Miss Fancy Threads

It’s Earth Week fashion mavens! That’s right the week where most people recycle more, plant trees, conserve water, use less plastic..and perhaps even pick up the occasional litter off the street  and the  Fashion community  is no exception in the giving back and supporting green living. While I am not a hard core green maven.. I do believe in conserving when I can and even being more cautious about the things I buy.. I am..Fashion maven..who is aware. God gave us this earth and I want to do my part in taking care of what we have been given.

That being said here are some Eco Fashion must haves that will make any fashion darling green with envy.

How amaze is this namesake necklace….

Namesake Necklace {Foamy Wader $40}

These swonderful looking bags are made by a local artisan right here in Columbia, SC.

The Sophia {Nana Bags by Sally start at $60}

If you think that eco fashion has to be dull and boring….here are a few looks to inspire your inner Eco-Amazingness…

{HOW TO BE GREEN AND FASHIONABLE 101}

♥ Think twice before you buy, check out local thrift stores and boutique style swaps..such as the one happening this Saturday at M2 Boutique. You will save more money as well as conserve.

♥ Recycle, Reduce, Reuse {repeat it, live it, be it} I mean we all changed this on Saturday mornings

♥ DIY- tap in to your inner designer  guru- DIY could be your best friend..and/or a new business - Make your own goods, use recycle materials {Burda Style} has amazing DIY clothing and projects}

 ♥ Be apart of something green..plant a tree, get out it nature, buy a Mat & Nat eco bag..{I mean do what you can- they aren’t paying me to say this }

That’s just a few tips to get you started on your green fabulous living!

If you want to be inspired by some amazing eco designers and possibly spot all manner of amazing fabulous fashion darlings and handsomes..definitely show up in posh Charleston, SC for the Charleston Eco Fashion Event.

And if you see me pomp and circumstancing around..I would love to get an Instagram  photo op with you!

{***************FASHION AMAZINGNESS ALERT***************}

Make sure you tell all your friends, neighbors, fb pals, twitter followers, even your grandma {she may like fashion} to check out Missfancythreads.com at 12:00am Eastern standard time {Midnight -tonight}…It’s new..and it’s oh so Fancy!

xoxo,

Miss Fancy Threads

It’s been a busy 2012!!! I signed on to work with Columbia Style Week here in my city.. {I mean seriously..how could I not}.  We all have been working to put together an unprecendented, first ever official full on fashion week in Columbia, South Carolina! I have gotten to meet alot of amazing people to include boutique owner Carissa Strickland. I walked by her boutique on several occasions while pomp and circumstancing my way in and out of the salon next door and even did a quick run-in even though I was pressed for time. {The reason fashion people are always late-we see clothes in a window and are derailed by amazing design}.

So after actually getting to meet Carissa at a Columbia Style Week meeting I quickly wanted to get all the fabulous details from the woman behind the M2 boutique. She is as smart as she is beautiful and fabulous!

Here’s our little chat:

MFT: Our first question of course, how did you get started in fashion.

Carissa: well in  fashion retail. I started out working at Macy’s..My first job out of college I was a manager at Macy’s at that point  I threw my hands up and said I wanted nothing to do with fashion retail, and took a job outside of the fashion retail industry. And then I missed retail so much, but I just didn’t like retail in the setting where I worked for other people and I did not have control over what was being offered, the prices that were being set. So I just said I will go into business for myself and that’s what I did.

MFT: Veryyy cool…right on.. So while we are on the topic of fashion and business..what are a few tips you would give the fashion darling who wants to go out and start her own fashion boutique or business in general…what things business wise should they do.

Carissa: My first tip would be to plan, because it is a business first. So you have to plan and you have to have a contigency plan. My second tip, is more so a warning..The warning is..its not glamorous. It’s not what you see on tv.  You have to be prepared to work hard. It’s a lot of hard work and you definitely have to have a lot of dedication and devotion.  The third tip albeit warning never sleep. {laughs}

MFT: I love it! You hear that fashion darlings, get your beauty sleep before your start…okay. So how old is M2?

Carissa: M2 is approaching 5 years old. I started as an online retailer out of my small living room and transitioned into a small booth in Atlanta and then into a storefront into Atlanta and now here in Columbia for almost 19 months.

MFT: I love it.. Super Savvy business woman. Okay, let’s talk a few of your favorite things. What are your favorite brands.

Carissa: Favorite brands that I carry at M2…are my old faithful..Arc and Co ..if you don’t know it..google it. {laughs} Sugar Lips is another one. 80/20 as far as shoes and then I have my local artisans such as Drue Dun. He is definitely artistic and making a name for himself all over the place. Unlimited designs and Creations-hand made, one of a kind, leather hand bags, and new to us is LoveHarmony Handbags. she has alot of style and flavor.

MFT: All good things!So what are the top three favorite, must-haves that you own?

Carissa: Definitely a trend setting pair of shoes. I am like the shoe queen. If it makes a statement, pay out a premium.. get those shoes. Get them!

MFT: LOL

Carissa: Shoes can make or break an outfit. If your dress is glorious and fabulous and you have on a cheap pair of shoes..forget about it. We will all compliment your dress, but we will all be talking about your shoes.

MFT: LOL! That is awesome! LOL

Carissa: {LOL}..I love accessories, either vintage or vintage inspired, and anything that says something different, that you can make a statement. You don’t want to go out on a limb and look crazy, but wear anything you can make stylish. There’s too many carbon copies in fashion.

MFT: You heard it here.. There are too many carbon copies in fashion mavens! Be a stand out {we should tweet that} what is your fashion pet peeve…what are you not liking in fashion right now? Is there something that you despise seeing?

Carissa:What do I despise..? I don’t know if I despise any trend because fashion is so self expressive. You can put anything together and if you can make it look good.. then go for it. However, what is a pet peeve of mind is wearing clothes that don’t fit. It doesn’t matter what shape you are. I consider myself curvy, but if you wear clothes that don’t compliment your figure that is a pet peeve.

MFT: Makes sense. What is trending now in fashion that you love, is there one trend you love?

Carissa: I am loving blazers… Me myself, I  don’t necessarily  consider myself trendy. I like timeless pieces. I like things that are going to be around a for a while and I try to reflect that in what  I sell in the boutique. Yes, it will be hot, but I want it to be hot for a long time! You by a pair of pants here and every time you wear them people will say…”Where did you get those pants, those are some hot pants!” that’s what I like.

MFT: What words would describe your style

Carissa: Greenich Village Chic

MFT: You are so right…Nicely done..that is definitely you.  {LOL} I love it. okay…give me three quick style tips.

Carissa: Dress for your body, Dress for your age, Dress for your lifestyle

MFT: ooohhh, oh so good advice.. simple fashion truth..Okay here is our fashion lightning round

MFT: Sneakers or pumps

Carissa: Pumps

MFT:Puff sleeves or Pouf skirt

Carissa: Puff sleeves

MFT: Phillip Lim or Rachel Roy

Carissa: wowww

MFT: I knowww tough one

Carissa: Phillip

MFT: Lipstick or lipgloss

Carissa: Lipgloss

MFT: Major label or Indie brand

Carissa: Indie

MFT: Okay what’s your twitter handle

Carissa: @m2vista

MFT: okay people ..follow.. Thanks so much Carissa

Carissa: Thank you

It was such a great time interviewing Carissa and visiting M2!

Here are a few items from her boutique….so many things to love and take home.

What a great event!!! Now shop at M2!

If you haven’t been following the Road to Runway events for Columbia Style week make sure you keep your eyes on the website as well as follow me and the other Columbia Style Week team memebrs on twitter @colastyleweek.  Also keep your eyes open for more Miss Fancy Threads Was There for you local Fashion Mavens..I hope to see you around!

Keep it Fancy!

xo,

Miss Fancy Threads

It’s New Years Eve you are all dressed up, but you have no clue what to do with your make up! What will complete your oh so NYE Fab look?  I wanted to interview superstar make up artist Philnesha Pittman. I have seen her work and it is fabulous. She is the one of talented make up artist working with the 2012 Columbia Style Week. Columbia, South Carolina’s premier week of all things Style! {We’ll be talking more about that in upcoming post.} So during our girl talk  I decided to pick her pretty little head about  make up, fashion and a little about  also some fun facts about  Ms. P, herself, and some NYE’s make up tips! I will let  you in on the highlights so you can be all dolled up for New Years’s Eve as well!

MFT VS Ms.P

MFT: Soo how are you?

Ms. P: I am well, how are you{she’s so regal}

MFT: Super good! Okay so I’ve seen your creativity in action and I really wanted to have a little girl talk. So how long have you been doing Make Up?

Ms. P: I started in  2008 with Mary Kay and it took off from there..

MFT: Well you do fab work.. What inspired you to become a make up artist?

Ms. P: Well my mon was a hair stylist, and I would  be in the salon all day. So I grew up around makeup, hair..It’s in my blood.

MFT: Right on! Who’s your favorite MAU -

Ms. P: Kisha Moore- Makeup by Kiki.. she is a local MUA. I check out her looks  a lot, and Mally Roncal

MFT: That’s awesome! I love that you picked someone local!  okay, who or what inspires the creations that you do

Ms. P: Actually, the client.. I feed off their style, personality

MFT: How does fashion relate to your art, your creativity, what you do?

Ms. P: Fashion and Make up of course go hand in hand. If you are very fashionable and your clothes look great, your make up has to be just as fabulous.

MFT: Absolutely! you can’t have a fabulous outfit and a horrible face, and vice a versa. That is so wrong! What make up lines are your favorite?

Ms P: Mac, and NYC and I do love Mary Kay foundation.

MFT: Okay soo what’s your favorite Makeup item..that if we looked in your bag,  would be there?

Ms. P: My Favorite item…it’s a tie for me..Eyeliner, and lipgloss.

MFT: Perfect! Here’s a personal MFT question.. one just because  I want to know.. I have a mild obsession with finding the right mascara..something that will make my eyelashes, huge, BIG dramatic Eyelashes..I don’t have a MAU on call, lol andd I certainly am not a wiz with the eyelash glue..what can I use?

MS P: Oh, drugstore ready mascara..would be Falsies by  Maybeline, they now have a flared wing, one to check out! I use it all the time.

MFT: YES…big Lashes here I come. Okay.cool.. Speaking of drama..we’re coming up on New Year’s Eve what looks do you for see for New Year’s ev..give us some guidance, a few key tips..

MS P: Definitely Glitter eye shadow,  a bold red lip

MFT: Dramaa, I like it!

Ms P: Always a go to.. A smokey Eye.

MFT: What pallets or brands can you get readily available if you aren’t a sephora or mac girl?

MS. P: E.L.F. has a great palley for NYE’s and its sold at target

MFT: ohh right on! that’s good to know.

MFT: Next time you are on MFT..you have to teach me the smokey eye.

Okay.. now for the impromptu’s…what do you hate to see in makeup?..give me the 411

Ms P: I hate to see big white Eye highlights…

MFT: hmm that’s a peeve..okay

MS. P: it’s soo wrong..your highlight should never be more than two shades lighter than the color than your skin tone

MFT: Where can everyone find all the amazing make up, beauty tips, and all of the looks you create… so we can keep the fashion beauties  in the know..

MS. P: Well they can follow me on twitter @BeautyCMUA and on my facebook fan page .

MFT: You have a website in the works as well

MS. P: Yes that should be up and ready soon

MFT: Perfect! Well you definitely have to let us know when it is up and ready and MFT will spread the word. Welll Thank you Ms. P for having some coffee, girl talk and giving us some tips!

It was such a great fun time interviewing Ms. P. Here are a few of the looks that she later went and created for the all you Fashion Mavens to see:

Shimmery eyes..and a marvelous red pouty lip {perfect for New Year’s}

Oh so Fancy!

For the girl who likes a subtle look..with huge glamour factor..

Super Dramatic eyes and lips for a fab flirty look!

Philnesha plays it up here with fun colors that look super posh!

Thanks so much Ms P{squared}! It was so great talking to you!

Some really items Ms. Philnesha Suggested were:

The Elf Shimmery Eye pallet {available at Target}

The E.L.F. Smokey Eye Pallet {available at Target}

Maybelline Falsies Mascara {available at drugstores, Target}

Maybelline Flared Voluminizing mascara {available at drugstores, Target}

Queen Collection Lips in Red {Drugstores}

I hope everyone has a fun and amazing New Years! So many great things to look forward too! Cheers to a wonderful 2012!!

XOXOX,

Miss Fancy Threads

Tis’ the Season to gather with friends, family and the office, for all the  Christmas celebrations and festivities! Which means you probably want to look festive with out looking like your Christmas tree. {Right?} When dressing for Christmas festivities you can be illuminating with out being the light bulb. {I promise}.

Here are a few looks that hint on festive and remain oh so stylish..

If you are like me you may like going to a tacky Christmas sweater party, but you may not want to go and be completely tacky. This look is chic with a hint of quirky. you may not win the award for most tackiest, but you will have gone out in style. 

Who doesn’t love a good Craft Christmas Party?! You go, create, socialize and give fun things. So you don’t want to show up in your ball gown looking like Elizabeth Taylor.. not for this. This looks is perfect.. It’s creative and festive and in a lower key than your normal frou frou holiday looks!

Some of my favorite Christmas events are the one’s held in my city. Events in art galleries, or industry events. This look has style a little comfort {Minus the shoes} and it’s super sleek.

Hi Fashion Mavens!

Almost every day of the last week the styling request and advice has been about what amping up one’s style for work..or just wanting to dress appropriate for a specific type of career,  of course Miss Fancy Threads is here to help!

I think there are a few things you have to remember when dressing for work.. most importantly THE RULES. Every company has them. Once you know the rules then you can begin looking for clothing items that suit your style and body type. Even with the strictest of dress codes you can be creative with your style.

Here are some of my fave working women dressed to impress and in creative style..

Style Wonder: Shala Monroque

Profession: Editor

 A printed skirt can amp any look  and make your look  stand out.

Shala Moroque has mastered creative sophistication with this look.

Tip: If you have a more curvier shape below, try a more demure patterned skirt.

Style Wonder: Kate Lanphear

Profession: Style Director,Elle USA

Kate Lanphear may be my favorite in this post because her style is so very much like my own. A lot of black {I am now branching out okay#don’tjudgeme} and penchant for being edgy, while being chic, and ultra cool. She is the epitome of Fashion forward with out being over the top.

Tip: This look is great if you work in a more creative environement. If you are more corporate try the last look finding a leather skirt with a longer hemline.

Style Wonder: Zoey Deschanel

Profession: Actress, Singer

Zoey Deschanel is just a darling and if you work in a slightly more low key office {where a pant suit or pencil skirt is not required} this would suit you. This is for the girl who doesn’t like structured clothing, but loves frocks that allow you to be a darling while taking on your daily task.

Tip: When mixing and matching patterns make sure the color scheme is  either monochromatic or the colors blend well. {or you may get some unwanted attention}.

Style Wonder: Rachel Roy

Profession: Fashion Designer, Brand Genius, Philanthropist

Rachel Roy is a serious business woman. Style is her business.  She makes the most amazing clothes for every day as well as for the working darling. Check out all her looks and her wonderful blog!

Tip: If you want to amp up an  outfit or pant suit..play it up with a  colorful blazer or sweater

When shopping for work think of ways that you can wear the items you purchase, supporting pieces such as, blouses, jewelry, bags, jackets in you every day life. That way you are covering two spectrums of your style and being economonically savvy.

The Dresses

Remember: With dresses you want to check the fit, fabric, and how the dress falls {length}

The Tops

Remember: When picking a top use patterns to amp your look. Try a patterned shirt and a solid bright colored pant for a more dramatic look.

There are so many looks you can create if you have the right basics. Most importantly remember to dress for the career you want even if you don’t  have that career just yet!