what inspires you?

            As I slowly start developing the spring season designs, I go through my normal process of getting inspired.. during this time.. I might watch interesting movies, or search for a great song, or maybe I’ll read an awesome book.. ( I’ve also been known to dye my hair or cut it to generate some interest and change so that I can be inspired)..  All of these things are just done to spark some creative emotion in me…

Here's my latest list: 

1. Notwist's song - "consequence"
2. old school TCM movies, like "gypsy", "roman holiday" or "cat on a hot tin roof".. the chicas from such movies can only inspire creativity.. 
3. the book - "the alchemist".. just makes your ass want to find your own pyramid
4. browsing through notcot.org... crazy ideas come from creative ppl!
5. watching anime - which this season will be heavily inspired by "cowboy bebop" or "deathnote".. should probably hope more from bebop!

I can’t help but wonder what inspires you?

WHAT NOT TO DO..

Finally, it's been a good 3 days in DC, and it's time for me to head home to see my new bff' - New York City! Although there's always new surprises in the DC area when i come to visit ( a growing food cart/truck culture, finally local coffee houses besides SB, and new shops and renovations in the U street area), it's time to return to the place where my soul feels at rest..

I did get a chance to take some notes and mental comparisons for this week's blog post - what not to wear this season.. every city has their own personality and culture, but there are just some things that i think you should just avoid wearing. and heres my list of don'ts to go with the last posts of dos!

DON'T:

1. i know it's cold outside everyone but DON'T wear clashing accessories.. there's always that one fashion rule - take one thing off before you leave the house.. in the summer that refers more to jewelry but in the winter it's referencing the multicolored accessories that ppl buy. if you're going to wear those fun red mittens you should refrain from wearing bold colored legwarmers, hats, and scarves all at once... it just looks like color and accessory overload! so focus on one fun accessory and keep the other ones neutral!
2. I DON'T get the peep toe boot. it's almost like a stripper version of a high heel boot. does your big toe not deserve some coverage also when it's less than 50 degree weather?? i know that it's one of those trends that have been growing since last year (a la lohan).. but it just doesn't make sense to me.. perhaps i shall regret this "don't" later when it's becomes the new "IT" trend in another year, but for now, i still feel like it's a "dont".



oversized enough?!

3. DON'T just assume that all black is fitting! After hanging around the government/corporate crowd this week, i find myself noticing how many of the women ( regardless of age) are pulling the old bag lady look with oversized black coats ( and subsequently oversized everything). i know its cold ppl, but just because it's a black coat doesn't mean you're going to still look svelty in it if it's 4 sizes to big... (well, unless you're an olsen twin.).  i'm not trying to have you sacrifice your warmth i'm just asking for you to pay attention to FIT ppl!!! it's just the key to making any outfit warm AND perfect.
4. DON'T get nuts with holiday gear.. tis the season for some festive gear, but choose wisely friends... picking a reindeer hat with the christmas sweater and some socks with sleighbells for your office party is not going to help you be more popular - at least not in the good way. I'm always down for something a lil' fun to brighten up the holidays, but please, minimalism goes a long way.
5. DON'T limit yourself to the typical holiday colors when it comes to holiday parties and festive nights. Everyone always aims for a christmas red and green, and soon you will realize that there is just a sea of red and green and you are just another minion. but remember there's a spectrum of colors for a reason and there's always the fun metallics pieces that can really make you pop! try incorporating ONE metallic piece into your wardrobe.. perhaps a fun gold skirt or a fringy silver top .. maybe you want to go with a slate colored dress with choice red accessories.. either way, it'll make you look festive with a punch of sophistication! check out the pieces we have available at 15NYC!



Nite Owl



Feathers



MUST DO THIS DURING FALL!

Creating the layered Look ( tip 5)

      As the wind starts to blow and the flurries move in,  it’s time to reevaluate your choices in wardrobe… put away those skimpy lil’ dresses and leave those PFs (SHOUTOUT!  http://www.flocdesigns.com/) for home use or travel... it’s time to bust out those funky leggings and some serious shoe hardware. here’s a list of do’s for this fall/winter season!



DO: 

• 

  

  funky tights (tip 2)

   Do try to spice up your outfits with fun accessories. This is the season where accessories are key in keeping you warm and sexy! May it be some fun colored scarves, mittens or perhaps a great hat! But try to keep the rest of your look neutral so you don’t steal the thunder from your funloving accessory.. by this I mean – don’t wear your bright red mittens with your blue and white stripe hat and a rainbow colored scarf.

•  Do try some funky leggings or tights! Nothing punches up a boring wool dress or LBD like a great pair of tights.. maybe you’re in the mood for a racy lacy look, or perhaps you’re looking for statement piece like stripes or geometric shapes.. either way this is the season to make those legs shine!
• Do try the shorts on leggings look.. I know it can be a bit retro 80’s for some of your tastes, but if you do it the right way, it’s a great way to play up your legs, and a great option compared to the usual ‘short wool skirt’ with tights look. Try pairing tweed shorts with tights and some motorcycle boots to create a military look, or create a casual boho look with jean shorts and tights.. 
• 
  

  

  military look ( tip3)

   Do go for the military boot! Not only are they on trend this season, but they are comfortable to walk around and dance around in!! I’m not discounting the importance of a pair of black high heel boots when you want to express your sexy side, but there’s also something sexy in a tough rugged chick who doesn’t mind playing hard here and there.
• Do layer it up! Don’t think that those soft tees and tanks from the summer should be completely useless this season, play it up with layers!.. maybe that racerback tank can go on top of that boring long sleeve top.. not to mention how nice it is to have that tank/shirt be the buffer between that scratchy wool sweater and your soft skin!! make sure you check out http://www.15nyc.com/ for some fun pieces that are soft and perfect for layering.. maybe a cute blue textured "bluebird" skirt or perhaps the "lil robin" top!


 


lil' robin

 





bluebird skirt



Holidays in the City..

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Slowly the cold wintery weather rolls into the city.. The fresh snow, the carts with fresh roasted nuts, and the bombardment of billboards and window décor lets you know.. it’s that time of year again! No matter where you are – New York City, Miami, San Francisco – no matter the weather, it’s very easy to catch the holiday spirit… what are you looking forward to in your city? Here are some of my fave things about the holiday season in the city!

1)   take in the smells and sounds of the holiday markets all over the city.. (granted I normally like to wait til after thanksgiving)..  there’s something about the aroma that arises from the fusion of roasted nuts, warm cocoa, freshly popped kettlecorn or flavored popcorn that just let’s you know Christmas is here.. being from the south, this is something that I cherish now that I’m in the city.

2)   shopping and walking through holiday markets. Last year, my favorite one was at Bryant park – tons of cute shops and designers with things out for sale.. you know there’s always a unique find at these markets! Plus, I always find cool local things to buy – like local honey or jams from neighboring farms.. mmm…mmmm!

3)   Hearing the salvation army bells outside of stores.. Although, I think a lot of people find it annoying, once I hear that bell, I know the holiday season has begun! it also reminds me that it’s the time of giving, and really, isn’t that dollar that you feel guilty not giving, better off helping someone in need?

4)   The first sight of snow… another thing I think people find annoying, but as a southerner (So. Florida to be exact)..  I never got the “white christmas”.. I’ll admit that after the first day, it will eventually turn into disgusting mush.. but still there’s something about walking around the city with snowflakes dancing around you..

miss rerun

5)   Breaking out the BIG comforters/bedding and cuddling in the sheets! the cat loves it too – when she’s all pillowed and sunken into the sheets, curled up in a ball.. that’s what I love feeling like on those cold, wintery nights..

6)   Egg nog latte at starbucks.. I know I know. This makes me a sellout when I was previously preaching about supporting local small businesses, and I would prefer an egg nog latte if it was provided at a local coffee house … but this is one holiday drink that I must have at least once a year no matter where it comes from!

7)   Wearing fun tights! This is the season when you can wear any tights/leggings with funky designs and it be totally fitting. Flowers, polkadots, hearts, stripes.. whatever floats your boat as long as you stay warm and keep the rest of your outfit tame. 

8)  Getting great finds for gifts.. of all the cities in the US - New York City is definitely the best place to find great gifts of any kind. your niece is a kidrobot fan? BAM! soho shop ( not to mention all the other toy specific stores in the east village). There's always a particular store with a niche clientele that you can shop for here. someone with an itch for handmade and local designer goods?! - check out Better than Jam- BTJ!!!

Size Vs Fit...

Like everyone else, there are days when I feel like a supermodel, and then there are the days when I feel like a giant marshmallow. It’s not easy being a woman – there’s a constant pressure to look a certain way, and you’re still expected to have GIRL POWER and love your body and accept your flaws.. 

GIRL POWER!! ( check out those shoes!!)

But as a female designer, the most annoying realization is the constant focus on size rather than FIT!! Not only does this make you feel like you’re not “measuring up”… (get it !?! measure up! har har har..), but it creates this ideal that everyone should fit in a certain size..  be it a 2 or a 12.

It’s crazy amazing how many women can have similar measurements but not the same “sizes”.  Lots of sexy ladies can be two sizes different between top and bottom (a la rihanna), and let’s just say it can’t hurt if it’s the other way around ( helllloo!!! Christina Hendricks)…

and no matter which it is, I think we have to realize that “size 2” just isn’t going to cut it. Not to mention that everyone thinks that celebrities are all “one size”, but in actuality, part of the reason why they look so good is attributed to some seriously awesome spanx AND most of the designs are tailored and tucked. 

A tailor is a gal’s best friend, and even better is a designer that customizes her orders! (**wink wink** call me!!) but this is more just a friendly reminder to the ladies during this holiday shopping season, to stop worrying about sizes, and start worrying about fit. After all, size is just a number, its how you wear it that makes it WORK! 

city pigeon

fashion street cred?

As I headed out this weekend to meet up with the gals for a dance a thon, I put on my newest 15NYC jumper (check it out!), a cute lil’ hair accessory, and my dancing shoes. (is there anything better than a great night of bootyshaking, stanky leggin, and fist pumping, with your fave gals? ) 

It was then that I realized I am always dressin' to impress, but for who? on those days that I’m “not trying”, I still spend at least 10 minutes figuring out which shirt will look “haphazard” enough, how to fix my face to look “natural” and if I should wear jeggings, leggings, or just some bf jeans to attain that perfect, “not trying” look...

When you’re putting yourself together, there’s the outfit, the hair, the makeup, and shoes… but who are you trying to impress? Boys might think that they are the ones we’re always aiming to please, but I think that some of us do it to get some femme fashion street-cred. One “cute outfit” or “love your haircut!” from a female can make any gal’s day… 

Who do you dress to impress?

Eye Candy

Is there anything better than sitting in the window of a quaint lil’ coffee shop with a steaming cup of coffee (or my favorite – the Americano..), and crisp clean copy of your fave magazine? Ever so often you glance up to catch up on your people watching, but it’s those pretty pictures that makes the time fly by!

What’s your current fave list of mags? Add it to the list below!

1)   W Magazine – I guess, for some people, this isn’t the mindless magazine that we’re craving at times… the articles are usually a lil’ more artsy fartsy in comparison to “the top ten things to stop flyaways!”,  but when I’m looking to learn about up and coming designers  ( I guess they’ve probably already made it since they are in W), or perhaps check out fellow artist inspirations, this is the mag I turn to. The ads are always huge, they are on trend or even ahead of the game, and the fashion spreads are always a touch more pretty... W: the thinking woman's mag. HA!

2)   ELLE and VOGUE – there are times when you just want a good ole’ fashion magazine.. and these two fit the bill. Perfect blend of fashion, and beauty tips, and every once in a while, and mindless things to read about.. sure? why not read about the best mascara, or maybe take a quiz to find out if you're more jen aniston or ang jolie.. not like it'll change your life, or make you look like them anymore.. but sometimes you just don't wanna think!

3)   HI-FRUCTOSE – big art buff? Just looking for “the unique”? this is my favorite way to find out what underground art exhibits are going on in the city. I love the features and in depth interviews they do with artists.  Although, they only come out quarterly  (and sometimes it ships out late ..) they always give you lil’ freebie postcards and pics of works from the featured artist as a bonus! 

4)   GQ – yes, I know I know, this is a men’s magazine.. but don’t you wanna make sure that your man is keeping up with the trend? My guy’s mag choices mostly include muscle fitness mags that feature people who have thighs the size of my waist, or how to workout to the point where your veins pop, GQ is a great mag that suggests better  music, has great eye candy, and also offers up funny sex advice that either is blatantly obvious or it's just something to laugh about. silly boys...

5)   FITNESS – everyone’s got a health magazine that they read when they are feeling bloated or perhaps just need some inspiration for their lackluster fitness routines. I find that FITNESS have better info on newest trends in fitness and better workout tips.. not that i would immediately apply it but it's nice to THINK about. Yeah, they still contain those ads for the workout supplements and sometimes the women are borderline bodybuilders but that's just more things for me to stare at and realize i will never get there.

I AM WOMAN! HEAR ME... call for help?

We started off being the representation of the home. We cooked, we cleaned, we raised some hoodlums, and we played wifey. Then, after a lot of hard work, we got to play with the big boys. We got educated, we have careers, We Are Free!!

mannequin in midtown!

Or are we? As a woman of this era, are we bounded even more by societal expectations? Sometimes it can seem like we must strive to have an education and a challenging career, and yet, still have a happy home complete with a man, house, kids, walk in closets and maybe a garden too. Don’t forget, as a modern woman,  you should be making dinner and while the kiddies are playing in the back, you should be tweeting your latest fashion craving while checking all those pertinent emails from the office.

We may have finally become free to choose the path we want to take in life, but did that freedom mean that society would allow us to lose it’s expectations from the past? Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean that we have to play by those rules! Life is short and we only have one to live, so whatever you decide to pursue, make sure that you are doing it for you.. run free ladies, and hope nothing holds you back! 

New York, I love you....

NYC, How do I love thee, lemme count the ways! Only you can provide me with such tiny delights that make you stay fresh in my mind. I can never forget how young and lively you made me feel with these memories, and you will always remain so close to my heart! And during this fall season, I will always remember…

- A brisk stroll through the streets to my favorite village while watching the few trees that line the streets shed their earthy toned leaves.

- The smell of freshly roasted nuts (not those burnt ones that you can smell for like 3 miles away) wafting in on the breeze as I’m on my way to the local bodega..

- Savoring my coconut milk based strawberry ice-cream in a tiny neighborhood park while daydreaming on a park bench,

- Tasting a freshly baked egg tart after a lavish and hefty dim sum meal in my favorite Chinatown restaurant. 

- Enjoying a velvety glass of Tempranillo on a Sunday night while relishing a cheese plate pairing in a cozy, tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

- Chuckling at the “fine” entertainment on my train ride to Brooklyn: the 3 minute magic show complete with rabbit in the hat and dove disappearing, or the breakdancers that can do some seriously dangerous tricks on a moving train.

- Aromatic and warm expresso drinks at a neighborhood coffee house with my mac on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

- Walking through L.E.S. and finding random art galleries or vintage shops that might just have that perfect shoe i was looking for all season! 

- Enjoying a fresh glass of ale at local 138 only the best pub in the whole L.E.S.  

When will i be one too?

The city that never sleeps.
Gotham.

street performers

The melting pot.

There are hundreds of nicknames given to this city, and yet the one name given to its people, is “New Yorkers”. The city creates a lifestyle of its’ own: people here have a rhythm – a hustle and flow that will leave you behind in a heartbeat, there’s a style – not to follow trends but to exemplify your individuality, and there’s a diversity that is unmatched anywhere else in the US.

 So, my question is…  what makes you a New Yorker? I remember asking an older New Yorker once, who said that you’re a New Yorker when you start paying NYC taxes, but can it be that simple? Do I just move here, and BAM! “Dude, I’m in!”… Now, I can complain about the tourists that never know where they are going and laugh at people that think 5^th Ave is the only place to shop.

city hall park

Not so fast! Other New Yorkers say you haveta live here for longer than 10 years, or know the difference between lombardis and grimaldis .. or for those extremists – you need to be born here, SON! But the one thing I have noticed of all the convos I’ve had with ‘true New Yorkers’ is how much they love this city..

                Perhaps all those other definitions is just a way to gauge how much you love the city.. enough to try all the pizza joints to know whats your fave and to know that any other city’s pizza – just won’t do. Enough to know that a fashion trend is just a trend – it’s how YOU work it on the streets of NYC that makes it fabulous, and enough to know that living in a tiny space and paying half your paycheck in rent is still worth it just to live in this city. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel comfortable saying “I’m a New Yorker”- I probably won’t have a “New Yawk” accent, or intelligently argue why I love east village more than west village, but the longer I’m here, the more I love the city, and the more “New Yorker” I will be.

Looking good ladies!

"winter pigeon"

alice's "modified" nite owl.. looking good :)

"broken wing" from the zombie fashion show!

The fall collection is looking good on all these people! thanks for the support guys!

new work space.... glad we moved!

finally almost settled into the new apt this week. and the workspace is looking good :) having more space really does make a difference! and lookie lookie at the new order for 'nite owl'... can't wait to see it on!

HALLOW'S EVE!

it was fantabulous! hahaha - finally after taking a mini break from working on the line and getting myself moved into a new place in the city, i got some time to get back into the groove!

and what better time to wear something from the new line than hallow's eve!?! happy halloween to all the NYCers out there!

Fall Plumage Collection Video!

YAY! 15NYC FALL TEES ARE IN!

unisex grey

unisex white

girl sizes - S/M

"spacey"

"cheeky"

do you like the new fall tees?!!?! email me at "fifteennyc@gmail.com" and mention the blog and get them for $22 each!!!!

FIRST FRIDAYS!!! COME AND CHECK IT OUT!

OMG!!! We are soo there! Come and check out the zombie fashion show at BTJ during the next first friday! 15 NYC will be participating and we can't wait to see everyone there!

http://www.indiegogo.com/First-Fridays-at-the-Loom?email=ting9ting%40gmail.com&return_to=/First-Fridays-at-the-Loom?email=ting9ting@gmail.com

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood.. ...

DVF's mannequin near the fashion district of NYC

 Nothing like a brisk fall day to make life a lil' lighter and brighter during this fall season! I hope this weather lasts since it was perfect for my Lil' Robin top and jeggings!

Lil' Robin top!

Shout outs to Luzzo Pizza for a great late lunch in east village.... still haven't found a sicilian pizza joint though.. you all have any suggestions?

FINALLY.. IT'S HERE!!!!

"wing"

"bird tail"

"city pigeon"

Finally! the new fall season is ready for the taking! 15 New York City is ready to launch it's fall line couture to the public! email "fifteennyc@gmail.com" with password: "bloggified" to get 15% off your first purchase!

sleepless night in a busy city...

NYC from highway as you're driving into the city...

ahhh.. so just finished doing some major uploads to the site, created a facebook page and twitter account for 15NYC.. and now it's 1:30am, and i guess the excitement and the pressure of pushing forth a new brand is keeping me up at night.. what to do at such a time? counting sheep doesn't work (and who does this now and days?) , i've already tried thinking of the names of all my grade school teachers from K - 12, and that also didn't work tonite..

continuous thinking about improvements and future designs just seems to get me excited so that's not going to be very helpful either.. so i thought perhaps 20 minutes blogging and web browsing might bring the sleepies..

wonder what you all are doing out there tonight? are you all cuddled up somewhere cozy and warm and blissfully sleeping  or are you also dreading that afternoon americano that you had?

hope you guys are staying warm and dry - i think there's a gusty storm rolling in this area of town... nitey nite fellow 15ers.

photoshoot for the new line!

dancing in the streets!

military sleeves fit soo well with the gloves!

just a quick glimpse of the new line for you all out there! it was a gloomy rainy day on sunday morning, but just taking a look at vianna in the new line brings a smile to any face! We explored the lower east side and cant believe how beautiful that area is.. the lil' corners and niches of these streets create a unique look that suits the fall weather and not to mention the fall clothes..

i can't wait for you all to see the new line, hope you all will love it as much as i do!