Mary Alice Stephenson wears a lot of hats!  Her Facebook followers are in the five figures, she is a media go-to for her red carpet commentating and heart-filled fashion segments, a world renown stylist who has styled for icons such as Avedon, Hiro, Demarchelier, Lindbergh and Richardson as well as serving as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for many Fortune 500 brands.   Oh, and we can’t forget to mention how cool it is that she and Barbie are talking fashion in her “dream” closet for BarbieWow.com next week, while still making time to be the national fashion ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.  She gives her time and love for fashion to many charitable organizations all while being a single mom.  She’s our new hero and we think soon to be yours, too!

As a fashion consultant, you get to do something different every day- which days are you favorite?

Every day is different and I love it that way!  It’s such a mix — from red carpet commentating to consulting behind the scenes for Fortune 500 companies, to creative directing, to styling editorial shoots with top photographers. Each week it’s high fashion to mass fashion, it keeps me happy to be in both worlds!  I can reach so many real women all over the world via social media, my followers love that they can get a look into the real world of fashion and learn how they can apply that glamour to their lives in a realistic way.  One day I’m shooting for a European Vogue, doing a fashion segment for the Nate Berkus show or styling a supermodel for Estee Lauder and the next day I could be helping real women get their glam on in a mall in middle America!

Who are young designers that we should be looking to for the future of fashion?

I just had lunch with the talented designers of Cushnie et Ochs, I try to support as many up and coming designers as possible.  I know how tough this business can be and how much support they need to make it.   I love Flora and Alexa from Ohne Titel, Juan Carlos Obando, Joseph Altruzara, Christian Cota, Suno, Frank Tell….  There is so much talent out there right now.  I try to shoot their clothes, or get them on the red carpet as well as talk about their clothes in the media to help get their point of view out to mass America.  The American public needs to know there are more options than just the big brands that can afford to advertise.  It’s still a struggle, for example, there were a wide range of luxury brands seen on the Golden Globe red carpet but where were Erdem, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler?  I was happy to see Givenchy, Nina Ricci and Jason Wu, though —  so that is some progress!

For the rest of the interview, click on over to LOOKBOOKS.com!

How did you come up with your DJ name?
Actually, I used to DJ with my boyfriend as a duo, and when I came to New York I was trying to think of a name for myself. I didn’t want to use my regular model name, so my friend said, “You should be DJ Bambi because you look like Bambi — all bewildered and skinny.”

What kind of music do you spin?
Electro house, progressive house…

What are you listening to right now?
You probably won’t even know them. I really like crazy electro stuff. I like a lot of Mark Knight. He always has really awesome productions. Funkagenda’s pretty great, Adam K. from Toronto, I love his productions. I like David Guetta [he] came out with two albums. One of them is really commercial, but his other album is more for DJs. It’s sort of harder electronic music. I really like Bassjackers right now. Alesso, Nicky Romero, Tim Berg and Zedd are new artists around my age Ireally  respect. There’s so many, I could go on for days!

What are your top 5 songs right now?

Nicky Romero – “Toulouse”

Michael Calfan – “Resurrection”

Felguk – “Jack It”

Avicii – “Fade into Darkness (Albin Myers Remix)”

Swedish House Mafia – “Antidote (Instrumental Mix)”

Read the rest of the interview over at LOOKBOOKS.com!

Photo: Zimbio

“In order for something to mean something you have to part with things you really love. It doesn’t take much effort to ditch a pair of naff old boots now does it?”  – On a pair of boots she sold to a charity, which FIT purchased.

“Valentino is a nice man and a very gentle soul. What’s wonderful about him is that when you talk to him about art his eyes light up! And I really get that.” - On her good friend, Valentino.

“I’ve been wearing motorcycle rings since I was 16 then I began wearing crisp white shirts- And all of a sudden Karl Lagerfeld and I started morphing into each other.” -On how she and Lagerfeld dress in similar fashions. But which came first?

“Before my wedding I got 2 feet cut off my hair and I was so mad because they gave me this huge horrid hair. But it was the 80s so it doesn’t really matter does it?”- On her wedding to Stavros Niarchos.

“The dandy aspect of my of my dress stems from my love of literature – Wilde, Proust and Gide. It is also since I didn’t get to go to Eaton! Also, the way a jacket is constructed is very geometric and I like to adjust things a very small amount so I work very closely with the tailor. I like the idea of being a bit androgynous.” – On the Dandy section of the exhibition at FIT.

“It was really hard to get gold chain male made! It took five years!” –On working with Shaun Leane on her chain mail glove.

“A cat suit is so great to wear for a shoot because you can get into any position and they just don’t tear!” – Need we say more?

“I’m  soaking in the morning sun and loving Parisian balconies!” she told us. Not a bad view if we do say so ourselves!

For more great NYFW pics hop on over to Guaty Galleries on Lookbooks! And we recently convinced Richard to whore himself out via  Twitter and Tumblr, so make sure to follow him @RichardGuaty and guatygalleries.tumblr.com, respectively.

Fashion Week is the time of year when we can get inside the heads of all the creative types that dominate New York City.  We are taking this opportunity to ask a question a day to all the industry pros we meet for a quick fashion fix. Today’s question: What’s your good luck pre-fashion show ritual? 

“Sitting down and having coffee when there shouldn’t really be time” -Marcia Patmos, Designer M.PATMOS

“Serenity prayer.” -Terry Richardson

“I do a little meditation, just for a few seconds.” -Jessica Stam

“Aspirin” -Cator Sparks, Editor of Lookbooks.com

“Being prepared.” – Richard Guaty, Fashion Photographer

“My Evil Eye pendant necklace, haven’t taken it off for years…” Suzanne Koshnoodi, Owner of Industry Publicity

“I sleep the entire week before hand to prepare, and pack a “to go” back full of all the supplies for any fashion emergency.” - Ariel Moses, Fingerprint Communications 

“Putting on my Avant Rock Spike Cuffs before I head out!” -Karen Ko, Owner & Designer of k2o

“I have zero luck, so I guess that’s a sign for me to come up with one.” -Hyden Yoo, Designer

“Making sure that I have my Ganesha pendant necklace” -Joseph Janus, Creative Director of BODHI

What is your Fashion Week good luck ritual? Tell us in the comments below.

Armani Exchange Neon Carnival: Armani Exchange and 944 Magazine took over a private airport on the outskirts of the festival and built a fully-functioning, Armani Exchange-branded carnival. In addition to the ferris wheel, giant slide and carnival games, they managed to build an outdoor club in the middle of the venue, complete with celebrities and bottle service. DJs Devin Lucien, Jesse Marco, and DJ Politik kept the energy high while young Hollywood danced the night away. Josh Hartnett, Paris and Nicki Hilton, Camilla Belle, Kellen Lutz, Penn Badgley, Tara Reid, Jamie Chung and Elijah Wood were just a few of our celeb spottings.

Images via Armani Exchange

Belvedere Music Lounge: The Belve Music Lounge provided a peaceful oasis from the hot desert sun. Located at a private estate in Bermuda Dunes, the lounge had a refreshing pool, mini sand pit, cold cocktails, a fun photo booth and models in bikinis demonstrating the Belvedere shaker app on iPads. DJ sets were as sought-after as the festival lineup: The Knux, Taryn Manning, Dirty Vegas, Yacht, Punches, Blaqstarr, DJ Berrie, Junior Sanchez, Theophilus London and more spun for our pleasure. Our celeb spottings included Rosario Dawson, Brittany Snow, Laidback Luke and Miguel.

Photos via Artificial Daydream and They BF

Lacoste: Lacoste L!ve, the younger, more fashionable crocodile, hosted a Pool Party that supported the efforts of The Voice Project foundation. Patron popsicles cooled us off while DJ Cassidy kept us dancing. Celeb spottings included Katy Perry, Alexander Skarsgard, Malin Akerman, Kirsten Dunst, Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson, Adrian Grenier, Ke$ha, Lea Michele, Kelly and Jack Osbourne and Jared Eng.

Check out the original post by Samantha Lim and more photos on Lookbooks.com.

LINK LOVE: Lookbooks.com

INSTRUCTIONS:

- If you don’t already have a log in, then go to dots.com and sign up now.

- Complete and submit the information on this form at the contest website.

- Go to dots.com and login to your fashion closet.

- Click on “my closet” and start creating some great looks. You can browse clothing and accessories on the website and add them to you closet to create fabulous looks.

- Once you’ve created a look you want to submit, click “Save this Look.”

- Name your looks “styleNYC” so we know it’s for the contest. Styles not saved as ”styleNYC” will NOT be considered. Three entries are allowed per person. Click   “Save this Look”

- Once you’ve created a look you want to submit, click “Save Look”. You’re done!

The contest ends in one week, so hurry and create your looks NOW! Your submission will be judged by Mia Morgan and the Dots Team. Have fun and good luck!

INSTRUCTIONS:

- If you don’t already have a log in, then go to dots.com and sign up now.

- Complete and submit the information on this form at the contest website.

- Go to dots.com and login to your fashion closet.

- Click on “my closet” and start creating some great looks. You can browse clothing and accessories on the website and add them to you closet to create fabulous looks.

- Once you’ve created a look you want to submit, click “Save this Look.”

- Name your looks “styleNYC” so we know it’s for the contest. Styles not saved as ”styleNYC” will NOT be considered. Three entries are allowed per person. Click   “Save this Look”

- Once you’ve created a look you want to submit, click “Save Look”. You’re done!

Your submission will be judged by Mia Morgan and the Dots Team. Have fun and good luck!

You have decades of experience and are highly respected in the fashion industry. What is your favorite part of styling?
I love the fast pace and the constantly changing elements. Being a stylist has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderfully different and interesting clients, celebrities and magazines. It’s so gratifying. I love the travel and being on the go. Every day is a new experience.

It’s New York Fashion Week! You live and work in NYC. What do you love about the city and how does it inspire you?
Creating a beautiful world around me is something that always inspires me, and living and working in NYC has been that and more – truly inspiring. I love New Yorkers because they literally wear their individuality and personality like hearts on their sleeves. There are so many fantastic looks on the street during fashion week, it’s a feast for the eyes – very exciting. I marvel at all the fresh, new faces and wonder where they come from. That inspires me too.

You are judging the styling contest at the DOTS fashion week event. What are you looking for in the winning look?
I’m looking for creativity and something with an interesting twist. Style is about self expression so don’t be afraid to create a unique look. The winning look should be fresh and modern.

Any tips for wannabe stylists out there?
Get an internship with the best stylist you can. Someone whose work you admire. It’s important to assist for a while to learn the ropes. You can build a book for yourself during that time. Keep at it. It takes time to get all of the elements in place. Have fun and be creative but also know that it’s a very serious business when you start working with the best clients and you have to learn the business side too. Try to find a balance between editorial and advertising so that you always know the latest trends and still bring professionalism to any assignment.

You can check out Mia Morgan‘s work on her website at MiaMorgan.com. And don’t forget to RSVP for the DOTS fashion week event! Hurry, because space is limited.

Celebrate Fashion Week in style with DOTS!

1.  LOOKBOOKS.COM- With more professionalism than the presidents of fashion, their blog connects the fashion industry through everything designers, street style, fresh faces, and interviews with creatives like Danielle Levitt. All names to know for any aspirational fashion guru, and if that isn’t enough they’re always giving away million dollar baby prizes like Manolo’s!

2.  The Ford Models Blog- This is their second time being on a FashionIndie influence lists as they were on the list of The Top 10 Websites Every Fashion Professional Should Know and today making it second on our favorite writers worth reading! Fresh faces, and a wicked tongue on every tweet Damien Neva keeps us updated on model lust all day!

3.  Modelinia- It might say it in the name but if you really want top news about any model, from endorsements to what shoes they wore last night keep up with Bianca Posterli our favorite blogger on Modelinia.com

4.  @DKNY- If we only could wish this anonymous PR guru had a blog! But luckily she does have a Fashion Week SS11 for Elle Collections out on news stands now! And with tweets like “Do you ever notice that the light never turns red when you are trying to reapply to lipstick” to “Is there a word stronger than QUEEN for Drama? Queen is just not cutting it” this Donna Karan super tweeting girl is the one to follow from all things fashion, to laughing at her so true statements!

5.  Collegefashionista.com- A website filled with Zuckerberg’s  inspiration of creating a connection with every fashion guru throughout every University in the world! From Yale to the many campuses of NYU, Amy Levin has pushed the limits of what fashion means to a younger audience and allowing everyone to glimpse into the innovative styles that the young create, and follow! Any fashion business would be dull without a little CollegeFashionista.com in their life!

6.  @IamSamLim- I’d be surprised if you all weren’t familiar with Lookbook.com ‘s Fashion Director & Stylist, Samantha Lim. A wicked fashionista taking on New York City with killer six in pumps no matter what weather, having the best closets any girl would kill for, and getting to attend all the best style filled events out there! Not to mention she’s ridiculously funny and can write up a mean article!

7.  NYLON Magazine Blogs- Not only is NYLON magazine a wicked piece of print that we anxiously wait for every month but it’s also one of the best blogs in fashion whom the magazine’s witty digital director Faran Krentcil dominates! From songs of the day, to behind the scene fashion perks, and twisted culture, it’s all about the NYLON blog.

8.  @COACD- Just like a modeling agency but better! Douglas Perrett a model-casting director says it like it is and keeps his blog running with fresh faces not to mention was listed under Refinery 29’s Fashion’s 50!

9. Refinery 29- From putting together the perfect outfit dictionary for just about any occasion any glitter-veined girl would have to attend, Refinery 29 is like the guide to a perfect and easy outfit life. Clearly with some of the best street style coverage R29 is rocking it!

@Bergdorfs- Bergdorf Goodman, two words that can change any bad situation for any women into pure bliss! With a timeline dedicated to inside tips from the designers, to the store’s events, and some twitpic beauty here and there, we’d be crazy not to love @bergdorfs tweets and blog.

Usage: Strictly lookbook (print & dig), no ads

Location: Tribeca (mostly indoors, with a couple of looks outside, weather permitting)

Date: Dec. 19, 2010

Fee: $500, including Agency Fee

What are you waiting for? Start uploading!

We learned that…

Kirill is fast becoming a staple in nightlife photography.

Stylist Julie Matos has a solution for every fashion mishap.

Tavi is making the move from online blogger to magazine editor.

Lookbooks.com picked their next batch of Ruffian Streetstyle winners.

Even fashion designers have secret strippers pasts.

Lookbooks.com is giving away 20 pairs of Manolo Blahnik‘s straight from the Ruffian S/S2011 Runway. And the first two winners are La Pollo & Olnu.

Congrats girl!

If you want to win then head over to Lookbooks.com and ENTER NOW!

You can also follow Ruffian on Facebook for the latest news on winners of this competition and to talk to the designers directly.

This week Lookbooks.com has decided to focus their attention on Halloween window displays. This is definitely a feature to check out! You can do so by visiting Lookbooks.com

Today’s office shoot was all Hilary, all Hermes, click ENVY to see more shots styled by FashionIndie’s very own Daniel Saynt!

SAM LIM- LOOKBOOK.COM FASHION DIRECTOR

FASHIONINDIE- NICOLE VARDO AND MCARTHUR JOSEPH

MANNY SERRANO- LOOKBOOKS CO FOUNDER

Today was definitely a good Friday, my mission is to get Daniel Saynt to strike a pose for my camera! It will be done, expect to see more photos of the office on the daily, perhaps some videos? A lot of our writers and team have yet to be photographed! Check out the rest of the photos on ENVY and share some comments with us!

• Women’s Wear Daily WWD is the largest fashion journalism site, even your most loved and known blogs lean on this site for first hand information on all things fashion and all the happenings in the industry.

• Lookbooks connects style icons, bloggers, and  new faces with the industry’s leading professionals.

• Style.com The number one source of everything fashion ten years in the making.

• Models.com its a model mania world, all latest fashion campaigns, covers, and editorials.

• Net-a-Porter The world’s online luxury fashion destination.

• Fashioncopious-  All the artistic events of fashion.

• Fashionising.com fashion trends, street style, and runways.

• The Fashion Spot is great for forums and all things trends and celebrities.

• Ford Models Blog The world’s most prestigious modeling agency.

• COACD- Confessions of A Casting Director

I spotted Shannon Sinclair’s Polaroids via my friend and favorite model Ethan James’ Facebook page, and her blog ‘Crush Me Tender’ chronicles off duty models in Polaroid form (real Polaroids, not an iPhone app). She uses a lot of warping to the photos, which I’m totally into.  Check out her site to see a bunch of awesome photos, and she’s also snapping off duty models in NYC for Lookbooks.com!

LINK: Crush Me Tender

The folks at Lookbooks.com just interviewed me about the joys of Fashion Indie. Read it.

HAHAH.

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I’m sure you remember me posting about the Lookbooks.com Street Style Competition, well you still need to go enter! I made a Lookbooks.com profile yesterday after emailing back and forth with it’s creator Manny for too long, and am now laughably looking at my photos on the front page today.

Go join Lookbooks.com and submit your photos for a chance to win the $200 American Express Giftcard..or hype to give me $200. Thanks.

Our friend Lookbooks.com (not to be confused with it’s hipster elite counterpart lookbook.nu) is hosting a street style competition!  Here’s all the details:

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WHAT IS IT?: The World’s Hottest Street Style Competition

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?: Prizes and Internet Fame!

Every 2 weeks Lookbooks.com will give away a $200 American Express Gift Card for the most popular look on the site.  The winning look will be featured on Lookbooks.com and in other publications.

WHEN DOES IT START?:

NOW!!! The giveaway is happening every two weeks during July. . The first round ends July 14th so submit your looks before then for your chance to win, and tell all your friends to join Lookbooks.com so they can hype you!

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Fashionindie.com will be picking out our favorite looks and posting them under our ‘Street Heroes’ on the site, and if we hate it, you know we’ll bash it.

See all the rules, and join Lookbooks.com here!

See this and more on Maryjane’s Lookbooks.com