I have always considered myself to have an alternative style. Tailored grunge, if you will. It’s kind of an oxymoron, I know. No saggy pants or baggy shirts for me, just a tailored look, yet still a little grungy, Akron-esque.

What has had the strongest influence on you when it comes to fashion?

Definitely the music I listen to. I know that sounds cliché, but looking back on my life, it seems to be very true. I went through the metal phase, punk-rock phase, even the post-grunge, torn bootcut jeans-graphic tee-and-bandana stage. Lately, it’s been more about paying attention to trends in the modern fashion world. Being in entertainment, I think that it’s very important to do so.

What is the most distinct feature of your style?

Never bright colors, darker shades of grays and black. When I do wear colors, it’s usually plaid or faded. I like layers, weather permitting, and different styles of boots, from old English skinhead boots to modern military-issue combat boots. I love boots.

Let’s talk tattoos. When did you get your first? How many do you have to date?

I got my first when I was 17. My mom signed the form so I could get it. I felt so awesome, but that started an expensive addiction. I have a full sleeve on my right arm consisting of eight pieces plus filler. Twelve pieces total. All of my tattoos are black and gray and are very traditional-looking. My sleeve is full of paintings from Michelangelo, Raphael, and Albrecht Dürer. Renaissance art is beautiful. I love how emotionless the characters are even in the most intense battle scenes.

How has your style changed since Red Sun Rising was established?

The more opportunities the band got and the more publicity the band got, we realized we needed to pay more attention to what we looked like. I didn’t really pay attention to fashion before Red Sun Rising like I do now. I always did dress a little different from my friends, but that was because I was always an attention whore. Now I try to be different in the inspirational/trendsetting way. I’m not the most fashionable person in the world, but if I can look put-together and confident, then that will help me in every aspect of my life.

There are three things every 20-something Akron girl has committed to memory: Thursday’s has the finest selection of hipster boys, Mr. Zub’s is always best at 3 a.m. and never walk past Zelio NOTO if you need that last paycheck. On June 18, the hard-to-resist NOTO threads will pull on our heartstrings (and our paychecks) at the store’s third annual summer fashion show.

There are a few elements that set this year’s fashion show apart, however. The first? Unlike the past shows, held indoors at the High Street Gallery, the 2011 show will be held in Maiden Alley, directly in front of the store’s East Market Street location. NOTO owner Lauren Ward said the change was made to provide a longer runway and accommodate a larger crowd.

“It’s going to have this very cool, almost European vibe,” Ward said. “I think — with being in the alley — it’s just going to take on this whole new level.” While past shows have drawn in about 100 attendees, Ward is anticipating a crowd of 150 to 200 this year.

Another change? Instead of the usual live band, this year’s show will feature a DJ. Ward says the versatility of the music will help with the casual bohemian feel she’s going for this year.

The show, titled “Fashion is a Choice,” will feature upcoming summer fashions from a few of the store’s clothing lines, including the Canada-based Pink Martini. One of the best parts, though, is that the show will also showcase accessories from local vendors such as What a Great Hat! and KYEbags.

“The great thing about having the show is that people see the clothes in ways they wouldn’t usually think of wearing them,” Ward said. “It really kind of inspires ideas for people, and I think that’s why people like going.”

Aside from taking in the boutique’s charming fashions on the runway, the $32 ticket price includes an eco-friendly tote bag as well as two free Notini drink tokens. Not familiar with the Notini? Neither am I, but I’m never one to turn down free drinks and the store’s signature fruity blue concoction sounds delicious, so I can’t wait to try it. After the show, attendees will have the opportunity to compete in a “walk-off.” The winner takes home a NOTO gift certificate.

Attendees will also be able to rush the store afterward and buy their favorite looks from the show before they’re snatched up. “The store is closed off the entire day of the show, so there’s almost this sense of urgency to get to the store afterward and buy these items,” Ward said. “Everyone’s elbow-to-elbow.”

The first model walks at 8 p.m., but seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis; Ward advises arriving closer to the 7 p.m. door time. That leaves plenty of time to mingle and stop by the outside bar. “It’s a fun girls’ night out,” Ward said. “And it’s just really cool because there’s nothing like it in Akron.”

Fashionistas, get your tickets for the show at zelionoto.com. And don’t worry: You still have time to hit Thursday’s and Zub’s after.

How do you describe your sense of style?

I am earthy and comfortable. I prefer designs that are classic and simple. I adore wearing gray, black, brown and cream. My favorite color really is gray. That’s probably a coping mechanism from living in Ohio for 49 years.

How different is that from those prime experimental years of high school/ college?

In high school, I craved everything new. I wanted the new music, the new designers and the new artists. I did not fully appreciate the beauty of the music, art and clothing that preceded my personal existence at age 18. Now, I still adore where art, music and clothing are going. But, there is something so much more sensual and resounding to my soul when I look back at the classic vintage styles and realize these clothes have lasted several lifetimes. That is substantial to me.

What about you stands out the most?

My enthusiasm. My parents taught me to dream big and make those dreams come true. After that, I have really crazy hair and lots and lots of scarves. I’ve worn a streak of red in my hair for the last three years and cannot imagine giving it up!

What has the strongest influence on you?

I think I am most drawn to vintage clothing — real vintage clothing, not just the style. I have been combing through the clothes at Violet Velvet and The Hidden Pearl. I would dress in clothing from there everyday if I were not slinging paint, vacuuming and hammering two-by-fours on a regular basis. A big part of running a gallery is to be ready for physical labor one minute, and greeting new visitors the next.

How do you bring your style into the workings of your art gallery, Studio 2091?

It’s inviting to everyone, not just the elite or those with PhDs.  Viewing art is not a scholastic event. We bring a “wow” factor into each show. José Sacaridiz had an opening in February with an owl theme. We cut down trees and nailed them to the floor! But this is far from a circus environment. Everything we do is just enhancing the artwork. It’s all about enthusiasm.

Trends evolve, fade or become the standard. For example, skinny jeans have become the standard, military chic isn’t going anywhere and biker chic is still living large. Blame it on The Wild One or FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”, but black leather is a mainstay, dominating every aspect of street fashion including the music scene. It seems that the runway has caught up with this real-world infusion of dirty denim, leather, buckles and biker boots.

I could tell you that the black leather moto jacket is hot right now, but I’m guessing you already know. Black is chic and Brando-inspired styles are always a sure thing. Suprisingly, it was Burberry that reclaimed the danger of the leather jacket with their silver biker masterpiece. They added quilting at the upper arm and zipper sleeves with belted tabs, slightly reminiscent of a Captain Eo Michael Jackson. I would shove an old lady for that jacket.

This trend got a futuristic edge with the quilting and sequin trims, as well as the sharp, clean belted hems. Balmain definitely did it right, adding their strong shoulder or “puff sleeve” to their moto jacket. The look comes complete with a whole set of leather pants and boots. Just don’t wear them all at once…

’70s Sophisticate

The vintage vibe isn’t going anyplace soon. The key look for spring is a strong ’70s essence, but make sure you cherry-pick only the sleekest, sexiest and most stylish pieces. Recent seasons tried to push over the ’20s and ’30s trends, the ’80s are waning with the threat of a comeback, but it’s certainly the 1970s that are due for a reboot. You don’t have to look like Rollergirl to pull off the look: Keep it boho and sophisticated and you can get it right.

Vintage isn’t going to work unless you really believe in what you’re wearing —  confidence was crucial the first time around and that hasn’t changed. Even the most laidback or demure look is going to ooze that Club 51 sexuality and fresh-found independence. It’s going to be bold and tall, floppy felt hats, glowing exotic jewels and beyond-high stacked platforms. (Google Bianca Jagger if you have questions.)

Do it right with some high-waisted wide-leg pants or flares with a clean belt. The bow blouses, preferably with a billowing or bishop sleeve, are going to nail this look, especially if there’s silk or satin involved. For a double-point score, you can layer them with a long vest or beaded necklace. And if you’ve been religious about your Pilates, treat yourself with a pair of hot pants.

’60s Ladylike

“Mad Men” continues to flex its might, inspiring an entire spring trend: The ’60s Lady reigned supreme with inspirational looks from Louis Vuitton and Prada. Both houses channeled their inner Betty Draper with long hemlines, circle skirts and cinched waists. The prim and proper continued when Marc Jacobs presented his look, complete with kitten heels and bobby socks.

The hemlines and shapes could be hard to work with — we’re the generation of impossibly low jeans and standing-room-only miniskirts. The long skirts, tentatively called “granny skirts” (don’t panic), are going to work best with a fitted, tight top.  You can stay authentic and include a pair of ballet flats (hope you didn’t throw away last year’s favorite pair) or a dainty pair of kitten-heel slingbacks.

Known internationally and dubbed the “Queen of Irreverent Luxury”, Tarantino and her husband, Alfonso Campos, launched the brand in 1995. In those early days, Tarantino was working as a makeup artist. Her day shift behind the MAC makeup counter yielded a built-in market, as customers would come up for eye shadow and end up buying the jewelry right off of Tarantino’s arm. Most days, she says, she’d go home without any jewelry on at all.

At Campos’s urging, she put together a group of her jewelry designs to pitch to area upscale department stores, yielding a $5,000 order from Fred Segal.  Campos sold his car to finance that first collection.

Fortunately, her timing couldn’t have been better. The duo unveiled this decadent line amongst the excruciating minimalism of the 1990s, a period when accessories were barely an afterthought on the glossy pages of fashion mags. Tarantino’s nostalgic yet contemporary designs were so colorful and innovative, they demanded the attention of customers who could never sit in background.

Today, Tarantino is easily one of the hottest jewelry designers out there. Her designs range from the outrageous to the absolutely precious. Her baubles are emblazoned with skulls and crossbones as well as dueling captions like “I Love You” and “I Hate You”.  She has partnered with legendary pop icons such as Hello Kitty and Barbie to create collectable pieces of fine jewelry.  Tarantino uses these icons to show women that they should have fun no matter what their age — just because you’re growing up doesn’t mean you have to “outgrow” your favorites.

Creative even as a little girl, lately Tarantino has been practicing jewelry design, playing with beads — in a word, experimenting. She pulls inspiration from everywhere, from books and music to 1960s movies. Even the children’s books she reads to her two daughters have inspired her. In fact, her daughter Chloe was instrumental in designing a bracelet for Tarantino’s line.

Bright, colorful, eclectic, bohemian and comfortable!

2. Where’s your favorite place to shop?

Sales! I cannot remember the last time I paid full price for anything! I always start at Gabriel Brothers — you never know what treasures you’ll find there. I also do a lot of online shopping (etsy.com and target.com). It’s a fine line of buying versatile plain pieces that mix well with the tie-dyed heels and leopard-print coat.

3. Tell us about the dreads. How long have you had them? What made you decide to get them?

Ever since I was a teenager my hair has been my vice. I have tried just about every hairstyle — long, short, blonde, brown, red, purple, blue, pink, permed. This was my next step! Of course, they are a labor of love and demand dedication, so I think they are here to stay for a few more years. I’ve had the dreads for four years this past January. Not sure when I first fell in love with dreadlocks, although I drooled over them on many a cruise to the southern Caribbean. I love how easy they are day-to-day, but all that work is concentrated about two to three times a month with hours of maintenance. Dreadheadhq.com and knottyboy.com is where I learned all the Caucasian dreadlock awesomeness.

4. What’s your attitude towards dying your hair? How do you decide what colors to go with?

Trial and error. My natural color is dingy brown; I’ve been hiding it since I was 16 with bottle blonde.  I like to highlight now and then with blue or red and purple — and that decision usually stems from boredom. It’s cheaper and less permanent then a new tattoo or piercing, although I fit those in every few years as well.

5. Who’s a fashion icon—or just someone whose look you love?

Barbie. That girl will try anything and has tried everything at least once.

I love all avant-garde stylings, which brings us to Alexander McQueen — who DOESNT love that man, seriously? His style is desirable, but perhaps for a photo shoot or art show. I prefer to prance around in flip-flops and soft cotton dresses most of the time, bohemian style.

Moms say they don’t want actual presents—I’m still unclear whether this is true or not. However, you can play it safe and pick her up something that she would never treat herself to. Pajamas are the great equalizer. Everyone wears them.  Treat her to a cute and comfortable pair. Lolita (www.thelolitastore.com) offers sleepwear in the soft, feminine colors that no mom can resist. The robes and PJs alike offer super plush, high-quality materials and a flattering cut, and Lolita even sells matching candles. A Burt’s Bees (www.burtsbees.com) manicure set is sure to please, too, especially in this weather.

Any cosmetic from Smashbox (www.smashbox.com) is a complete slam-dunk. Their primers are top-shelf, and the Photo Finish is extraordinary. The O-Gloss Gold, a new addition, automatically flushes to your ideal lip tint. The WISH Perfect Palette is beyond awesome—it’s a complete makeup kit in one box. We’re talking 49 eye shadows, 10 cream eyeliners, six brow powders and brow wax, blush, highlighter, bronzer and brushes. This is perfect for sisters and girlfriends as well. (Or for yourself.) The WISH line is limited and benefits are going to the Children’s Miracle Network. AND—this is the giveaway!  Write to me at jara@buzzbinmagazine.com and tell me about how you truly deserve this HUGE set of WISH Smashbox makeup and primers, and you could win. Happy Holidays!

You can add some polish to your dad’s shaving regimen. Just because he’s your pops doesn’t mean he wants dry skin and razor bumps. Enter Burt’s Bees (www.burtsbees.com) and their especially-for-men line of lotions and soaps.  This way, Dad can treat himself without losing his rugged fatherly edge. He can be dapper and polished without smelling like a panty liner.

Are there some bachelors on your list? Well, no one liked the slim-cut Capri pants or the male “satchel” (note: it’s a purse) from last year. (Yes, we know, they’re huge in Europe.) To the point: Have you seen the White Castle candle (www.lpestore.com/whitecastle)? Yeah, it’s a candle that smells like the White Castle slider—i.e., a hamburger with onions. I tested it with a few guy friends and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Plus, all the proceeds go to Autism Speaks.

Work and/or office politics are never more in play than right around Christmas. There’s no worse embarrassment than when your boss hands you a gift and you’ve got to struggle for a lie to cover your slipup. Solve this problem by having a few things on hand, stowed away in your desk. As long as you have a wrapped box for someone, it’s worth it.

There’s no wrong answer when dealing with the candle/home fragrance realm.  Everyone lives somewhere and everyone wants it to smell nice.  NEST (www.nestfragrances.com) is a new home fragrance brand.  Their packaging is gorgeous in red velvet and gold vessel, and the Holiday Candle is perfect for the season: a blend of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, cinnamon, and a pinch of amber vanilla. Thymes has a great reed diffuser in the Siberian Fir fragrance, a rugged, full-bodied blend of cedarwood and sandalwood.  It really gets those old holiday memories going.

More random yet meaningful ideas come from the Soap and Paper Factory (www.soapandpaperfactory.com). A small brand from New York, they have it all. From clever, innovative solid cologne to creative soaps, these are quirky and original gifts.

Fluff Luggage Tags (www.fluffshop.com) are built to stand out! My favorite is the giant cupcake tag, complete with sprinkles. Let this pop out of that stocking for added style; plus, discounted to $12, they’re quite affordable.

ONE is a unique and eco-friendly brand. My favorite products are the shampoo and conditioner in bar form. Simple and fast, they smell great! Plus, they all come in their own Earth-friendly tin. Their Coconut Body Butter is a must for the winter.

Other times, gift-giving is your opportunity to show people new stuff that they wouldn’t normally use. I think the Bioré (www.biore.com) makeup towelettes are a must-have; plus, they’re practical and stocking-sized. Perfect for anyone on the go, or when a long night prevents you from your nightly routine.

Little cosmetic cases are always a killer gift. You can keep anything in them—brushes, extra lipgloss, money and cell phone. Keep it simple with a black houndstooth print or anything from Lindsay Phillips (www.lindsay-phillips.com). Her cases are cute and built to last.

Also, check out Your Best Friend cosmetics (www.ybfgirlfriends.com). It’s a fairly new line, but it’s become popular. Snap up some anti-aging treats for Mom, a lip gloss for your babysitter and the bronzing oil for yourself.

Beauty Products We Are Thankful For

Miss OopS is a new line of innovative problem-solving products. The Show Stoppers are tiny lil pasties, stick them on and no more nips! Check out the Boob Tube Lace; wear it under your deep v-neck and no more cleavage! Allure magazine favorite is the Rescue Sponge to erase all of the deodorant on your clothes.

Perhaps I am most thankful for Westlake’s Organique Spa and Salon and their Filaderm Duo and Filaderm Lips treatments. The magic hands from Organique are only half of their power; they are also offering the most cutting edge products and services. The girls at Organique can keep your worry lines from bumming you out. Now, they are offering the Filaderm demo’s for a very small fee, if you purchase the set, the demo is free. The Filaderm system is AMAZING. Maybe this is because it’s actually a serum of collagen and hyaluronic acid to tighten and firm. I didn’t believe the hype until I saw it on my own face. It is like a magic wand for lines! This powerful line filler doesn’t use needles and the results are immediate. I know it sounds unbelievable. But, I don’t care if you don’t believe me…more for me.

I just had to grow out a horrid haircut; “clamp less” curling iron by Amika was a Godsend. It’s exactly what you think; you wrap your hair around a hot, clamp less iron for the most natural and beach worthy waves you’ve ever seen. You get soft curls without the pressure that creates harsh lines.

You’ll be thankful for Pacifica roll-on’s on your next Walk of Shame. These areteeny lil perfumes with a gorgeous scent. Pick from Tuscan Blood Orange (a sparkling blend of juicy citrus and raspberry notes) or new Indian Coconut Nectar (a warm, sultry blend of coconut, vanilla and vetiver). These are particularly awesome because they are so exotic, tell people that you found them at a tiny lil boutique while on vacation in St. Tropez…but you can buy them at Sephora, so don’t go nuts with the fibs. They come in body wash and lotion as well.

SAVE A BLADE, it really works! You can re-sharpen your razor for at least 4 more shaves. You are going to save a ton of money. I’m not kidding. I was skeptical, sure. It even lasted two years until I burnt out the motor with use.

Foot Petals will make sure you can wear those unforgettably awesome stilettos that make your feet look like hamburger meat. Yeah, I have a pair too, and they live under my bed…UNTIL I tried these Foot Petals. These tiny lil pads fit inside so that you don’t have to dance barefoot in any more bars. Triple Threat is a 3 pack that covers with a full-length pad, ball of the footpad and heel protectors. Your feet don’t slide and your back isn’t screaming…perfect for one last twirl to Katy Perry before closing time.

Philip B. is Hollywood’s best-kept secret hair guru. His all-botanical line of hair care products are about to be your new favorite. He offers body washes as well, check out the gift sets for some holiday action. The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and the Lovin’ Leave in Conditioning Crème are must-haves.

Smashbox cosmetics are some of the best products out there. Their primer, particularly the Targeted to Pore and Line Primer, wear it alone or with foundation. This stuff is super light and it buffs out your skin, allowing your foundation something to hold on to.  I use this stuff on shoots; it’s particularly useful when the model pulled a “rough one” the night before.

Burt’s Bees, I’m thankful for any and all of Burt’s Bees. From lip balm to their body butter, the stuff always delivers. This product line is particularly awesome because dudes can use it as well. Look for the bee, you will not be disappointed.

Maybe you could use some new products.

Misikko is arguably one of the industry’s most outstanding tools and hair care products. They pick and choose the absolute best hair straighteners, ceramic flat irons, hair dryers & beauty tools in the industry so you know you are getting the quality you need. From brands like Hana Salon and Chi Flat Iron, they offer a product selection that appeals to the most discriminating stylists.

They have finally tired of our complaining and they have challenged us to have gorgeous hair. Hence, the Misikko Experiment. We received a box of their finest, and our staff voted the CHI Infra Shampoo, and their CHI Silk Infusion as definite MUSTS.

The shampoo will restore your moisture and shine, it is lightweight. You don’t need much and it will get your hair clean and still keep it bouncy and workable.  I used the Silk Infusion on a shoot. I had a model that was ruthless to her hair, it was so dry! This serum is awesome. It went on smooth and was super lightweight, it also gave me a super bouncy, shiny blow-out. I also used it to smooth out some fly-away hairs when I did a bridal photo shoot. So, this stuff is multi-tasking.

Stay tuned, a little birdy told me that they may be sending us some products for YOU to try!

WIN IT!! Tell us what location that inspires your ideal La Mer watch.

You can almost smell the exotic tanning oil and feel the French Riviera breeze on your neck. Scrolling through La Mer Collections’ watches’ website is like the best part of a Hemingway novel—foreign and dangerous, thoughtful yet very Rive Gauche. It’s time for fall fashion shopping sprees, kill two birds with La Mer time pieces that double as accessories.

Martine Ilana is the creator of the La Mer Collections brand. This is a careful assembly of thoughtful and fashion forward leather watches. The band of each watch is in the rich color palette that you’d only see on holiday, widely influenced by her passion for travel.  The colors are vibrant and rich; there is a sense of intrigue that only a vacation abroad can convey.

Though the design and overall presentation of Martine’s designs carry international mystique, La Mer watches are all carefully crafted right here in the United States. She has a handpicked a team of people who help create, assemble and ship every piece with care to her customers, right there in Venice Beach. The La Mer design and production studio is the last building before you hit the Pacific Ocean. Martine sites the lifestyle and working environment as a serious influence on the direction of her brand.

At the time of our interview, Martine had just hopped off a plane from Costa Rica—they were shooting the pics for the Fall and Holiday 2010 catalog. Martine posed her models and product in the rainforest, dangling off of volcanoes, sunning on the beach and of course, speeding through the city streets. Ilana has devised a sexy way to market not just a stunning accessory, but, a whimsical way of life. Metallic studs dot some and chains dance daintily from others. La Mer is a concise way to say, “Maybe I’m with the band, but I still read books.”

Ilana is a highly educated business owner, splitting time behind both by college books and international itineraries. Her resume is impressive, she’s been making jewelry since childhood, then a degree as an Industrial Designer, and as an accessory designer for Vans, and finally entrepreneur. This has prepared her for accessories that cater to all, without bias toward body image. She creates for the shoppers that want something left of center, original and of course hand assembled. La Mer manages to be personal, quirky, and chic, yet classically elegant. Martine will soon be adding travel bags to her line.

Martine has been careful to devise a line of accessories that fit all women across the board. She has pieces that can add some personality to every woman’s bag of tricks. Personally, my La Mer watch says that I’m a cherry bomb, I’ve been to Italy and maybe I’m hiding an off shore account or two. What will yours say about you?

Do you also have a penchant for travel? Well, Martine Ilana and Buzzbin want to know: what major city in the world would best inspire a new watch for La Mer Collections? Email me: Jara@Buzzbinmagazine.com. If your answer is the best, you’re going to get a brand new La Mer watch—straight outta Venice Beach. Submissions must be received by Sept 10^th, winners notified by Sept 13^th.