Tondaleya's epStyle Blog

Kmart Launches New Exclusive Apparel Collection for Plus-Size Women

2011-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Kmart Launches New Exclusive Apparel Collection for Plus-Size Women

Top 10 Sexiest Products for Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Sexiest Products for Valentine's Day

Fashion Week Lives on ESSENCE.com!

2011-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week Lives on ESSENCE.com!

William Rast Refocuses on Contemporary American-Made Denim With New Design and Sales Team

2011-02-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

William Rast Refocuses on Contemporary American-Made Denim With New Design and Sales Team

Let It Snow....In Style!

2011-02-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, in style! Snuggle in the latest fur jacket styles by Matthew Williamson. Shop this look on a budget by scoping looks of faux fur, tailored silhouettes, belted waist...all in soft grays. Details are the key! Plow through the snow and fridget weather with boots that keep the toes warm and the style meter HOT!

Boots by Thakoon
Hats by Forever 21

The $27.50 Sequin Holiday Dress

2010-11-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

Kick off the holidays in this little number. A sexy detailed two-tone sequin dress with a flattering asymmetric one shoulder look that is sure to turn heads!

Pumps by Michael Antonio
Hair Accessories by Topshop

Sex it Up with Animal Prints!

2010-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am loving the fall highlights featuring animal prints. It is one sure staple that will never die! Sex up your wardrobe with a touch of animal print and add fashion flair with gold accessories, bags and shoes.

Cocktail Dresses by Alberto Makali
Pumps at DSW

Vintage Glam: Red Lips

2010-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Step up the Glam....go Vintage Glam with red lips!

The fall brings changing colors of orange, yellow and red. Well, your just a runway away from what has been featured as a hot color for this year's fall look. Yes, its time for change....positive, bold change! No more blah naturals or pretty pinks. Go back a decade or two and remember the carefree times of style and daring moves of fashion. Step up the glam, your glam...go vintage glam with red lips.

Boots by Alexander McQueen
Makeup & Travel Bags by Sephora

Be Catty! Leopard Print Style

2010-09-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Fall style is at your fingertips. Leopard is HOT this fall and is bolder than every with red accents and skinny jean pairings. This is a look you can take all the way to the streets....go ahead be catty, every fashion kitten knows how to flaunt their style.

Cardigans by Topshop
Boots at Zappos

Tiffany & Co. new fall tote

2010-09-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am loving the new fall tote by Tiffany & Co. It is a reversible plush suede in signature blue and a high gloss platinum. It is a great piece to compliment with your prized Tiffany & Co. jewelry and accessories.

Totes by Tiffany & Co.
Bracelets by Tiffany & Co.

CONFUSED…..by Style?

2010-06-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

epStyle e-Magazine

The Man’s Guide to Style

This section is especially for men who have long needed fashion counseling. It is the answer to all your style questions and more. Don’t be left in the dark! We will give you the straight-forward, and sometimes revealing, responses to style and all things fashion.

She Hates the Way I Dress, Why?

It’s 8’oclock pm and she is standing at the door looking as though she just saw an alien. The relentless words stream from her lips “you are NOT going anywhere with me dressed like that”. I responded “what’s wrong with the way I am dressed”. Boy, was that the wrong question to ask. I kind of blacked out of the conversation when I heard “you look like your going to a football game, not out to dinner”. Plus, my favorite team was playing on the television. Hey, it was 4^th quarter… the last 5 minutes of the game, what else was I suppose to do?

This scenario is faced by many couples, you’re not alone. The best solution to making everybody happy is to find a Stylegation. A Stylegation is a term used to identify a way to compromise for the sake of fashion. Give a little to get a little! Now, men… this is not hard. It is not rocket science and is not as painstaking as many of you have claimed it to be. You can do it!

It’s not that we as women “hate” the way you dress; it is that you tend not to dress for the occasion. There are three forms of dress, not one. Your wardrobe should consist of three types of clothing: the casual gear you wear when you are hanging out with the boys, the business or work outfits that are needed according to your job and that “meet her expectations” gear that is often use to impress your date or a group of her friends. Yes, I know this can be a bit confusing but women like to date men who can impress their friends. Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you are witty, handsome or even likable…. if you can show a sense of pride in the way you look and have a touch of fashion sense, you are already on the right track.

Now, how do you accomplish this? The next time you go to the store to buy those t-shirts and baseball caps, visit the clothing sections that house button down shirts, blazers, classic jeans and comfortable “dress shoes”. You don’t need to be in a suit to look well groomed. Your selection of color, texture and cohesiveness is all you need to develop a suave style. Don’t be afraid of color. Impress your mate with colors that appeal to them. A man’s accessory is his watch and belt. You should spend a little extra for those accessories and pick something that is classic and stylish not flashy. Top off your look with a splash of alluring cologne and you are out the door with all the style you need.

Memorial Day Style

2010-05-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Need style tips for the Memorial Day weekend? Shop exclusive sales not offered in the stores.... Dereon, Fredricks of Hollywood, DeLias, Phat Farm, Stacy Adams, Zappos, Ed Hardy and more.... Check it all out in this month's issue of epStyle. And, before you wear those new sandals, read our new Beau-ideal article on "Flattering Feet". Visit us at www.epstyle.com.

John Alfaro Swimwear: Viva La Moda Fashion Show

2010-05-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

We entered the warehouse showroom of John Alfaro Swimwear to be greeted by an extended runway lined with white chairs. The lights danced with color while music filled the room. Before the show begun, I had the opportunity to view some of John Alfaro’s designs up-close and personal. The designs featured golden yellow and sparkling animal printed cut-out one piece, as well as metallic blue and striped bikinis. John Alfaro designs have become a staple in El Paso. As women, it is sometimes difficult to find a swimsuit that fits perfect. John Alfaro has provided a solution. After the show, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Alfaro to talk about his show and designs.

epStyle: What is your inspiration for your designs?

John Alfaro: I think my inspiration for my swimwear is my kids, my family.

epStyle: Do you design clothing as well?

John Alfaro: Yes, I’ve started designing like dresses, summer dresses.

epStyle: Since there are no large bodies of water in El Paso, why would you design bathing suits?

John Alfaro: Okay, the reason is that we have the sand, we don’t have the water. In El Paso it is known as the international market for fashion, so I think I am the first one designing swimwear here.

epStyle: So are your pieces also sold outside of the El Paso market?

John Alfaro: We promote in Las Vegas, we are starting to promote in Mandalay Bay in Vegas.

epStyle: What is the price range for your designs?

John Alfaro: The prices are between $49.00 and $89.00 dollars.

epStyle: And these are custom-made. So what is the procedure for getting a custom-made John Alfaro Swimsuit?

John Alfaro: Customers just call in and we take measurements. Yes, we schedule fittings.

epStyle: So if a customer wants to get a custom-made bathing suit how can they contact you.

John Alfaro: They can reach me by phone at 915-351-2820 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 915-351-2820 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.*

epStyle: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. It was a lovely fashion show and I look forward to seeing your summer design dresses and more pieces from you.

John Alfaro: Yes, it was a pleasure meeting you. We have a lot of new stuff that we didn’t show today. We have another show coming up in May.

*John Alfaro Swimwear is located at 1712 Texas Ave in front of the El DIARIO building.

Go to www.epstyle.com for article photos and more!

Sign of the Times: 2010 will see natural, romantic style, military details and global influences

2010-04-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate shopper and I absolutely love fashion! With years of fashion training and admiration, I am often challenged to predict fashion trends of upcoming seasons. Most of my predictions thrive from the undoubtedly “signs of the times”.

What are these “signs of the times”? It is those characteristics that help shape the interest of consumers and fashion lovers alike. Fashion is an expression, a movement or non-verbal emotion that is ever-changing.

A top look prediction going into the New Year will lean towards a more natural, romantic style. These are the styles that were popular during the Victorian era and bring back the portrayal of women as strong, urban, social contributors to fashion. This look includes bullfighter style jackets, laced tops and sheer full skirts with several layers and ruffles.

As war on terrorism continues, there will be strong influences from the military for many years to come. This influence is a subliminal expression towards how we feel about our military’s involvement in the war on terrorism. Shirts with military-style collars, embellished with shiny buttons and a much tailored fit, will be created in bold, rich colors like chocolate and burgundy. These jackets will be paired with pencil-style skirts with side-seamed pockets.

War on Terrorism has brought more recent attention to global cultures and customs. The heightened awareness of fashion in other cultures will influence fashionable trends. Color combinations like purple, red, orange and yellow will flow together effortlessly in fabrics like silk, chiffon and organza. Paisley-patterns will make a comeback to pair up with denim revealing a hint of old '70s charm.

The perfect jacket will be short, marking the waist and highlighting high-waist pants or skirts. These cropped jackets are accented with leather, fur, satin and other luxurious fabrics.
The color predictions for the season are Green and Orange. Romantic, emerald shades of green and burnt shades of orange will be the highlight to tailored-fitted suits and box-necked shirts that featured wrap-tie belts to accent the waist.

The fashion designer to admire this coming season is Roberto Cavalli. Mr. Cavalli’s creation of fresh, affordable clothing lines offers a great deal of attention to detail and elegance for all fashion admirers.

Runways all over the world have featured these predictions as well as several other trends based on the previews of Designer collections and up-trends in the clothing, textile and accessories designs.

The fashion predictions presented in this article are strictly the predictions expressed by myself and are not necessary the fashion trends of industry professionals and experts. My predictions take into account the “signs of the times” and how fashion can be influence by other social factors.

All that glitters is not gold

2010-04-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Merchant of Venice, 1596, Shakespeare

MOROCCO:O hell! what have we here?

A carrion Death, within whose empty eye.

There is a written scroll!

I'll read the writing. All that glitters is not gold;

Often have you heard that told:

Many a man his life hath sold.

But my outside to behold:

Gilded tombs do worms enfold.

Had you been as wise as bold,

Young in limbs, in judgment old,

Your answer had not been inscroll'd:

Fare you well; your suit is cold.

This year white gold and sterling silver are making its comeback. So which is best? Sterling Silver is less expensive than any other tone of gold. It is softer so it is best used for jewelry not worn everyday or for extended periods. It is also prone to oxidization and should be cleaned often. The types of jewelry which are best in Sterling Silver are dress rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces. You should stay away from Sterling Silver when purchasing engagement or wedding rings. White gold is just one of many tones of available gold. White gold actually contains some silver.

Did you know, in order to keep white gold pretty you should protect it by applying a coat of Rhodium which is another white metal that is very similar to platinum. Who knew? Rhodium will make the white gold look whiter but it will wear off and should be reapplied every 12 to 18 months.

There is no doubt that both of these metals are hot fashion items. And, with just a few little facts, you can determine which metal is best for you. When selecting, always determine the type of wear or occasion, price, care and quality of the jewelry you wish to purchase. Some of our most fashionable statements have been made using these metals and they are here to stay. Either way, your selection will put you at the top of this year’s fashion forward frenzy because "all that glitters is not gold”!

Bigger is Better: the perfect bag

2010-04-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

I love to carry a stunning big bag! A bag, your bag is an expression of your personality and style. So what does your bag say about you?

Professional style bags say" the woman carrying this bag is a sophisticated diva that pays close attention to detail. She is strong and resourceful, often pairing her bag with classic looks."

Trendy style bags say "the woman carrying this bag is trendy with a bubbly personality. She takes pride in knowing what fashion forward is and spends time selecting items that help her appear as such."

Creative style bags say "the woman carrying this bag is expressive. She is artful and creative. She pairs her bag with other eclectic jewelry pieces that always express a personal meaning."

Fashion Forward style bags say "the woman carrying this bag is an attention grabber that is not afraid of being noticed. She is carefree and stylish, often pairing her bag with designer looks."

It is always chic to accessorize your outfit with a classically chic designer bag. I know what you’re thinking! “Why did she say “designer” bag?” There is more handbag Designers than ever before.

Many have discovered that THE bag is just as important as the outfit and a much needed accessory. I went on a hunt to find the best handbag designers with big style. These designers are featuring some of the hottest styles for the Spring 2010 and looks that fit your personal style.

This Spring’s look is full of gorgeous ruffled rose designs. Valentino Vertigo offers this handbag with beautiful style.

New and Improved epStyle e-Magazine Website

2010-04-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

epStyle has undergone a transformation! We have listened to our readers and incorporated easier to read pages and more opportunities to interact with our readers. I am excited about our growth and offer a huge and sincere thank you to our publisher Monica Tucker of Mocha Publishing! Fierce, Fabulous and Fashion-Forward.....that's epStyle!

More local features, more blogging and more opportunities for you to always be on top of your style game. Stay tuned for more exciting issues.

Welcome aboard Make-Up Artist extraordinare, Veronica! Check out her feature in this months issue.