Throwing It Back To Y2K: 7 For All Mankind

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Sorry to 2016, NYFW threw it back further to 2009 with their recent 7FAM show.

With nostalgic fashion on the rise, social media is reflecting heavily on the previous decade.

7 For All Mankind chose to make its throwback comeback with new creative director, Italian designer Nicola Brognano.

Brognano is revitalizing the Italian label founded in the late ’70s and once again establishing it as a touchstone for Y2K-era ‘It girls’.

He made his debut with the brand this month at NYFW. He hopes to see real people wearing the collection, just like they did the 7FAM of decades past. 

Gen Z thinks they discovered this look. We know better. 

Social media is full of the youngest generation channeling their inner Jenny Humphrey. 

Jenny was in her ‘punk/goth/Barbie/Queen Bee’ era on Gossip Girl.

Models hit the runway sporting skinny jeans(yay,they’re back!), pea coats, and babydoll dresses. 

T-shirts were layered.

Denim and leather jackets were styled with skirts with high-low hemlines. 

The accessories were 100 percent  throwback! 

Messy hair topped with Ray-Ban Wayfarers, tons of costume jewelry, and huge  handbags. 

Some models sported two bags at a time.

Platform stilettos are also back.

I’m not happy about that. I never cared for the way they look and I know better than to risk my life and limb by wearing them lol.

This is actually recently becoming one of my favorite fashion genres. Think Gossip Girl meets Vivienne Westwood.

Ok Little J…we see you!!

The Art of Fashion: Viktor & Rolf

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I was fortunate to catch the Viktor & Rolf exhibit at The High Museum Of Art in Atlanta last weekend.

It was much larger than I expected.

For more than twenty years, Viktor & Rolf have challenged preconceptions of fashion and bridged the divide between fashion and art.

Room after room was filled with over the top couture.

Viktor & Rolf is a Dutch avant-garde luxury fashion house founded in 1993 by Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. 

I associate the brand with bright, cheerful florals. However, a huge selection of white on white was shown.

Viktor & Rolf use white as a defining, sculptural, and conceptual tool, often transforming the color into art-focused, avant-garde couture. Key uses include the 2016 “Performance of Sculptures” collection with Picasso-inspired Cubist forms, the 2018 “Immaculate” 25th-anniversary collection, and reinterpreting the classic white shirt with exaggerated shapes and dramatic, structural ruffles

Viktor & Rolf also use text on clothing to blend high-fashion couture with social commentary, irony, and popular culture.

Their iconic 2019 “Fashion Statements” collection featured voluminous tulle gowns with bold, slogans like “No photos please,” “Sorry I’m late,” and “Give a damn.”

There was alot of comments overheard about the creepy doll room.

As a longtime doll collector, I got it. And I loved it.

Their use dolls is a recurring, deeply conceptual, and surreal motif that bridges fashion, art, and childhood fantasy. 

They utilize dolls to miniaturize their archive, mock the fashion system, and explore themes of control and femininity, often replicating iconic garments in one-third scale. 

This isn’t a new concept.

Antique dolls originated as “fashion babies” in the 14th trough the 18th centuries, serving as miniature, 3D mannequins to showcase the latest European trends to affluent clients.

These early dolls, often made of wood or wax, traveled between courts and cities, acting as influential tools for designers to display intricate fabrics, styles, and, later, as toys.

Viktor & Rolf bring that old world concept back with their collection.

Their use of florals blend intense femininity with edgy, rebellious, and avant-garde designs resulting in a Baroque, yet minimal feel.

For more than three decades, Dutch fashion artists Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren have explored the connections between the worlds of haute couture and art.

Dimension and texture are predominate in their couture collection.

These bows had me in a choke hold.

Seeing the pieces in these photos in real life was such a remarkable experience.

Of course there was a nod to their popular fragrance, Flower Bomb.

I’m so thankful to High Museum Of Art for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

A Rose By Any Other Name…

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The world was rocked last week to learn of the death of actress Catherine O’Hara.

One of my favorite characters she played was Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek.

Her outlandish behavior and accent were matched only by her outfits.

Debra Hanson is the Emmy-winning costume designer behind the iconic fashion of Moira Rose.

Moira obviously favored black.

She was inspired by crows, as witnessed by her many feathers.

Hanson designed her wardrobe to be “too much is never enough,” featuring bold patterns and statement accessories.

Her hair style and color changed dramatically through the series, as well as the episode. She even named each of them!

Her wig collection was a specific request from actress Catherine O’Hara to define the character.

One of my favorite nonsensical quotes from Moira Rose seems quite fitting with her passing…

“How mercurial is life…we all imagine being carried from the ashes by the goddess Artemis and here I get a balatron from Barnum & Bailey.”

Still Pretty In Pink

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My favorite ‘80s teenage angst movie is turning 40 next month.

I always identified with its star Molly Ringwald because she made my red hair and full lips seem ok.

I loved all of her movies, but this one was my favorite.

Growing up, my mother wouldn’t allow me to wear pink. “Redheads can’t wear pink!”

Well, this movie proved her wrong.

I’d like to reminisce and show some of the amazing fashions the characters wore.

Andi was a thrifting queen! She also repurposed many of her pieces.

Think lots of pearls, paisley, drapey-flowey fabrics, cameos, pins, scarves, hats, vintage cardigans and dresses and little round glasses.

I literally had these glasses. I couldn’t find them in red so I bought the purple.

She brought menswear to the big screen. And into our wardrobes.

The 80’s was known for its maximalist lifestyle and Andi took it to the max with her styling.

I still want her Asian inspired bomber jacket.

Andi had some equally fashionable friends.

Iona, the quirky record store owner changed her style in each scene.

Punk rocker, pin up girl, raver and Miami Vice clothing filled her closet.

And who can forget her BFF Duckie.

Colorful layers, pork pie hat and round glasses were a bold expression of his personality.

And I personally believe he should have ended up with Andi at the end.

Which leads me to the most ICONIC outfit from the movie…the prom dress!

Love it or hate it, the dress was the epitome of the movie, and of Andi.

She combined Iona’s prom dress with a second hand find her father brought home, making this memorable piece.

So many people, including Molly Ringwald herself, but I loved it. I loved anything pink.

This movie was full of (to quote Duckie) Really volcanic ensembles.

Back At It: CL’s Resolution Runway Show

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Last week we covered sleeves and pants. This week we’re going to focus on backs.

So many of the designs looked just as good going back down the runway as they did coming up.

This menswear blazer with the giant bow is one of my favorites.

Whimsical designs painted on backs are a fun, street style look.

Slashes, safety pins and intricate lace brought seduction to the runway.

Draped fabric created dimension on this dress

Sequins and beading added even more intrigue to this lace piece.

The exposed zippers on the neck and back on this look are intriguing. Add in pinstripe, lace and jagged hemline for a look I fell in love with.

Exposed backs and bows brought sultry to life on the runway.

Ciarra Christian and Lindsey Avant proved Angels walked among us.

Attention To Detail

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Last weekend I was honored to cover the CL’s Resolution Runway Show.

The show was put together by two talented young ladies, Ciarra Christian and Lindsey Avant.

It was held at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe.

The attention to detail in the production was matched only by some standout features in some of the fashions.

Let talk legs.

Unique pants legs were prevalent throughout the show.

These lace bell bottoms were among my favorites

Quilted, patchwork and plaid bias on denim bell bottoms gave a unique look.

Lace ups and embroidery are a sexy options.

Denim on denim with a twist.

Graffiti and abstracts make for great streetwear options.

Now for the arms.

Dramatic, oversized cuffs are in.

Menswear dominated the runway. This look sported a cold shoulder on the sleeve and a suprise bow on the back!

Oversized lace bell sleeves lend a touch of gothic romance.

Sheer gossimer sleeves lend a touch of fairyland to these looks.

These velvet sleeves had me in a chokehold.

Gloves are BACK!!

Embellished gloves, satin gloves and even gloves with feathers!

So many beautiful looks in this show!

Which details stand out to you the most?

Another Day, Another Brown Outfit

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Yes, I’m still on my brown kick.

There’s just so much good stuff out there in so many shades of brown.

I found these Ugg Tazz dupes at Walmart. They’re so warm and comfy. I wanted to see if I’d like this style before investing in the real thing:

I received this reversible Michale Kors scarf for Christmas. It’s perfect for my outfits I’ve been wearing lately.

And of course, my new favorite patchwork Zara bag brings the whole outfit together.

Oh What a Year!

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As 2025 fades into nothing but a memory, I’d like to reflect back on some of my favorite blogs from the past 12 months.

Meeting and interviewing the Zoe from the clothing brand Nic + Zoe was such a treat!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/04/11/cheers-to-20-years-of-niczoe/

I look forward to the Charlotte Shout Festival each year. My favorite part is the fashion!!!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/05/02/shout-out-to-fashion/

The dreamy shabby chic Loveshack Fancy opened in Charlotte! This is my Grand Diva’s favorite so they see alot of me there!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/08/09/loveshackfancy-x-pink/

The first Monday in May found me in Colombia, SC at a Met Gala viewing party. Such a memorable experience.

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/fine-and-dandy/

Nina’s Boutique always has the BEST EVENTS!! The Coastal Cowgirl one was such an enjoyable one!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/06/27/cowgirl-up/

This was SEW much fun!! I got to meet and interview Craig Conover, star of Southern Charm!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/07/03/sew-charming/

Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed swimsuits on the runway??? Yes please!!!!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/07/24/breakfast-at-the-beach/

The Bloom Theory event was spectacular!! Dior, fashion, food and networking all rolled into one upscale event!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/08/02/%f0%9f%8c%b8bloom-theory%f0%9f%8c%b8/

I attended my first Artpop Street Gallery Fashion Show in 2025. I’d been to events and even hosted a fundraiser for the non profit but seeing an actual show was breathtaking.

Billboards turned into wearable fashion!!!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/09/13/from-billboards-to-runways/

My dream event happened in 2025! I was invited to Chanel Beauty to celebrate their anniversary!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/10/24/so-coco/

The Cosmo Gypsy Sip & Shop cannot be described in mere words. It was a feeling of gratefulness, collaboration and camaraderie. The feeling in that room was one hundred percent ‘you had to be there’. I tried to relay that with this blog but it could never come close to the magic we all experienced.

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/11/15/gypsy-soul/

And finally…

As 2025 was coming to an end, Zara was just beginning their journey in Charlotte with the much anticipated opening of their location in Southpark Mall!

https://livinglavidadivablog.wordpress.com/2025/12/20/welcome-to-charlotte-zara/

Thank you to everyone that visited and read my little blog this year and here’s to an even more amazing 2026 blogging year!!!🥂

Gimme All The Chocolate

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I’m a certified chocoholic.

The kind you eat AND the kind you wear.

One of my favorite TJ Maxx finds is this croc print Marc Jacobs bag in chocolate brown.

I also found matching boots from Jones NY at the same location.

I paired them with my favorite wide leg jeans from It’s Fashion Metro, a chocolate brown henley from Walmart and this comfy oversized sweater from Express.

I absolutely love this outfit and will wear it on repeat all winter!

Welcome to Charlotte, Zara!!

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The rumors were true and the wait is over!!!

Zara opened their doors at SouthPark Mall last week and I, for one, could not be happier!

This two story location features 29,000-square-foot of clothing and accessories for women, men and kids.

They feature new retail technology, including self-checkout, real-time inventory checks and in-store online order pickup via QR code.

Choose your item from the display, the employee scans it and it’s brought to you within minutes.

During checkout, simply place the item in the self checkout and an image appears on the screen.

The store is spacious and very clean lined.

Upstairs features returns, kids clothing, fitting rooms and even pre-owned Zara pieces.

I’m highlighting some of my favorite pieces. They include classic styling and muted tones.

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite pieces!