

Squiggle scarf $98 @ anthropologie.com

I have these in white! A comfortable and versatile killer heel is hard to find- but these ones from BCBG Max Azria are both! A fall essential, if you ask me. They're perfect to pair with almost anything- adds an edginess to all my outfits. 

 

Ella runway shoe $325 @ bcbg.com

 

I could go on for hours but I better stop here! What are some of your favorite items for Fall? Do you agree with me on the whole color thing?

Let me know by commenting below!

 

Ciao,

Marialia

hi guys &hearts; i never write blogs like this unless its to announce something or for the fashionista features, i usually just write essays of whats going on in my life underneath my photo posts, haha...this is going to be a long one so I hope you're into that.

Its past midnight, I have an 8am appointment in the morning, I smell like oatmeal cookies, and just got back from the hospital then afterwards overpriced sushi with Melissa and Jonathan. These past few weeks have been pretty odd and nuts but today has been the craziest day- I was being pulled in twenty different directions, my phone kept blowing up, and I was about to rip my hair out. All I wanted was to have some quiet and work on my 24 karat collection but that never happens. I got a text from my best friend telling me she had gotten into a car accident on sunday night and was in the hospital; had emergency surgery and has been in the intensive care unit since. This happened two days ago and she just had the chance to let people know. After an immediate "shut the f*ck up are you serious" and dropping my fabric scissors, my entire day went to shit. I learned she had internal bleeding and had to have emergency surgery to drain the blood and that when the crash had happened she couldn't breathe and if there wasn't an ambulance that just happened to drive by on the freeway, god knows what could have happened...

(my story has a point, i promise...keep reading)

It wasn't until earlier this evening i was able to drive out to USC medical center and visit; I was waiting for Jon to get off school because we are all really close friends. I bought her white flowers, a giant spongebob squarepants coloring/activity book and crayons. On the way there right by the downtown exit, I almost got into the same accident that she had later described she was in (my life is strange like that) and right after slamming on my brakes going 80 mph, my anxiety starting kicking in and I went into bitch mode. I freak out pretty often so I wasn't surprised, but I could not wait to get off the damn freeway. To make a longer story short: I spent 15 minutes circling in a stupid parking lot trying to find an empty spot or someone that was leaving, kept getting jacked by other waiting cars, finally said "fuck it" and parked in a tow away zone, walked into the hospital (which i HATE- I cannot stand hospitals), went through about four different metal detectors where each one I had to keep taking my belt off, walk another 10 minutes to the other building for the ICU, wait in line to get visitor bracelets, walk through double doors and bright white halls, overhear other people in the halls crying over their dying family member (thats when my anxiety kicked in even more and i really started freaking out), and finally getting to floor 5b room 138. There, the doctors flip out over my flowers and I have to throw them away, then finally getting to the room and seeing one of the best and most amazing, good-hearted friend I have ever met laying in a hospital bed with all these wires sticking to her, machines everywhere, and her so drugged up on pain killers from the surgery that it was hard to have a conversation. I totally lost it at that point, started crying, and completely ruined my lashes...she is going to be okay which is the most important thing, but for something so severe to happen in a matter of a split second just completely blows my mind. She told us how it happened and it was something along the lines of: her friend was driving her and three others to this stupid fucking club in hollywood called blacklight, turned his head to safely merge into another lane, and right at that second the car in front of him slammed on their brakes causing him to swerve out of the way, lost control of the car, and flew accross the entire stupid fucking 110 freeway and smashed into the wall. Everyone else in the car is fine- at home right now, i imagine in pain from sprains and bruises; and my friend is in the fucking ICU cut open from her sternum to her belly getting her blood drained to save her life from internal bleeding...

 

the way that life works out really gets you thinking. I could have probably lost an incredibly great friend not just to me but to others too, and it scares the shit out of me, how precious our lives are and how they can be gone in the blink of an eye.

Aside from the fact that Los Angeles freeways have possibly the worst designs ever and crazy accidents happen on it all the time, even when we are just driving down the street its SO important to always be safe. Earlier tonight if I had been glanced down at my phone like i usually am while driving even on the freeway (so stupid of me, i know), I would have been crushed because it would have been too late to slam on my brakes and I would have got into a major accident. After this, and after seeing my friend in such a horrible condition, I will NEVER touch my phone while I'm driving. I am completely guilty of having the texting/twittering while driving habit and it needs to stop. So many accidents and deaths caused by accidents can be prevented- but most of us drive like assholes, have horrible road rage, and are always in a rush that we never think to take precautions. Please please please to everyone reading this: be careful when you're driving or are in a car with someone. Sure, I'm guilty of driving drunk a million times before in the past; speeding; texting while driving; acting like a complete idiot because I had that "I'm a teenager so that means I'm invincible" attitude. But I now realize its just dumb and its just not worth it. Tonight was a huge eye opener for me and although I grabbed some sushi with melissa and jon right after and got my mind off of that shock, I am still so shaken up about it....

 I could have lost my best friend this weekend, and although the situation was out of anyone's hands and there isn't anyone to blame for what happened, it made me look at even the littlest things such as tailgating and cutting people off. Anyways, I am babbling at this point, but if you listen to anything that I say please let it be this: Don't be stupid when you drive.

 

Our lives are too precious, we have the power to do so much and we all have the potential to be amazing. Unless life pulls a final destination on you and its your time to go, take precautions in your life- the most important being the dangers of driving. For those of you that have lost a friend or family through something like this, my &hearts; goes out to you. You guys are superheroes because I would have no idea how to cope. I have never lost anyone close to me and the day that happens my world is going to crumble.

 

Please pray for my very best friend in the entire world, I know I will be. Tomorrow is a new day, full of smiles and happy thoughts. We are all so blessed; DRIVE SAFE!

 

 

xo

marialia

"Fashion should be something a little ridiculous, a little risky, and completely outrageous."

 

 

FIRST OFF- Have you seen the Hello Katy world premiere streaming on soundsofbuzz.com yet? If not, then I suggest you watch it! If you love glitter, inflatable fruit, plastic pink birds, and kitty purry herself, get your butt to www.soundsofbuzz.com and watch that shizzz!

Her Hollywood show this past weekend inspired this week's fashion picks because shiny stuff, dressing like a twelve year old, and glitter&glamour is what I'm all about! Below are a few outfits put together in reference to some outfits miss katy perry has worn before. Not many people have the guts to rock a style like this, but these picks are probably my most favorite yet because they're right up my alley!

 

 

OUTFIT #1:

COPYCAT:

 

Magenta satin romper $19.80 @ forever21.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Kimchi blue applique stretch belt $28 @ urbanoutfitters.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Satin bow bangle $38 @ dillards.com

 

OUTFIT #2:

 

COPYCAT:

Silver sequin tunic dress $78 @ ardenb.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Deluxe pink feather boa $12 @ costumehub.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Sequin starfish headband $29 @ miamoreaccessories.etsy.com

 

OUTFIT #3:

 

COPYCAT:

 

casino cards dress $49 @ bluebanana.cc

PAIR WITH...

Maye waist belt $5.80 @ forever21.com

PAIR WITH...

*splurge* who doesn't love tiffanys?

Tiffanys dice bracelet $265 @ tiffanys.com

 

OUTFIT #4:

 

COPYCAT:

Striped sweater dress $34.50 @ oldnavy.com

PAIR WITH...

This is so cool! made from recycled cans...

Watermelon red flower brooch $30 @ artfire.com

PAIR WITH...

Bcbgirls platform pumps, sooo cute! $108 @ endless.com

ACCESSORY OF THE WEEK:

One of my favorite things about autumn and winter is the use of cute little furry animal slippers!!! These little duckies below are microwaveable and so adorable! Definite must have =] Sometimes i forget i have them on and wear them out of the house, oops!

Cozy duck slippers $25 @ bunnyslippers.com

RANDOM ITEM OF THE WEEK:

Oatmeal cookie body wash!!!! I use this one by TIGI every morning and step out of the shower smelling like fresh baked cookies! Perfect way to start my day =]

 

$10 @ hqhair.com YUMMY!

Do you like Katy Perry's style? Which outfit was your favorite? Let me know by commenting below!

I would wear every single one of them, even the pink feather boa!

xo til next week!

marialia

"Fashion is art; art takes risk, and classic is just boring."

 

Thats a quote from the essay I had to turn in with my LA Fashion Week emerging designers submission. I find out on the 4th which three designers they picked to go on to Fashion Week and quickly realized that my line could either work against me for being so different, or work in my favor for that very reason. Fashion Week reject or not, I'll always stick behind my art.

 

Anyways, this week's fashionista picks are going to be all Betsey Johnson in honor of her belated Birthday! Last Sunday I dropped by her Birthday party on Melrose and had so much fun. Finally got to meet one of the most influential designers on my own designs, and she was so amazing! Love love love her to pieces! Its always great when someone says some of my clothing designs remind them of hers- she was the dark horse in the fashion world during the pop art time, and I feel like Im the underdog in the emerging fashion world during this time. Fashion is art; and those of us that design differently are not just designers but artists!

Below are a few outfits I put together all B.J....check them out and tell me which is your favorite and what you would wear it to!

 

Outfit #1:

I love pairing pretty dresses with cardigans or jackets that don't match! Makes them more casual =]

Charmeuse ruffle trim mini dress $245 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Spiders long cardigan $298 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Sweet and tart hobo $398 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

BJ Nott black boots $207.05 @ overstock.com

 

 

Outfit #2:

Pairing patterns that don't really match, and making them work together is bold! One of my favorite things to do.

Skull sweater dress $260 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

BJ Damara shoe $150 @ piperlime.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Bow w/ heart barret $25 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Betseyville cheetah rose large tote $110 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

Outfit #3:

A great way to get use out of your summer rompers and jumpers through fall? Most look really cute paired with tights!

Stripe seersucker jumper $196 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

PAIR WITH...

BJ stirrin up dots legging $23.40 @ nordstroms.com

 

PAIR WITH...

BJ black denim jacket $155.00 @ zappos.com

 

PAIR WITH...

Beaded clutch $98 @ betseyjohnson.com

 

 

Accessory of the week:

Ebay is such a cool place to find designer things that you can't find anywhere else, especially sunglasses! Just carefeul for knock-offs =p

BJ silver heart sunglasses starting at $30 @ ebay.com

 

Random item of the week:

I need to get my macbook into one of these cute BJ laptop cases! They even have them at some best buy stores in a ton of different styles!

Be Mine laptop sleeve @nordstroms.com

 

Which outfit was your favorite? I love all three, I can't pick! Where would you most likely wear it to?

 

 

xo,

Marialia

PS- see you guys at the soundsofbuzz presents katy perry concert tomorrow! If you haven't already planned on going, get your butt over to the Hollywood Palladium and get some tickets! =]