New Site for Tee Shirt and Pearls

Hey followers!  I just want to let you know that this blog will be disabled because it moved to www.teeshirtandpearls.com , if you are a bloglovin' follower you will need to go to the new site and sign up to follow the new blog, same goes for Google Friend Connect, I would really appreciate if you could take the time to do that!  Thanks so much and I will talk to you soon at the new site!

-Ashley

Interview with Kristie Bergey- Executive Director for Philadelphia Fashion Week

With Philadelphia Fashion Week right around the corner, I thought I might get a little more acquainted with the idea behind this epic artistic movement, and interview Kristie Bergey, the Executive Director of Philadelphia Fashion Week. Kristie was lovely enough to oblige and we had a wonderful conversation about the thoughts and people behind Philadelphia Fashion Week.

My first thought about this event was - Where did this idea even begin?

Kristie Bergey, Charles Smith and Michael Anderer have been in the business of fashion for many years and artists as well. At the age of 15, Kristie started out at Anderson Little in the Montgomery Mall when she decided that retail was everything that she loved about work and decided that it would be her calling. She absolutely loved the sales aspect of the job, and creating relationships with customers and helping them to look and feel great. After working at Anderson Little, she helped open Bath and Body Works first home store. She then became a retail consultant, and is now an event planner for her own company, The KB Experience. Charles Smith is a photographer for his own company, Lucca Photography, and is the co-founder of CMK Entertainment. Michael Anderer is the buyer and manager of Matthew Izzo, and has been for the last 6 years. All of this talent crossed paths to create this fashion event and we are so glad that they did!

When the idea finally pulled together, they decided that fall 2009 would be the first annual Philadelphia Fashion Week. Even though the economy had hit rock bottom that year, Kristie said "it worked out well because it was a good time to barter." 2009's show fashioned off designer brands that local stores carried; the tag line was - 'Who we are, and what we wear'. This year they have decided to bring in designers from all over the world and show local boutiques great brands that they can carry in the future. This event is about three successful business people, and artists, giving back to Philadelphia's artistic community.

Kristie feels that the most anticipated show will be Autumnlin, a haute couturier inspired by dreams and the flow of emotion. Autumnlins’ gowns are reminiscent of the past, but with an interesting edge. The work of Autumnlin is very detailed and absolutely beautiful. Kristie is also very excited for student night, which takes place on Thursday October 7th. Not only will college students show off their work on the runway but high schoolers will as well. Kristie is very supportive of our youth, and does work with groups such as the local Girl Scouts. The little ladies decided to have a ‘Project Runway Weekend’, and Kristie was there with Kristin Haskins Simms to kick it off!

Philadelphia has a tremendous future in fashion with these amazing people at the helm. I am excited to be apart of this fashion forward movement and hope to one day have a stronger influence on it as well. Thanks to Kristie Bergey for taking the time to speak with me, and for being apart of creating this exciting event!

TeeShirt and Pearls Perks.....

Hey Guys!  For all my readers who haven't gotten their tickets for Philadelphia Fashion Week yet, I got you guys a promotional code.  When you Click Here for tickets, choose which tickets you want and proceed to checkout, when you get to the promo code box type in TSHRTNPEARLS and receive 20 % off of your general admission tickets.  This is a great offer so make sure you get your tickets soon!

Calling all Fashionistas

For all you fashion lovers out there, our week in Philadelphia is right around the corner!  Philadelphia Fashion Week is just a week and a half away!  Beginning on Wednesday October 6th, Boutiques in the surrounding areas will be showing off their style and will be paired with awesome musical acts like Sarah Borrello and Self Help Revolver. Thursday night's festivites will be a "School Night," showcasing student work for the surrounding design schools in Philadelphia. Friday and Saturday night will be pretty amazing, as designers from all around the world will be flying in to showcase their fashion for Philadelphia.  I'm excited to see these designers because their presence in the area will really help our city to become a Fashion force to pay attention to! I'm also looking forward to Project Runway designer Kristin Haskin Simms' designs for StrangeFruit!  Tickets are still on sale, click here to get your tickets now - you don't want to miss it!

NEUW is one of the design labels that will be at the show.  They're a jean company developed by three friends Richard Bell, Stephen Little from Austrailia, and Par Lundqvist from Sweden. They developed their product in Nieuwlandstraat in Brussels, where Lundqvist spent a lot of time. Par had a great vintage denim collection from the last 100 years, containing iconic pieces from fashions history.  The denim line's concept is using these pieces and altering them using different sewing techniques to develop a new look. 

Pamela Ptak is another designer showing her collection at Philadelphia Fashion Week this fall. She is a local designer that has worked all over the world. Her design asthetics play with colorblocking and incredibly archetictual looks. It's a great collection that you should put on your list to check out at Philly's Fashion Week.

I am also looking forward to seeing the Laotian-American designer, Nary Manivong.  The New York based designer was voted the "Rising Star for women's ready-to-wear designer" by Fashion Group International in 2009 and 2010.  This guy is on the fashion world's radar, and is definitly something to see!

This Fashion Show will be EPIC for Philadelphia.  If you are interested in supporting the arts, or just to support Philadelphia in it's efforts to become the next fashion city, you should buy your ticket A.S.A.P.

Menswear for Women

Menswear for women is my favorite look for fall. This blog is about how to stay fashion savvy while being casual, and menswear for women is the perfect solution for this problem. Not only is it the perfect solution for casual-wear, it's also incredibly comfortable and non-restrictive. My favorite piece is the oversized pant, extremly reminicent of the 1930's and 40's Zoot Suit bottoms with the top of the pant oversized, and the pant legs tapered. It's a really great look!

The Mens Oxford shoe has made a glorious comeback, but this time in women's fashion. It's a great shoe to pair with the menswear pant. The best styling advice I can give you for this look is to tuck and roll the legs a little bit, belt the pant and match it with a sweater of some sort. There should always be feminine touches added to the "menswear for women" look, maybe a headband with a bow or a feminine top.

I have decided that my next task will be a "menswear for women" pant, I have never made a pant before, so this should be fun.

Ashley vs. Ashley- Fun and Flirty, Full-Skirt Cocktail Dress

Hey Guys! Here is my first Creation. It was inspired by my summers in Cape May, New Jersey. This particular dresses inspiration comes from a beach front Victorian in Cape May. It's my take on the full skirt that has been seen on the runways for fall. It's fun and flirty, beach inspired for this spring!

The First part, the full skirt.

Designing the collar

Working the Back

It's coming together!

The Final Project

The Final Back!

Tell me what you guys think!  Be brutally honest, this is my first garment that I created using my own pattern.  Also, stay tuned for pictures of it styled on Ms. Kuhns!



All my Single Ladies...Put your Marc Bags UP...(and you know the ones in relationships too)

My friend Amy and I have been obsessed with Marc Jacobs hand bags for quite some time.  When we were both single, our Marc bags were our "arm candy", or maybe even a "special companion".  It brought us confidence when we walked into a room alone, it kept us company on our trips to the grocery store, and on those lonely shopping trips when you would have to eat lunch alone, he took the seat right next to you. Now this was obviously a silly little inside joke, but it kept us laughing even through tough times. Amy would love to photograph her bag riding in the shopping cart, or sitting across the table and then send it to me, and we would laugh and giggle.  We would joke around with my now boyfriend Matt, who bought me the over-sized Hobo Hillier Bag from Barney's last Christmas, that the bag would be taking the front seat in the car from now on because it was my new love.  These fun and silly antics are why I love Marc Jacobs so much, and if you can design a bag that can take on a persona, you may as well be a fashion god in my opinion.

This blog post is a tribute to my all time favorite fashion designer - Marc Jacobs. Today is the kick off for New York's Fashion Week, and the most anticipated show will be his. Taking a look back to early winter 2010 at New York's Fashion Week for the upcoming fall, Marc's show was breathtaking.  His idea of menswear for women was my absolute favorite among all of the other designers.  Also his metallic dresses at the end were amazing! The show itself was awesome; it took us back to a more simpler time, when women were a bit more conservative and a lot less flashy, when glamor and beauty really emerged... not to mention the nostalgia attached to the tune "Somewhere over the Rainbow" that he had playing in the background! It was one of my favorite fashion shows ever. This leads me to be even more eager to see what he's gonna pull out for Spring!

***This Sunday will be the due date for my first challenge!  Tune in to check out what I came up with!***

Ashley vs. Ashley

I am the Queen of NEVER FINISHING ANYTHING.  I have been constructing clothing since I was about 16 and designing even before that.  I gave up on my dream of becomming a fashion designer mid-college and decided that I just wanted to make money.  Any time you sell out for money, you will always be chasing it and you will never find true happiness.  I know that sounds cheesy and it's a huge cliche, but it really is true.  This blog has taken me back to the creative part of my life and I am ready to pursue being a designer again - even if it's just for me!

A couple months ago my boyfriend and I flopped on our couch and watched the movie Julie and Julia.  The movie wasn't the most amazing thing I ever seen, but it was cute.  The movie is about a girl approaching 30 and still no where near where she wants to be in her life.  Her boyfriend encourages to write a blog about something she's passionate about - cooking.  She finds a world famous cook book by Julia Childs and challenges herself to cook every recipe in the book in 1 year, and then blog about it.

That movie encouraged me.. to make 4 garments, casual in style and current to Fall in 1 month, 1 garment a week for 4 weeks.  The first will be a playful party dress, with the current style of the full, flirty skirt.  Let the challenge begin! Feel free to give your encouragement and input by commenting on the blogsite!!!!

Destination France - An evening with Kristin Haskins Simms

Kristin Haskins Simms and I

Last night Philadelphia Fashion Week hosted another wonderful Happy Hour at Le Bec Fin in honor of Philadelphia's own Project Runway designer, Kristin Haskins Simms. Obviously Le Bec Fin was to die for, my boyfriend and I only had drinks, but we took a look at the bar menu and it was intense! It was a very small and intimate crowd which was wonderful, we all got a little time with the woman of the hour and it was an amazing experience!

Ms. Haskins Simms was originally a graphic designer until she stumbled upon apparel designing. She never realized she had a talent for it until she began experimenting with men's t-shirts and created her first t-shirt jacket. She has since then created a label she calls Strangefruit and it is an awesome collection. It's filled with bold and domineering styles. The clothing itself screams strong, fashion-forward woman, and I love it! Ms. Haskins Simms was just recently eliminated from Project Runway in Episode 4, which totally blew me away - she said it was a great experience and we shall see her again on the reunion show! I'm sure we will be seeing tons more from this designer through Strangefruit, so check it out! http://www.bestrangefruit.com/

Matty and I

New Tee Shirt and Pearls Friend!

This Season's Fashion For your Body type

Body Types can be difficult. Trendy fashions really accentuate tall girls that are skin and bones. Oversized shirts on girls with a big chest really don't work, they just make you look heavy. However, with a little bit of creativity and understanding which part of your body to focus on, you can pull almost anything off!

You can always find those random style guides in magazines that tell you here and there how to work your body type, but my secret is to find a trendy celebrity with your same body type and style-watch her! For example, I style-watch Blake Lively; she is about the same height as me, and we both have a tush, thighs, and some really long legs. Our torsos are on the shorter side and we definitely aren't...overly endowed in the chest area. Magazines are constantly catching that girl in James Jeans and they look perfect on her. So, instead of spending hours in a dressing room at Barney's, trying on every jean in the store to see what works best, I already know because either Blake or her stylist did the work for me - It's genius.

Let's say your 5'1 and EVERYTHING is tiny. Style-watch the Olsen twins - probably more Ashley then Mary-Kate (I can appreciate her rocking the homeless look because we all know she's a billionaire). When you are that small you want to wear more mature things so people don't think your a little girl. Stay away from stores like Holister and Abercrombie and find your way to Urban Outfitters or Bloomingdales. Oversized t-shirts, boyfriend blazers, mini-skirts, skinny jeans - pretty much everything that is trendy you can rock. The exact same goes for 5'10 and tiny... the world really is your oyster.

The hourglass girl: God blessed you with the most feminine figure, I don't know if fashion is jealous of you and they are just being vindictive but you have to watch what you wear when it comes to trendy clothing. All of these oversized trends really don't work for you because they are not acccentuating your waist and that's the key to pulling off your look. This fall, designers are paying attention to the female form again and designing clothes that are reminiscent of the 1950's women. The skirts are long and full, accentuating the waist. This is an incredibly flirty look and also very classy. These types of skirts can be played casually by weaingr a tight little v-neck tee. When it comes to pants and jeans, absolutely stick with skinnys! This really brings out the hour glass. If you are on the shorter side stick with a heel when wearing them. The key to your body style is to stay away from oversized and style-watch Scarlett Johansson - she is 5'4 and the queen of beautiful hourglass shapes, she'll show you the way!

For all you curvy chicas out there, follow Miss Jennifer Hudson. She's awesome, and rocks her figure better than anyone in Hollywood! You might be scared to pull out the skinny jean, but don't be! It looks great on her, coupled with a cute pair of heels, and a flowy blouse that lets your 'girls' shine, you will be knockout gorgeous!

Fall Preview for the Casual Girl

                          

Fall is my most favorite season for style. It's filled with beautiful colors, lots of layers, and cozy fabrics. This fall we have a lot of continuing styles such as the skinny jean, and the boyfriend look. However, fall has twisted everything up and now what was short is long, what was tight is full, and what was nude and natural is filled with color!

In the past, all colors associated with fall fashion were tones of red, orange and brown, inspired solely by the beautiful colors that fall leaves turn into at the changing of the season. This year, Fall's fabulous color palette are "Jewel Tones". Garnette, Emerald, Ruby, Amethyst, and Sapphire. It's a beautiful and rich color palette - incredibly regal, and I am so excited to start wearing it!

The most important fall pieces are your jackets, coats, blazers, and sweaters. We all know that as the weather begins to change, our wardrobe becomes increasingly larger, and much, much warmer. This fall season we are still seeing leather biker jackets and bomber jackets. Boyfriend Blazers are also a thumbs up for the season as the "boyfriend" trend is still in full swing. Coats are looking very tailored and with very little going on with detail. Sweaters are over sized and heavy. They are very full, chunky knits, not like the cashmere cardigans that we have been seeing in the past. This season, Fall is preparing you for a very warm winter and it's not because the temperature will be higher!

Skirts and dresses have made a complete 180. Last Fall and Spring they were short, tight and high-waisted, this fall a 1950's inspired women will be all the rage. High-waisted full skirts to the knee bring back a more conservative look from the past. It's an incredibly classy and glamorous look - very feminine and flirty.

The fifties are also the inspiration for all the sportswear designed for women this Fall. A baggy, tapered dress pant with rolled cuffs and a sexy heel or boot is one of my favorite looks for the Fall; embracing the idea of the boyfriend style and applying it to work-wear.

The Past is rearing is GORGEOUS head this Fall and I can't wait to go shopping!

Shopping In Philly

Barney's Co-Op
Rittenhouse Square

Barneys is the magical land of fashion-the mothership, everything that is right with the world.  It's not quite Barneys New York, but that just leaves more things I can purchase and less time admiring the unaffordable.  When you walk in you can just smell the Marc Jacobs leather, you can feel the fine fabrics of Diane Von Furstenberg, and wrap yourself up in the cozy cottons of Splendid and Ella Moss, mmmm I just love it.

Zara

Walnut Street

Zara is an internationally recognized chain developed in the Southern Regions of Spain.  Its European influences make their product stand out in the crowded world of fashion.  My first trip to Zara was during my visit to Granada, Spain-even though their was one right here in Philly!  I immediately fell in love with the store and I'm still loving Philly's little touch of Spain today!

Urban Outfitters

Walnut Street

Urban Outfitters is Philadelphia's claim to fame.  The company was born and raised here and has now expanded all over the United States, Canada and Europe.  The hipster-esque designs really represent a large part of Philadelphia Style.  Not only does Urban carry clothing, but furniture, fun and quirky gifts / books.  Urban Outfitters has become not just a store, but a lifestyle.

Boyd's Department Store

Chestnut Street - Rittenhouse

Boyd's began in 1938 by three brothers and was a men's department store.  It wasn't until 1993 that they decided to add a women's department.  Now they carry such brands as Just Cavalli, M  Missoni, Diane Von Furstenburg, Dolce and Gabbana, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, and Catherine Malandrino.  It's a great department store and it is ONLY located in Philadelphia. 

Just a few amazing stores to check out!

Casual Fashion Icons

Audrey Hepburn - Casual Fashion Icon

Audrey Hepburn was an amazing fashion icon. She pulled off stylish-casual greater than anyone in Hollywood. We look to her today to set trends and it was clear a few years back that she was the inspiration behind the skinny pant. She always wore pearls and was more fabulous and feminine than any Hollywood starlet.

In 2006, Gap's Advertising campaign for Skinny Pants was Audrey Hepburn's movie "Funny Face" made in 1957. If you plucked Audrey Hepburn out of this movie and put her in the streets of Manhattan, she would fit right in!

Casual and yet extremely Classic-Clearly!

Teeshirt and Pearls loves Audrey!

This is how I do....Part two

Lesson 2: Don't skimp on the statement pieces.

If your going to wear an outfit only once, don't spend tons of money on it. It's just silly unless you have unlimited funds. For girls who are on a budget, only spend your money on things you can continuously rock. Such as your handbags, shoes, jeans, and accessories.

You should always spend a little dough on a handbag. You take it with you everywhere, not only is it style but it serves a purpose as well. It's the most important part of your wardrobe, and important things should not be shorted.

Your shoes and boots are also something you shouldn't be cheap about. They are a symbol of your style and protect your feet. As a busy working girl you need to be comfortable and stylish, and that doesn't come cheap.

Every girl needs three pairs of jeans to survive. Those jeans need to be trendy and sturdy because they're the most used item of clothing in your closet. Do your research on these so-called "high-end" brands of jeans, because every Seven for all mankind jean that I have ever owned tore within the first week. I don't spend lots of money on jeans for them to tear. I recommend James Jeans because they have great shaping, style and are very well made.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories, I talk about them way to much, I know-but it's important! A good watch is always needed, and its cool to drop a few bucks on one. Fine jewelery is nice if you like it, but not always necessary. Fun, and funky jewelery designers such as Love Heals, Iosselliani, and Erickson Beamon, design amazing statement pieces. They aren't exactly cheap, but just one great piece of jewelery is all you need.

Save your pennies ladies and really appreciate the important part of your closet.

More lessons coming right up...

SJP in Erickson Beamon

Iosselliani Rings are my Favorite

This is how I do.....

I am a regular girl. I do regular girl things such as, clean, work, and socialize. I don't have tons of money and I can't go shopping like the Olsen Twins. I have bills that need to get paid and my life isn't a fantasy, fashion dreamworld. I live in the real world, and I am a regular girl. So you may ask, how does a regular girl stay looking like an extraordinary one? I am here to share my secrets, on how to keep it real -for a deal!

Lesson One : Just because it's inexpensive doesn't mean it has to be cheap---and give you hives.

For all the people that keep places like "The Deb" and "Mandee's" still in business, shame on you. I think they stopped following fashion trends in 1998, and the clothing quality is disgusting. There is just no reason for anyone to go into those places when we have fabulous inexpensive stores like H&M, Forever 21, and even Target. All of these stores are filled with fabulous trends at amazing prices. Just the other week I bought 3 hot, cotton, mini-skirts for $18.00-altogether. I bought two amazingly, wild mini-dresses at 12 bucks a pop! How can you beat that?! Let's keep up with our money and stay cool, acknowledge the difference between inexpensive and cheap.

More lessons to follow.....

Roberto Cavalli for H&M, Really? and you're shopping at The Fashion Bug?!

Oh and Alexander McQueen for Target!!!

Philadelphia Fashion Week Happy Hour at the Londonbury

Thursday evening turned out to be quite the event. Philadelphia Fashion Week hosted a happy hour at the Londonbury in Conshohocken and it was a blast. The Philadelphia Designer brand and boutique, SA VA was presenting fabulous fashions while tons of fashionistas admired the work. It was quite the party with great music, amazing finger-food, and the 'skinny-tinis' were delicious. The ambiance of the Londonbury's banquet room and beautiful pool made it an amazing summer evening we will never forget.

SA VA is located at 1700 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Designer Sarah Van Aken began the company in 2005 and has based her business on social responsibility. All products are produced in the U.S.A and are 90% eco-friendly. The brand is centered around community - only hiring locally, and participating in non-profit organizations such as The Career Wardrobe and The People's Emergency Center. As for the fashion itself, it's incredibly edgy and feminine - draping styles, and the female form play a huge role in this collection. Global inspirations combined with Philly's urban style is the beauty of SA VA. Check them out at http://www.savafashion.com/.

We'd like to thank the people of Philadelphia Fashion Week and SA VA for hosting such a wonderful event, and we hope to see more of them in the future!

New Tee Shirt and Pearls Friends

My Friends and Me!