SPECIAL FEATURE: Are you an up and coming designer?

Project Runway Season 12 is now casting. Have what it takes to show your stuff at New York fashion week? This is your chance!

The minimum age to apply for the show is 21. For more details, information, and to apply, please fill out the application (Download) and follow all directions that are on it.
The deadline for Bunim-Murray Productions to receive applications is April 8th, 2013.
That said, the invite-only casting calls begin very soon after the deadline. Getting your submission in as soon as possible guarantees that you can be invited to the call that is geographically closest to you. Please don't wait until the last minute; fill out the application and get all your information to them immediately.

Don't forget to mention that Hip Chick Zine referred you.

Questions? Send your e-mails to prcasting@bunim-murray.com.

All applications should be sent (overnight) to:
Project Runway Casting
Bunim-Murray Productions
6007 Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91411 

Style Q&A: Make Fashion Your Own

Black and white is back in style but it's so bland. How can I spice it up?

Today's black and white essentials are far from boring. Personally, I love wearing black because it’s sophisticated, elegant and slimming. Look for black and white pieces that are fitted, with a slightly edgy cut or with tasteful embellishments. You can always dress up basic black and white with chunky jewelry or a colorful scarf. For evening, choose dresses that flow over your curves like silk and chiffon, and wear with beautiful dangling earrings. Also, many white pieces are touched with bohemian lace that no longer resembles something your grandmother would wear. My favorite way to wear black and white? Pair black and white with a colorful accent, like cobalt blue flats.

I love fashion, but I fall victim to trends and just as I'm catching up from last month, it's out of style. How can I stay up to date?

You should be less concerned with following trends and more focused on discovering your personal style. To start, you should buy several essential items that never fall out of style, like elegant scarves, cotton cardigans, and black pants. Check out vintage stores to find one-of-a-kind steals. When your clothing base is strong, you will only have to buy one or two new items, such as accessories, to update your seasonal style. Being stylish does not require running to the store every month and blowing your hard-earned cash.

Fashion Finder: Crochet Scoop Tank Top

We love this lovely, vintage-inspired crochet tank top on Nasty Gal. It's a summer layering essential. At $38, it's a real steal too!

An Exclusive Interview with "American Idol" Costume Designer, Soyon An

If you don’t know her name, you probably know her work. Soyon An is the head costume designer of FOX’s hit TV shows “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” She has worked in the music, TV and film industries, and her past experience includes Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Sean Kingston, Kate Bosworth, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne and Pink. Soyon earned her second Emmy award for her work on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2010, after winning in 2009.

Hip Chick Zine: Did you always know you wanted to a designer?
Soyon An: No. I grew up being the biggest Tomboy. All I wanted to do was play outside.

HCZ: [Laughs] Me too. Your looks are so beautiful and unique! How do you get your inspiration?
Soyon An: Thank you! I draw inspiration from everything. Colors on a day after the rain, traveling, walking around in a busy street. And of course runway shows, magazines, movies, TV shows... The list can go on and on because it truly is from everything. And I'm very much into detail.

HCZ: Describe your personal style.
Soyon An: I see myself as a bohemian, rock-n-roll, and geek. [Laughs] I like to keep things low-maintenance.

HCZ: How did you get involved in “So You Think You Can Dance?”
Soyon An: I got my start as an assistant to the costume design on Season 2. That was the first season the show was going on tour, and I was the designer and supervisor of that show.

HCZ: How has winning not one, but TWO, Emmys changed your career… and life?
Soyon An: It definitely made me more confident in my work. It's an amazing feeling to receive an award like it. The fact that people who have been doing this for decades take notice of your work is life changing. I am now pushing myself to do better than the last, especially in my work and even with myself. I want to give more to the world... I don't know who's paying attention, but I want to give it my best.

HCZ: What’s the process like for designing a look on “American Idol?”
Soyon An: Well, to start, I only get 2 hours with each idol. It ranges, but a lot of idol's image styling is off the rack clothes that I tailor. This season, I have done a lot of custom pieces... The girls are smart this season! The fashion world is their oyster with me as their stylist, or if we can't find it the stores, I'll make it for them.

HCZ: What other projects are you working on right now? Future plans?
Soyon An: I am a fashion editor for Jimon Magazine, I'm helping to re- brand a company, possibly a boutique... Check out my upcoming website www.soyonan.com, follow me on twitter @soysfashion or read my blogs for the latest!

HCZ: Who would you love to collaborate with next?
Soyon An: I would love to collaborate with JLO, Gaga, or Rihanna... and maybe Banksy!

HCZ: What advice do you have for women who would like to become designers/stylists?
Soyon An: Get hands-on experience. Be prepared for long hours, a lot of schlepping, and organizing. Keep positive and when you see your work, or assistant work in a spread, on TV, or in a film, it's very rewarding.

HCZ: Off the topic of style, what’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Soyon An: I've had tons of fun all around the world, but I'd have to say Cusco, Peru was amazing. That's where Machu Picchu is, and when you get to the top, you know that anything is possible.

Photo Credit: Collin Stark

Beauty Buzz: You Glow, Girl!

We get some fun products in the mail, but one of our new favorites is this Manasimakeup LYSTER Cream Bronzer from Stockholm, Sweden! This unique cream bronzer offers color, glow and light coverage just in time for the warmer weather. Is your skin a little dry? Cream bronzer is easily absorbed and won't flake off like powder bronzers. Wear LYSTER Cream Bronzer alone, or mix it with your moisturizer for subtler color. It even smells delicious with a light vanilla and tangerine scent.

LYSTER was developed by professional makeup artist and hair stylist, Susanne Persson, based in Stockholm. Since 1995, Persson has worked with numerous fashion magazines, advertising agencies, actors/actresses, artists and models in Sweden and worldwide. While this break-through cream is Persson's first product, she plans to grow the brand to include other goodies currently missing in the beauty scene. LYSTER Cream Bronzer is free of paraben and mineral oil, and made of natural ingredients, so you can also feel good about wearing it. A new Hip Chick Zine favorite! For more information and to purchase, check out Manasimakeup.

Photo credits: Woman, FreeDigitalPhotos.com/PhotoStock. Cream, Joanna Tanger.

Jewelry We Love: MICHE MOZAIX

Miche Mozaix consists of the creative mother/daughter team of Deborah and Lauren Asberry, self-taught jewelers who devised a way of securing bits of clay together using grout as their adhesive!

They use fresh clay, custom glazes and grouts to create a unique style of mosaic jewelry and art pieces you won't find anywhere else. Due to the process they use to create the pieces, most of Miche Mozaix's jewelry is reversible and versatile.

Their style is very different from 'traditional' mosaics and the tiles are NEVER broken. The jewelry line was introduced late in 2009 and has continued to evolve as Deborah and Lauren add additional styles and finishes to the line.

One of Deborah and Lauren's core beliefs is that it is vital to give back whenever possible and make opportunities for the jewelry to benefit others. Lauren designed both the 'Autism Awareness Puzzle Piece' Necklace and the 'Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon' Necklace so that a portion of their sales can benefit their respective causes. For National Heart Health Month, they introduced a piece called 'Heartbeat'. It consists of two tiles with the grout in place of the heartbeat line.

The most sought after pieces include the 'Peace Sign' jewelry line, which is available in a variety of colors and finishes and on everything from sterling silver ear wires to macrame chokers for men. They also create bookmarks, key chains and even bobby pins so giving MICHE MOZAIX as a gift is always in style!

Hip Chick Zine spoke to the ladies behind the jewelry line.

HCZ: What inspires you?
We're both inspired by the tropical breezes and colors of places like the Caribbean Islands. We'll be traveling there in early March to soak up some sun and inspiration and hopefully share some of our jewelry designs down there!

HCZ: What's your favorite travel destination?
Dominican Republic is a favorite destination, but also places like Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico are so colorful and lively like the feeling we try to translate into our jewelry. It's a stark departure from the frigid cold we experience here in Cleveland, Ohio!

Check out and support their jewelry revolution by clicking here. Their store can also be found here.

FASHION PROMOTION WITH LULUS.COM

Check out Lulus.com and pick out a new Spring outfit to celebrate the warmer temperatures! Save 15% off your orders with coupon code HIPCHICK! It is case sensitive, valid for customers in the US and Canada, and is a one use per customer coupon. The coupon is for 15% off the total purchase and is a site wide discount. Valid from March 1st through 4th 2011 (our FB readers heard about it first- be sure to 'like' us!). Check out Lulus.com and get shopping!

SPECIAL FASHION PROMOTION JUST FOR YOU!

We'll be featuring a special promotion with additional savings just for HCZ readers at the awesome LA-based sample sale site http://www.365hangers.com THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH! Designer styles are ALWAYS 70% off, but HCZ readers can take an EXTRA 10% off already reduced prices with THE CODE "365hcz."

Fashion without boundaries: that’s the objective behind sample sale site 365hangers. Since its debut in the summer of 2009, 365Hangers has continued to deliver fashion’s most coveted designers ranging from Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Elie Tahari, and many more, at unprecedented 70% off retail value, every day, 365 days a year.

Unlike other sites, 365Hangers showcases models of all shapes and sizes, ranging from pear to hourglass, helping shoppers discover what outfits compliment their shape the best. After all, designers make clothing for all women, despite what’s seen on the runway.

** No minimum purchase required. Cannot be combined with other promotional codes. Enter the code in the "promotional code" box. Valid from Feb. 7-28th, 2011.

BOOK WE LOVE: Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights

Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights: Recipes for Every Season, Mood, and Appetite by Sophie Dahl (HarperCollins Books)

You may recognize Sophie Dahl's smiling face on the cover of her book. She is known for her big smile and sexy curves as a world-class model. What you may not be aware of is that this London-based model is a wonderful food writer (oxymoron no more!). The 276-page hardcover is part cookbook, part memoir, with gorgeous, full-color photography sprinkled throughout. Divided by season, the recipes are further categorized by meal, and brief anecdotes introduce each chapter. Dahl's recipes are generally simple and delicious, encouraging readers to use local seasonal produce as their stars. Begin an autumn day with "Poached Eggs on Portobello Mushrooms with Goat's Cheese," and finish with a "Flourless Chocolate Cake." Savor "Linguine with Tomatoes, Lemon, Chile and Crab" in the summer, and "Grilled Figs with Ricotta and Thyme Honey" in the spring. Some of the recipes sound indulgent, but all feature wholesome ingredients that can easily be found at your local farmers' market or supermarket. All in all, the stylish model makes one sensual cook!

From the HCZ Events Calendar: Flutterbydaisy Fashion Show

Flutterbydaisy Fashion Show


Featuring music performances from

The Dogbones * David Ryder Prangley * Maleficent
Esther Dee * Nuala Merne *
Thursday 4th March 2010

7:00pm – 2:00am

The Dome (Above The Boston Arms)
178 Junction Road
Tufnell Park
London
N19 5QQ

Tickets £8 in advance from http://www.etickets.to/buy/?e=4058

Flutterbydaisy presents a night showcasing a new line of Flutterbydaisy dresses, inspired by Childhood, Victorian rag dolls, Lolita-mania and 19th Century couture.

The show will feature an array of fresh new models, chosen especially for their lack of catwalk experience and fairylike quality, with goth-pop-actress-singer-poster-girl Betty Curse the highlight of the runway. Mac make-up artist, Luna Viola, and hairdresser Valentine Capa Preta will also be involved in the show with documentary film maker Donato Cinicolo filming throughout the evening.

The catwalk show will be punctuated by five bands / solo perfomers - pretty singer/songwriter Nuala Merne, Mediaeval Baebe Esther Dee, David Ryder Prangley of Rachel Stamp, Gothic ballerina fronted Maleficent and headliners, The Dogbones.

natanyaNatanya L Waybourne created Flutterbydaisy two years ago. Preferring the teachings of her dressmaker Nana she skipped art/fashion school and now works from home in her fairy cave collecting ‘Flutterbydaisies’ along the way. She blogs about it regularly at www.whatnatanyadid.blogspot.com

Natanya’s dresses have been seen on Stephanie Dosen, America’s Top Model finalist Alison Harvard, Maleficent Martini, Mediaeval Baebe Esther Dee, Esther O’Connor and Lady Solo to name a few…

When she’s not sewing dresses she is dancing, writing poetry, taking photos, drawing, making spoken word CDs, reading ‘Alice in Wonderland’, keeping her website up to date… and she has recently branched out into film making. Natanya is also currently writing a novel inspired by time.

Flutterbydaisy “…dresses for broken dolls, butterflies and fairy ballerinas…”

BOOK WE LOVE: The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman (Penguin Books).

Based on Schuman's hit blog, "The Sartorialist," comes an excellent collection of photos showcasing an eclectic array of styles from the streets around the world. More than a book about fashion, this is a celebration of self-expression; an exhibit about the image we portray to the world from the clothes we wear. Some of his models are elegantly classic in pencil skirts, others wear tight, ripped jeans and sport pink hair. Yet in this anthology, each and every one of Schuman's subjects supports the notion that one's personal sartorial taste is truly unique, and it is indeed a good thing we don't all wear what we see on the pages of a mainstream magazine.

FASHION FINDER: Victorian Legwarmers

We absolutely LOVE these "Ivory Lacy Lady Victorian Legwarmers" by Mademoiselle Mermaid (Etsy). Double crochet (available in four colors) with white lace and a pearl button make them romantic and unique. Pair them with Fall's new booties for a sophisticated, Old-World European look. To order your pair(s), click here. While you're there, take a look at the beautiful crochet jewelry, which will nicely complement your new legwarmers.

FASHION FINDER: Suede Peep Toe Booties

Looking for the perfect shoes to wear to ring in the Fall? Charlotte Ronson Renata suede peep toe booties on a wooden platform with a back tie may be a bit of a splurge ($184), but they're well-made and worth it. They're comfortable enough to wear while walking to work, and are perfect with dark, slim jeans for an evening out. Edgy, yet elegant. Visit ShopBop to order them!

The September Issue PREVIEW

Vogue. Anna Wintour. The September issue. You've seen The Devil Wears Prada, but how about seeing the real glitz, glamour, and fear? The September Issue is the long-awaited documentary about the most important issue in the fashion magazine world, and the person who has the final say.

FASHION FINDER: Boots We Love

What can I say? It's raining today!
Rain isn't very much fun when you have a busy day ahead of you, but these "Raindrops on Roses" boots from Modcloth will have you singing (and skipping) in the rain in no time! They're so classy, you can even wear them to work. $114.99 at ModCloth.com

Fashion Finder: The Perfect Trench Coat for Fall

A black trench is a fashion staple. Classy, elegant, and easily paired with everything, no hip chick should be without. How do you find "the one" though? HCZ discovered this convertible trench coat on ShopBop.com (we love this site!), marked down from $595. By Elizabeth and James, now $297.50. This is a 3-in-1 steal: the sleeves come off so it becomes a sleeveless trench dress, or wear the sleeves as a chic bolero on their own. This is a seriously stylish investment that you will be able to wear for many years to come!

BOOK WE LOVE: Fast Beauty

Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes by Rona Berg (Workman Publishing), is the beauty guide you've been searching for, even if you didn't know you were! How do you get rid of your dark circles? How do you camouflage spider veins? What type of yoga is good for pregnant women? Why do you get breakouts on your scalp? Does an apple really make your breath smell better? Berg is a former beauty editor of The New York Times Magazine, and has also written for Vogue, InStyle and Cosmopolitan, so she's definitely picked up some tips and tricks. This 294-page manual is indexed by problem, and is packed with information and ideas. The author breaks down getting ready in the morning to the "five-minute," "two minute," and "30-second" face. Berg includes a whole chapter on "Hormonal Hang-ups," and covers topics like "The Natural Beauty Pantry," "stretching your products," "stress and medications," time-saving products," and "when to save, when to splurge." Discover new ways to use Elmer's glue, honey, coffee and lemons! Instead of buying magazines hoping that they will enlighten you as to why your lip gloss never stays on, check out this ultimate guide. Fast Beauty is probably the most useful beauty book I've ever seen, and its compact, 5" by 7" size makes it perfect to toss in the beach bag this vacation. There's helpful information for women of all ages and stages in life! To order this book, click here.

Short on Cash? We Have Your Night Covered!

What's a fun-loving, social, recesssionista fashionista to do on a Friday or Saturday night? If you're attempting to save a few pennies, try a couple of these great ideas for evenings at home with your friends. :)

~ MOVIE NIGHT or MOVIE CLUB
What you need:
-Large TV or a film projector and screen (or white wall)
-Lots of comfy seats and fluffy pillows
-Popcorn, wine, and maybe some homemade pizzas

You can start your own film club. Choose foreign films, comedies, or any assortment you like. Try making membership cards, and you can even punch holes in them to make it more "official."

~ COOKING PARTY
What you need:
-A well-equipped kitchen (or just tell guests to bring certain items)
-Ingredients for your recipes
-A couple photocopies of some of your best recipes

You can make it into a "cook-off party" and provide kitchen-oriented prizes for the winners, but we just like getting together and making tasty goodies with friends. Switch around the houses for different taste adventures. The best part? At the end of the cooking fun, you get to eat delicious food. Provide good wine and beer, or fancy cocktails (check out our list on the website).

~ CLOTHING SWAP (or even try this as a CD or BOOK swap too)
We don't have as much money as we once did, but we're still bombarded by beautiful clothes. What's a girl who wants a little change in her wardrobe to do? HOST A CLOTHING SWAP!

What you need:
-Old clothing, jewelry and shoes you no longer wear but are still in good shape
-Smoothies & finger food (or you provide the drinks and ask others to bring a dish)

Have a girly evening and tell your friends to bring all the clothing, scarves, handbags, jewelry and shoes they don't want. Set up shelves and hangers (or just drape across the sofa!), and display the clothing so your friends can see each others' selections. Swap that blue shirt you wore twice for a "new" sun dress. Make strawberry banana smoothies, blueberry blackberry smoothies, and lay out an assortment of fancy finger food (homemade hummus with veggies, scallops wrapped in bacon, mini quiches, etc.). MMMM!

~ JAMMING PARTY
Do you play an instrument? If so, host a fiesta filled with good, lively music!

What you need:
- An instrument
- Outlets for instruments that need to be plugged in
- Friends and neighbors who play good music

Get together and play some music! This can last anywhere from an hour to four hours. Or, make flyers and post them around your neighborhood, inviting other musicians to attend. This also works well as an outdoor party in the summer. Provide some beer, and ask others to bring some beer and snacks too.

Beauty Buzz: HCZ Loves BECCA Cosmetics!

I usually prefer lip gloss or balm over lipstick, but all that changed with the arrival of BECCA Sheer Tint Lip Colour. These emollient, antioxidant-rich lipsticks marry the moisturizing qualities of lip balm with the bold color of lipstick. The paraben-free shades provide subtle shine in a flattering variety of seven nude tones. Our favorites are Laelia, a peachy nude that's perfect for low-maintenance summer days, and sheer, rosy Vendela. Sheer Tint Lip Colour contains Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Honey and Vitamin E, making it go on so smoothly that you don't have to apply a balm underneath to keep it looking fresh, unlike other lipsticks. These lipsticks also smell good enough to eat with their natural vanilla caramel scent and come in sophisticated metal tubes!
For more information/to purchase, check out their website here. We also love their Silky Hydrating Primer, which is so creamy, it can even double as a moisturizer (perfect for summer).

BOOK WE LOVE: style, naturally

Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty by Summer Rayne Oakes (Chronicle Books) is a permanent fixture on my desk (and let me tell you, that's a competitive spot). Summer Rayne Oakes, fashion model, eco advocate, and resident expert on Treehugger.com and the Discovery Network's Planet Green, shares her fresh, fun and authentic take on eco-fashion, proving it's not an oxymoron. Breaking the book into sections such as "Bags," "Denim," and "Face," while including columns like "Designer Profile" and "Eco-Stylephile," the author makes it simple to find exactly what you're looking for. Summer Rayne introduces her reader to up-and-coming designers, and presents innovative, environmentally-friendly steps being taken by more established brands. With the immense popularity of the green movement, this book was published at the right time, but it proves that sustainable fashion and beauty is not just a fad; it's here to stay!
For more information, check out stylenaturally.com.