Stylehive Blog

Meet Qristyl Frazier, The Plus-Size Designer From Lifetime's Project Runway

QS_STYLISTA@stylehive.com (Qianna Smith) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:18:40 PDT

In the world of reality television, full-figured fashion designers are all but ignored. Lifetime's "Project Runway" season six contestant Qristyl Frazier is determined to change that. The 42-year-old St. Louis, Missouri, native broke ground as the first plus-size designer to be featured on "Project Runway," but that's only the beginning. The "Plus-Sexy" reality star, whom Tim Gunn calls "a hoot," spoke with ESSENCE.com about her plans to revitalize full-figured fashion and design for Oprah -- and reveals how not even Michael Kors can get in her way. Head over to the Essence blog for the full interview!

Enter To Win One Of THREE Jewelry Goodie Bags From Hello Drama!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:20:40 PDT

If you've ever been in high school, joined a sorority, or had a roommate (or even just friends, for that matter), you've probably experienced what many like to call "drama." Think that ship has sailed? Well, not quite! Turns out there's some drama of a different sort headed our way, except this kind won't make you run for the hills or do things that fall under the category of snarky/passive aggressive. Hello Drama jewelry was created by designers and Nylon Pink band members Katt and Kaila, who cite rock, lyrics, and anime as inspiration for their girly, kitschy, and over all edgy collection. The jewelry packs some serious attitude, but is cute and clever too! Read on for an interview with the Hello Drama design duo, and find out how you can score a jewelry goodie bag worth $50!

Jewelry From Litter SF Is Everyone's Treasure!

PaulineM@stylehive.com (Pauline Montupet) — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:21:40 PDT

Sick and tired of your usual jewelry? It's time to look beyond the boring bracelet and necklace and look to LITTER. No-- not the trash you find on the street, the line of jewelry created by the dynamic sister duo Mackenzie Burdick and Rachael Mann. The girls make shoe chains, rings, headpieces and all sorts of other unexpected things that have me coveting every single chain link they put their hands on. The entire collection has an expected toughness to it and lends itself perfectly to that rough and tumble aesthetic I've been known to rave about time and again. Turn your shoes into one-of-a-kind pieces with their fashion forward shoe jewelry. Take a simple t-shirt into extraordinary with one of their chain harnesses. Chain rings and ear cuffs as well as some crazy sterling silver cougar claws round out the collection of eclectic jewelry. I took a minute to pick the brains of this San Francisco-based duo and find out what goes on in those creative little heads of theirs. Read on to find out more, and check out the slideshow to see some the designs. You can purchase them on Littersf.com.

Meet Designer Nina Nikicio, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:25:40 PDT

If anyone has had the misfortune of breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, then you've probably had the urge to stay in your room all day, watch bad movies, and wear the same thing for 2 weeks straight. While I can't help you with your choices of movies, it may be worthwhile to take a look at Nina Nikicio's newest diffusion line oneandahalf. Her first collection, entitled "Heartbreak" boasts affordable prices from $16-$55. Instead of wearing sweats that have seen better days, "Heartbreak" features shirts and blazers with detachable arms, collars, and cuffs that provide endless variations. That means no one will ever know that shirt dress you wore yesterday is the same as the sleeveless vest you're wearing today! With a monochrome black, white, and gray color pallete, it's easy to mix, match, and never clash. Indonesian-born and Singapore-based designer Nina Nikicio started her eponymous fashion line in 2006 after attending Lasalle College of The Arts in Singapore and earning a diploma in fashion design. She's certainly keeping busy with two fashion lines! I got a chance to find out what inspired Nina for her latest collection and what we can expect to find in the near future. Click here to visit the oneandahalf site and contact them directly to order. Read on for the interview and click the slideshow to see her oneandahalf line.

Meet Designer KahriAnne Kerr, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:25:40 PDT

I love reading success stories from people who grew up in small towns and make it in the Big Apple. KahriAnne Kerr is no stranger to small towns. She grew up in a farm in Tripoli, Iowa which she describes as "a tiny town in the middle of no where" and taught herself how to sew and design clothes. After going to school for fashion design and moving to New York City in 2003, you can now find her designs online and in boutiques all around the world! Her fashion line Kahri has found celebrity fans such as Fergie, Aubrey O'Day, and Paris Hilton. With her motto: "Be Rebellious!" it's easy to see why women looking for unique designs go to Kahri. Her inspiration for her Spring 2009 "Baby Love" collection came from listening to music from the 1960s and she hits the right notes with clothes that the modern day pin-up girl will want to wear. Her clothes are sexy without being trashy and it's definitely not something you can find at the mall! Keep reading to learn about how she's using fashion to fight cancer and click the slideshow to see her Spring 2009 "Baby Love" collection!

Meet Koi Suwannagate, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:22:40 PDT

Fashion designer Koi Suwannagate first came to my attention when she collaborated with Phillip Lim for his Spring 2007 collection (remember those rosette dresses that were sold out everywhere?). Also in 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue chose the designer as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Born in Bangkok and now designing out of Los Angeles, Koi is known for her romantic designs and signature draped cashmere pieces. It's easy to see why Kirsten Dunst, Oprah Winfrey and Christina Ricci have all worn pieces by Koi! We got a chance to talk to Koi, amidst her busy schedule, about who her favorite designers are and what we can expect from her next! Read on to see the interview and check out the slideshow to see her favorite pieces from her Spring collection, as well as a few beautiful looks that you can purchase from her online store.

Meet Shoe Designer Martha Davis, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:25:40 PDT

While I am proud to be a San Francisco native, I know it's definitely not a fashion capital like New York or Paris. So my fashion spider sense definitely perked up when I heard about a local shoe designer making waves in the fashion scene. Originally from the East Coast, Martha Davis moved to San Francisco eight years ago for a job and never left. Looking to create something of her own after years of working in industrial design, Martha went to Milan where she enrolled in the Ars Sutoria program to learn everything about footwear. Lucky for me, I got a look of her current Spring 2009 shoe line and a preview of her upcoming Fall collection. Wearing a raw edged ruffle dress and mismatched shoes (from her line, of course!), Martha was a gracious host on the rooftop terrace of a posh hotel on the San Francisco waterfront. Everyone oohed and ahhed over the shoes and those with small enough feet got to try on the samples! Can you believe the shoes are made in the same Italian factory used by Chanel and Chloe? The leather is butter soft and even the tallest boots are generous enough to fit any calf shape without any zippers! By the way, every woman I asked wearing Martha's shoes said they were super comfortable. In the Bay Area? Her shoes can be found in Metier in San Francisco and Deliciouz in Walnut Creek. For everyone else, Shopbop will be carrying her collection in June! Mark my words, Martha Davis is a name to watch out for. Click the slideshow for some droolworthy shoes.

Enter To Win A Set Of Hair Products From WEN By Chaz Dean, Worth $164!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:10:40 PDT

You may think your outfit is the bottom line when it comes to how you look, but anyone who's ever had a bad hair day knows that's just not the case! Even your best outfits don't feel quite right when your hair doesn't do its part, or does too much-- frizz, anyone? Coloring treatments and daily blow drying/straightening alone can cause a fair amount of damage, and that doesn't even take into account other factors like harsh weather and chemicals! But before you throw in the towel and resign yourself to a future filled with hats and last resort ponytails, let us introduce you to the WEN collection from Chaz Dean Studio. WEN is definitely not your typical hair care line- there's no shampoo! Instead of lathering your hair with chemicals, WEN cleansing conditioners use astringent and antibacterial elements to clean hair, while adding sheen, moisture, and strength. In formulas like fig, cucumber, aloe, sweet almond mint, tea tree, and lavender, you can be sure your hair will smell as wonderful as it is healthy! We spoke to Chaz Dean Studio about their hair treatments, favorite products, and advice for chronic blow dryers- click READ MORE to see what they had to say, and find out how you can win a WEN gift set!

Enter To Win A $500 Handbag From Beautiful People Design!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:20:40 PDT

Searching for a new handbag can be harder than it sounds! You want something stylish but not too trendy, something noticeably high-quality but not drenched in labels, and something that you can lug life's necessities around in... without spending your monthly rent. Oh, and it has to look good too. Sound familiar? Turn to Beautiful People's collection of classic, feminine styles the next time you're yearning for a new handbag. Designed by former children's book illustrator Johanna Boccardo, Beautiful People handbags are full of inspiration and whimsical appeal, balanced with clean lines and supple leather for an everyday, yet extra special look. The current Spring/Summer 2009 collection, titled CAPULET, has just what you'd expect from a Shakespearean-inspired line, with subtle rose details, soft, feminine shapes, and deep, earthy colors. Take a look at the big bucket bag, in smooth or crinkled calfskin with plenty of pockets. For a playful evening bag, the little rose is on our wishlist- the rosette detail combined with the classic chainlink strap is irresistible. Click READ MORE to learn more about Johanna and Beautiful People in our interview, and see how you can win the 'Juliet' handbag for yourself!

And The Winner Of The Badass Hair Giveaway Is...

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:12:40 PST

Hair products are an essential part of any beauty routine-- trust me, nobody with fabulous-looking hair got it looking that way without at least a little help from gels, creams, sprays, and serums. Scott Fontana, stylist and creator of super fun line Badass Hair, knows what's up- his collection of hair products caters to every need your mane could possible have. Last week we introduced you to Scott and his line, and told you all about how you could win a set of Badass Hair products. I'm kind of relieved that it's time to choose a winner because I've had the products sitting on my desk for weeks now, and let me tell you, you want these products. In order to be entered to win them we asked you to tell us about the celeb who you thought has the most badass hair- was your answer the one we chose? Just click READ MORE to find out.