MY INTERVIEW WITH KC FASHION DESIGNER ANDREA LONG

KU alumae and Kansas City native Andrea Long made waves at the most recent Kansas City Fashion Week in March with her feminine and classic designs. Since first participating in the show in Spring 2013, Long has become a household name among Midwest fashionistas.

I got the incredible opportunity to sit with Long and talk about her start, present and future in designing. Check out my interview below!

KEEPIN' UP WITH ASOS

My love and work for ASOS continues this semester as I plan and coordinate events to promote the brand. The latest was a spring break event only complete with a photo shoot and scavenger hunt it was a blast hanging out with friends and rewarding them with ASOS goodies. 

Next up: Finals study break in 2 weeks! I can't believe my experience with ASOS is almost at it's end but I can't be grateful enough for the experience and lessons it has taught me in planning, promoting and communication. Cheers to ASOS!

ASOS SPRING BREAK

This week, I hosted my first big ASOS event of the spring semester. I lock started spring break with fun activities to promote ASOS including a photo booth and a scavenger hunt. Here are some of my favorite images!

DESIGNER DIGS FOR A COLLEGE BUDGET

Us college girls are always trying to be on top of our fashion game but it always comes at a price. We want the latest and greatest... with some left over cash to hit the bars after the shopping spree in our new digs. Stores both online and down the street have made desginer brands easily attainable for those of us on a budget. Check out some of my favorites!

Target: Surprise! Target does carry designer labels. Target collaborates with popular and upcoming deisgners for seasonal collections. Their most recent collab is with the dynamic duo Peter Pilotto. Pieces range from $16.99-$79.99.

6pm: 6pm is another online store with fabulous markdowns on your favorite brands. There is no annoying subscription and there's a new special every week! Check out Fossil, Frye, Cole Haan and French Connection. 6pm offers free shipping and returns as well!

Plato's Closet: Sift your way through the loaded racks of Plato's Closet to find the hottest brands. They carry a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories of a wide range of prices and styles. I found my favorite Jeffrey Campbell shoes here for only $17! A little digging and searching is worth it for the amazing deals you can find here. Most of the clothes are gently used. however there are quite a few items with tags still attached!

Nordstrom Rack: Ever wonder where your favorite pieces from Nordstrom go when it's out of season? They go to the Rack! Nordstrom's Rack is Nordstrom's little sister that house the mark downs and season's past of Nordstrom. Find everything you love and buy from Nordstrom including jewelry, accesories, clothing, shoes, perfume, makeups all discounted. The Rack carries the same brands as Nordstrom like Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, French Connection and Dior, That Michael Kors satchel you've been eyeing? It's now 50% off at Nordstrom's Rack!

ASOS: Online fashion giant, ASOS, offers British and upcoming American designers at a range of prices. They carry brand favorites like Free People, Mink Pink and Vivienne Westwood. They're quality is undeniable and they literally sell any clothing item imaginable! Check out the sale items- up to 70% off designer and ASOS labels, everyday! And shipping and returns are free!

TJ Maxx: Become a "maxxinista" by shopping at TJ Maxx for your favorite designer labels. However, they specialize in handbags and accessories when it comes to designer labels. They carry Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden at discounted prices! The perfect place to look like a diva without breaking the bank.

NYFW FROM YOUR SCREEN

You don't have to be a New York native or a celeb to check out the glitz and glam of NYC Fashion Week. This past week, I took pride and joy on consistently creeping my way through the week on my favorite designer's and blogger's Instagrams. Check out my favorite moments as seen through the eyes of the designers!

Lela Rose's entire collection features shades of ivory
and white with delicate silver and gold decals.
You'll be swooning... and planning your wedding.

The fierce and feisty collab of Mark and Estel
brought NYFW a trendy and wearable ensemble.



The gorgeous gowns of Zac Posen.

Black and Sparkle glam from Jill Stuart!



My favorite set: Diane von Furstenberg

MY PICKS FROM PETER PILOTTO FOR TARGET

Peter Pilotto takes the term "mix and match" to a whole new level with his new line for Target. This fun and funky collection makes dressing for spring break a trendy breeze. The patterns are bright, the colors, eclectic and the collection? Perfect. Do some spring cleaning and make room for these closet must haves! The collection includes blouses, tanks, shorts, skirts, pants, (stop for breathe), sunnies, towels, swim wear, beach shoes and totes! Check out my favorites and find your when the line hits Target stores tomorrow!

THE DRESS CUT FOR EVERY BEAUTIFUL BOD

The Pear: This figure comes with a small waist and a little junk in the trunk. Choose a dress that will flatter your figure by finding the perfect cinched waist. This will emphasize your small waist and add a little flare to show off your bootilicious curves. If your feeling feisty, channel Christina Aguilera for a tighter look to rock your perfect curves!


Petite: Find the perfect dress for the smaller woman by not loading on the fabric. Keep it minimal to show off your petite figure with a bodycon dress. Just remember this tip: your dress should be long enough to cover the goods but short enough to keep it interesting! Eva Longoria is the perfect example of a well-dressed, petite woman!

Short Torso: Shout out to girls like me! Not to be mistaken with the petite figure, the short torso often has long legs; perfect for a line- dresses that create elongating lines to make your mid-section appear longer. Check out my look from my December formal!

Hourglass: Nothing is sexier than a pin- up figure. Work those curves with a flared skirt and corset bodice that shrinks your waist and emphasizes your beautiful curves. We all know Kim Kardashian is the queen of rocking her curves and dressing them properly. Work it, honey!

Busty: Maintain the girls with a thick-strapped dress. The straps will keep you comfortable while adding extra support for the perfect look and feel. Choose the bodice you like best whether it be flared or a line! Channel diva, Jennifer Hudson for inspiration!

Shorts Legs: Make your legs appear longer with the magic of maxis! Maxi dresses and skirts create the same illusion as the a-line for petite women by creating straight lines, elongating your legs.  Pair with heels or wedges for that extra boost! Vanessa Hudgens is a frequent wearer of maxi dresses to create this illusion!

The Apple: If you carry most of your weight in your mid-section, choose loose fitting dresses that wont cling and stick to your body. Dress it up and make it flirty with fun patterns and cuts! This look is perfect and breezy for summer or pair with tights to keep warm in the winter. The ever-funny Rebel Wilson perfected this look and cut and looks beautiful while doing so!

Small Chested: Volumize your chest by choosing dresses with fun and flirty ruffles. The ruffles along with other accents will create a feminine look and emphasize the chest area! Natalie Portman is the perfect model for this look!

*All pictures were used with permission from Creative Commons.