Alice in Stilettos

The “Modern Alice” Guide to Surviving Wonderland.

Ashley Spiker — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:07:31 +0000

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is undoubtedly one of the most continuously celebrated and influential books of all time. The creativity and brilliance of the book inspired me to apply the character of Alice into a modernized and inspiring way. Who would Alice grow up to be, what would she do, what would she say, how would she dress? I took a few of my favorite quotes and in the process realized that I also see the theme of Alice visually in the my current, modern life.

Alice: “What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?“

Speak up & have a voice.
In the same regard, whats the use of a smart & brilliant woman, without style or dialogue?

Photo by Peter Acker

March Hare: “…Then you should say what you mean.”
Alice: “I do; at least – at least I mean what I say — that’s the same thing, you know.”
Hatter: “Not the same thing a bit! Why, you might just as well say that, ‘I see what I eat’ is the same as ‘I eat what I see’!”
March Hare: “You might just as well say, that “I like what I get” is the same thing as “I get what I like”! ”
The Dormouse: “You might just as well say, that “I breathe when I sleep” is the same thing as “I sleep when I breathe”.”

Listen to yourself and let the world know what’s there.
- whether it’s through blogging, writing, or any kind of communication for that matter. In the book, Alice was confused, lost & at many times spoke before she knew what to say. The modern Alice says what she means & is powerful through communication.

Alice: “It would be so nice if something made sense for a change.“

Recognize life sometimes doesn’t make sense and don’t try to make sense of it all (or you might get lost in wonderland).

Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
The Cat: “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”
Alice: “I don’t much care where.”
The Cat: “Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.”

Know where you are going and what’s important to you.

The Duchess: “Be what you would seem to be — or, if you’d like it put more simply — Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than
what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise.”
Alice: “I think I should understand that better, if I had it written down: but I can’t quite follow it as you say it.”

Be authentic.

Doorknob: “Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.”

Make up by the fabulous Shoko Kubota

Photography by the very talented Peter Acker & Markus Urban

Many thanks to Vicki for lending the beautiful white Ruby

Black & White Dress – vintage Christian Dior

Green zebra dress – vintage from Everything but the Girl boutique

Adorable “tea house” backdrop located at the delicious Millies

The King: “Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”

DIY: Tie Dye Bleached Jeans

Ashley Spiker — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:07:31 +0000

I’m still in love with the Balmain tie dye/bleach spotted jeans from the spring 2009 rtw collection and lucky for me, destroyed denim is still very much in as is always creativity and unique expressionism which is why this is a perfect spring project. [ Video & how to guide below!]

Denim found on the spring 2010 rtw runways:

Chloe | D&G

Victoria Beckham in Balmain | My first pair of DIY bleach denim

Materials:

Bleach

Gloves

Jeans or denim

Squirt & spray bottle

Optional Materials:

Tooth brush

Sponge

Trash bag or newspaper

How to:

I strongly suggest wearing gloves and doing this project outside so the bleach doesn’t harm your skin or smell up your home. In the video you will see I laid the jeans on my outside patio on top of two garbage bags. The wonderful thing about DIY projects is that there isn’t a formula. I wanted to create a bleach spotted look so the squirt bottles I purchased in the travel section of Target worked best for me.

This is a quick project and if you take too long, the bleach will begin to eat the jeans. I start by randomly spotting the jeans with bleach and then carefully flipping them over doing the same technique on the other side. I would take about 2-3 minutes “decorating” on each side. You will begin to see the bleach turn the denim yellow which means it’s processing and working. The length of time the bleach will take to create nice white bleach spots depends on the shade of denim. For my pair of lighter denim it only took the amount of time I used to design them, then they were ready to be rinsed. However with my darker pair of jeans I let them set, while the bleach processed for an extra 3-4 minutes after I designed them. There are so many different shades of denim, just monitor the process and make sure to get the color you want.

After the jeans are designed and have set the amount you want for the bleach to process, I like to rinse them out in the shower (keep the gloves on). I guess I do this step to immediately rinse the excess bleach out making sure it doesn’t bleach the denim anymore or too much. Then I throw them in the wash (alone) and voila!

Alice Diary: Surviving My First Fashion Week

Ashley Spiker — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:06:57 +0000

I survived. I dived right into my first fashion knowing little to nothing about what to expect. The reason I came out alive and more excited about styling and writing is because I had amazing support. I also knew that whatever it was like and whatever happened I would learn something. After applying for media credentials and shows ….and receiving my first invitations it hit me – I was going to my first fashion week!!!

Essentials for survival:

8. Be nice.

Sounds easy, right? I consider myself super friendly. At fashion week there’s a lot of waiting in lines (and in NYC in general). Before I left for fashion week, to be completely honest; I kind of shared the common ideal that everyone will be snobby or have an attitude. I tried to forget that and realize that I create my reality. Therefore I say: everyone is my friend (cite: Markus Urban). Besides tweeting and looking at the live monitors there’s not too much to do in the lines, and so I began looking at people’s outfits, making lovely new friends and just taking in the whole scene. I find it hilarious that according to the latest edition of Harper’s Bazaar, that being nice is “in” – wow. It’s a good reminder, just a little shocking that apparently emotions have a season too.

7. Don’t be that late.

I’m still kind of sad I missed the Custo Barcelona show. If you have a standing ticket, get there at least an hour before showtime. And if you have a seat – definitely don’t be late or someone will take it. Especially if you’re going to a popular show, it’s important to be early to make sure you get in! Nothing is worse than waiting over an hour in line and not getting in.

Custo Barcelona | Photo: Markus Urban

6. Prepare yourself.

Fashion week is exhausting and wears you out. I’m so impressed by some of my fellow bloggers who managed to stay at Bryant all day watching shows ; props to them! Not me. I picked the shows I wanted to see and then relaxed and wrote in a cafe afterward. Maybe it’s the city too – it drains me and times flies so quickly!

Irina Shabayeva | Photo: Markus Urban

5. Stand by the aisles.

If you have a standing ticket, once you enter the show, make sure you are the first person right at the aisle entrance. You will almost always be the first one they will grab to fill a seat.

En Route to Mik Cire

3. Don’t forget the necessities.

I was kind of a disaster when we initially flew in; leaving my cell phone in our first cab into the city (thanks Manu!!) and dropping my mac 4ft….

My #1 necessity for fashion week: a good bag.

I’m an avid fan of Coakley and was lucky enough to be given one just in time for fashion week. These bags are amazing. It’s very difficult finding a stylish laptop bag that is also big enough to store your personal items and also perfect for traveling. I have the signature suede portfolio bag in fathom and it looked super cute with all of my outfits!

Right after Twinkle

2. Learn from the experienced.

As I mentioned earlier, part of being nice could mean making really new fun friends. I met the fabulous Monet Q. who was at fashion week filming a pilot. I love learning tips from experienced fashion attendees and she had a great one:

Wear fashionable yet comfortable shoes. Standing on your feet for hours at a time in high heels and attending several shows per day can be very tiring on your feet. Therefore, I always recommend if my ladies would like to wear 3-5 inch heels, to carry a cute pair of flats just in case! ~ Monet Q.

New friends!

1. Bring a boyfriend….or a pal.

My boyfriend is amazing! I wasn’t even going to apply for media credentials until he told me I was absolutely crazy for even thinking about missing fashion week. He is a photographer and I was SO excited about having some of my VERY OWN pictures for once instead of ripping them off of Style.com. By the way, being a photographer is SO MUCH BETTER, not only do you get a killer view, but you can get into any show if there’s room pretty easily. I strongly suggest bringing a friend.

Off to Joonbug/Style 360 party wearing Nathan Gerard

Review of Irina Shabayeva Fall 2010 RTW

Ashley Spiker — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:26:07 +0000

I was SO impressed by Irina Shabayeva’s collection. It was only a short hop over outside of Bryant Park located on 37th street. Her collection was my absolute favorite so far. It was full of knits, feathers, furs – exquisite. Before the show I was looking over the program and knew it was going to be no less than amazing. Although she used heavier materials like the leather and fur her collection was so refreshing. The handpainted accents and beaded pants were the perfect embellishment and compliment for the furs and knits. I can’t even describe the beauty just LOOK at my amazing pictures below!

Also how cool: I ended up right behind Jesus, who was just voted off this season’s of Project Runway and also Gordana from season 6.

“I want to fly so I can be everywhere like a particle of earth carried by the wind…I want to fly into the ski so I can touch a cloud.”

** These are my pictures, if you use them please link! TX!**

Review of Christian Siriano Fall 2010 RTW

Ashley Spiker — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:45:44 +0000

I was super excited to go to the Christian Siriano show! I loved the opening, of course the heels struck me first. Christian carried the platform style over for fall accented with somewhat cobweb-like netting in between the pump and shoe; fabulous! Okay, you can read reviews on other pages about the ambiance, music, etc., but I want to focus showing you my pictures and spotlighting my absolute favorites:

I loved loved loved the suits.Their cut and shape was perfect. I also loved the colors: one was featured a deep purple hue with leopard print – HOT! I also like his choice on the hair & accessories. As mentioned the shoes were amazing. I loved the Hollywood glamour curls and extra extra sparkly shades. The only complaint, I didn’t favor the few surprisingly Valentino-esque pieces: (Valentino/Siriano pic below) Okay, Siriano’s is on the right. It’s obviously poor quality but all I could find right now, only a couple hours after the show.

I think he should have stuck to the over embellished collar pieces and oversized bows. O, the other thing that kind of actually freaked me out: one of the blonde models had unusually dark eyebrows which I think made her look way too manly…

My pictures from my wonderful bf who was in the media pit (Thanks babe!!).

Photos owned by Markus Urban

Alice Diary: Stylist for DAYTIME NBC Project

Ashley Spiker — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:41:00 +0000

One of my great friends, author & dating expert Lisa Daily asked me to help her on a dating segment for DAYTIME NBC. The episode was based on various dating tips for someone who was recently getting back into the dating scene and critiquing an online dating profile. Libby is 46, with a fabulous outgoing and super friendly personality. She recently lost weight, slimming down from a 8 to a 2! I went shopping with her and helped her find outfits based on my:

Styling Tips for Dating

1. Be yourself

Especially on a first date you want to express who you are in every area including style. You are looking for a soul mate so picking an outfit for a first date that doesn’t show your style doesn’t truly represent you.

2. Use what you have

You don’t have to go out and buy an entire new outfit for your date. Work with what you have. Create a couple key outfits which you who know are perfect for a date.

3. Wear something you’re confident and comfortable in

There is nothing more frustrating than being distracted on a date by your aching foot from a bad shoe choice or worrying about a skirt looking just right. You want to choose an outfit you feel both confident and comfortable in so you can enjoy and focus on the date!

4. Dress for the occasion

It’s extremely helpful to know where you will be going on your date. There is a big difference between dressing for a dinner or baseball game date. Knowing this can help you answer questions like: do you need a jacket? what kind of shoes should you wear, etc.

5. Color

I love this study Lisa Daily featured on her site. I would love to have you wear either a pale-pink or red color if you feel comfortable.

THE COLOR LURE: (from dating expert Lisa Daily: http://lisadaily.com)

What color can you wear to compel the opposite sex to approach you?

According to Color Consultant Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of Colors For Your Every Mood, says women should wear a pink- peach to make themselves most approachable. The color is “very flattering to most skin tones, it gives you healthy glow,” and according to Eiseman, projects “a little vulnerability which brings out something protective in men.”

Want to wear a color that weeds out guys who can’t handle strong women? Try a deep red, burgundy or plum. Men who aren’t attracted to strong women will steer clear.

Of all the colors, red is the most sensual. But, wear red with caution. “Red is the color of sex and power,” says Eiseman. Red adds an element of excitement and attracts two types of men – men interested in sex, and men attracted to powerful women. Sure, you’ll probably have to fend off a lot of freaks, but you could also end up attracting a guy that isn’t threatened by the fact that you make a bigger salary.

Libby also received a makeover on the day of the shoot. Hair by the wonderful Michael Krempel from Michael Urban Hair Studio and Makeup by the fabulous Shoko Kubota. After the makeover, we all drove up to the studio in Tampa.This event was so fun & I LOVE helping people find clothes they look fabulous in!

Shoko during the makeover:

Michael Krempel:

Shoko:

Michael & Lisa Daily:

Me, Libby & Lisa:

Libby on set; she looks great!

Me & Libby:

“That is the Beauty of Fashion” Montage

Ashley Spiker — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:08:35 +0000

Whether you will be braving the madness at Bryant Park this season or catching it online, I created this montage of my favorite fashion clips in movies & TV . Enjoy, X

Bruno at New York Fashion Week:

- “I mean fashion saves a lot more lives than doctors.”

- “I think so.”

Bruno on the Catwalk with Paul Wilmot:

So who do you think is “whaz up & ish dont think so” this year? Read the list here published on The Huffington Post about how much celebs are making per attendance.

Sex & the City – one of my most favorite episodes: The Real Me

“Because when real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep on walking.”

Zoolander: It’s a Walk Off

The Devil Wears Prada: Dress Me Up

“You’re in desperate need of Chanel.”

Confessions of a Shopaholic:

I love this UK trailer version.

Alice Video: Makeup Tips from Shoko Kubota

Ashley Spiker — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:39:40 +0000

This post is revealing the premiere of my first video segment for Alice. I will be releasing segments whenever I’m inspired to communicate something I feel would connect better with video. Please enjoy the first video, makeup tips with the lovely Shoko Kubota & the fabulous model, Sarah Ravatto. I will be recording another video tomorrow on a DIY project – very excited!

We shot the video at the beautiful PURE luxe spa located in my hometown Sarasota, Florida. Here are some images from the shoot:

Before | After

The gorgeous Sarah Ravatto

Sarah Ravatto & Shoko Kubota

Pure luxe Spa

Moi

The final look – spectacular!

10 Best Dressed from the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards

Ashley Spiker — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:42:06 +0000

I’m pleasantly surprised tonight with the Grammy’s red carpet arrivals. Here are my top 10:

Taylor Swift in Kaufman Franco

Gorgeous – she looks like a lovely gazelle.

Keri Hilson in Dolce and Gabbana

Love her choice & the hair compliments the dress perfectly.

Katy Perry in Zac Posen

This works because she isn’t completed concealed. The sides were cut & skin. is. shown.

Lady Gaga in Armani Privé

Her arm must have been so numb.

Lea Michele in Romona Keveza

I didn’t like her Golden Globe choice, but she is growing on me.

Beyonce in Stephane Rolland

The dress is beautiful but I really wish she ditched the earrings.

Pink

Stunning, but take the floral hair piece out!

Ciara in Givenchy

Many people won’t like this look, but it’s edgy and she balanced it perfectly with natural makeup/pulled back hair. The best look for this dress.

Nicole Kidman in Prada

I haven’t been a fan of anything she wore in 2009, but this year she is slowly coming back and looked fabulous.

Rihanna in Elie Saab

She’s channeling a graceful swan.

Alice Diary: Fun at the Factory

Ashley Spiker — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:46:17 +0000

Today Markus & I went to our friend Joseph Patrick Arnegger’s studio, or as Markus calls it “the little shop of magnificent horrors”. He’s such an amazing person and artist. His studio is an artistic haven filled with misfit treasures like a carnival elephant and fish head. Joseph never works on canvas and his philosophy on shoes is extremely similar to mine: “You can never have too many f*king shoes!” Joseph is an influential artist in Sarasota spearheading a new art community, s/ART/q. Check out his studio, collections and pictures:

For more information on Joseph & his work check out: s/ART/q or email Joseph.

I also entered the Chictopia 10 contest for the conference during fashion week. The wonderful Shoko Kubota with PURE luxe spa did my makeup – I loved it! It was so natural and fresh.

SHOES!

Thank so much to Joseph for letting us explore his studio, Shoko for the beautiful makeover

and Markus for the gorgeous pictures! X