Toms©~The Summer UGG

Trends come and go, they become a staple in our society, the do's & don'ts of fashion, you know the things that we see almost daily and while some of us choose to participate, others simply look beyond the best "new" thing. I decided to see beyond the UGGs trend and this summer, especially in recent weeks its been about a shoe called Toms©!!

I've started to see more and more people both male & female wear Toms© slip on shoes and while I have a right to my opinion, I honestly didn't see what was so appealing about the shoe.

However, I did some research in The Lab because I was naive about the brand and wanted to be informed. In doing so I became aware of the man behind Toms© Blake Mycoskie and found out about the amazing social responsibility that the Toms brand was built on, and I could never be more intrigued. This is a company that really believes in giving back, founded on this principle in 2006 and at years end in 2010 had donated more than 1 Million pairs of Toms slip on shoes through their One for One Mission Program.

I will definitely be looking into how Phasionlab can help Toms to continue to give back, because I believe in their cause, and well anything related to phasion & giving back is what I love to do. I hope you enjoyed this read as much ad I enjoyed doing the research for it.

Until Next Time,
Choose Phasion, Not Fads©

~Kia

Lab Doll Approved

Hello Dolls & Gents!
It doesn't take much to get your closet where it needs to be for great organization, you just need to set the time aside to get it done.

I want to share with you guys one of my favorite closet accessories. The "Skubb" shoe box, they come in a Qty of 4 and will cost you $9.99 at your local IKEA store.
They are one of my favorite go-to items when organizing clients closets, and one that I rely on to keep my closet floor clear of shoes =). They have a mesh front that makes it easier to see which shoes your selecting, are very affordable and won't tend to take up much space in or out of your closet.

Be on the lookout for more tips & ideas on how to keep your wardrobe working for you, for every season. And as always, If you need assistance contact Phasionlab so that a stylist can assist you with your "Fashion Fix" Today!!

Until Next Time,
"Choose Phasion, Not Fads"

Kia

Are you ready for Spring?!

I sat down with Allegra Johnson contributor of Urban Media Today and talked about Spring Cleaning your Wardrobe...Check it out on http://urbanmediatoday.com/feature-story.html

Spring Fashion Trends

Spring has sprung and it’s time to spring clean your wardrobe.  When it comes to fashion and style spring is one of the best seasons to experiment with colors and textures.  Bright colors, patterns and layering ruled the runways this year. 

Takiya Lance, personal stylist and owner of Phasionlab has some tips and trade secrets on some of this season’s hottest trends.  UrbanMediaToday’s Allegra Johnson spoke with Lance on how “real people” can take looks straight off the runway and into their closets.  And if you ever wanted to know how to tell a friend they don’t look so hot, Lance has an answer for that too. 

Allegra Johnson:  It's spring, how do you spring clean your closet?  What things should you keep for the spring and what should you toss?

Takiya Lance:  When spring cleaning, ask yourself one simple question, would I purchase and wear any of these garments right now? Hold onto your classics, a cardigan, white crisp button down shirt, pencil skirt, attire that will add versatility to your wardrobe and toss items that you are keeping for when "I can fit into it again".

AJ:  What are some of the hottest trends this spring?

TL:  This spring, designers offered lessons in geometry; pairing defined lines and lots of color.  Think of it as an upgrade to color blocking, we also saw lots of tribal and flowered patterns and pieces

AJ:  Can everybody wear every trend?  Neon colors are cute for young people who shop in the juniors department but how can you translate some of those trends for adults?

TL:  No, every trend is NOT for everyone.  For adults we must be wise when adding bright colors into our wardrobe.  Accent with bold colors, instead of making it your focal piece.  Know what your limits are, and let the colors POP as an added bonus to your fashion ensemble. 

AJ:  At Phasionlab you provide personal shopping, organization and personal styling.  As a stylist what do you do for your clients that they can't do for themselves?

TL:  Phasionlab offers knowledge, professional guidance, and experience.  We are not out to change who you are, but to outfit your life where you are.  Offering our clients recommendations based on what will compliment their personal style while staying within their budgets.

AJ:   How do you tell a friend or co-worker that you think they need to spruce up their wardrobe or look?

TL:  (You can say) We should go shopping sometimes LOL!! Seriously speaking though, from past experiences when I've given suggestions to co-workers or friends more often than not  they will heed to it and become more conscience of their attire and personal style.

AJ:  Why is so important that you feel confident in your clothing, no matter what style or trend you are wearing?

TL:  To me being confident in your choice of clothing no matter the style or trend screams "The World is My Catwalk", now being over confident can sometimes look as if you've missed the mark in its entirety.  Simplicity is the best form of showing off your personal style.  Try it!

AJ:  What is the one thing that every woman should have in her closet?  And what about the men?  What is the one thing every man should have in his wardrobe?

TL:  The one thing every woman should have, a "LBD"-Little Black Dress and while we all know it doesn't have to be black per se it should be the dress that can be worn for just about any occasion .  The necessary piece for men has by far become a sports coat.  Some businesses are making it a mandatory garment in order to even patronize their establishments. 

Now that Spring has sprung and somewhat disappeared in the Western Pa region, we all have time to "gear up" for the beautiful weather ahead and embrace it.  If you should need assistance with your wardrobe/Spring cleaning Phasionlab is currently offering 20% off! Contact Phasionlab  @ (412)425-4306 Twitter@Phasionlab

"After the RAINN"

A week ago today, Pittsburgh got to experience an event that was a step above the ordinary, "EnHergy 4 RAINN". Presented by Phasionlab, sponsored by Front Row Monthly, Clique Vodka, Carl Van Clothing, Ashley Nyack of N Mi' Klozet Fashion Design/Styling House, The Steelers Organization, Sewickley Gallery and Frame Shop, Media Kings, Creative Candy Concepts, Julie Smith-An Independent Stylist of Stella & Dot, Sewickley Spa, Fahrenheit 212 Salon, The Content Factory, Pilar Freeman-MUA, Courtney Holdrieth-MUA, Ashtyn Marino-MUA, and hosted by Comedian J.Russ. It was an evening of live art, fashion and food, three of my favorite things all wrapped into one extraordinary evening.

The live artist Dave Calfo & Brett C. Wormsley were superb and brought the "unexpected" to the event. There were so many wonderful artist involved and I appreciate everyone's donation, D.S Kinsel, Keith Bloom II, Alisha Wormsley, and Sarah Zeffiro. Thank you dolls & gents, I couldn't have asked for a better group of individuals to work with.

It's been a week of recuperating and boy was I exhausted. However I'd like to publicly Thank EVERYONE involved with the show, and share with you some of my favorite snap shots of the event, some photos were taken by Barry Felix, and more can be found on Facebook.com/FrontRowMonthly. Be on the look out for more fabulous events hosted by Phasionlab, as this was only the beginning of many more things to come.

Connect with us on Twitter @Phasionlab and on Facebook.com/Phasionlab

Until Next Time,
"Choose Phasion, Not Fads"©
-KIA

I Can Not Wait

It's TWO Days before one of the most anticipated shows that Pittsburgh will EVER experience-"EnHergy 4 RAINN". This show will feature live art performances, a fashion show, food, cocktails and a silent auction. Being held at The Society for Contemporary Crafts this is a charity show that will build awareness and funds for The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network.

It's been 6 months in the making and I'm still holding it together, currently not nervous, but full of excitement for this event to take place. I've got a dedicated team of professionals that have graciously poured their time and talent into making this event a success and I am FOREVER Grateful!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!

A Behind the scenes look: Hair is being styled by Fahrenheit 212 Hair Salon, Make-up by 2 of Pittsburgh leading artist; Pilar Freeman & Courtney Holdrieth. The models are being accessorized by Julie Smith-an independent stylist of Stella & Dot, and will be walking the catwalk with designs by Ashley Nyack of N Mi Klozet Designs, out of Baltimore, Md and Carl Van Designs of Pittsburgh.

Phasionlab is excited and we are looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy all of our hard work. Hope to see ya there-Still need a ticket? Purchase them at the door for $35!!

Until Next Time,
"Choose Phasion, Not Fads"
~Kia

PhasionLab RAINN Event

An quick interview with Urban Media Today, regarding "EnHergy 4 RAINN"
For more information about Phasionlab's production or Sponsorship opportunity go to...
http://e4rainn2012.eventbrite.com

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZy2jp4r47k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Phasionably Yours,
Kia

Facebook.com/Phasionlab

Prom Glam Give-A-Way...

Hey there Dolls and Gents!!
Its been really busy in The Lab and I'm sorry to have been M.I.A from the site, but if your following me on Twitter, well you haven't missed a beat.

I was recently told about an amazing event presented by The Allegheny Department of Human Services (DHS) called "Project Prom". It's a unique opportunity for young high school girls to be outfitted for prom with donated gently used gowns, shoes and accessories available. It's literally a one stop shop for just about everything that a girl would need to show up, and show out for her special night, maybe except for finding a date LOL!!

So I started thinking, how can PhasionLab help?! I'd be more than willing to assist in any manner, I mean it's fashion and glamour all the while making some young girl excited about going to prom.

Here in the lab we decided to do a giveaway to one lucky high school girl junior or senior. A giveaway unlike any other...A Personal Glam Squad that will be dedicated to making the winner look and feel gorgeous. The Phasion Fix Session will include a styling session, accessories, hair, and make-up, a $750 Value for FREE!! Just like the project prom campaign, everything that we do in the lab will be because of the thoughtfulness of others. REFLECT APPAREL in Settlers Ridge (Robinson, Pa) will be providing the wardrobe, Hair is being styled by Cierra Hudson, Make-up by Pilar Freeman, and styling by yours truly Kia. The lucky winner will have an experience that will be video taped and documented for everyone to see, and it's going to be Fabulous!!!
So what do you need to do to enter...Send info about your high school junior or senior to info@Phasionlab.com, please include contact information, prom date, clothing and shoe size. From the entries that we receive, 1 lucky winner will be selected as the winner.

For more information about Project Prom go to:
http://www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/projectprom.aspx

So what are you waiting for? GO!!

What is Your I.D?

Happy New Year & Welcome back to The Lab!

I am a person that loves to research, and on my most recent quest, I had to find out if Levi's newest line of jeans Curve I.D would hold up to its claims.
Introduced in August 2010, Curve I.D by Levi's uses a custom fit system focusing on a woman's shape and proportions rather than her size. Your measurements of the hip and seat is used as a guide, and then you are told which fit would work best for your build. I'm no longer a size 2, without any form of curve, I am now a size 6 with a very defined waist and "seat area"( my bootie). There are four different I.D's Slight Curve-to "celebrate straight figures", Demi-"for even proportions", Bold-"for genuine curves", and Supreme-"for the curviest of curves". I don't know about you but I value a great pair of jeans and normally that means finding one brand and making sure you have them in every rinse, wash and cut LOL!!

On the day I went to visit my local Levi's store, I had on what happens to be one of MY best pair of jeans to date. A pair of Old Navy "Diva" jeans. They fit me in all the right places, and there reasonably priced. I walked into the store already aware of which I.D was suggested to me via the online measuring system. I was approached by a young lady whom I informed that I was looking for "Bold I.D" jeans in skinny/straight fit, she asked me my size and I was given 3 pairs, ranging from sizes 27-29. The outcome of my personal I.D is below...let's just say I walked out without making a purchase, and maybe your experience will be different.