From Skateboarder to Sports Stylist- It's Another Blogger Spotlight....

Happy Sunday peeps!

Well most of y'all must know that the 52nd Annual Grammy awards are on tonight. I've got my TV tuned to it right now and just finished watching Beyonce's performance. I loved her dress, but she tried the "rock thang" and I just wasn't really feelin it. I was eager to see her "rock it" with her infamous dance routines - so I guess I was a little disappointed. Pink's performance didn't blow me away either. I mean does she secretly want to join the circus or something? Cause I've kinda seen this routine before.....I'll continue to watch the evenings events and will give you more commentary tomorrow night.

Right now I'd like to introduce you to a blogger who's had a fascinating career so far. Not only was she one of the first female professional vertical skateboarders, but she was the only gal to ever be featured in a skateboarding magazine centerfold! After leaving skateboarding behind, she became a fashion stylist in LA and worked with major celebrities. Realizing that there was a void in styling athletes, Cindy Whitehead coined the term "sports stylist", (which she has trademarked) and now styles celebrity athletes like Mia Hamm, Koby Bryant, Michelle Kwan and more. To add to the many hats that she wears, Cindy is also the fashion director at HERS magazine, (a workout mag for women) and plans on writing a book about her experiences as a female skateboarder.

I really enjoy following her blog Cindy Whitehead Sports Stylist. It is updated daily with great visuals of fashions, photo shoots, outfit posts, product reviews and she keeps you updated with local events. I also love that she's a Alexander Wang fan - Love him!

The Creative Mixx gives a warm welcome to Cindy Whitehead.

How long have you been blogging?
I had a blog on my sports styling website for the past 4 years. But it was difficult to update easily and was mainly just for my clients, so 4 months ago I finally decided I had much more that I wanted to talk about and post so I launched cindywhitehead.blogspot and now I post an average of 2 times per day. I really enjoy being able to add content whenever something excites me and I want to share it.


What is your blog about?
My blog is about everything I like - from photos and fashion that inspire me, to sports and athletic apparel, to people who are doing amazing things in life, to places to go and things to do. Really just whatever I think is awesome that I come across , I post it. There are so many things going on and that I see daily and I just want to share it all.


Now, I've done a bit of research and know that you're a Sports Stylist (hence the title of your blog). What's that like? And, how did you get started?
I was a fashion stylist for years doing advertising, celebrities and such, and about 12 years ago I met a photographer who just did sports shoots and I thought "how great would that be?" I was a professional skateboarder when I was younger so I felt really comfortable around athletes and felt I understood them as well. I knew that off season and on were 2 different clothes sizes for most of my male and female athletes, and I knew that most had had experiences with fashion stylists bringing sample size clothes, when their bodies were not built like those of a 5'10 size 0 model. I wanted to work with them to have a look that they loved and were comfortable in. So I started working towards the goal of just working with athletes and on sports related shoots. My agent told me I was crazy but I went ahead and did it and couldn't be busier or happier. I get to work and style some of the most amazing & rad people in the world.


When you're not working or blogging, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to check out new stores in and around LA so I am up on whats current fashion wise. I enjoy going to photography exhibits and events, I also like to surf, skateboard and snowboard as I hate the gym! For the past year or so I have been volunteering some of my time to projects and events that I relate to like the Hermosa Beach Historical Society which helps preserve the history of where I live and includes surfing, volleyball and skateboarding exhibits.

Name one fashion piece that you can't live without?
Wow that's hard, but I guess I would have to say my Golden Goose motorcycle boots. I got them a few years ago and they work well for running around town and when I am working on set during a shoot, they never hurt my feet (as I work long hours standing all day). I always get people asking me where I got them. They are bad ass cool.


Do you spend a lot of time reading other people's blogs?
I do, I love seeing outfit posts, what inspires people and whats going in their towns. Everyone has different interests and takes on fashion so its great to see different perspectives.

What steps have you taken to promote your blog & gain readership?
I read other peoples blogs and comment. I also joined Independent Fashion Bloggers which is a great resource to meet people & their blogs as well as gain more insight on blogging.


Any advice for newbies starting out?
Post and write about what YOU love. Make your template clean and easy to navigate. Respond to other bloggers comments by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment as well.


You've had many career related accomplishments, what would you say is your biggest blogging accomplishment?
I would have to say meeting some of the people I have met via blogging and really getting to know them personally. To me that's the best. Blogging is a actual community and people really want to connect, inspire and help each other in any way they can - at least that's been my experience.

Check out some of Cindy's previous work

This was Cindy then........

And this is Cindy Now.....



To check out her blog - CLICK HERE

To visit her site - CLICK HERE

1luv

Where Do You Shop For Vintage?

Earlier this week, I told you that I am the Vintage Columnist for a new site called UrbanAces.com

The launch party happened in NYC on Tuesday night. Unfortunately I was unable to make it, but I'm sure that it was a huge success....can't wait to see the photos. If you've tried to go to the UrbanAces site to check it out, you probably got an error message:( It seems that the hosting site is having "technical issues". The problem was to have been resolved as of yesterday, but I've checked today and it's still out of commission. Due to this website issue, it's been decided that Tuesday's event was a Pre-Launch party and another party will take place in about two weeks. So, I'll let you know the minute the site becomes available again.

Since I've got Vintage on my mind, I decided to pose the question:

Where Do You Shop For Vintage?

I actually asked this question a few weeks ago on the Independent Fashion Bloggers Networking site. By creating a forum called "All Things Vintage", I've connected with some fellow bloggers to get some feedback as to where they do their Vintage shopping. Guess what? I've got some great sites for you.

Now of course, y'all know that one of my fave spots to find Vintage is Etsy.

For example check out these lovely Vintage Jewelry pieces.

Ueberkunst



Shabby Chic 72



Forever Classique



But there's so much more out there in the online world for Vintage shopping.

I hadn't heard about the Market Publique! This site is amazing!




Adore Vintage





Frock Me





This is just a peek into some places that you can check out for some fab shopping.

I could list a lot more, but I'm tired y'all so I'm out.

If you're into Vintage - let me know where your fave shopping "hot spots" are:)

1luv

Innovative Designs From A Local Gal....

On Monday, I let y'all know that Alberta Fashion Week is accepting applications from local designers for another jam-packed week of pure loveliness this March.
Well I've been lucky enough to get an interview with one of the designers who, not only appeared in AFW's premier event last October, but will also showcase her designs for the highly anticipated upcoming Spring event. I'm proud to present Caitlin Power, a Calgary designer that blew me away last fall. Meshing leather accents in her designs got me thinking "this woman definitely pays attention to detail". I was eager to share her journey with you, so peeps sit back, relax and get ready for another fab interview~

What made you decide to become a fashion designer & how long have you been designing clothes?
When I was young I hand sewed dolls with scrap fabric. My Mom had repairs done to her sewing machine and then I started sewing lessons. I was in grade 6 at the time. In grade 7, with the introduction to Home Ec, my career focus was to be a Fashion Designer. I have not looked back. I would say I have been "designing" since grade 12.

Where do you get your inspiration from? And are you ever uninspired?
Every season is different. Last season was influenced by architecture and flowers. This season, Fall/Winter 2010 is influenced by Art Deco. I can always find inspiration while shopping for fabric. I am rarely uninspired. It might be for one or two days, then it just hits me again.

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I won Emerging Designer at Edmonton Fashion Week, just days after graduating from the Fashion Program at Lethbridge College.

Can you tell me a bit about your Spring 2010 collection?
It was a mix of hard and soft elements. I took the femininity of flowers, using silk chiffon's and made it edgy with tailored hard pieced, using leather.

What are your favourite fabrics to work with?
Leather, silk(chiffon and charmeuse). This season I will be adding lace, brocade, and silk velvet.

Who is your favourite designer? And why?
I don't have a favorite per say. I am influenced by them all. Among my top favorites are Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Rodarte.

Has living in Alberta made it difficult to break into this industry?
Yes and No. It is easier to get noticed, as there is not as much competition. However, it is harder to source for fabrics, supplies and production.

Name one fashion piece that you can't be without?
My black Habitual Jeans! (They are the best fit I have found in jeans) Or jewelry.

Do you have any advice for newbies starting out?
Work as hard as you can, then work even harder!! It is a tough business to start, always stay positive, focused, and keep your goals reachable!

Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?
As a well known Canadian Luxury Brand, selling in Canada, USA and Europe. I will have at least one flag ship store in Canada.

If you're dying to see how talented Caitlin truly is - just feast your eyes on these images from the SS2010 collection~

I can't wait to see how Caitlin incorporates lace, brocade & silk velvet. I will definitely fill you in when I run my Alberta Fashion Week coverage in the next few months.

But if you can't wait....Click HERE to visit her site

I'm out~

Monday's Newz.....

Happy Monday peeps!

I've got some announcements for y'all tonight, another fab fashion find and a video to post, so here goes......

First, this notice is going out to all Albertan designers. If you've been following me for a while, you'll remember that last October, I was lucky enough to get a Media Pass to cover the first ever Alberta Fashion Week!

Well peeps, there's good news in store, cause Alberta Fashion Week will be back!
If this week is anything like the previous one, then March 20-27 is gonna be another jam-packed week of shows featuring innovative designs by "up & coming" artists and amazing parties. I can't wait!

So this is an FYI peeps.

DESIGNER APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THIS UPCOMING EVENT IN SPRING - ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT


(Just click on the image and it will take you straight to the site)

Next up, I'm pretty sure that I told y'all this, but I'll be the Vintage Columnist for a new online magazine called Urban Aces - Giselle Rivera, (Editor-in-Chief/Marketing Director) is working on the site right now, so if you click on the link it may say that the site is down. Don't fret though - it will definitely be up tomorrow!

So this one is for all my NYC peeps. Tomorrow night is the Official Launch Party for UrbanAces mag at White Rabbit Lounge.

Followers, fans, readers and Urban Aces addicts are invited for a night of celebration. Expect to preview some of the upcoming articles, while enjoying musical performances.

Be there around 9pm! It's gonna be wicked~

Lower East Side
145 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002
212) 477-5005

K...Are you ready for the Fabulous Fashion find that I sourced out???

Well I've found another innovative fashion piece. I think the concept of having one item that can be worn 20 or 30 ways to be genius.

I've found another fabulous designer by the name of Natalie Garrett of NataJane.

She has created the "Coda Wrap" dress that can be worn in a variety of ways. Available in several colours & pattern choices, this economical dress will add to your existing wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Now to wrap things up, I heard this cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", by Keith Young.



I'm out peeps......

1luv

Sunday's = Blogger Spotlight

Well the IFB site has done it again! I hooked up with an "up & coming blogger" by the name of Abbie Beck - Cohen, aka Abs. At only 15 years old, she has jumped on the blogging bandwagon to create one that showcases her love for fashion. After visiting her site, I've become intrigued and look forward to seeing the direction it will take. I'm ending the week-end with another Blogger Spotlight, y'all. Straight outta the UK, I'd like to introduce you to the girl behind Fashion Loves You My Dahling

How long have you been blogging?
Not for very long. I can't even remember. My first post is dated 25th November. I remember I didn't tell anybody about my blog at first, I was kind of embarrassed because I'd never had my writing 'out there', for everybody to ogle. Then I was just like 'Mum I've got a blog', she was so proud, emailed the entire family the URL. Yeah, that was kind of embarrassing, but it's nice to be complimented by the ones you love, for doing something you love.

Is "Fashion Loves You My Dahling" your first attempt at blogging?
No actually, but the previous posts and blogs are non existent. I always wanted to try out a blog. Fashion is the only thing I know really, so I used to create posts. I can't even remember what on, I think I made 3 blogs last year and deleted them all. Mainly because I didn't have the interest I have now, and nobody ever looked at my blogs. The only follower I had was myself, so I just deleted them all. Then one day, decided to give it another go, luckily, that time, it worked, and here I am now. Persistence pays off.

Please let my readers know what your blog is all about?
What I love. People that inspire me, people that I find so hideously weird that they need to be written about. Items of clothing I think are gorgeous, boots and shoes I love. I recently wrote a piece on the store Urban Outfitters, giving reasons on why it is the coolest store going. I've written about Beth Ditto - I find her beautifully inspirational. I also like to do interviews and I love causing debates and getting opinions. I wrote a post, exposing Karl Lagerfeld for being the 'fat mummy' hating attention seeker he is. That got some interesting comments. I just love to write I guess.

Many bloggers start up for many reasons, tell me a bit about why you started a blog?
Good question. I was hoping you would ask that. I am an aspiring journalist, living in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Journalistic experience is rare to come by as a 15 year old, I thought 'hmm, how can I get people to read my points of view? How can I get experience and how can I find out what people think of my writing skills?' First thing that popped in to my head,was a blog. So there we are. I do it for experience, to check out the competition in the journalism field and to meet new people, swap ideas and throw around comments and opinions.

What steps have you taken to promote your blog and gain readership?
When I started my blog I was racking my brain to think of ways to get noticed. There are hundreds of blogs out there, how was I going to get spotted? I checked out some fashion blogs on blogger, and followed them. I left comments on their posts and they returned the favour. I joined websites like Bloglovin' and Independent Fashion Bloggers. These websites are cool because they have groups where you can exchange links. Then I started to follow more and more blogs and then I woke up one day and there were 13 followers. That made me smile.

Name one item that you can't live without?
By 'thing' I take it you mean material objects. Family would be something I couldn't live without, but the 'thing' I couldn't live without would be my Blackberry. I am actually addicted. It is by my side 24/7. I got it as a gift for Christmas from my Mum, and I think I'm actually in love with it. I can email, blog, instant message, you name it, I can do it. It's so blooming amazing! I can't remember life without one...and now I sound like an enormous geek don't I...

Do you have any advice for newbies starting out?
Yes I do. Follow. The more people you follow, the more followers you will get. Don't put too much strain on yourself to push out a new post every day, if you do this, it will get harder and harder to write. Just write one up when it comes to you. Sometimes I can go days without posting, but this gives me time to think of a good post, rather than a half arsed post, that has been written for the sake of it. Lastly, enjoy it. Don't be afraid to be a bit controversial, create a talking point, perhaps a debate. Fashion is all about causing a stir. So stir. Catch an eye, get followers and create debate.

A few weeks ago, Abbie's blog had about 13 followers (as she mentioned above). Well this savvy teen is getting noticed. She's increased her followers to 25!! She's definitely gonna be someone to watch out for.

Click HERE to visit her blog~

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Now This Is An Amazing Site!

I found this site today (randomly) and I can't believe that I had not heard about it before. Where in the world have I been?????

It's called BigCartel. If you've heard about this site before - do you love it or what????

Now, my only complaint with this site so far, is that there is so much content! It will definitely giving me something to do when I get bored at work lol.

The Shop Directory is broken down into four categories:

Bands
Record Labels
Clothing Companies
Specialty Stores


I've just started to work my way through the "Specialty Stores" section and I was "wowed" by some of the items available for sale!!!

So here are my faves so far~


Youyoushop (prices are in Euros, but it's such a cool shop)

Beanie4ME+Urban.Wear.






Myhouseparty





I'll be visiting this site on a daily basis. If you want to check it out as well just CLICK HERE


Before I go, I've gotta give a big shout out to Lisa from Fashionably Fly. Her latest post had KiD CuDi's hot new video. I've now fallen in love with it so I just had to share it with y'all! (Thx girl)

Pursuit of Happiness

1luv peeps

Words That Make A Statement!

Since I'm a blogger, you've gotta know that I adore the written word.....
I got my idea for today's post after seeing a necklace that took the written word to a whole other level. I decided to surf the net for more jewelery that had the same idea in mind - pieces that make a bold statement so you can stand out in a crowd. Check out these fab finds and let me know what you think!


The Word Collection by Victoria Contreras Flores

The source of my inspiration today - From 2 Bitchez Deep

And lastly from Supermarket ( a site that I just found and have fallen in love with – will have to post more finds from this site soon)

1luv peeps~

Oh by the way, I heard from Adri17 - she still remains the winner of the latest giveaway on The Creative Mixx. Stay tuned, folks as I hope to have another giveaway real soon!