NYC Vegetarian Food Festival 2013

The annual NYC Vegetarian Food Festival is a great opportunity for anyone to see 1) the plethora of incredible options available to enjoy a fulfilling and even decadent vegan lifestyle and 2) many interesting, fascinating, well educated and informed speakers on various topics related to being or becoming vegan.
I've been to all 3 annual events and it's very exciting to have seen it grow every year.  Held at the Metropolitan Pavillion in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, NYC, it's clear that a bigger venue is now needed.  The lines wrapped around the corner and I heard stories of some people, who didn't buy tickets in advance, giving up after waiting for hours, or never got in at all.  That is a shame, as there is so much to see and learn!  On the Festival's web site, there is a heartfelt apology with a promise to do better with admissions next time.  Luckily I bought a VIP ticket.  It's not that much more than GA, there are discount offers run in advance and you are admitted right away.  That in itself, was worth the price.

Here are just a few things that stood out for me, from the weekend long event:

Why aren't commercial marshmallows vegan?  They are made with gelatin - which is derived from animal bone marrow.

Of course there was lots of food.  The free samples alone would fill you up in no time.  But there were also various vendors selling sandwiches, pastries, chocolate, ice cream & even sushi rolls!

The Sweet & Sara table is always a big hit.  Many flavors of marshmallow treats!  These are never made with gelatin.

My favorite food vendor is The Regal Vegan.  Chef Ella is amazing.  She served the most delicious calzones, stuffed with her famous "Basilicotta" and broccoli rape. OMG.  Have you tried her products "Faux Gras" and "Basilicotta"?  Delicious spreads made from all natural ingredients like lentils, walnuts, cashews & fresh basil.  Check the web site for stores that carry them. Yum, yum!

Chef Ella and me.  I look like I was in a food coma already, lol!

Another favorite at the festival were rows & rows of yummy cupcakes by Pink Frosting Bakery.  They are made without eggs or dairy and happen to also be gluten free.  No animal products, but not lacking in flavor. 

These babies made it to a dinner party later that evening.  No one even knew they were vegan, they just devoured these light, fluffy and moist cupcakes!

My favorite part of the festival is seeing all of the products and crafts.  All cruelty free (no animal testing) and all natural, plant based ingredients.

The Herbivore Clothing Company selling quality, comfy t shirts & sweatshirts made from bamboo & hemp.

Herbivore Clothing Company (with the US Veg Corp logo shining in the background)

 But for me, the highlight was the hand crafted jewelry!  The winner for me:  Michelle Leon Vegan Jewelry.  All of her designs are themed with the word "vegan" or use animal images.

I love this necklace, so pretty & delicate.  Accented with semi precious stones.

This is my favorite piece.  It says Vegan Life scrolled through it, accented with turquoise. It's so me.

Beautiful chunky bracelets scrolled with "vegan life".  Pricey, high quality designs.

Faux leather belt, sourced from Japan and a fantastic buckle.  I would wear this.

My other favorite is Mary Smith's Wired Up Creations.  All hand crafted pieces made from dehydrated vegetables or plants encased in non-toxic plastic or glaze.  Awesome.

Really cool necklaces

Earrings that make a serious statement

Then, of course were the animal advocates.  Here I am with my friend Beth at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary booth.  We went on a tour of the grounds in Saugerties, NY, last summer.  It was one of the best experiences of my life.  There, we were able to personally connect with animals that were all rescued from factory farms and abusive situations.  Pigs, chickens, horses, goats, roosters, cows, calves & sheep all have the most amazing personalities.  It was quite emotional and beautiful to see them all living out their natural lives with not a worry in the world.  It's 100 acres of pure love!

Me & my bestie Beth.  We <3 CAS!

This is Michelle Alvarez, Outreach Director at CAS.  She works closely with Kathy Stevens, the founder & Director.  She actually remembered us from our visit last year.  Well, we were really into the whole thing...and we're kinda loud.  So maybe we left an...impression (sheepish grin)?  Beth & I look forward to our next visit and plan to volunteer for them when they open again this spring.  Stay tuned for more news on that!

Me & Michelle Alvarez of CAS

An excellent feature of the festival are all of the great speakers.  We listened to Adam Sobel, founder of The Cinnamon Snail, an all vegan food truck that travels the NYC area, peddling the most delicious pastries and sandwiches.  He spoke about our diet and sustainability.  A big them this year among speakers was, besides vegan awareness and animal advocacy; ecological awareness and the impact factory farming has on the earth.  Many changes need to be made in order to sustain our food supply and health. He advised that it's not about being perfect all the time.  Instead, constantly check in with yourself.  What might you be doing to cause harm to others?  Using plastics, gas, labor, etc? These realizations can be a tool towards finding solutions & creating a non violent world.  I encourage you to learn more about that.  (Or ask me!)

Adam Sobel, creator of The Cinnamon Snail

We had the pleasure of listening to the most amazing Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary, one of the best known and respected animal sanctuaries in the country.  I actually sponsor a pretty little goat named Lily at the location in Watkins Glen, NY.  Gene spoke about making choices that simply align with our own values, not to mention our own interests.  It only makes sense to eat food that won't kill us.  This is not just about animals, but also about GMO produce farming and the huge environmental impact of the massive amount of fossil fuel it takes to raise factory farmed animals.  It's just not sustainable.

Gene Baur.  He is dreamy. 

Me & Gene Baur.  I was a little star struck and have pudding face ;-)

Another of my favorite speakers is Victoria Moran.  She is a vegan lifestyle coach and has written several books, the latest being "Main Street Vegan".  She really knows how to make a vegan diet easy, delicious and completely sensible. I would love to work with her!

Victoria Moran

At the end of the day, sure it was crowded, sure all of the information can get overwhelming, sure my feet hurt.  Personally, I found everyone - the vendors and the guests - so friendly, patient and open minded.  Everyone really wanted to share and learn.  It was completely worth it and I highly recommend it.  I'm looking forward to next year!

I'm Back! and...VAUTE COUTURE FASHION SHOW

Hey All!  I have been seriously lax with my blog, but that's about to change!  Catching up on an extremely busy couple of months, I have tons to share with you.  Here we go...

As if attending New York Fashion Week wasn't enough of a coup, I had the honor and privilege of being invited to their very first ALL VEGAN FASHION SHOW, featuring VAUTE COUTURE!!

I have been a fan of designer Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart since she started.  I own one of her winter coats and a rain jacket.  They are staples in my wardrobe.  Not only are her designs beautiful and vegan, but made right here in NYC from recycled materials.  Vegan, sustainable and supports local businesses??  I mean, what else could this Veganista, Fashionista, Compassionista ask for?? Whew, it just makes me verklempt!

When I purchased my coats, you could only buy on line, which you still can.  Now, Vaute Couture has opened their flagship in Brooklyn, NY!  It's decorated with all salvaged material, supporting her eco friendly, sustainable mission. It's a very cool place.

Leanne has been expanding from outerwear, to very cute & comfy vegan-message t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as vegan-oriented jewelry.  Her show at NYFW debuted her brand new designs including dresses, tops & bottoms for women and men.  The clothing is beautiful, the fabrics are lush and soft with an effortless but modern image. 
Vaute Couture had a very special guest that day. The Humane Society partnered with them to support rescue dogs.  A few of the ones up for adoption actually modeled in the show - sooo cute!

As an added bonus, we were served served mini pastries by Vegan Treats that were dee-lish!

You can read tons more about Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart and Vaute Couture through their website & Facebook page.  There are articles everywhere, now and were even featured on CNN.  I’m so excited for this amazing company to grow and show the world that there is NEVER a reason to use animals for anything! 

Let’s get to the good stuff.  The clothes!!

The models walked out and posed in an industrial chic room on steel platforms

I love the soft, purple color of this coat dress

A lovely, flattering yet comfortable shape in pretty blue

These body conscious & edgy outfits with the wax coated mc jackets are bad ass!

I love the shape & color of these trousers, paired with an mc jacket

The soft shapes of the clothes were offset with pretty and modern hairstyles by Champu, an all vegan hair salon in NYC

More cool hair dos by Champu

Love, this chunky cable knit hat

Now who wouldn't want their man to dress like that??

I adore the shape of this coat.  I might have to have it, myself!

Even the rescue dogs were super fashionable

Awesome V for Vaute? Varsity? Vegan? Sweater

So pretty!

Here's the back of the dress.  Had to show that bow!

Look at that face!  This little old man is up for adoption through The Humane Society.  Hope he finds a good fur-ever home!

Another adorable knit hat.  I love how the makeup made them look like dolls.

I noticed the women's shoes were by vegan designer Love Is Mighty.  So cool, made with candy wrappers!

The men's shoes were vegan designer BraveGentleMan  Love Joshua Katcher

Here's one of the mini cheese cakes (vegan of course!) from Vegan Treats.  Yum Yum!!

They had a photographer taking pics of guests.  Here I am in my Vaute Couture "Audrey" coat!  With me is my friend and client Emiko (in faux leather, btw)

They also had signs for us to hold with meaningful messages. I love how we stand "fo" justice ;-)

I hope you enjoyed the fashion show! As I was watching, I felt so emotional knowing that so many animals were saved as a result of these designs.  If you don't know the awful cruelty that goes on in attaining materials for fur, leather & wool, I encourage you to investigate.  Or ask me, I'm happy to point you to the information.  Thank you!!

FLOTUS & Inaugural Fashion

How STUNNING was our First Lady Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day today??  She has become a fashion icon, for her natural beauty, her American designer choices and not being afraid to use less expensive, off the rack pieces.  She couldn't be a more proud representation of American fashion!
Today, during the Inaugural walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, Mrs. Obama sported a stunning Thom Browne overcoat.

Michelle Obama in a Thom Browne overcoat on Inauguration Day Jan 21, 2013

She has worn this designer before, at one of the Presidential debates.  Curiously to me, other fashion blogs tag this as a "repeat", because it's the same designer.

Michelle Obama in Thom Brown during the 2013 Presidential Debates

But to me, there is nothing repetitive about Michelle's style, except that it's always right on the money. She knows her body, she knows her style, she knows occasion appropriate and age appropriate, without being overly conservative and frumpy.
Thom Browne is an interesting designer in that he is fiercely creative in his couture shows and yet his designs are curiously conservative.  The past 2 seasons runway shows were rather "futuristic", contrasting with the designs in mostly plaids, tweeds and monotones.  However, we see that the shapes are distinctively modern and can easily be paired with various other shapes and designs to individualize the look, as one likes.

Thom Browne Spring 2013 runway show

Thom Browne Pre-Fall 2013 collection

I think this is what Michelle Obama likes to do.  She is the FLOTUS, she is a mother, a wife, a daughter and she is her own woman.  Her personal style and her brand are clearly fearless, strong, mature, individual and American.  She is a style icon in the Jackie Kennedy "I know exactly what I'm doing and you can't mess with me" kinda way.

The great Jacqueline Kennedy as the First Lady

Michelle Obama in Jason Wu, Inauguration dinner

Bad ass and full of class.  I like it.

I will end this post with the wish that you all had a peaceful and meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Many of his speeches and quotes inspire me every day.  I'll leave you with this one:  "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter".   Immediately I think of my animal rights causes and my passion for speaking out against any kind of cruelty.
But it also makes me feel that talking about image, how we see ourselves, how we see each other and how we want to represent our spirits to the world, also matter.  Humans are visual beings. Image is a part of how we communicate with each other.  You matter and I believe it's OK to show who you are to the world and be acknowledged!! 

Liz Brennan "Sweater Song" video shoot

I had such a blast this past weekend with singer/songwriter Liz Brennan and 15 of her closest friends, styling the music video for her next single “Sweater Song”.

The initial meeting with her manager Emiko Carlin Pearce & director Tim Skousen (Leon, Awful Normal & 1^st asst director for Napoleon Dynamite), told me this was going to be at least a little bizarre and a lot improvised.   Cool!!

We had very little time to get this all together.  She had nothing to wear, a limited budget and the shoot was in less than a week. Normally I’d do look books & a pre shop, but there was no time to fully flesh that out.  We exchanged some ideas via email and jumped right in.  We spent 3 long days together and I focused on simultaneously getting to know her and her personal style, along with creating & finding pieces for the very specific costuming required for the shoot. 

I quickly discovered that Liz doesn’t want to just look like everyone.  In fact, she doesn’t want to look like anyone else. 

In addition, she is one of those artistically genius people that is constantly spewing ideas. I mean, it’s non-stop.  Some of what she comes up with is so “out there”, I had to rein it in because there just wasn’t time or budget to work it out.  But sometimes, she said something that was so interesting, we HAD to find a way to do it!!

So the challenge was to create these specific costumes for the story line, but make them look as if they were something Liz would normally wear and have her own stamp on them.  That was the only way she was going to feel comfortable and for her performance to look “real” in the video.  Considering Liz’s heroes & style icons are Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks, I had my work cut out for me.   We hit flea markets, downtown boutiques & high end department stores until we had just the right pieces. (Thankfully for the budget, the $3000 shoes at Bergdorf’s didn’t come in her size!)

Now as you can imagine, this was not going to be just any ordinary music video.  This was a full concept, time warp, Scooby-Doo-like crazy antics & suspense filled, fun fest, complete with dancing, poker, puppies on the loose and toasted marshmallows. 

Example of Scooby Doo antics

The video was shot at Liz's family's property in the Catskills, upstate, NY.  We shot and all stayed in a giant, old farm house, decorated with the most epic, 60’s & 70’s wallpaper I’ve ever seen…and I remember the 70’s! 

Liz and some epic wallpaper!

Everyone arrived the night before the shoot and gathered in the living room to see what was brought to wear.  The guidelines were to dress for a low key house party in the 60’s but be fashionable and try to work in a sweater.  A couple of other characters would be dressed from other eras. The logic? You’ll have to see it in the final cut, I’m not giving it away!  Liz’s friends were definitely up for the challenge and brought the cutest and funniest stuff.  My role wasn’t really to style them, but I couldn’t help myself, I jumped in to tweak some of the outfits and even added some of my own accessories.

Helayna: Houndstooth mini dress with hot pink stockings, gold slingback shoes & purple scarf.

Jinea:  In Liz's custom made, crochet mohair dress.  I pinned it up into a mini skirt length, paired with light pink stockings, boots & a scarf for her hair

Carolyn: Love the kitchy kitten sweater dress with the furry boots!

Touching up Hayley

For Hayley's 70's look I gave her hair a little winged curl, brightened the eye shadow & glossed up the lips

The disco diva is on!

Check him out!  Flashy, turquoise, Miami Vice meets MC Hammer dropped crotch suit.  I ironed his hair into a "Flock of Seagulls" do, which gave it the final 80's touch.  He was ready to pop & lock!

I had nothing to do with Ben's 90's outfit, but I just had to show it - rad, boyyyyzzzz!!!

And then there was LIZ…

Mod Girl: Too cool for school

I really wanted her to stand out, as the star of the video, so bright colors & bold patterns were the way to go.  This Mod style dress (found in her closet!), paired with polka dot hose (from Kate Spade) and white go-go boots (that I had from an old Halloween costume), did the job perfectly.  Those sunglasses are an authentic find from the 60’s at Artists & Fleas in Chelsea Market and have different colored interchangeable lenses.  She’s going to wear those every day!

This is how the yellow lenses look.  Yes.  Just, yes.

I set her naturally curly hair in rollers to give it that full but ironed look, then teased the heck out of it and pinned it up at the crown, a la Brigette Bardot and Jane Fonda. 

8AM, Makeup Central. Not nearly caffeinated enough.

Priscilla Presley eat your heart out

I used a bright green eyeshadow on her lids & above the crease, heavy black liner with wings and thick, black false lashes to make her hazel eyes really pop with that 60’s model look.  Neutral but shimmery lips and a bit of cheek contouring made it look really authentic to the time, but still a hint of modern color, so her natural beauty came out!

Eye primer & a green eye pencil under the shadow really made the color pop!

After 18 hours of shooting the main part of the video, 3AM, beyond tired and borderline delirious, it was time to change Liz’s costume for the final scene - the future!  We pieced this outfit together from very different sources and styles: sequined leggings and mesh top by Reiss at Bloomingdales; caged hoop skirt (for under petticoats) and silver, crazy high platform boots from Gothic Renaissance.  The shrug is a custom piece made by designer Sohung, who was showing at Artists & Fleas.  It’s basically strategically sewn together zippers.  His whole line was so cool, I’m going to go back and get something for myself! 

And the "piece de resistance": the headpiece! We needed something to initially hide her identity, that she could remove, like an astronaut helmet.  But of course, Liz had to do it her own way. Inspired by a design I showed her from Ara Jo, we knew we had to run with this idea. But where to find anything like it? A stroke of luck, perhaps, led us to the wonderful folks at Abracadabra. They were able to custom create this for us in less than 2 days!  It’s made from corset boning, covered in satin material and lined with fine mesh.  It opens in the front with hook and eye closures, the shape molded to her head and neck and sits on her shoulders. To further mask her face, we lined the front of it with translucent paper and pointed a light into it from above, so it eerily glowed.

Even Space Women get lipstick smudgies

Balanced by the caged hoop skirt, painting her nails black & silver & adding heavy cuff bracelets (from my personal collection), she looked like Wonder Woman’s twisted sister.  Perfect!

This was originally supposed to be a space suit & astronaut helmet.  Liz had something else in mind...

Get a load of these boots

 To further contrast the happy, fun Mod girl, into this darker, futuristic character for the “big reveal”, I changed her eyeshadow to a dark, shimmery graphite color & lips to a black gloss, highlighted with silver.  I added a couple of body crystals over her eyebrows.  I didn’t add a lot of crystals, because the camera wasn’t really reading them…and frankly they take a million years to apply and everyone wanted to go to bed, lol!

I brushed out the teasing in her hair, then gave her spiral curls and partially pinned it up.  I wanted the curls to sit on top of her head with the headpiece on and fall into a wild style when she took it off. 

Yeah, this is what I look like at 4AM. :-/

We weren’t sure how Liz was going to move around in this outfit and those boots, but she was so into it, she did great!  It almost seemed to be perfectly natural for her.  There’s something about the basic elements of this look I think she might take into her “artist” look going forward.  Maybe she won’t wear the hoop skirt & boots every day…but something clicked…we shall see!!  Stay tuned!
I'm also proud to say that Liz's wardrobe was completely vegan/cruelty free!!
Contact me at www.itfactorimage.com for commercial styling, personal image consulting, lifestyle organization and more!

Here are a few more shots, for fun:

Why is Liz so enamored with that door?

What year is it, anyway?

uh oh, puppy had too much scotch...