Carlota Alfaro Tribute Fashion Show

   As promised, I bring my thoughts on the Carlota Alfaro show. Keep in mind that I worked backstage with each model from each designer, so it was really hard to keep track of each dress and to whom it belonged to. As I said on my previous post, it was a wonderful experience. Of course, with each triumph there is fail. Hits and misses I mean. I wont go into detail of each designer, again remember I worked with over a 100+ models and 20+ designers, including Carlota.

   I saw a variation of colours, from neutral to very bright yellows and reds. From long dresses to short ones. Some had flowers and some had stripes. I was able to be up close to all of the outfits and some were very elegant and very intricate. I was happy to see some edgy ones, sure there were 5 or 6, but it's a step forward. Most of the dress cuts I've seen before, but they were beautiful nonetheless. And of course, the Carolta dresses were timeless and unique. Some very 20's to 60's era, which I loved. All very elegant and flow-y, especially the wedding dress.  If you want all the pictures of each dresses go to Ego.

Carlota dresses:

  
      

Backstage: Carlota Alfaro Fashion Show.

A tremendous victory this past weekend, for I was able to work backstage at the Carlota Alfaro Fashion Show. I was one of the coordinators and basically a model wrangler. I went on Thursday thinking I was going to get interviewed and see if I could work. There Sylvia Solis was able to introduce me to Grace Fontecha. I was able to converse about fashion and my wish to be involved in fashion. After a lovely talk, I was told I would be a coordinator and help keep the models at bay. After 2 hours of rehearsal, I felt confident I would do the work easily.

 Then on Friday, the day of the show, I got there at 5pm. Loads of models were already roaming with make-up on and chatting happily. The show was to start at 7pm, but being a show in Puerto Rico it obviously started late. Try 2 hours late... Now, this would have been a horror to others but not to us, the coordinators. This is the exhilarating part! It was up to us to wip the models into gear and have them on the cat walk in record time. With more than 15+ designers, this was not easy. But alas, the job got done and failure was avoided. Everything went on perfectly. Now, I'm sad to inform you guys that I couldn't take many pictures. My camera went completely mental! Sigh. But I have a few! And when the pictures of the show are posted, I shall talk about my opinion on the dresses. There were definitely some hit and misses. Stay tuned!

Ouna's Closet Behind The Scenes.

 Entering my 1st interview ever, since starting this blog, it was natural for me to be nervous. Checking my questions more than once, genuinely preparing for anything. Needless to say, I was also really excited. My whole goal of the interview was take the store and rip each layer until I got to the heart of it. Understanding why it's there, why it started and how it helps others. After all, helping has always been a big thing for me in this industry. Since helping someone with clothing and seeing them smile is just something you can never put a price on.

 I was very welcomed by Angela, the stores owner, and my nervousness went away in a matter of seconds. I was impressed with how poised and intelligent she was. How she knew how to answer my questions and give me something more. I loved seeing her love for what she does and her desire to just keep on giving and helping. How she maneuvered around the store with such sureness when I asked her to pick 5 of her favorite items.

 When I came to, the interview was over, but the conversation didn't stop. I also had my friend, Desi, who assisted me on the pictures. It was nice to also have a nice talk with Angela, apart from all the interview business. She has the knowledge to carry that store as far as she wants, and I praise her for it. So if any of you every visit, make sure to really see the items, the decor, everything. Because each item has its own story.

Cheers all,

♥Iv.

Mini Haul!

 Lack of time has left me kind of tired and in no mood to hunt for good items, I am taking a 3D design class after all. But not all is lost! I did get a couple of goodies, which of course I would be delighted to share with you guys.

 Thrift-ed some cool things, some I live & some I don't. But got amazing deals on some stuff, especially from Topshop UK. Let me give you a heads up, the pictures aren't that good since the lighting was bad and my camera is not professional (sob).

Kenneth Cole make-up bag, Harajuku Lovers fragrance "Snow bunnies", Jasmine Tea, Black skirt, High waist shorts, Stripped band jacket & Salmon pink scarf.

So, I did some hunting and found some awesome items. I'm especially in love with the stripped band jacket & the black skirt, which was $3 by the way. As you know, bright colours are in right now for spring, so I started by getting the salmon pink scarf... Hey, I have to start somewhere, right? As for the Harajuku Lovers fragrance, I was let down. I don't like the smell much, it's too bland and barely noticeable. For my 1st Harajuku fragrance, I was so let down. But apart from that, I'm also excited to use my new make-up bag since the one I had is now too little.

   Also, mom brought me 2 items from Avon.  A peachie coloured lip stick and a 4 eyeshadow colour palette. I adore the lipstick, it's creamy and has such a nice colour. It reminds me of MAC lipsticks, only less expensive... obviously! But the eyeshadow palette, although beautiful colours, is not that pigmented which makes me sad. I mean, 4 beautiful colours and then you have to swipe them so much! But it's not an expensive palette and good for beginners who don't know where to start (I think it was around $8-$10).

 
   In other news, for those who love Topshop but think it's so expensive then give the sale part a try. Even though I'm from P.R, therefor considered U.S territory, I found that the UK Topshop had much more cooler sale items. I ordered this awesome Blue Leopard Print Sequins Cardigan for £30.00 which is roughly $40. There was a yellow version of this, which I loved more, but it was sold out. But the point is, you should check out the sale area and give it a try! Some of the items there are so nice and at a more reasonable price.
  

Ouna's Closet Interview.

What got you interested in fashion?
“I’ve always liked fashion, since I was in high school people told me I dressed differently. I even got an accessory award! I was always into teen and school spirit, since it was a chance to dress up and be fun. I’ve always been into fashion, my mom used to make all out clothes until she got into an accident. Also, my sister was into fashion and she was in high school in the 80’s so she used to dress like Madonna and with neon colours and huge earrings.”


Who or what inspires you?
“Betsy Johnson, Diane Von Furstenberg and Vivienne Westwood those are my main people I get inspired. Even though they’re grown up they still find that connection with youth that is so important, you need a free spirit.”


What is your favorite fashion era?
“Obviously the 80’s. If I could wear 80’s everyday I would love it! I like bright colours and we live in a tropical island so that’s what we should wear, bright colours and prints!”


What do you like most about the fashion business and your store?
“I like that it’s always changing! I like that they get inspired in the past, which is great for me! What I like about the store is how you can incorporate, it’s all about mixing and matching. That’s what I tell everyone, to take one piece and mix it up.”

What is the price range for your clothing?
“Mostly $15 up. On the online store you can get a better feel about the price range.”


What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into this business?
“This is not easy, it looks easy it looks fabulous but it’s hard. You need to dedicate a lot of time into it. You need to live the lifestyle and be able to teach people and always be on the hunt for new things.”


What made you want to open a vintage store?
“I always wanted to do it; I wanted a store with unique things. Also I like the thrill of the hunt. It’s a part of who I am. I want everyone to be able to wear vintage.”


Do you plan to expand your business?
“Yes! This space is really small. And for what I want, more merchandise, I need more space for people. And with that I can do more activities.”

 

Knowing that vintage isn’t popular in P.R, how do you feel being one of the fewer vintage stores? Do you plan to help? How?
“I love the fact that I’m one of the 1^st. I hope people catch on and we should be moving toward that road anyway. It’s very eco friendly, I want people to accept this movement. And I want to help people to learn how to dress using one item many diff way.”

Here are the places you can visit/contact Ouna's Closet:
Facebook
Etsy
Website
*you can find the map in Facebook & the official website*
Photos were taken by Desirée.