Zara, Zazz…Zowie!
Claudia Aramburu was looking chic – wearing an emerald green romper from Zara and a pair of brown leather gladiator sandals – while sipping Vietnamese coffee at the Bun Shop. The outfit was simple and she used her hair and lip color to accessorize and accentuate her European goddess look. Her favorite lip color at the moment is Timanfaya by Nars because it dresses up any outfit and helps her stand out (just ask my fellow columnist, makeup guru Owen O’Donnell!). Claudia traveled to Baltimore from Madrid to obtain a marketing internship. I wasn’t surprised when she mentioned that she has some experience in the fashion design industry back in Spain. No surprise her favorite designer is Spanish retailer Zara, because it brings together international designers from around the world and sells their designs in one affordable location. (Of course, aren’t we Baltimoreans lucky to now have our own Zara at Towson Town Center?) Claudia also likes the thrill and uniqueness of adding vintage pieces in the mix.
Claudia’s gladiator sandals’ height made her outfit go from safe to a bold standout. The sandals give her “legs for days” and an all-around model-esque silhouette. Claudia found her sandals from Primadonna and can be purchased online. I wish I could pull this look off! Unfortunately, my huge shoe size would make me look more like gladi-caveman versus runway ready.
I spotted Eden Carson (L) and Kari Dern (R) in the Hampden Park. They each had such a wonderfully mysterious and exotic look. Out of intrigue, I had to introduce myself.
Model and designer, Eden Carson, has an eye and love for fashion. As someone who loves the fashion beauty culture and the uniqueness it brings, Eden is drawn to one of a kind items and feels his Eastern/boho style reflects this. He was “instantly attracted to Kari’s brilliant crystal jewelry” that fit his free spirited eccentric look. His cotton cream genie pants are from a fair trade foreign imports boutique in Hampden called Caravanserai. The white sheer button down was created by Eden himself. The whole look is a true nomadic and artistic masterpiece!
Like Eden, I was drawn to the bold and powerful crystal necklaces, rings and bracelets both were wearing that looked more like wearable art than jewelry. Kari – the artist of these spectacular pieces – recently moved to Baltimore from New York City. Her passion and love for fantasy and all things whimsical manifests well in her crystal jewelry. She has created her own unique style, while maintaining animal cruelty-free by sticking to woven textile cords instead of leather. Kari admittedly likes to push the boundaries with her style and is influenced by fantasy, science fiction, and nature. She feels that crystals “are an incredible gift from Mother Earth.” They also would be a well-received gift on my arm and neck…(wink,wink)! Her jewelry is sold on Instagram, @kariscrystals, and at a few stores in Baltimore.
Each piece has its own unique energy and vibration and comes with a story about the history, mythology, or energetic properties of the crystal. Kari wears her pieces every day and each can be adjusted to multiple lengths to suit any outfit. I find them stunning and a couture art form in contrast to the common stone necklace. These big statements pieces not only give you a double dose of harmony and healing, but will surely get you noticed for your unrivaled style. Peace, love and uniqueness…all in the pursuit of fashion!
Priscila Machado was looking stunning in her black long sleeve dress from Forever 21, and sweater from Zara that she was wearing to work on a Monday. My jaw hit the floor when she told me where she purchased these items. She looked like she could have walked right out of a pricey couture boutique on the Upper East Side. Priscila labeled her style as a mixture of urban chic with occasional tropical motifs, depending on her mood that day. Priscila loves fashion (and even costume history), because it directly correlates with how someone feels and serves as a way to choose how the world will see them at a certain time.
“In order to cater to my different moods I always make sure I have enough essential pieces in my closet – which might mean a few more black pieces than needed – that I can layer with statement and trendy jewelry, interestingly constructed clothing items or accessories, and stylish shoes,” she said. The philosophy of dressing for how the world sees you is the message I talk about in my etiquette classes. The importance of not dressing for your current job, but for the job you want. Priscila looks like she could be running the whole business with the image that she portrayed.She chose a black long sleeve dress for comfort, the deconstructed sweater and tassel earrings for a stylish look, and finished it off with her favorite flats from Schutz, a trendy Brazilian footwear company that she used to work for in New York City. In this ensemble she felt comfortable, but still chic, a little edgy, and presentable for work.
The tassel is one of my personal favorite accessories; whether it’s on a sleek pair of earrings that are sophisticated enough to wear to work, or a pair of jean shorts for a sexy boho look. I also love – and have – tassels on handbags, dresses and sandals. One of my friends, developer Mark Manzo, even asked if I would start designing tassel and pom pom flip flops for men so they can share in this fun style. Hmmm…not a bad idea…I’ll have to give that one some thought!
