Make a Statement

Have you ever worn an outfit that you thought could be so much hotter, but just weren’t sure how to take it to the next level? Well the key is your jewelry selection.

Statement pieces can define the outfit and bring out your personality. Jewelry trends for the season range from bold chunky pieces to beautifully crafted dangling earrings.  Needless to say, I stumbled across a great site that sells amazing jewelry, by designers who have worked for some of the top design houses. The quality is amazing and the price is even better. I loved it so much I decided to sign up! Check out the looks and link below, I’m sure you’ll love it too.

Find all of these amazing looks and more at: www.stelladot.com/sites/ShakiraOna

So you wanna start a business?

Here are some things to think about to create an extra source of income for yourself during this economy. It all starts with believing in yourself and knowing that you can do it!

1. Why?

Be clear on why you want to start your own business. It takes knowledge AND passion to be successful in any given field. Also, realize that nothing happens over night. Even though your idea is great, it comes down to the execution and drive, so be prepared to WORK for it.

2. Type?

Now is the time to determine what type of business you will run. Within your field, what will set you apart from the competition? You have to decide what it is and how it will run. This also means deciding what type of entity you will form based on how it’s run.

3. Plan!

Create a business plan that will guide you to fulfilling your goal of entrepreneurship. Now you need to decide if writing a full out plan is most beneficial, or writing a simple to the point one page plan is enough.

4. Demographic?

Who are you catering to? Are you providing pet services and sourcing pet owners? Or are you launching a clothing line, and sourcing an uptown girl? Either way, nailing your target market will increase your chances of success tremendously.

5. Pricing?

How to set pricing is a HUGE question for so many new business owners. The key is to never sell yourself short. When coming up with pricing, remember to take in account for any supplies/purchases, plus a profit margin for each product/service. Then, look at what your competition is charging, and place yourself at a comfortable place for you and your business.

6. Finding Money!

This part always makes people go crazy. How can I find the funds to fulfill my dreams? Well, once you have done the research, completed the aforementioned tasks, and have your business plan ready to be seen, you can find money! A great place to start is SBA.gov they provide a list of legitimate government grants, loan options, and even tips on preparing for the process.

You’re Ready!

Once you have come up with your idea, type, business plan, demographic, price point & funding, you are ready to start your business. Good Luck on the journey! Your passion will keep the fire of success burning. Now go take over!

Back to Basics

This season, trends are ALL about color, patterns and texture. Browse through my budget friendly, Fall 2011 basic addition suggestions, and bring your wardrobe back to life! Mix and match your closet staples with these fun trendy finds…

Fashion For Action!!!

Today marks the beginning of the Fashion for Action Festivities which fight in the plight to end homelessness and AIDS. Fashion gives back in so many ways. This particular event welcomes everyone to be a part of the celebration, at any tax bracket.

*Tonight’s festivities boast  a fabulous Awards Dinner @ 6:30pm with the tickets starting at $1000 -MTV Networks Headquarters Times Square, 1515 Broadway

*Thursday November 18, kicks off the VIP: Shopping and Reception Event @ 7pm. Tickets are just $100 for this event. You will enjoy VIP shopping before the public, cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, and silent auction items – Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th Street

*Friday November 19, is the final day of festivities for this organization. Chelsea Thrift Shop opens its doors to partake in the Public Sample Sale!! This sale boasts over $1 Million in merchandise, with prices 50%-70% off retail. – Chelsea Thrift Shop, 143 West 17th St

Some of the participants taking part in this event are:

3.1 Phillip Lim, 7 for All Mankind, Alchemy, American Eagle, Anella, Antonio Prieto Salon, Arlene Carenio, Armando Piquer, Armani Exchange, Arrojo Studio, The Art of Shaving, B. R. Guest Restaurants, Back Forty, Banana Republic, Band of Outsiders, Bar Basque, BCBG Max Azria, Be & D, Ben Sherman, Benjamin Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman,Billy Reid, Blow Dry Bar, Bottino, Bowery Hotel, Bridgette Raes, Brooks Brothers, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry, Butter Shoes, Calvin Klein, Cafeteria, Canali, Catherine Stein Designs, Caudalie Spa, Chado Ralph Rucci, Chanel, Charlotte Ronson, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Citizens of Humanity, Clark’s Botanicals, Clarins Fragrance Group, Club H Fitness, Cockpit USA, Colbert Report, Comedy Central, Completely Bare, Converse, Converse by John Varvatos, Coty, Cynthia Rowley, Crosby Street Hotel, Crunch Fitness, Daily Show, Darling, D&G, Daryl K, Delicatessen, Dempsey & Carroll, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Diesel, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, Dolce & Gabbana, Dolder Grand Hotel, Donna Karan, Dooney & Burke, Doo.Ri, DSQUARED2, Earnest Sewn, East of Eighth, Edun, eenamaria, Elie Tahari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Entertainment Cruises, Eric Javits, Eric J. Henderson, Esquivel, Eventi: A Kimpton Hotel, Fashion Accessories First, Fendi, Flamenco con Magdalena, Francis Hendy, Frederic Fekkai, French Institute: Alliance Francaise, Frette, Gap, Gant, Gilt Groupe, Giorgio Armani, Gitman Brothers, Glitterati Incorporated, Greater Faith Gear, The Green Room NYC, Greenwich Hotel, Greenwich Hotel, Gucci, Guerlain, HMX Group, Helmut Lang, Hotel Maya, Hotel on Rivington, Hotline Showroom, Hugo Boss, ilili Restaurant, In God We Trust, Ink 48: A Kimpton Hotel, Inn at Irving Place, Isaac Mizrahi, Issey Miyake, Izod, J Brand, Jack Spade, Jarret Yoshida, Jason Wu, Jenny Yoo, Jill Stuart, Joan Rivers Worldwide, Joe’s Jeans, John Sahag, John Varvatos, Joie, JS Blank & Co., Juicy Couture, Jujamcyn Theaters, Karla Otto, Kara Ross, Kate Spade, KGS, Laicale, Lanvin, Lee Angel, Levi Strauss & Co, Libertine, Lilla P, Loomstate, Louis Vuitton, Lucas Entertainment, Lucky Brand, MAC, Make Up Forever, Mango, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Marcolin, The Mark Hotel, Mark Morris Dance Group, Max Mara, Marni, Max Mara, Me&Ro, Melissa Shoes, Meryl Starr, Michael Andrews Bespoke, Michael C. Fina, Michael Kors, Michelle Watches, Milly, Moët Hennessy, Monet, Moncler, Morgan Le Fay, Mui Mui, Mulberry, Nanette Lepore, The Nate Berkus Show, Nautica, Nickel Spa, Nina McLemore, New York Sports Club, Nickel Spa, Number Lab, Oliver Peoples, Opening Ceremony, Original Penguin, Oscar Blandi, Oscar de la Renta, Osteria il Pailo, Patricia Underwood, Paul Smith, Paumanok, Perilla, Pesavento Couture, Polo Ralph Lauren, Phillips-Van Heusen, Prada, Prideworld, Procter & Gamble Prestige, Product Development International, Public Theater, The Rachael Ray Show, Randa, Rebecca Taylor, Riviera Trading, Rock & Republic, Rogan, Rose Marie Swift, Rose Water, Ruby Kobo, Rufus, Safilo, Salon Ziba, Salt Optics, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Jewelry, Savoy, Scoop NYC, Seifter Associates, Sequel International, Senses NY, Shui Chen, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Signature Styles, Smash Box, Smorgas Chef, Splash, The Standard Hotel, Steven Alan, Stila Cosmetics, Stoll Fashion & Technology, Studio 25 Inc., Stussy, Sunner, Supima, Tadashi Shoji, Target, Ted Baker, Theirry Mugler, Theory, Tina Tang, Tipsy Parson, Thakoon, To Boot NY, Tod’s, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Tracey Reese, Tribeca Grand Hotel, True Religion, Tuleste Market, Uniqlo, Universal Display, Versace, V.Fraas, Victorinox Swiss Army, Vince, Vionnet, Vlada Lounge, The Wendy Williams Show, Wonder Salon, Yellowman, Yoga Works, Yumi Kim, Yves Durif, Zyloware

Fall 2010 Menswear Showcase

A couple days ago, I attended a menswear showcase in SoHo, NYC. The Ray Vincente Menswear Showcase, at the Chacala Loft is attempting to become an annual event, and showcased four ready-to-wear designers, accessory designers, and photographers. It was great event! See for yourself…..

Designer Ray Vincente(above) Fall 2010 Collection(below)

Andrew Nowell Fall 2010 Collection

Drama behind the series….

Currently going into week four of shooting for “CREAM,” a new drama series set to debut in the fall.  This series has a great cast, wonderful producer/director Clayton Prince, and  wardrobe by yours truly! Below you will get a glimpse of on-set shooting, and behind the scenes of this anticipated new drama.

Actors and camera crew shooting a plot to take over Big Balla Records.

Clayton Prince and Elena Branker wearing www.kahri.com.

Beautiful cast members wearing original Alan White Millinery headpieces.

www.hats-etc.com

Stay tuned for more pics following this project!

Opening Night – Black Pearl Sings!

Black Pearl Sings! made it’s Philadelphia premier, and I can proudly say that I was a part of it as the assistant costume designer. I have been working on this project for the last 4weeks, in preparation for this special night!  NOW PLAYING at InterAct Theatre Company until June 27, 2010 – 2030 Sansom Street Phila., PA 19103 Box Office 215.568.8079

C. Kelly Wright (Alberta “Pearl” Johnson) and I.  An absolutely AMAZING actor!

Catherine K. Slusar (Susan Mullally) and I.  She is such a great example of a local jem!

Loyce and I worked on the costumes for “Black Pearl Sings!” She is such a seasoned designer, who is also associate professor and Head of Design in the Theatre Arts Department, University of Iowa! It was such an honor to work with someone so experienced and humble.

The man behind the magic! Seth Rozin directed this wonderfully articulate and amazingly entertaining play.

Hello world!

Hello world! It’s me, Shakira Ona’……pronounced (ah-nay)! Here I’ll be documenting my days as a fashion and wardrobe stylist, as well as things that catch my eye. Fashion is what I do, who I am!!

I am currently working on several projects which will be reflected on these pages. Multiple projects I find keep me busy, and on my toes…..currently Asst. Costume Designer for “Black Pearl Sings!“,  Wardrobe Designer for new drama series, and Image Consultant/Stylist for new artist Taylor Ivy!