Designer Kara Laricks, winner of NBC’s Fashion Star season 1, has an undeniably unique aesthetics. Her ultra-feminine designs have a menswear inspired androgynous flare, giving fashionistas the option to dress impeccably while breaking gender boundaries. In a very honest interview, Ms. Laricks talked exclusively to The Haute Frugalista, about her journey from school teacher to rising fashion phenomenon, how she gets inspired to create her designs, and much more! I learned that dreams do come true if you work hard, stay true to who you are, and believe in yourself!

I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did and stay tuned for the next edition of Elite Editorial! What do you think of her reflections about her life and designs? Do you like any of the styles? Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash! ♥Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Enjoy & Share!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Social Spotlight: Gift Ideas For Dad Under $50!

DT: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

KL: I have always loved styling clothing and standing apart from the crowd – but growing up, my mom encouraged me to choose a “safe career,” so teaching fourth grade was my career and my love of design and clothing was a hobby.  At the ten-year mark of teaching, I thought to myself, “I am not getting any younger, I am going to go for it!”  I eased my way out of a fourth grade classroom and into a classroom at the Academy of Art in San Francisco where I learned how to drape, draw, design and sew over the course of three and a half years.  Though the past year of my life has been pretty amazing, I will always cherish the three and a half years where I really gave into my passion – I was a sponge – it felt amazing to be learning and growing day by day in a direction I knew I was meant to go.

DT: What was the first thing you designed and created?

KL: The first item I designed and created and SOLD was my signature collar + tie.  I started designing and selling accessories in NYC because they were what I could afford to produce.  I showed my collar + tie during the first week on Fashion Star because it really is my signature piece – a perfect combination of quintessential menswear elements combined for a man or a woman… Not to mention, my collar + tie is the basis for my subsequent designs on Fashion Star.

DT: What are your main sources of inspiration?

KL: I get inspiration from EVERYWHERE – honestly, it doesn’t take much – anything from the geometric nature of a sidewalk block to a mural of graffiti.  However, no matter where I draw inspiration from, the end result always ends up with my signature menswear inspired twist.  In terms of other fashion designers, I look to Yohji Yamamoto, Jil Sander, Rei Kawakubo – oh the list goes on…

DT: What do you like best about designing?

KL: The freedom.  Building an entire collection around a concept or idea that I find inspiring.  Fabric.  Dreaming up the entire vision – the runway, the music, the progression of the collection from start to finish…  I love it all – and I love that I get to repeat this process season after season.

DT: What environment do you prefer when sketching, designing or sewing (music, lights, people, etc,)?

KL: First – I am not a sketcher.  I will if I have to, but I much prefer to work with fabric on the form.  My ideal way of working is directly with a pattern maker – so that creating a garment is a collaborative effort from concept to completion.  In terms of atmosphere – I play music to suit my mood or the theme of my current collection – and I love to be comfy when I am working.  Recently, my sweet intern said, “Nice 90s cargo pants, Kara.”  I think I really did have those pants back in the 90s!  The horror!  But they are so comfy…

DT: Is there any cause that you support and if so, what inspired you to do so?

KL: Yes – as a former closeted teacher, I feel like I may have let both gay and straight students down in terms of the chance to have an out gay role model.  I am doing my best to right that wrong and am very fortunate to have the platform to now advocate for GLBTQ youth.  My partner, Melissa, has always had a very soft spot for rescued animals, so I have a feeling that one day our home will be a refuge!

DT: Is there anything in particular that you, as a designer, and your line stand for?

KL: Yes – I believe so strongly that dressing is a way to express our unique selves.  I believe that we all have both characteristically “feminine” and “masculine” aspects to our personalities and that we should honor and celebrate both.  If I can encourage women (and men, for that matter) to take a little bit of a risk when getting dressed and to then enjoy the positive consequences of stepping outside of a comfort zone, then I have done my job.

DT: What advice would you give to aspiring designers or someone wanting to start a career in the fashion industry?

KL: Stay focused.  Stay determined.  Be kind.  Be curious.  Above all, believe in your vision.

Hola Frugalistas,

La diseñadora Kara Laricks, ganadora de la 1ra temporada del show Fashion Star de NBC, tiene una estética innegablemente única. Sus diseños ultra-femeninos tienen un estilo androgeno inspirado en la ropa para hombres, lo que le da a todos los amantes de la moda, la oportunidad de lucir impecables mientras rompen las barreras de género. En una entrevista muy honesta, Kara habló exclusivamente para The Haute Frugalista acerca de su travesía de maestra de escuela a fenómeno de la moda, de como y donde encuentra inspiración para sus creaciones, y mucho más. Aprendí que los sueños sí se logran si se trabaja arduamente, se mantiene fiel a su visión y si se cree en sí mismo.

Espero disfruten llegar a conocerla como lo hize yo y estén atentos para la próxima edición de Editorial Élite! Que piensas acerca de las reflexiones de Kara acerca de su vida y diseños? Hay algún estilo que te haya gustado? Recuerda: Es Siempre Una Cuestión de Estilo No De Economía! ♥Sígueme en Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Disfruta y Comparte!!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Te Perdiste Mi Último Artículo? Foco Social: Regalos Para Papá Por Menos de $50!!

Father’s Day is a great opportunity to show the men in our lives how much we appreciate them. Whether it would we for the husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle or son, its important to make him feel special, and what better than with a unique treat! You don’t have to break the piggy bank, all you need its to get creative, think about what he might enjoy, and get inspired from ideas found on the web!

Now, as I’ve learned, it’s not cool to give a razor every year! Who knew? I mean, they use it as much as we use shoes, so it kinda made sense, but, I guess it’s just as bad as woman receiving pots for mother’s day! Men: there isn’t any excuse, even if your wife is Betty Crocker, for her to receive anything that goes in the kitchen as a gift (unless it has a diamond hidden inside!)

To get more ideas, press here to watch my feature on WSVN Channel 7 Fox News, CBS4 and Telemundo sharing gifts under $50! Do you have a gift in mind or purchased already? Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash! ♥Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥ Enjoy & Share!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Haute Feature: Nuance Salma Hayek!

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Here are my Top 5 Frugal Finds For Father’s Day Under $50/ Aquí están mis Top 5 Regalos Frugales Para El Día de los Padres por Menos de $50!:
* Bottle of Kappa Pisco/ Botella de Kappa Pisco $35: The bottle is gorgeous, resembling the Kappa constellation, and incredibly masculine. Its a great spirit easy to mix and made by Marnier-Lapostolle family! Their FB Page it’s filled with drink ideas! / La botella es muy masculina con un diseño que imita la constelación Kappa sobre Chile. Este licor creado por la familia Marnier-Lapostolle, se deja mezclar fácilmente. Para ideas de bebidas visita su página de Facebook.

* RumbaTime Watch/ Reloj RumbaTime $35-$50: Perfect for the stylish or active dad. They offer a variety of styles in different materials (silicone, fabric) making them a must-have!/ Regalo perfecto para el papá que le gusta estar de moda o que es muy activo. Ofrecen una gran variedad de estilos en distintos materiales (silicona, tela, etc) con estilos inovadores!

* Man of Steel Screening/ Proyección de Superman ‘Man of Steel’ $9: This exclusive deal for Walmart its the ideal opportunity for dads to enjoy a fun time with their kids on June 13th! Another plus, watch it before anyone else, or catch it June 14th!/ Esta promoción exclusiva para Walmart es la oportunidad ideal para que los niños hagan algo divertido con papá. Vé la pelicula primero que todo el mundo el 06/13 o en su estreno regular el 06/14.

Miami Shopping/ Compras en Miami:
*Zeidy’s, a Men’s Gift Shop in Miami Beach, has this Akribos XXIV watch (retails $295) for $150 but it will be $50 until 06/16! How awesome! Another gift is this stylish wallet + belt + pen set for only $28!/ Zeidy’s, una tienda de regalos para hombres en Miami Beach, está ofreciendo este reloj Akribos XXIV (precio reg $295) en su tienda por $150 pero hasta 06/16 lo tendrán por $50! Otro regalo es este set de billetera, pluma y cinturón por sólo $28! Increíble!

* Style CTZN, concept boutique in Wynwood, carries the Zack Madison men’s organic beauty line. They are offering a $50 set which includes a facial toner, cleanser and scrub!/ Style CTZN, una boutique concepto en Wynwood, vende la línea orgánica de belleza Zack Madison y tienen un set de tónico, limpiador y exfoliante por $50!   

Hola Frugalistas!

El Día del Padre es una gran oportunidad para mostrarle a los hombres en nuestra vida cuanto los apreciamos. Ya sea papá, abuelo, tío, hermano o hijo es importante hacerlos sentir especial y que mejor que con un detalle! No tienes porque romper el chonchito para buscar algo bonito, sólo sé creativo, piensa en algo que disfrutarán o inspirate con ideas de la web.

Yo aprendí que no se puede dar un set de afeitarse todos los años, pero quién iba a saber que no era buena idea? Osea, ellos usan las afeitadoras más que nosotras usamos zapatos, asi que tiene sentido. Sin embargo queridos hombres, un consejo: nunca le den algo a una mujer que vaya en la cocina, así su esposa sea Betty Crocker, a menos que haya un diamante escondido dentro de la caja de sartenes!

Presiona aqui para ver mi reportaje en WSVN Channel 7 Fox News, CBS4 y Telemundo, donde doy otras ideas para regalarle a papá por menos de $50! Tienes algún detalle comprado o en mente? Recuerda: Es Siempre Una Cuestión de Estilo No De Economía! ♥Sígueme en Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Disfruta y Comparte!!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Te Perdiste Mi Ultimo Articulo? Reportaje Especial: Nuance Salma Hayek!

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When it comes to beauty there isn’t a better thing than going the all-natural route. The antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients found in fruits like coconut, aloe vera, cucumber, avocado, grapes and watermelon, among others, have been proven to be potent enough to reverse the damages caused by aging, sun exposure and pollution. During a press event at Mandarin Oriental, beautiful place by the way, I was able to try CVS’s exclusive line Nuance Salma Hayek, all while been pampered with spa treatments.

Nuance Salma Hayek its a new beauty and skincare line that uses all organic extracts, seeds and oils to make a difference in the overall look and feel of the skin. Everyday we are faced with wrinkles, acne, dryness and dull skin, and that’s why finding products that work, its essential for our skin.

From the makeup, nail lacquers, skincare, hair care and body lines, all the products are filled with exotic ingredients like tepezcohuite and quinoa that restore, regenerate and revitalize the target area. In addition, they smell delicious, have long lasting pigments, and are beneficial to the skin. What more could anyone ask for? Ohhh, yes!! The prices are super frugalicious!! Nuance Salma Hayek prices, (available exclusively at CVS (online & in-store), range from $4 to $20!

Have you tried any Nuance Salma Hayek products? Do you have a favorite organic beauty or skincare line? Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash!
♥Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥ Enjoy & Share!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Style Guide: Top 5 Summer Wardrobe Staples!

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My Top 3 Nuance Salma Hayek products are/ Mi Top 3 Productos Favoritos de Nuance Salma Hayek son:

* Am/Pm Anti-Aging Super Eye Treatment/ Am/Pm Tratamiento Anti-Envejecimiento Intensivo Para Los Ojos $19.99: Anything I put around my eyes tends to irritate them and not pass the 30sec mark. I love it because I have seen my skin around the eyes, smoother and softer, and it works great as a primer so I use it everyday./ Todo lo que pongo alrededor de mis ojos los irrita en menos de 30 segundos. Me encanta esta crema porque he notado la piel alrededor de mis ojos mas suave y lisa, tanto que la uso debajo del maquillaje todos los dias.
* Winning Look Ultra-Defining Mascara/ Winning Look Pestañina Ultra-Definidora $9.79: If you are looking for a frugal option to the DiorShow New Look then look no further! Don’t be fooled by the tiny brush, in fact, its the ideal tool to stretch every single lash and make your eyes look bigger/ Si estás buscando una opción barata para el DiorShow New Look con esta pestañina vas a encontrar un cepillo pequeño que estrechará cada una de tus pestañas y hará lucir tus ojos más grandes.
* Root Boosting Volumizing Tonic/ Tonico Voluminizador $12.99: This will be your go-to secret to get beautiful waves during summer. It leaves hair soft but with lasting volume and hold./ Este será tu secreto para ondas suaves durante el verano, Te deja el cabello suave pero con volume y un poco de firmeza.

Hola Amigos!

Cuando de belleza se trata, no hay mejor opción que irse por la ruta de los productos naturales. Los antioxidants, vitaminas y nutrients que se encuentran en frutas como el coco, sávila, pepino, aguacate, uvas y patilla han provado ser lo suficientemente potentes como para revertir los daños causados por el sol, polución y envejecimiento. Durante un evento en el hermoso hotel Mandarin Oriental, tuve la oportunidad de probar la línea exclusiva de CVS Nuance Salma Hayek mientras disfrutaba de unos tratamientos en el spa.

Nuance Salma Hayek es una nueva línea de belleza y cuidado de la piel que usa sólo extractos, semillas y aceites orgánicos para crear una diferencia en como la piel luce y se siente. Cada día nos enfrentamos a problemas cutáneos como arrugas, acne y resequedad, y por eso es que es tan importante encontrar productos que sí nos den resultados.

Todos los productos Nuance Salma Hayek, desde la línea de maquillaje, uñas, cabello y piel,  vienen reinforzados con ingredientes exóticos como la quinoa y el  tepezcohuite que regeneran, revitalizan y reparan las áreas escogidas. Además de que son beneficiosos, huelen delicioso y tienen pigmentos duraderos, los precios son increíbles! Disponible en CVS (tienda o web) los productos Nuance Salma Hayek van de $4 hast $20! Que más podemos pedir?

Haz Probado Algún Producto Nuance Salma Hayek? Tienes Alguna Línea Natural de Belleza o Cuidado De La Piel Favorita? Recuerda: Es Siempre Una Cuestión de Estilo No De Economía! ♥Sígueme en Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Disfruta y Comparte!!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Te Perdiste Mi Ultimo Articulo? Guia De Estilo Para Los Top 5 Básicos Veraniegos!

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Forever21 Necklace & Jewelmint Rings!
Picture with Kristin Clark and Rosy Cordero

I believe its fair to assume summer has officially arrived! In Miami, we are still experiencing heavy rains and dark clouds, accompanied by intensive heat and humidity, doesn’t it sound dreamy? Because Miami it’s totally bipolar when it comes to the climate, it’s always good to be prepared with a few investment pieces! Summer 2013 will be more than sleeveless shirts, lace shorts, printed skirts and jelly flip-flops; these key items are the ones that will take you through season with a breeze, and keep you fresh and trendy without breaking your vacay budget!

What are your summer staple pieces? Which trends are you looking forward to rock this season? Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash!
♥Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥ Enjoy & Share!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Dee As Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s!

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Love Shopping Miami: Multi-Color Chevron Dress

Summer Style Guide: Top 5 Wardrobe Staple Pieces Under $50!/ Guia De Estilo Veraniego: 5 Piezas Basicas Para El Guardarropa Por Menos de $50!

* The Summer Blazer/ El Blazer Veraniego:

We want to look polished without overheating ourselves with heavy blazers or jackets, so the trick its to switch out fabrics. Instead of heavy wool or leather, we go for chambray, linen, crochet or cotton in bright colors like cobalt, emerald, orange or fuchsia,or fun prints like stripes or flowers.
Queremos vernos arregladas sin tener que soportar el calor con chaquetas pesadas así que la opción es escoger otras telas. En vez de cuero o lana, usamos mezclilla suave, lino, crochet o algodón en colores fuertes como esmeralda, naranja o fucsia, o en estampados como líneas o flores.

Love Shopping Miami: White Linen Blazer

* The Summer Pants/ Los Pantalones de Verano:

Dark rinse jeans are a must-have in every wardrobe, but when summer comes, its time to go for pastels colors! Jeans in lavender, mint, baby blue, white and rose, are perfect ways to take a classic style and modernize it a notch. Harem pants are great for work or meetings, and you can take them to drinks by adding fun heels.
Jeans oscuros son necesarios en todos los closets pero cuando llega el verano es tiempo de usar tonos pasteles. Lavanda, menta, azul cielo y rosa son colores perfectos que modernizan este estilo clásico. Pantalones Harem son ideales para el trabajo o reuniones y pueden ser llevados hasta la noche añadiendo tacones.

Love Shopping Miami: Lavender Skinny Jeans

* The Summer Dress/ El Vestido Veraniego:

This is the best investment piece for all summer! Chiffon and silk sundresses are the ideal alternatives because they are light but the fabric looks expensive (without having to be). You can get creative picking them in a high-low hem, in color-blocking, patterns or solids, or do a hue mix & match with the accessories.
Esta es la pieza en la que invertir para el verano. Vestidos en seda o chiffon son la alternativa ideal porque la tela es suave y luce costosa (sin tener que serlo). Puedes ser creativa al escoger el estilo largo-corto, en bloques de colores, estampados o neutrales, o hacer una mezcla de tonos con los accesorios.

Pretty ODD Boutique: Black & White Chiffon Dress

* The Summer Accessories/ Los Accesorios de Verano:

Sunhats, sunglasses and cover-ups cannot be forgotten. They make you look stylish and fashionable, but more importantly, they protect you from the damaging sun rays. Choose frames according to the shape of your face, hats and cover-ups in colors that coördinate or contrast with your outfit, and bold handbags in cool materials like linen or straw.
Sombreros, lentes de sol y salidas de baño no pueden ser olvidados porque además de que te hacen lucir fabulosa, te protegen de los dañinos rayos del sol. Escoge lentes que van de acuerdo a tu tipo de cara, sombreros y pareos que coordinan o contrastan con tu atuendo y bolsos en materiales como lino o paja.

Pretty ODD Boutique: Tribal Color-block Clutch

* The Summer Shoes/ Los Zapatos Veraniegos:

Sandals and wedges keep your feet cool while giving you an excuse to get a pedi! Since nail art its the hottest trend, don’t be afraid to choose bright nail polishes, or get a nail design on your pretty toes! When it comes to sandals make a statement in fringe or with embellishments; wedges or espadrilles in crochet or braided jute are classic and chic options.
Sandalias y plataformas te dan una excelente excusa para hacerte una pedicura y ya que el diseño de las uñas son una tendencia muy fuerte, escoge colores brillantes o un diseño divertido. Luce espectacular en sandalias con flequillos o adornos, o en plataformas de crochet o yute trenzado.

Love Shopping Miami: Nude Espadrille Wedges

Hola Belleza!

El verano ha llegado, y aunque en Miami todavía estamos experimentando mucha lluvia mezclada con intenso calor y humedad, es tiempo de sacar la ropa ligera del closet. Ya que Miami tiene un clima muy bipolar es bueno estar preparados con piezas que te duren toda la temporada. El verano 2013 será más que camisas sin mangas, shorts de encaje, faldas en estampados y chanclas de plástico, por eso te traigo estas opciones en las que invertir para lucir fresca y a la moda sin tener que sacrificar el presupuesto de las vacaciones!

Cuales son tus piezas mas importantes para el verano? Que tendencias quieres incorporar en tu closet esta temporada? Recuerda: Es Siempre Una Cuestión de Estilo No De Economía! ♥Sígueme en Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Disfruta y Comparte!!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Te Perdiste Mi Ultimo Articulo? Dee Como Audrey Hepburn en Breakfast At Tiffany’s !

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Love Shopping Miami: Black Harem Pants

Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Audrey Hepburn were a match made in Hollywood heaven.  Holly Golightly, played by Hepburn, is one of the most iconic characters in film history. The carefree New York “socialite”, seduced the audience with her pearls, diamonds and cigarette holder, all wrapped in the most sought-after piece of clothing of all times: The Little Black Dress. Even 50 years later, the imagery and styling of this movie it’s still relevant and influential in the world of fashion and beauty, and I could not miss the opportunity to play dress-up for a day!

When I was asked to strut my blogger-self for a fashion show, I decided to style pieces from Ann Taylor to channel this timeless look. If there was ever an occasion, besides Halloween, to bring my inner Holly was this one. I couldn’t resist adding some sparkly white/silver Christian Louboutin Decollete Paillete heels and Gucci sunnies to make the outfit modern, and at the same time tackle a huge 2013 trend: the black and white combo!

What do you think of Audrey Hepburn? Have you watched Breakfast At Tiffany’s? Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash!
♥Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥ Enjoy & Share!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Manis and Music: A Yellow Submarine Homage!

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Hola Queridos!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s y Audrey Hepburn fueron una pareja salida del cielo Hollywoodense. Holly Golightly, interpretada por Hepburn, es uno de los personajes más icónicos de la historia cinematográfica. La chica de “alta sociedad” de New York nos sedujo a todos con su aire de alcurnia, las perlas, los diamantes y la boquilla de cigarillo; pero lo más impactante son sus Vestidos Negros, o LBD, la pieza de ropa más clásica de todos los tiempos. Incluso 50 años después de haber sido filmada, la visualización y estilo de esta película sigue siendo relevante e influencial en el mundo de la moda y belleza, y yo no me podía perder la oportunidad de arreglarme como ella!

Cuando fuí invitada a modelar en un desfile como blogera, decidí escoger piezas de Ann Taylor para recrear este look tan clásico. Que mejor excusa, que no fuera el Día de las Brujas, para sacar la Holly que llevo dentro. No me pude resistir a añadirle los tacones Christian Louboutin Decollete Paillete en lentejuelas blancas/plateadas, además de unos Gucci sunnies. o lentes de sol. Asi logre darle un toque moderno al atuendo y usar una de las tendencias más fuertes del 2013: el combo blanco y negro!

Que piensas acerca de Audrey Hepburn? Alguna vez viste Breakfast At Tiffany’s? Recuerda: Es Siempre Una Cuestión de Estilo No De Economía!
♥Sígueme en Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bloglovin & Tumblr: HauteFrugalista♥
Disfruta y Comparte!!
Xoxo,
Dee Trillo♥
Did You Miss My Latest Post? Manicuras y Musica: Un Homenaje a Yellow Submarine de Los Beatles!

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Images by Photo Activa and South Florida Nights Magazine