SheBreathes™ | Life. Fashion. Culture

Retrospective | Four Years of SheBreathes

SheBreathes turned four right before New York Fashion Week and while I wasn't going to make a big deal about it, in hindsight this is an accomplishment. What this space started out as and what it is today are different, although the voice remains. I've always wanted this space to be about the designers I share, never about me. I wanted it to be a virtual vault of goodies, inspiration, and a hub for the independent, emerging, and established designers on a global level. I truly believe this has been accomplished in the last two years.

I remember starting out mixing my personal life with my professional. Then one day I saw a void in online fashion reporting, and created a niche within a niche. Since then the online fashion arena has exploded and I'm glad I was here from the "start". I'm glad to be a part of a movement that's exploring this medium and creating standards in the process.

I've seen some worthy fashion bloggers get the same if not similar respect as print fashion journalist. And while I don't hold a degree in journalism, I do in writing. I knew from the start that if I wanted to have a valid voice, I'd have to create standards that mirrored that of my peers in print. This is why I've never been paid to write anything positive, never been paid to attend an event or show, and I always remember ethics come before the swag. It is these small rules, that prompted me to reinvest every profit made on here back into the SheBreathes brand. As a writer and designer who blogs, having standards on a medium where it can be easily lost, has always been important to me.

It doesn't matter if SheBreathes is on the "best of" lists. It doesn't matter if we're ever validated outside of the small press we've gotten or the people who love this space. I'm proud of what I've accomplished here. It has truly been an amazing journey, filled with more ups than downs. The experience alone has opened me up to many opportunities. I'm glad I listened to my literary agent, Ira {who loves ya babe!} four years ago. So, even if I tweet rants about the state of it all publically or privately, I still find a reason to sign-on and share.

Haiti | A Personal Plea

Dear SheBreathes Readers,

While I rarely use this space for requests, I hope you know by now that I do use it to champion causes I support. Since the earthquake happened I've been in Brooklyn trying to help and now console my godfather, who is Haitian. He was also my father's best friend in life. Sadly his side of the family has been hit with the hardest news thus far. He has lost loved ones. Today one of my closest friends in the world, Coco went to Haiti with an organisation she's a part of, Doctors without Borders. And just a few hours ago I saw my only living father on this earth leave on a plane bound for his home country. A man whose family opened their arms to me when I arrived in NYC, a family who was indeed the only family I had in New York City. Those who know me, know that my love for Haiti runs deep, and now all of you know it as well and why. He and his family are my second family and not just to me, but to all my siblings. So I ask in honour of them, their family in Haiti, and all the people of Haiti, if you can, please donate. If not money, then essential items, and even your time. Below are organisations and links on ways to donate.

Fotos via BBC News, from AP.

One of my blogging friends, Jeanine of Aphrochic contacted me about being a part of the Bloggers Day of Action for Haiti, to help raise money for Haiti through charity auctions. And while I was slow to respond because of all that I'm dealing with, I'd be remiss not to mention her efforts and those of the 15 bloggers who have joined in to raise money for Haiti. Visit here for more info.

Doctors Without Borders is another organisation I'm a supporter of. They could really use your donations as they were the ones running the hospitals in Haiti before the earthquake. Your donations will help them provide necessary medical care to the people of Haiti. Visit here to donate.

Wyclef John's Yele Haiti is another organisation I support. The organisation creates projects to improve the quality of education, health, environment and community development in Haiti. To donate, go to yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5. 

Unicef is one more organisation I'd like to add to this list that I support, visit here to donate.

You can also visit this extensive list, complied by CNN for more organisations that you can donate to.

Thanks for reading and doing what you can, and like many I am praying for the people of Haiti.

Feliz Ano Novo | Happy New Year!

I'd like to first start by thanking each and every person who continues to support SheBreathes as we close another year. 2009 was filled with a lot more highs than lows. I am grateful that you continue to allow this space to inspire you. I'm grateful for the online relationships I've built with some truly awesome people and I look forward to building more relationships and making those I've formed stronger.

2009 brought a mention in Lucky Magazine, a personal feature in Clam Magazine, doors opened, and partnerships formed. It brought me awesome contributors/editors like Ebony, Goldie, Tamra, whom I adore completely. And many thanks to Kitiya for her time and contributions in 2009. SheBreathes will continue to be a hub for the truly talented. We will continue to spotlight and support the independent, emerging, and established. We've been doing it since 2006 and will continue through 2010 and beyond!

The Toppers for 2009:

The DreamCatcher Series is by far one of the most well received series on here! It amazes me how many designers wanted "in" and how many immediately said yes when asked. They liked the concept. I like the concept, which is why I'm continuing it in 2010. Many thanks to Max, Rei, Martha, Deborah, Steve + Be, and Jessie for being a part of the series in 2009. Check back on Monday for the DreamCatcher who kick-start 2010! His words are magical and honest and his work is beautiful.

The Discover Brasil series has always been fun to do and 2009 saw so many cool designers that I discovered and rediscovered, this will continue in a bigger capacity in 2010!

The Showroom Visits were also a big hit and we can't wait to do more in 2010!

The coverage of NYFW/Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was also well received and you asked for me to share more cities, which I will! I know the first coverage of Paris, Milan, and London was for the magazine but expect more cities in 2010 to be shared on here!

The creation of Love + Dreams, HeBreathes and our media website! The Vintage features on jewelry + boutiques by Ebony were a welcomed addition. As was the Beauty features and now we have a dedicated Beauty section edited by Tamra! The Designer Spotlights + Collection Loves, Studio Series and our Sales Vault, hits all around!

Finally the Giveaways were also a big hit in 2009. I eventually moved them to a monthly newsletter. And we end the year with over 4K people who signed-up. I had to cap the list for 2009, but in 2010 the giveaways will continue to be big. The list will reopen on January 4th 2010, with new rules so be sure to sign-up!

Again I can't tell you how much fun this has been knowing that I have people who appreciate what they find here. Thank you all for your comments, emails, and all around support and I look forward to growing more with you in 2010. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year/Feliz Ano Novo! May it be filled with joy and dreamcatching!

Beijos e amor!

Happy Holildays!

I wanted to wish everyone a beautiful hols + weekend before we signed-off for a few days. I will do one more posts next week, which will include the final DreamCatcher for 2009. We've truly saved the best for last! Enjoy, be safe, and loads of love sent to all of you and yours!

Flickr: Switchon

SheBreathes | HeBreathes | Love + Dreams.

Beijos e amor.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2009

Every year I do my best to honour World AIDS Day. I'm a staunch supporter of getting informed, knowing the facts, ending the stigma, and through all of this we all save lives. A lot of people still don't know what they should about HIV/AIDS and it's just one of those causes I'm passionate about. So please join me today in getting passionate about HIV/AIDS, let's all help spread the message and help save lives! I've shared documentaries like this one and have always set aside a post dedicated to this day. 

Alicia Keys will be doing an concert tonight at 8pm est, in NYC at the Nokia Theatre that will be live streamed on Youtube. See the video below for more details. The proceeds go to Keep A Child Alive!

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December every year. It is an international day to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us to work together to help reduce stigma around HIV and promote HIV Testing. This year’s theme is leadership – from all sectors, including government, but also leaders among individuals and families, communities, non-profits and other organizations.

INTERNATIONAL HIV/AIDS STATS

People living with HIV:

* 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide
* 31.3 million adults
* 15.7 million women
* 2.1 million children under 15

New HIV cases in 2008:

* 2.7 million people
* 2.3 million adults
* 430,000 children under 15

HIV-related deaths in 2008:

* 2 million total deaths

Also visit the following organizations:

Designer's Against AIDS: It's an awesome cause and I've been to several of their charity events in the past, visit and explore the many different designer collections that are produced specifically to benefit the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Brasil has an awesome video about ending the prejudice/stigma that many living with HIV/AIDS face. 

Join {Red} is another organization I support and later check back for a giveaway that will be all about turning the world {RED} for the day and supporting products that help support the fight against HIV/AIDS every day!

Weekly Breathable Links

Oi darlings so by the time you read this things will have been wrapped-up in Rio! It was fun, exciting, and I truly can't wait to share the magazine with you when it's done! Below are my weekly breathable links, so enjoy!

{Fotos from Jewelry feature coming next week, SheBreathes}.

Breathable Links:

Goldie at HeBreathes is sharing an exclusive look at Custo Barcelona's Mens S/S 2010 collection, and has some dope hats for men! On Love + Dreams there is a feature on AphroChic's collection of chic pillows and the sharing of Carol Martini's Casa. Ebony has Brasilian street art! MischoBeauty is sharing Hard Candy. Mackage has another pop-up store for New Yorkers.

I saw this editorial and asked for thoughts on twitter. So I pose the same question to you dear readers. I'm sadden by the passing of model Daul Kim, RIP and prayers to her family. This editorial is both hilarious and insane. I'm obsessed with these candies! I enjoyed this article + this one.

I truly adore Shini's blog and her photography check her out! F&art has her own domain! Explore the sounds of Nigerian-German artist Nneka, love Brandie's blog! Do you know what James is Wearing? The Coolcats blog. These are the cutest bags! My mum sent me this book and this website. It's not for those easily offended and I find some of it a bit hilarious --> A Beautiful Revolution.

Enjoy your weekend + remember to breathe easy and dream big! Next week will be a bit light as the hols are coming, hehe, they're coming!

Beijos e amor.

Breathable Links + Rio

Oi darlings and a beautiful Happy Friday to all!  I'm preparing to head to Rio for our first ever Brasilian editorial for the magazine and I am so excited! We're shooting video, behind-the-scenes goodies, and working with Way Model for the next week and I can't wait! I will more than likely tweet my way through Rio, so do follow if you want, you can also follow the mag for exclusive tweets. Also do peruse the Discover Brasil section, as a few designers in it will be used for the editorial! Below are my weekly breathable links, remember to breathe easy + enjoy!

Foto | Flickr Renaldo.

Breathable Links:

SheBreathes Media has more job openings. HeBreathes is loving Koji Horigome shoes. Love + dreams is sharing jewelry for your home and these amazing masks! I just ordered this book because I'm a nerd for inspiration. I also spent several hours at Rizzoli and walked away with this book + this one. I find these fotos amazing. I saw Precious again and give it a million stars! See it. Support it!

Loving Wallpaper's Fab 40 Brasil.The Economist explains why Brasil is taking off! Ebony is sharing her favourite things. MischoStyle is here! Formichetti shares Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. RZA is a style king. I heart Kelly Moreira! Jaw-dropping and inspiring. Hell hath no fury like fashion buyers dropping your brand. 

Love this from Art of the Trench. I love her blog + find her work inspiring. Inventory Mag is here and I love it! These young ladies always work it! The DeFormers. Check the Studio out this weekend, as I'll be posting more nuggets. 

Beijos e amor.

Breathing | Remembrance

Today is the 4th anniversary of my sweet Baby Selah, so there will be no posts, just a day filled with memories + commemorating. Below are some beautiful Tulips I received in her honour. May your day be filled with laughter and love.

Felicidade é uma maneira de viajar, não uma estação a que chegar.

Beijinhos.

Small Gestures + Happy Weekend

I received a beautiful bouquet of Orange Tulips yesterday, courtesy of our beauty expert Kitiya. They're very pretty + smell great, she ordered them from my favourite Florist — Ariston, and I couldn't resist sharing. Muito Obrigada Kitiya! You're such a kind soul and it's small gestures like this that reinforce my belief that there truly are some cool people in this world. Have a beautiful weekend everyone, and see you on Monday with more goodies!

Happy Weekend + Roundup!

Foto |Langdon.

Wishing all of you a beautiful weekend + hols!

SheBreathes | Love + Dreams:

If you need to catch-up or a recap, keep reading . . .

The week started off lovely with Italian brand Numero 10, introduced H Williams, and shared a few favourites like David Szeto, and Gryphon. Added newcomers Alex & Eli and Lauren Kovin. And topped the week off with Ebony's review of Shopping for Vintage by Funmi Odulate, and new cobblers K*.

Thanks for all the emails applying for the new Blogging Assistant opening. I'm still accepting emails, so be sure to read here, and email me. I will get back to everyone by the end of next week.  Love + Dreams will finally be updated next week.

Weekend + Hols Reads:

I love reading Tom + Lorenzo {formally Project Rungay}, it's pretty spot-on and hilarious. They dissect all the shows I don't have time to watch. Design Scene, always shares these amazing editorials, and I love these fotos of Njema, by the talented Garance Doré. 

Professionally Trendy, did an awesome write-up on why more editorials should be sans ciggies, and Opui is in Kup, Kup Land. This must stop. I'm totally diggin this SCAD designer over at Late Boots. Our beauty resident, Kitiya is sharing why she loves Miss Jessie. I don't know how I feel about this {from the always informed Made in Brazil}, but change is very necessary on SP runways. Remember this and this? Food for thought.

Be safe, enjoy, and see you on Tuesday!

Beijinhos.

Happy Weekend | Giveaway Winner + Roundup!

Oi darlings today was a gloriously long but productive day. I'm off to Italy next week. It's time to get busy. New posts + designer discoveries, etc will continue while I'm away, so no slow down, just a little update.

Sorry for the delay in announcing the $75 Visa Giftcard winner, but the winner is Catherine Y!! Congrats Catherine please send me your information. You can view all who were entered here. Anyone who didn't leave a last initial was not entered, as this was part of the rules to enter. And because of the delay I did another drawing for 1 $25 Visa Giftcard. I entered everyone from the first drawing, except Catherine, and the winner of the surprise giveaway is Faye G! Congrats, please send me your information. Click here to see who was entered. Thanks to all who entered there will be more giveaways coming soon.

Flickr|Harold Lloyd {Peachily}

SheBreathes | Love + Dreams Roundup:

Nothing much going on at Love + Dreams, but next week it will be filled to the brim with coverage from design events around NYC and more events this weekend.

The week started off with Fiona Wood's beautiful jewelry, and Kymare's gorgeously chic beach wear! I explored Arise Magazine, shared some pieces from Sarah Phillips that I love, with Plein Sud + Martha Davis topping the week off for fashion.

The week is ending with our resident beauty expert Kitiya continuing her green routines, this time for your hair. She has a lovely giveaway from Phyto embedded within all that awesome information, so be sure to enter!

Around The Interwebs:

Aphrochic is giving a sneak peek into Shopping in Marrakech. Cultures In Between is giving an overview of the RoseMount Australian Fashion Week. The brownies + bars from Whimsy & Spice are perfect goodies for your soul + as gifts. Matt Bites is a food blog, which I visit daily, who always manages to tickle my virtual taste buds.

Would you pay for SheBreathes if you owned a Kindle? I'm sure it would only be $0.99, heehee. Our resident Vintage expert Ebony is hosting a giveaway! Visit to learn how to enter. Counterfeit Chic is keeping you informed on the reintroduction of the Design Piracy Prohibition Act.

Jill @ Trend de la Creme breaks down Mary Katrantzou's Fall 2009 collection. She's an expert at this and if you're not already reading her, you should be!

Jezebel is showing us why Italian Vogue continues to inspire. They're also asking if goss websites are responsible for bullies? Take a read. And this foto is pretty dope! Done in HDR, in Shimoda Japan. 

Have a beautiful + safe weekend!

Beijinhos.

Happy Weekend + Roundup!

Oi darlings! The weekend is here and I wanted to wish all of you who are mums, a very Happy Mother's Day! Have a beautiful + safe weekend!

Harold Lloyd |White + Azure with Blue of Heaven.

On SheBreathes | Love + Dreams:

The week started off lovely with Ermanno Scervino's sexy chiffon mini dresses and all their plissé bodice glory.

Over at Love + Dreams I was inspired by the beautiful paintings of Dawn Okoro. Not to mention the lush decorative silk pillows by Aviva Stanoff.

Ema Fernandes earthy arm candy is something to be admired + worn. Bantu is inspiring you to get your body right while being a do-gooder. Don't forget Allegri's sophisticated goodness, stock-up before Fall.

Get to know Deborah Lyons of Méchante of London, while learning all about the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show by Ebony. And of course do remember to enter the $75 Visa Giftcard Giveaway on the same topic!

Love + Dreams will be covering the Bklyn Design Show this weekend and the Design 09 in the Meatpacking District next week. So be sure to stay tuned for that! And don't forget all those Sales in the vault!

Weekend Reads + Links:

I'm enthralled with my new blog read The h(y)r collective's Daily Blog, but it's their magazine that really makes me giddy in a very good way. Breathe deeply, it's awesome!

I'm completely inspired by Ashlee's flickr stream, this one is my favourite. 

I've watched the Facehunter's Show, you should too. For you aspiring fashion writers online Suzy Menkes has some words for you.

She likes colour and she makes music too, heehee. Get some Misfit Dior. 

I Enjoyed reading Amy's "Sock it to Me" post, take a read + Watch this on Popularized.

The Blue Book of Fashion + Models vs Celebs argument explored + a look at Ms. Kamali.

Beijinhos.