Princess Goddess of Love Clothing Designer - Sarah Aphrodite

As apart of her process, beautiful dreams and memories are remembered through cut-outs and nostolgic photo imagery of the things that move her, creating inspiration boards offering the evidence of her life...

I would like to introduce to you......SARAH APHRODITE!!


While sourcing a stylist for a shoot I am putting together for myself I discovered this designer that happens to live right in Brooklyn in the same neighborhood as myself...as I scroll through her website I'm having this orgasmic experience because of how simplistically her work speaks directly to me. It whispers to me and says, "SEXY, FEMININE, AUTHENTIC, ECLECTIC, SASSY, URBAN, GYPSY, LATINA, CUBANA, UNIQUE, EXOTIC, and did I mention SEXY!!!

I told her when we sat down for lunch (yes, I had to meet her!), "Girl, if there is any designer in the world that would represent ME...you are it, hunni!!!!" Right away, her current spring/summer 2009 collection spoke me and as I learned more about her I realized I met a like-mind.
Model Lexie Smith is wearing a beaded cardigan (one-of-a-kind) $375 Photographer: Sander Lak

Dressed in a pair of high-waisted, slim fit, stone washed skinnys that she designed(yes, people she designs denim jeans!); a simple white t-shirt representing her Brand on the back and the international city of Athens silk screened on the front, which she also designed; hair tousled half-way up and half-way down in a pony-tail and a Sarah Aphrodite denim tote with handles embellished with gold rings, she met me at Sucre Jazz Lounge Cafe in Bed-Stuy to chitchat over lunch and a smoothie.
Aladdin-inspired silk harem pants (MY FAVORITE) $250

Since 2006, Sarah has been living and working out of her Brooklyn Apartment producing her one-of-a-kind designs. She is originally from the Netherlands HOLLAND and graduated from the ArtEZ Arnhem Academy of Visual Arts in Fashion Design. She just started two semesters ago teaching fashion design at Parsons School of Design. Leopards, elephants, lace, stretch denim, and rap artist Nelly are a few things that she is in LOVE with...she would describe her Brand as "soulful street wear" (love it!!) and although she does not want to tag the label of Eco-friendly or Eco-conscience onto her repertoire she recycles fabrics from old clothes and makes her own simple masterpieces that would make Gary Harvey proud too! She would be quick to tell you though, that she has no problem buying any type of fabric to make clothes with she loves.

Navy polka dot halter dress $130 w/harem pant

She just got back from LA and shot her Spring/Summer 2010 Collection in the desert with fashion photographer Thomas Marin. After talking it up with her I can not WAIT to see the new campaign for this collection....of course, I get a sneak peek of it on Monday as I go and check out her studio but I will be sure to update you on the goods!! You MUST go to her website and check out her pieces...you won't be sorry and you can see her growth actually from the stuff she did back in 2006 to now...the NOW is ME and hopefully you too!! ;-) Showroom Seven/Seventh House PR's, Beyond 7 and Albertine are two Manhattan boutiques you can find her one-of-kind-pieces hanging on a rack.

Get up close on Saturday, August 22nd @ Moomia Lounge (157 Lafayette) for "Collision - A Fashion Show of cultural proportions". Show starts at 5:30pm and is $10 at the door. I'm a be there and so should you! winkwink

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

Inspiration of the Day: Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 09/10 Ad Campaign

Models: Raquel Zimmermann & Sean Opry
Photography: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

****Was at the airport flipping through the pages of the lastest VOGUE and I discovered this masterpiece of fashion imagery. It's so SHARP, ON POINT, EDGY, and WELL EXECUTED as an campaign. This is one of many this season that I give two thumbs up!! And Raquel is FIERCE!!! She reminds me of myself....;-)

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

REPORTING TO ALL SHOE LOVERS...REPORT SIGNATURE is the answer!

Okay, those of us women who LOVE shoes, I am
betting you are thinking, "hmmmmm, what shoes should I get now...." Well, Mz. Lady Yvette is...and I want them ALL!!! Have you seen the Jimmy Choo for H&M(see pic above)? Or those Balmain Studded Crystal sandals? What about those thigh-high Gucci boots out for Fall? Whew...I could go on but I have to be honest here because, there is no way in Gods name I can afford these HOTT to def shoes, boots or sandals...HONESTLY! And if I could, you would see a pick of me rockin' them fo' sure!...LOL (For the record, though...the Jimmy Choo's for H&M will run about $99 to $299 - pretty reasonable!)


Well, to satisfy that urge immediately (since those Choos won't be out for another four months) I would like to suggest Report Signature for the sassy and daring! Which you all have to be if you LOVE shoes!! I happen to discover and fall in LOVE with Report Signatures back in November! I think I was going through either ELLE or LUCKY magazine and came across them(I may be wrong about the month but it was definitely a while back). I have yet to own a pair but I am just about to order a pair very soon(I will be sure to post what I buy). These shoes are very affordable, chic, sexy, glamorous, and right on trend! Plus, you will find all kinds of celebs rocking them...but I could careless about that because I wear what I like and just because a celebrity is rockin' them does NOT dictate what Mz. Lady Yvette wears!!...Can I get an "Amen"!!!

Anywho, mi ladies you should go to either their official website or check out SHOPSTYLE for a great selection of Report Signature shoes, sandals and boots!!

UNDERGROUND CHIC: CUTLER AND GROSS EYEWEAR

 With over 900 styles of frames in their archive, Cutler and Gross is sure to have been worn by many iconic figures that have inspired us with their individual style and swagger - from royalty to celebrities to even designers' with their own eyewear collection, wear Cutler and Gross. I will only assume this is because of the trenchant distinction between what is authentic, classic and iconic; the respect for ones personal identity and style; and the craftsmanship of high-quality eyewear.  They scream exclusivity not only because they go with out a branded logo on any of the frames but because each frame is made by hand. 

"The Heritage Collection" was launched in February 2009 to celebrate the brands 40 years in the eye wear industry along with brand book, "Forty Years of Style and Vision 1969-2009".  Their most classic, signature styles represent this collection with style & grace...Speaking of "grace", the inspiration for the S/S 2009 Monte Carlo Collection by Cutler and Gross (see pic below) tells the story of Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier and their life of summer leisure on the Mediterannean Sea launched during London Fashion Week.

Having teamed up with Carl Zeiss Vision, the leader of high-quality ophthalmic lenses with this collection, Cutler and Gross continues to stand apart from the rest in this market of outstanding eyewear.  

I fell in love when I first picked up a pair and tried them on over at Butter by Eva Gentry in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. - cute spot, FYI!  I think I found MY signature sunglasses...

RECYCLED COUTURE - GARY HARVEY

I value anything that is different and makes a conscience statement all at the same time.  I am a creationist in everything I do thus, inspired by those who also value the artist with in themselves, whether it's with words, a paint brush, a scalpel, a mixing spoon, a make-up brush, a screwdriver, or whatever!

As I turn the pages of NYLON, VOGUE, I:D, ELLE, or ZINK I am fascinated with the creativity that goes into the fashion campaigns and fashion editorials.  The creative director is behind all of that jazz and from time to time I play that role for fun.  It's a way to let my imagination run wild and materialize.  

Former creative director of Levi Strauss, Gary Harvey is a professional at this craft represented by Balcony Jump.  His work is inspired from vintage couture where he uses recycled clothing like taking 42 pairs of Levi 501's or 10 recycled wedding dresses to create a fashion masterpiece.  It started as a hobby to unleash creative frustrations during his time working on fashion campaigns to changing peoples' perspective on second-hand clothing and creating fashion with a conscience.  Brilliant!!  I must say...

Eco-sustainable, ethical, and aesthetically-pleasing contemporary high fashion.

NEW ARRIVALS...I Just can't get enuf!!!

....And they just keep coming in!!!! - more Spring/Summer shoe arrivals!!!  To your left is yours truly, Mz. Lady Yvette wearing the new MISSONI platform slingbacks!!  I absolutely live for them and will own them soon!  They go with anything and "sexify" (yes, i make up words, now...oh, but wait it's actually a word in the Urban Dictionary - go figure!lol) my outfit.  A must have for my wardrobe.  

The sandals below are gorgeous but when I tried them on they weren't that pretty

 on MY foot.  But I have to sell these $725 sandals and just cuz they don't look good on me don't mean they won't look good on you!  This wedge heel with gold trim detail is to die for.....

DESIGN + INNOVATION + FASHION=UNITED NUDE

Stealth Bag in Pink

Yesterday, I took a small 'field trip' to a tiny high-end women's footwear boutique on the lower east side of Manhattan.  Now, this brand is not just ANY typical high-end shoe line...allow me to introduce to you a brand that represents iconic styles that merges concepts inspired from furniture design, mathematical objects, airplanes and of course, fashion....United Nude.  A product created by a duo collective between architect Rem D Koolhas and shoemaker Galahad JD Clark.  I fell upon this brand surfing the Internet looking for new and intriguing brands to write about - and that's just what I discovered!

S/S 09 Möbius sandal in metallic gold**

United Nude launched six years ago in 2003 with the Möbius, the conceptual design that put them on the map as innovators in shoe design.  It's conceptualized from the 'Möbius band', a mathematical object that looks like a twisted loop and the transformation of the frame from the infamous 'Barcelona chair', designed by Ludwig Mies der Rohe.   I tried this particular style (shown left) which will be available in new colors for S/S 09 and although, they are comfortable, it didn't flatter MY foot. But that's okay because this brand has so many more styles to choose from that does make my foot and legs look like a pillar for wearable art.

  The sexy fit Six Strap HI sandal

I was fortunate enough to get the latest of what's to come for the spring/summer through the company that handles their PR and there were a few styles I thought were pretty DOPE!...lol.  The first ones I will share with you are pretty basic but the heel will make you wonder, "...how the hell can one stand in these?..."  I mean this shoe is a piece of architecture!

 Eamz pump in patent black

The entire United Nude footwear line are made with comfort in mind and these not only were comfy but,  they complement my foot beautifully and simply.  You feel as if you are walking on air and the Charles and Ray Eames inspired heel is as sturdy as the base of the chair you're sitting in...lol!  If you are familiar with furniture design this shoe was designed with the infamous Eames chair in mind.  The Eamz collection also has a Mary-Jane, boots, and a lace-up shoe available.

Now, while I was trying on particular styles that I'm intrigued by, I asked the sales girl questions about the materials of some of the shoes.  Christy, told me that the Mono Series (which are another style I am pretty fond of) are made of EVA and leather.  Now, I already did my research on this and I like to test sales people's product knowledge.  I'm in sales and know the importance of product knowledge.  So, I ask her if EVA stands for anything or what it is and she told me that it's a recycled plastic which is a very durable and lightweight rubber - which is partially correct but what does it stand for?....guess, that's not that important because she forgot...wonkwonk.  It's cool, though but, I thought that was a valid question for someone who wouldn't be familiar.  For those of you who aren't familiar, think of Crocs, which actually are made from "croslite" made using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).  Yeah, I know this is not biochemistry class but it's good to know....but since it's not important, all you need to know is the Mono Series are fun, stupid comfy, cute, and stupid comfy...lol!  See below the many colors available:

  S/S 09 Mono Janes **

United Nude is fashion taken to the next level and I personally think if you are into the sporty, classic, or funky look this brand has something for everyone.  Perfect for women on their feet all the time.  Versatility, function, art and fashion wrapped up in a shoe, boot or sandal!  Check out the Porn Toe sandal (below)which I think the name is so fitting and do me a favor and go to their website for ALL the styles available.  

**All sandals and shoes shown will be available soon online and in-store for the spring/summer. All Prices Upon Request, United Nude, +1.212.274.9010, www.unitednude.com

Sneak Peak: Spring/Summer '09 Sandals at the shop

I know it's been awhile and I think I am SUPPOSE to write a blog entry, like, everyday but it's been a long week for me, my dahlings...but allow me to make it up to you and show you the new arrivals that came in last week. OH,...I forgot to share with you that I am not only YOUR go-to-lady for the latest fashions but I work as a fashion consultant at a boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan - in the shoe/bag department. Yes, fashion retail - I am surrounded by fashion labels, contemporary women's' brands, Italian shoes and bags!...I feel like alil' girl at X-mas when a shipment of SHOES & BAGS comes in for me!

So last Monday, I re-merchandised the shoe/bag department. I also took some pics of some Spring 09 new arrivals at the store for you all. Below are few of my favs and just a taste of what we carry:


Nando Muzi red & black patent peep-toe platform slingback with a 4.5 inch heel......I call them "The Pin-Ups" - ay caliente! retail price $450 BELOW: natural zipper strappy retail price $420

Emilio Pucci Pre-Collection SS 09 Printed leather pump with silver heel detail,retail price $550 and HOBO International's Valentina patent wave clutch in Poppy, retail Price $138

Donna Karan Collection platform sandal in Rose Gold, retail price $590.  These strappy sandals complements any foot and go with ANYTHING...Mz. Lady Yvette highly recommends these for spring/summer!

LEFT: For you Marc by Marc Jacob lovers these two casual wedge sandals add a touch of "Glam Factor" with the metallic trend present. 1. Two Band woven cork wedge sandal with brown leather and metallic weave detail, retail price $370 2. Metallic Asymmetrical cork wedge sandals, retail price $340

ABOVE: Easy clutches that make a statement with the ASH Sumatra thong boot sandal, retail price $195.  1. Bodhi Radiant glitter suede clutch, retail price $188 2. HOBO International Marina clutch in black, retail price $198

Bohemian-inspired flats are a clear trend for this years spring/summer...1. Sam Edelman Galina flat from the Tropical Bling Collection, retail price $115  2. ASH Italia Mosaic flat from the NewMask Collection, retail price $245  3. ASH Italia Monoi also from the NewMask collection, retail price $210

Honestly, I can NOT wait until the warm weather hits us so I can truly indulge in the coming fashion trends of the season.  I'm excited about what I need to pick up to create the looks I will put together for the spring/summer because there is definitely a few must have items that will make a difference in my wardrobe.  I will update you on that in another blog but remember your shoes and bag is a HUGE part of your ensemble - they complete the outfit!  If you dont have the right shoes then you can forget about the whole get-up...FOR REAL!!!  

Mz. Lady Yvette and the Nando Muzi natural python platform pump with slight peep-toe action.  You are looking at a 4.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform...you have to come see me at the boutique to try these on! retail price $620  And yes, you can clearly see my sic love affair I have with shoes...LOL. 

FRESH AZ IM IZ....a look into my style

So as you all know this blogging thing is NEW to me and I've been racking my brain on EXACTLY what I want to "Present...". So, on that note, I figured it out! My close friends who know me well would probably describe me as FABULOUS, FIERCE, DRAMATIC, and TRENDY. So what I came up with in describing MY style is HOBO CHIC.

The concocting of high end with low end or high end with high street labels is just fun and comes easy. I LOVE the idea of layering pieces, pieces that drape, structured chic cuts, fabulous high-heeled/platform shoes, funky kicks when I want to retire and take a brake from high-heels, dope accessories(scarves, over-sized earrings, chunky bracelets, bulky rings, and hats) that makes a statement and completes the outfit, and dope sunglasses which falls into the category of accessories but stands alone in wardrobing to me. If I am missing something I'm sure I will add it to the list but this is ME...and what I want to present to you. Something refined and relaxed, classic but modern, with a twist(hard twist)of Drama!...

P.S. The Olsen twins are the poster ladies of this and although, I like this look sometime they over do it...but look forward to Fall/Winter 09 sneak peaks, dope finds, trendy boutiques, cute platform shoes, and trendy accessories I fall for...;-D

Oscar Glamour a "bust"...but only a few

Let's give it up one more time to the "craigslist dancers"...LOL, Ben Stiller's spoof on bizarro Joaquin Phoenix...LMAO, and first-time host of the 81st Academy Awards, Hugh Jackman...you SEXY man, you!!!!!....WOW, how refreshing. I mean due to the broke down economy and how that contributed to some of the changes made for this years' show, I believe it was a HUGE success! Highly creative art direction and the writing for the show was truly entertaining but, I will have to say that I sat with all my girls throughout the entire show and it got a little slow towards the end of the ceremony. (yes, I participated in a low key Oscar party with my long time friends in BK. Big up, to the host, Becca and the rest of the crew - Janine, Sara, Cassi, and Tamara.)



But, although the show had it's surprise guest performers like the fabulous Beyonce and presenters, like Zac and Vanessa for young viewership ratings, I was HIGHLY disappointed with the red-carpet fashions of this year's hoopla! This is the one time to shine where the world is watching and I don't know about you but I partly tune in to see who is wearing what...and this year was a bust - except for maybe more than a few celebs that did it right. So who were the best dressed you ask? Well, Mz. Lady Yvette will tell ya...


Best Supporting actress nominee, Viola Davis looked glamorous in this gold halter dress by Reem Acra that totally complimented her skin tone and body shape.


Milan designer, Elie Saab nailed it with these two gorgeous gowns from her Spring 2009 Couture Collection. Evan Rachel Wood wore the dress straight from the runway whereas, Angelina had it modified in classic black with simple embellishments of Lorraine Schwartz's 115 Carat emerald green earrings along with a 65 Carat matching ring to set this look OFF...Can we say, 'Sophisticated'??!!

...And the Belle of the Ball was Sarah Jessica-Paker. In a strapless Cinderella-like, soft-mint colored Dior Haute Couture gown she represented how to grace this event and steal the show. EXACTLY, how I would of done it!! ;-D

Iz that a tattoo?...NO, it's BATUCADA Paris!

"Butterfly 2" of the Tropical Gardens Collection designed by Caroline Homery

The idea of a tattoo on my body has always bothered me to a degree. You see, as a model I needed to keep the skin flawless from any permanent image, symbol or word ink-stained on my body...BUT those of you who don't do tattoos, like me, this is for you...those of you who do, this could be for you too! I will admit, though, I thought about getting one every now and then...;-)

Batucada Paris is an innovative, eco-friendly design company that manufactures tattoo like jewelry that can be worn dressy or casual. The jewelry is made of an "eco-plastic" formula that contours to your body as you wear it. It is light-weight, flexible, and even water resistant! Batucada also provides creative promotional requests for companies looking to promote a brand or looking to bring forth an advertising message through their jewelry. There are six different collections: Boroco, Pacific, Tropical Gardens, Galaxy, Oriental, and Rock'n Tattoo. Check out some of my favorite pieces below...



The Boroco Collection designed by Otalia Noel






As you can see these pieces can easily integrate in your wardrobe as a statement piece or just a simple accent. Versatile in appearance you can work a necklace into a bracelet and visa versa. Batucada Paris is available online at http://www.brooklyn5and10.com/ and you can go directly to Batucada Paris to check out more of the collections.

HOLLA!!! ;-)