(AP)
New York Fashion Week is home to some of the most fashion-forward designs you can think of.
Among the more wearable options coming down the runway was Daisy Fuentes' 2014 collection. The Cuban American VJ-turned-fashion-mogul (who is celebrating her 10th year as a brand designer for Kohl's) showcased a series of chic, bohemian styles that keep women looking stylish without spending too much cash.
We caught up with Fuentes backstage to learn about her latest collection and her secrets for looking good on a budget.
FNM: What inspired the new collection?
DF: It was inspired by Malibu. I love the barefoot luxury of it, and it’s not an easy thing to achieve. I love the surf and the surfer-girls look; they can be rough, tough and sporty in the ocean, then clean up and be gorgeous and sexy without trying too hard. Everything you’ll see in this collection is very sexy but not obvious. I feel that when it comes to dressing sexy, it’s what you don’t see that you’re interested in, and we aren’t doing the obvious.
FNM: Your clothing line gives women the ability to look fabulous for less. What pointed you in that direction?
DF: You shouldn’t have to choose between your mortgage and a new handbag. That’s just silly. I feel a woman who has a sense of style, who can appreciate the silhouettes of the season, who knows what she’s looking for and knows what looks good on her, she’s going to appreciate good value when she sees something stylish at a good price. These days, I think we’ve got it down to a science.
FNM: What are some practical tips for busy women who need to pull a look together quickly?
DF: Get rid of all the junk in your closet that you don’t wear. Only get pieces that you know go easily with each other. Just because you are running around and doing errands doesn’t mean you need to look schleppy. You can look cute, feminine and put-together even if you’re just running to the grocery store. There’s no excuse to look like you rolled out of the hamper.
FNM: How do you think spirituality and beauty intertwine?
DF: I feel like, as cheesy as it sounds, you can’t be beautiful if you have ugly thoughts. It really is what’s on the inside that shows. It pays to really stay connected with yourself and to be happy. If you’re a miserable bitch, nothing that you put on is going to look cute; it has to start with that.
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