Image Used with Permission: Anna Bours founder of http://annabours.com/ 

Cherysh's Charms Contributes to Cirque de Couture

Cherysh's Charms has been busily at work this week creating pieces for the much anticipated fashion designer contest, Cirque de Couture benefiting the non-profit SARPA.  We thought we would share Cherysh's favorite pieces with our readers.  Let us know what you think!  Although Cherysh will not be in attendance, she is sending her best wishes through her creations.

Fashion Illustration by Margarita Warnke

"Fashion is Fierce" by Margarita Warnke

Margarita Warnke, based in Fresno, California, is a Stylist, Runway Editor and Fashion Illustrator.  She has generously donated a new fashion illustration, seen here, to The Compassion Fashion Project for our ever growing t-shirt line.  From this illustration I was able to create not only a new t-shirt, but also a darling tote bag.  Learn more about Warnke in the following interview.

This Week's Feature: Crocs Cares

Who knew Crocs is such a philanthropic company?  I received a lovely press release from Noelle Robillard about their "Back to School" styles for boys and girls and decided to check them out.  I found out a world of information about their global initiatives to supply shoes to those who cannot afford them and this company goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Hover Sneak Metallic – Sparkly twist on the classic sneaker
Photo provided by: Noelle Robillard
Visit Crocs to purchase!  

As their website states, "There are over 1 million people around the world who live on less than $1.00 per day, many who cannot afford a basic need such as a pair of shoes. We as a company  understand the need to help where we can, and our goal is to establish comprehensive socially responsible  programs that would allow us to create a positive impact on the environment, employees, and local and global communities."


In fact through Crocs' many charitable drives, they have supplied 2.6 million of pairs of shoes to those in need both domestically and internationally in more than 40 countries including Democratic Republic of The Congo, Haiti, Iraq, and Malawi.

Hover Sneak Slip On for Boys – Causal sneaker perfect for everyday wear
Photo provided by: Noelle Robillard
Visit Crocs to purchase!  

Crocs also recently teamed up with Hope 4 Women, , a non-profit from Phoenix, AZ. to spend a week in the Appalachian region of the eastern US.  During visits to the local elementary school, team members gave children an opportunity to choose a pair of Crocs along with a book, a pillowcase, dress or pair of shorts and school supplies.  The team also set up Crocs giveaways at 3 low income housing sites, the food bank and a church program.


“The kids loved getting to select from the colorful array of Crocs donated by the Niwot Crocs location,” said Carolyn Griebe, Loveland resident and Hope 4 Women team member. “They smiled from ear to ear as they found the perfect color and fit. The boys really loved the crocodile logo,” she added.


As we are thinking about what companies to choose when shopping for our children's "back to school" attire, consider choosing Crocs!  They have an array of styles to choose from and are a wonderful company with a giving nature using their talents for good.

Dawson Sneak – A funky sneaker for the playground
Photo provided by: Noelle Robillard
Visit Crocs to purchase!  

Noelle Robillard explains their new styles, "Just in time for back to school, Crocs, Inc. is introducing several new styles for kids that are fun, lightweight, colorful and incredibly comfortable – everything kids love about Crocs. Plus, these shoes make the grade with parents, too; all of the styles are stylish, easy to get on and off and they’re affordable – all are $49.99 or less."


If you don't want to take our word for it, just ask the Cosmopolitan Clevelander and view her video Crocs fashion shoot below!

Pink Slipper Project Update

Elizabeth Newell, Program Advocacy Director  

Elizabeth Newell, our Program Advocacy Director, has just delivered 300 pairs of slippers via the Pink Slipper Project coming through for our women and children living in women's shelters.  Newell organized the facilitation and delivery on her own with the important help of Joyce Lucas, founder of The Pink Slipper Project, and her valuable supporters.  Women from all over the United States have come together to crochet, knit or hand sew these adorable pieces of footwear to warm hearts and toes.

Newell scheduled her deliver to the Quad City Family Resources Services yesterday and the slippers will be distributed among shelters in Iowa and Illinois.  With 300 more on the way via Pink Slipper Project challenges, Newell will give the Quad Cities the opportunity to supply the women and children with slippers for one year to all residents.  Big high five to Elizabeth Newell, Joyce Lucas and the Pink Slipper Project ladies!

A display of slippers organized and photographed by Elizabeth Newell.

Fuzzy slippers by The Pink Slipper Project.  

Earthtone slippers by The Pink Slipper Project.

Children's slippers by The Pink Slipper Project.  

Uber cool "Converse" style slippers!

Children's slippers hand-made by The Pink Slipper Project.

More slippers delivered by Elizabeth Newell.

This Week's Feature: Innovative Scarf Company Empowering Women

Joyce Marie of No-Fuss Scarves
Photo provided by: Joyce Marie

No-Fuss Scarves was created by Joyce Marie, a fashion industry maven with thirty years worth of designer/seamstress experience.  Picking up on the fact that the scarf industry had become outdated, Joyce Marie decided she would try her hand at changing the scarf design and strategy.

"Women hardly wear them anymore, especially the square scarf.  In fact teens don’t wear them at all.  So, I asked myself...why is that?  It was obvious that in our Western culture, with today’s clothing styles, the traditional square has long been outdated," says Marie.


Knowing that scarves have the ability to add much more character to a woman's wardrobe, Marie patented two different scarf designs.  Her goal in doing so has provided women with the opportunity to own one scarf with many different functions.  Her designs can be worn as a shirt, a dress, a skirt or simply as a scarf, plus many more uses.  With these new alternatives this makes "shopping on a budget" easy.  Owning just a few designs can redefine a women's entire wardrobe.

Various ways of wearing No-Fuss Scarves
Photos provided by: Joyce Marie

No-Fuss Scarves has not stopped their mission of empowering women as the company is an active charitable contributor to many women's causes including The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and the Women's Employment Network.  They are even affiliated with the Dress for Success program and have attended functions hosted by the organization.  No-Fuss Scarves fashion shows are educational and actually provide step-by-step instructions for women on how to wear the scarves in creative ways.  They will continue to make programs and demonstrations part of their strategic goals in their business plan.

No-Fuss Scarves Fashion Show
Photo provided by: Joyce Marie

Joyce Marie comments,"What wonderful work you are doing with The Compassion Fashion Project! Bringing awareness to our attention as Fashion Designers of all kinds to be compassionate toward women of need with fashion! As a Women, no matter what our status, circumstances, or race, we strive to look our best. I stand by my motto:  "Encouraging Women to Look and Feel Beautiful".  I am happy to donate pieces of my product to The Compassion Fashion Project to be used toward a charitable cause."

Backstage at the No-Fuss Scarves Fashion Show
Photo provided by: Joyce Marie

This Week's Feature: Novel Approach Designs by Kari Bryde

Kari Bryde, Novel Approach designer.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

Kari Bryde is the owner and designer for Novel Approach jewelry, which is the first jewelry label to ever get the opportunity to show their designs at Little Rock Fashion Week.  Not only is Bryde a multi-talented designer, she is also very involved in the community supporting such causes as the Ovarian Cancer Reseach Foundation, The Anthony School in Little Rock and the Arkansas Chapter of the American Heart Association.  Bryde is currently creating a "Limited Edition" stiletto necklace for The Compassion Fashion Project to help us raise funds for our cause.  She will be at our next event with these fabulous new pieces for auction, so stay tuned for our special Swap for Good party we are planning in conjunction with Today's THV's Monika Rued and the Moms Like Me site.

Her designs captivated the audience at Little Rock Fashion Week as her models cascaded down the runway in simple garments to accentuate her accessories.  The sparkle that came from each piece was a reflection of Bryde's personality as seen in the following interview.

Novel Approach jewelry at Little Rock Fashion Week 2011.
Photo by: Ejji Studios  / Little Rock Fashion Week, LLC

What is your training in design and how has this prepared you for working in the fashion industry?

My education is in interior design. When you design a “space” you have to pay attention to every possible vantage point. I use the same criteria in designing women’s jewelry. The piece has to look appealing and flattering from every angle on the body – people don’t sit still! I also have an appreciation for negative space… I like skin showing through the jewelry and shadows larger pieces can create.

Novel Approach at Little Rock Fashion Week 2011.
Photo by: Ejji Studios/ Little Rock Fashion Week, LLC 

What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

That’s hard!  May I ask for advice instead?  Honestly, you have to be steps (not one step) ahead.  Fashion is about what’s coming.  If you are creating looks that are popular, you are already behind.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

Clothing, period.  I love the personalities of fabric and clothing designs – they tell a story and jewelry is the punctuation. When I look at clothes I immediately begin to think about what jewelry I would want to wear with the particular garment.  I am a theme addict!  I love to research what “temperature” fashion is moving toward and where we are in reinterpreting historical styles.  I take my inspiration from those nuances.  I also kind of have a trend sixth sense.  At least I have so far. I kind of get in the mood for something and I soon see it in stores or referenced in clothing.  I’m careful to not be too confident in that sixth sense – I don’t want the gift to leave me, but I am willing to take risks. Not all designs are successes… believe me. Taking the risk is an education opportunity and I guess I usually get lucky!

How would you describe the fashion industry in Arkansas and what changes would you like to see happen, if any?

I do believe we have amazing creativity and taste.  Aesthetics are our strong suit, but without a doubt, I would like to see Arkansas better embrace its own.  I am constantly amazed how retailers outside our state will take a chance on carrying an independent line and retailers within the state seem to want to only carry brands that have made it elsewhere first.

What is the best perk in being a designer?

I can make high end jewelry for myself, family, and friends.  I love wearing the “good stuff” and I love to see the look on a family member or friend’s face when I can gift them something they would not buy for themselves.

Novel Approach jewelry design.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label?

For me personally, it is selling it.  If you or someone else made something I admired, I would have no reservations about putting it in front of someone and going on and on about how amazing it was, but I am the worst at talking up my own work.  As I answer this question, I realize I should not be divulging any of this!

Novel Approach jewelry design.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

What trends do you foresee being big in fall/winter 2011?

I think we are headed back to a look of elegance.  Beauty is back, but reinvented with modern lines.  Rich velvets are returning. There will always be an “edge” to fall fashion, but clothing has returned to flattering the female form. Deconstruction will give way to organized construction, a somewhat neat and tidy look but, as new fashion always dictates, it must be a modernized resurgence.

Novel Approach jewelry design.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?

I’m not sure I remember not being interested in design.

Novel Approach jewelry design.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

What was the first piece you ever constructed?

A sterling charm style bracelet made from my grandmother’s broken vintage strand of clear, faceted lead crystals.  I still have it.

Novel Approach jewelry design.
Photo provided by: Kari Bryde

Can you describe your line and where can people find your designs?

 “Au courant” designs are made with high end components and craftsmanship.  The “big stuff” is over the top and the “simple” pieces celebrate minimalism – I admire the value in both ends of the spectrum.  It’s all about time and place – you do not always have to look like a dining room table set for 12… you can wear one simple, pretty piece and rock that quite well! My work is currently for sale on http://styleoutsidethebox.com/.

Have a look at Novel Approach's lookbooks:

*Simply click on the following images and you will be taken directly into the lookbooks*

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

Glamour Illustration for Our T-shirt Line By the Talented Artist Donna Sy

Artist, Donna Sy with her daughter, Chloe...cute!

I met Donna Sy, who everyone in the blogger community knows as "This Lady Behaves."  Her original blog is a montage of her favorite fashions, photos,and blurbs about Sy's take on style.  Recently, Sy sent me a message on Fashion Industry Network and announced her newest blog she affectionately calls Knickerless Doodles.  Well, I did not know that Sy was an illustrator, so I was excited to see her artwork.  Her aesthetic was different from anything we have so far on our boutique and I thought she would make a  great addition to our team of contributors.  What makes our products so unique is the artists we have been able to connect with.  Right now, we have contributing illustrators from seven different countries and three different states in the United States.  These are a group of talented people who are committed to helping The Compassion Fashion Project grow and spread the message that domestic violence should never be tolerated.  We support domestic violence survivors and are working very hard to expand our mission.  My firm belief is that as we gain more collaboration through various mediums, we will provide more aid and hope to the women and their children who need it most.

Artwork by Donna Sy on a tank, $21.00.

Lately, many of our supporters have been asking about our t-shirt line, how the funds are distributed, and what our future goals are.  I want to try and answer a few of these questions and am happy to let you all in on our goals with our products.  Right now we have a "virtual" online boutique through a company called Zazzle. Zazzle is a great place for artists to upload their work and post on products.  Zazzle handles the orders, manufacturing, billing, and shipping of all our products.  Because of all these services that are provided, The Compassion Fashion Project receives a percentage of each sale (around 25%).  This commission goes into an account we have on Zazzle and is not being touched as we save to file our 501(c)3 status, which is what you have to do in the U.S. to become registered with the government and receive all the benefits that come along with being a non-profit.  Your purchases are extremely important to the longevity of our organization.  As for future plans, my hope is that we can find a manufacturer that will reasonably mass produce our t-shirt line with all our beautiful illustrations for us to distribute to the women's shelters that we work with.  Another hope is that we can use this t-shirt line to sustain our organization through sales to the public and continue to grow and move our message and services into other areas in the world.

Without further ado, our newest member of our team, Donna Sy, in her own words:

"Rock and Roll," by Donna Sy for The Compassion Fashion Project.

Q.  You have been blogging about fashion for some time when you decided to create a "fashion illustration only" blog.  What made you decide to create this new blog?


A.  I have been blogging about fashion bloggers and vintage beauty for about three months. During my birthday I tested myself by posting one of my drawings.  Only then, did people start commenting and telling me how good the drawings were and that I should do more and post more drawings. So I did.  I alternated my posts.  I would post about a blogger then I would post one fashion illustration. I was getting emails personally asking me if I could give them tips on how to draw.. you know.. the whole nine yards.  I myself did not take up fashion.  I am an artist with a paintbrush and a fashion illustrator with a pencil...I can't help drawing clothes!  :) 

"Rock and Roll" on a tote, $11.95. 

Q.  Where are you from and what is the style like there?


A.  I was born in Philippines. I moved to Greece when I was 7, studied at Byron College, a British school where I took arts and crafts.  I stayed there until I turned 18.  I came back here (Manila) to study architecture. I didn't do so good at that, because my heart didn't really belong in that department.. so now I paint and blog.  :)  The styles here are simple,but people here in Manila can adapt very fast and they know what is beautiful.  If there is money in the pocket, they know which shoes or bag to buy! :)

Sterling Silver Plated Necklace, $29.95.  

Q.  What mediums do you enjoy using for your illustrations (pen, pencil, paper)?


A.  For illustrations I love using pencil: 2b first, then 4b and finally 8b. I like to splash it up with some aquarelle colours...Sometimes...  

"Not Delicate," By: Donna Sy  

Q.  What is your background in this field?


A.   I am just a painter in high heels! :) I didn't take up fashion, but I am a personal stylist occasionally, when I am not preparing for an exhibition.   

"Trapped,"By: Donna Sy 

Q.   How do you come up with ideas and inspiration for your artwork?


A.  Sometimes I see great pictures, natural poses and natural beauty and I think... hmmm, lets's draw that! Sometimes I have a dress in mind and in order to save in a hard copy, so I don't forget about this idea... I draw it! 


Q.   Do you have any favorite fashion sources (books, magazines, websites.)?


A.  It has to be "Shopping for Vintage" by Funmi Odulate. Inside there are some amazing fashion illustrations. 


Q.  What are your future goals for the fashion industry?


A.  Future goals? Maybe bringing back a whole lot more of that 70's feel and look, but with a twist of modern chic and natural sophistication!


Q.  Tell us about your brand you are building, "This Lady Behaves."  Who is the "This Lady Behaves" girl?


A.  This Lady Behaves is a sarcastic brand. I don't quite know what to call it.  It is a girl with confidence and style and not scared to show it.  She has the mindset that vintage beauty never gets boring.  She has will and motivation. That's what "behaves" means to me really.  Not someone who sits in one corner and just keeps quiet!  Nope!  Someone loud and ready to party! Who it is? Me in the past...my daughter in the future. :)

"Powerful Rich," By: Donna Sy  

Q.  How can people keep up with what you are doing and contact you for collaboration?


A.  They can go to my blogs:
         Knickerless Doodles 
         This Lady Behaves  

         or email me:  thisladybehaves@gmail.com


Q.  What compelled you to want to donate artwork to The Compassion Fashion Project?


A.  You seem like a great human being, hon!!  You are beautiful, driven and a goal achiever! You are hard working and I LOVE YOUR BLOG!  I love what you do and I have so much respect for you!  So big kiss and big thank you! 

 Right back at you! THANK YOU!

I absolutely adore Donna's paintings, which I didn't even know about until this interview, so be sure to go check them out here!  Wow, Donna...I am impressed!