Capture Fashion by Amanda Del Duca

SO, over the past week one video has been on constant replay in my apartment. To say I am obsessed is a healthy understatement. Not sure how this 4-part editorial video series has evaded me since it’s release in February, but regardless I’m so happy to have it.

Back in Feb, Vogue Paris released the ‘Viva Las Vegas’ videos by photography duo Inez & Vinoodh staring Daria Werbowy. The series is styled FLAWLESSLY by Emmanuelle Alt – seriously – I have screen grabs by the dozen in a folder on my desktop for inspiration.

From the clothes to the music to the hair – it’s all just so good. Last night, David snapped a few shots of me doing my best to channel Daria. Fun times! xx

So sorry for not getting this up sooner. I’ve been meaning to show off the before photos from the DIY project I finished last week. (Final photos here)

Brief recap: Wrote a piece on jewelry designer, Tom Binns, for Vault magazine -> Completely consumed with having a Tom Binns of my own -> Get sad cause my bank account says ‘hell no’ -> Stumble across DIY Tom Binns blog post -> Happy again with a plan.

After getting inspired by a few good DIY blogs, I headed to Forever21 to claim all accessories that sparkle. I ended up spending about $70 on over ten pieces and felt really good about my loot. Next, I headed to Ricky’s NYC for neon nail polish, but found the best neon polish at American Apparel. They have a three bottles for $15 deal, and the AA colors are on point. Check them out here.

All that was left was really just patience and a little creativity. I mostly used the nail polish, but I did end up using neon spray paint from Ace Hardware on the drop down earrings. Oh, and I spray painted the safety pins too.

Leave any questions in the comments and I’ll fill you in on any specific DIY questions. xx

On Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Vault magazine at the incredible, former Versace mansion. As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I finally made it in the building, but had to leave before even seeing the courtyard.

After Friday, I am convinced I was destined to get sick on my first visit.  I couldn’t have planned a better way to experience the mansion. In what was a truly decadent night, I left completely drunk on the magic of it all.

Event planner and restauranteur extraordinaire, Barton G. Weiss, launched his new magazine with editorial director, Glenn Albin, and  executive editor, Eric Newill. Oh, and if that isn’t enough star power Danny Santiago is the fashion director. You might know Santiago from a little film he styled with Patricia Field called, Sex and the City.

For the launch, I wore this electric-blue lace dress by my favorite Miami designer, ALEXIS. My affection for the brand is well documented here on Capture Fashion, so I was beyond thrilled to be dressed in this exquisite number that won’t be available for a few weeks. Fancy!

In more exciting news, I am writing for Vault magazine online. My first story went up on Friday and is on jewelry designer, Tom Binns. The piece is actually my inspiration for my ‘Incandescent’ pictorial and DIY neon project last week.  Check out the story on VaultMagazine.com here.

While you are there, sign up for a subscription. The print edition is so major. I went through it cover-to-cover this weekend and color me all kinds of impressed. The articles are compelling, contributors are top notch and the editorials totally kill it.

I actually had the chance to assist on ‘The Vow’ editorial. Shot by Christian Anwander, it was the most exciting set I’ve had the opportunity to be on. What makes it even better? Your girl got to cameo in the final photos!! Haha, yup, that’s me in the bunny mask.  xx

Last week the weather returned to blazing heat and we finally shot the NEON shoot I mentioned working on.

The idea came from a piece that I am writing on jewelry designer, Tom Binns, for another publication (exciting details on that next week). I had been lusting over and researching Tom Binns’ designs and really just didn’t think I could make it this summer without having something Binns-esque of my own.

Enter DIY. Before the Collar Coordination shoot I rarely crafted. Besides a few questionable attempts at sewing, I’m more of an idea girl rather than an execution anything. Editorial styling on a budget has turned me onto the Do It Yourself route, and I gotta say I enjoy it.

Detailed post on the DIY process tomorrow with before and after photos. For now enjoy the final product. xx

Special thanks to Camila Moni for lending out her gorgeous pool in Key Biscayne, Fl. You rock.

Here goes another look from the Our Prince of Peace S/S 2012 look book I helped to style a few weeks ago. I was going to save this look for a 4th of July post, but I just can’t wait that long. Plus, you need time to order one of the badass stars and stripes bandeaus for summer, right?

I paired mine with an equally patriotic pair of of shorts from JBrand and a little crochet shrug for “coverage.” Here’s to summer!

OPOP Springsteen bandeau top. J Brand stars shorts. Anna Korturova crochet shrug, available at Jessie Boutique. Shoes, converse. Rabbit foot, LF. Sunnies, Ray Ban aviators. Nails, Neon yellow polish from American Apparel. 

On Saturday, David and I went exploring for potential photo shoot locations. It’s something we really like to do together and it always produces some kind of inspiration for future photo shoots.

I recently drove through Little Havana on my way back from a styling job and was basically freaking out in the car over every street corner. The Cuban vibe there is so prevalent and preserved. It’s really an incredibly culture-rich area. I told David that we needed to explore it, and he was, of course, very eager.

We ended up doing a self-guided walking tour through the neighborhood just south of Calle Ocho. No joke, I was reading aloud from an online PDF on the history of the area. David was, I think, only mildly amused.

The best part of our Little Havana tour was finding the most gorgeous abandoned house with this perfectly decaying iron gate. There was such a creepy, beautiful vibe surrounding the entire property. I wish we could have gone inside. We snuck into the yard to take pics and stayed until the neighbors started feeding cats….

It made me sad to think about this incredible house just boarded up and left to slowly fall apart. I need to make sure my clothes are always safe – that is the lesson I am taking with me from the trip. xx

Floral bodysuit, Forever21. Tied-up black maxi skirt, LF. Chain cuff earring, Top Shop. Sandals, Mystique. Handbag, Onna Ehrlich.