MBF's DIY Hacks

With the Fall shows kicking off today and cooler temperatures just around the corner, we thought we'd get in the groove by highlighting our favorite, most fashionable DIYs of the season.

photo via Mr.Kate

Before we get started, whether you're a beginner or arts and crafts fiend, there are some essential supplies that every DIYer needs. According to the famed DIY Queen, Kate Albrecht of Mr. Kate, a basic kit should include the likes of adhesives, fabric paint, paint brushes, glitter, spray paint primer and spray paint, x-acto knife, hole punch, twine, wire, needles and thread, painters tape, pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, sharpies, pencils, erasers, and of course a good pair of scissors. Not only will these tools help as you begin to experiment with various projects, but they can easily be picked up at your local craft store in one go. So now that that's covered, let's get creative!

photo via Fall for DIY

Sweater weather is almost here and everybody needs warm, cozy layers to kickstart Fall. However, this year it's time to upgrade those beloved wooly knits with some pom pom pizzaz. All you need is some mini pom poms, a needle and thread, and of course a comfy sweater fancying a bit of a fashion upgrade.

photo via Honestly WTF

Nail art is super hot right now and since we aren't all gifted with a steady hand, we'd like to introduce you to nail striping tape. It's easy, affordable (a mere $2), and gives you flawless looking designs by simply sticking it on your nails and adding a top coat. However, if you're feeling a bit more brave, this tape is perfect to mask off geometric shapes and create color blocked patterns as well.

photo via Miss Kris

Sometimes a girl just needs some subtle bling in her life. So why not take two of your favorite things and combine them into one for the ultimate style upgrade? Jeweled clutches are the perfect way to add some glamour to any look, especially when it's coming from one of your favorite sparkly necklaces. For the how to tutorial, click here.

photo via A Beautiful Mess

If you haven't jumped on the logo bandwagon yet maybe it's because you just haven't found a slogan that says something about who you are. Once you figure out what you want to say, plaster it onto one of your favorite tees or sweatshirts using either iron on transfers or glitz it on with sequins. Not only is it a super easy trick, but a great gift to tell someone how you really feel!

photo via ISPYDIY

Denim has become more than a staple in our wardrobes as of late, and with distressing pretty much everywhere right now, we'd thought we'd learn to do it ourselves. While this project can be tedious at times, once you get the hang of it, you'll go on a distressing frenzy on all the denim in your closet. If you're willing to give it a try, follow I SPY DIY's tutorial and we promise you won't be sorry!

video via Mr. Kate

We don't know about you, but we are still super sneaker crazed and after wearing our favorite kicks all summer, it may be time to make a new statement for Fall. So why not update your everyday sneaks with a cool snakeskin print in a color of your choice? Or if prints aren't really your thing, you can always add some studs and spikes to give those old runners some fresh edge!

Stay tuned for our Fashion Week coverage from the New York shows next week and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we are up to until then!

MBF Fall Fashion Guide

With Labor Day around the corner and New York Fashion Week on it's way, summer is coming to a close, but are we quite ready for Fall yet? Today, we've picked the most exciting things to keep you in the know as we transition into the cooler seasons and soak in the last few days of that sweet August sun!

photo via fashionista.com

The first thing that's grabbed our attention (and hopefully yours) is the launch of Opening Ceremony's first New York Fashion Week. Using old shipping containers, the retailer is holding a week long pop-up market at Pier 57 to celebrate and give guests an entire fun-filled experience. From DKNY for Opening Ceremony to Rihanna for River Island, an Estée Lauder pop-up salon and a variety of specialty vendors from food to bikes (maybe even cronuts!), the market will run from September 5th to 12th from 11am-7pm to make sure to check it out!

photo via Nylon Mag

Speaking of cronuts, if you've somehow been MIA and missed it, it really was the hottest food craze to hit NYC this summer! So will the ramen burger or the chalkboard cake be next to fill our news feeds and our stomachs? Either way, keep your eyes peeled and taste buds ready for the latest food creation to explode in a city near you.

photo via target.com

As with every new season, a string of new designer collabs emerges to bring us both exclusivity and fashion at an affordable price point. This year's highlights include, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, Isabel Marant for H&M, L'Wren Scott for Banana Republic, and the Kate Spade New York and Darcel collection. Taking things further (for all you fashion fanatics), if you haven't been already, Rick Owens has opened up a DRKSHDW pop-up shop down on Wooster which will remain open until October 26th! For a complete list of collaborations, check out fabsugar.com!

video via Prada

With September issues fresh off the presses, an array of innovative new Fall campaigns are finally here. Luxury brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Prada, you name it, are those to watch with the release of everything from shoppable videos to print ads to past archives and backstage content as they ring in the latest Fall collections. Even H&M makes the list with David Beckham at the core of their underwear campaign. Do you know how we know the 90's are really back? After staring in a Rag & Bone ad just months ago, the infamous Bridget Hall returns yet again, but this time you'll catch her at the ever popular and undyingly cool Prabal Gurung!

photo via www.today.com

So with the 90's grunge era making a comeback, what are Fall's must have fashion items you ask? Well first off, if you're not mad for plaid already, from classic checks to tartan, anything goes. Make sure to experiment by layering cool logo tees and statement sweatshirts with your own distressed denim or a flirty wrap skirt! For all you beauty queens out there, test out Lancome's Vernis In Love nail polishes that come in shades of charcoal, deep maroon, and ebony. And whether you're back to school or not, try adding a personal touch to your wardrobe with these DIY backpack ideas! 

Who's Got Talent?

With the 2013 CFDA Awards taking place last Monday, we thought it'd be the perfect time to post about some of our favorite designers. From those who have consistently reinvented themselves, to up and coming talent, these are the taste and trend makers ruling the runway.

photo via Dazed Digital

The two and a half year old Chicago label, Creatures Of The Wind, have been on everyone's radar the past few seasons. With a prior CFDA nomination and a J.Crew collaboration under their belt, duo Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters are making a name for themselves while still remaining modest to their brand. From shipping to stitching, the designers have expanded their business and manufacturing practices, but continue to do a lot on their own with a DIY approach. They are known for their indie design aesthetic, unique sensibility and Rodarte-esq use of mixed media fabrications. Not to mention, the pair works with three factories based here in New York, produce in Japan, and have even started to make knitwear connections in Hong Kong.

video via YSL

Despite a name change and a super controversial collection, Heidi Slimane is grabbing people's attention and bringing in the money in the process. The former sexy and sophisticated YSL line has now transformed into the modern, grungy Saint Laurent that's flying off store shelves. He's even got the face of model of the moment, Cara Delevingne at the forefront of his Fall 2013 campaign. What's next for the brand as it continues to evolve from its house roots? Well, Slimane has also launched a photographic series called the Saint Laurent Music Project, which is dedicated to portraying rock legends who have been dressed by YSL from its earlier days until now. So far the brand has worked with the likes of Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love, Bowie, Jagger and most recently, Daft Punk, among many others.

photo via Orta Anadolu

Pronounced "Them," THVM Atelier stands for This Here Very Moment. The premium denim label is based in a century old LA factory, home to a collective array of artists, each working side by side on various disciplines. Recently they partnered with William Lemon III to debut a collection of brightly colored avant-garde prints on their tops and jeans which is available at the LA shop Weltenbuerger. For Fall/Winter 2014, they will be collaborating with the Turkish mill, Orta, to produce three stories: Old Loom inspired by the history of workwear, Winter Blues focusing on indigo color blocking, and FitsWell which uses performance stretch to highlight flexibility and high recovery. The progressive denim label even has a magazine, THVM Rag, highlighting the creative process that reflects the inspirations and methodologies of each seasonal collection.

photo via Surface To Air

Surface to Air, where retail gets creative, literally. The name combines both a clothing line based online as well as with four shops located in New York, Paris and São Paulo, with a Studio for cool projects and films. The company also serves as an ad agency with clients that include Lanvin's Avant Garde scent, Uniqlo, Louis Vuitton Haute Joaillerie and Dom Perignon. For this French luxe brand, an average day can include everything and anything from designing their collections to shooting a music video. However, when it comes to the fashion, we love the effortlessly cool wearability of their streetwear looks. They have even collaborated with Alison Mosshart, the frontwoman of The Kills and The Dead Weather to produce the ultimate leather jacket which is available now.

photo via Ann Sofie Madsen

With an impressive background that includes training at John Galliano for Dior as well as positions at both Peclers and Alexander McQueen, Ann Sofie Madsen first launched her couture-inspired collection in London in 2010. Since then, she has expanded her resume to include work as an illustrator for graphic novels and youth books, with 8 published since 2011. Her fascination with contrasts, like primitive versus civilized, has led her to commonly reveal "the well-known through the unknown" in many of her abstract designs. She constantly experiments with materials and incorporates traditional handcrafted techniques with cutting-edge ones. While her Denmark roots may not be reflective in much of her work, she has still be deemed, "one of Denmark's biggest design talents."

What makes this fresh group of creatives stand out is their eagerness to experiment and challenge fashion's norms. They make their presence known because in today's industry it's about more than just great design. Without a point of view and the ability to take risks, a designer's talent is only as good as it looks. 

Do Something

In honor of Earth month, we wanted to take some time out and think about what's really important, the world around us and the people we share it with! Despite all the scandals and fast fashion allegations going on, there are tons of companies, celebrities and new initiatives celebrating our precious planet and trying to make a real difference.

With so many things going on in the world including unstable global economies and countless people in need, giving a hand doesn't necessarily mean what you would conventionally think. Whether it's buying products that have more longevity, donating time and/or money to a cause or building a DIY urban garden, what matters is that you are doing something. 

photo via Burt's Bees

First off, we bet you have no idea that some of the smaller, sustainable brands you are supporting are actually owned by larger corporations. For instance, Honest Tea is owned by The Coca-Cola Company and Burt's Bees by The Clorox Company, to name a few. These partnerships create a win-win situation as smaller companies gain resources and larger distribution networks and corporations begin to learn the ins and outs of sustainable operations.

photo via Pickwick & Weller

In today's workplace, the t-shirt, has taken on a new role of professional acceptance. Ashton Kutcher's e-commerce startup, Pickwick & Weller, strives to design, manufacture, and sell "the perfect t-shirt." This vertically integrated online brand is based in LA and appeals to the modern creative type, by offering an assortment of luxury products made of everything from supima to modal cotton, cashmere, linen and silk. The company even brings the fitting room to your home by sending you t-shirts free of charge so you can find the perfect style for you.

photo via Ecouterre

One of the simplest ways we can be more sustainable is by repairing damages to our own clothing. With this idea in mind, denim label, Self Edge, has launched a vintage hemming and repair studio in San Francisco called Darn It!. The space, which is dedicated to everything denim from tailoring stations to restored vintage sewing machines, provides authentic and quality repairs. From fixing holes without patches to replacing buttons and zippers, all repairs cost a flat rate of $40. We don't know about you, but saving a favorite pair of jeans is priceless and not only for our wallets!

photo via Huffington Post

Two of everyone's favorites, Halle Berry and Michael Kors have teamed up in the fight against hunger with their campaign, Watch Hunger Stop. With this initiative, for every Kors' bestselling Runway watch that sells at $295, 100 meals will be donated to children through the U.N. World Food Programme. Together, the pair plans on visiting some of the places meals will be sent which could include Africa, Syria and perhaps Central America. Halle who just announced the pregnancy of her second child, hopes to educate women on prenatal care and talk to mothers struggling to feed themselves and their children. 

video via Vogue UK

On June 1st, as part of Gucci's Chime for Change, a global concert will take place in London to raise awareness and money for female empowerment. Headlined by none other than Beyoncé with additional performances by Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Izzy, Azalea and Rita Ora, among others, this event calls to bring education, justice and health for girls and women to a worldwide platform. 

photo via Earth Day New York

So this month, with the onset of warmer temperatures and sunshine, take some time to appreciate your local community and environment. If you happen to be in the NY metro area this weekend, make sure to check out the Green Festival at the Javits Center or celebrate with free live performances, displays and exhibits at Union Square on Sunday. We can't do it all alone, but if we team up to combine our resources, one step at a time, anything is possible. 

Haute Halloween Trends

It goes without saying that everything from movies to news to celebrity scandals from the past year inspires an onset of new, unconventional Halloween costumes. The latest newsflash you ask? Well, this year your typical cowgirl or vampire just won’t do! Get creative and push the limits because this is your chance to play pretend for just one night!

Still in need of a last minute costume revelation? Well we here at MBF Trend Consulting have some tips on the trendiest and most innovative costumes out there this Halloween.

photo via partycity.com

Lady Gaga
Not only the queen of the airwaves but the perfect costume goddess, Lady Gaga is an easy fix to any last minute Halloween crisis. Time to go platinum with a bleached blonde wig and sky-high shoes! Don’t forget the glitter and avant-garde mask and you’re ready to perform! Check out full costume ideas or create your own version of Gaga herself with accessories galore here!

photo via spirithalloween.com

Angry Birds

Score some major points and dress up in one of the hottest costumes this year has to offer, Angry Birds. Be a colorful, flightless bird and slingshot your way into costume. Choose from birds in red, yellow, or black! Hurry and play the game soon before time runs out!

photo via anytimecostumes.com

Walking Dead Zombies

While last year it was all about the vampire, this year thanks to the comic book turned television series, Walking Dead, zombies have resurrected. Not only is it easy to play dead, but super affordable too! Get in the ghoul spirit and haunt the night away for some fresh flesh.

photo via partycity.com

Steampunk
A very steam punk Halloween seems to be all the rage this season as the past and the future unite!  Think a savvy Sherlock Holmes and combine Victorian fashion with some charming gadgets and dash of attitude. Get original and invent your own gadgets and gimmicks by pairing a lace up corset with goggles and a top hat for a bit of feminine flair!

photo via The Orange County Register

William and Kate

Get ready to feel like royalty! What better way to play pretend than as a prince and princess? The top couples costume of 2011 is by no surprise, William and Kate! Recreate the wedding of the century and celebrate yourself first hand. 

photo via buycostumes.com

Pan Am Flight Attendant
With a new television series in flight, the hit show, Pan Am is definitely drawing some inspiration from up in the clouds. With the legendary stewardess uniform, Pan Am bag, and little white gloves, it’s a fun take on the 1960’s with a hint of espionage. Click here to chose from a few different styles of stewardess chic!

photo via amazon.com

Wild Things
Go wild and DIY by creating an animalistic inspired costume! Take your everyday dog and cat and transform into a fierce tiger or ferocious wolf! Or, go a bit lighthearted and dress up as a plush kangaroo, wobbly penguin, or foxy fox!

With less than a few days away, don’t let this spooky day creep up on you! We’d love to see what great costume ideas you’ve put together! Feel free to send us photos and comments!

News flash: Do try this at home. Well, some of it.

While retailers desperately try to offload their wares, the media have found a new tack: how to make the most of the clothes you already have. The Today Show offers up an unintentionally hilarious demo on how to update your current wardrobe (answer: glue on zippers and fringe. No, no, no!), while AnOther magazine includes homemade cardboard bralets and plastic-bag bustiers in a sexy spread of '50s pin-up looks. Meanwhile, Teen Vogue, an early adopter of the DIY ethos, this month has designer Rachel Roy show you how to convert a T-shirt into a rather frightening zebra-striped prom dress. Not sure what exactly this bodes for retailers, since Gap's effort a few years ago to showcase spokesmodel Sarah Jessica Parker's techniques for customizing her clothes completely bombed.

One thing retailers can do, though: band together. New organization S-3 in New York ("Shop Small Stores" -- not original,  but to the point) is gathering boutique owners to swap tips for customer retention, lobby for more tax-free days, create a festive atmosphere for the month of May, and plaster their windows with stickers of the org's ugly, generic logo. Small boutiques, listen here: Your advantages lie in your small size and ability to give personalized service to the customers in your niche. Just do what you're doing well, and please use your windows to show off your merchandise, not unnecessary signage.

In other, non-Topshop-related good news for New York, the city is considering taking over an 8th Avenue building to run as a nonprofit space for apparel manufacturing only, a rare respite in the gradual takeover of the Garment District by restaurants and other non-apparel businesses.