OFM STYLE

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

To be able to get back to normal life. I cannot wait to hug my brides and see their happy faces in person. Our incredible team pulled together and made these virtual appointments absolutely amazing, but for me, there is nothing better than standing alongside a bride and sharing that emotion and the interaction with family and friends.

What can audiences expect from the new spinoff, Say Yes to the Dress: In Sickness and In Health, that will premiere on the new Discovery+ app?

It is going to be so exciting! What’s great about this series is that we have figured out how to jump through hoops to reach brides whose weddings were canceled or postponed. This has been quite a year, so for us to be able to find a way to help them, that is an amazing accomplishment for 2020. We were able to help these brides find a dress and say yes virtually.

How bad has the pandemic hit the wedding industry, and do you think it will ever be able to fully recover?

That is a good question. I’ll be honest with you, Denny, a lot of these salons are mom-and-pop salons. They are basically living paycheck to paycheck, and they are struggling and having to close their doors. It is going to be very difficult. When the pandemic started, I had a collection of around 22 new dresses ready to show in Amsterdam, and I was not able to show those. To this day, I have, like, 150 dresses that are still stuck in a storage facility in Kentucky that I have not been able to ship out because weddings have been put on hold, postponed, canceled, or whatever. So, I am paying for storage for those dresses. In the bridal industry, you may not know this, but a store puts in an order, and we pay for the fabric, the production, the shipping, and the fees to get them imported in. Because of the virus, fewer flights have been coming in from overseas. There are now limited spaces on flights. It used to cost about $25 to ship a dress, but now it is costing me, like, $150. I am actually losing money on every, single dress I sell.

Say Yes to the Dress began in 2007 and has produced 19 seasons, as well as several spinoffs. Why do you think the show has been such a success all these years?

I will tell you my personal take on it. In the beginning, I said, ‘Absolutely not. I will not do this show.’ Now, doing the show, one, we do not script the show. I won’t even meet the bride until the cameras are rolling because I want that first meeting to be genuine. I do not want to know anything about her or the entourage. I want to walk into that appointment like I would any other appointment and it be caught on camera, so you get the real reaction. I think the fact that it is real reality TV, I think the audience can tell. Beyond that, Say Yes to the Dress addresses some deep subjects. Like, a father is not going to be able to live long enough to walk the daughter down the aisle. We had the girl who lost her leg in the Boston bombing, a girl with a bionic arm, a girl who lost her dress in the floods in Louisiana, girls who come in and have such horrific family members, whether it be their mother, brother, or whoever. Friends that treat them so horribly, or they have body issues. Even though we go through this throughout the entire appointment, at the end, you always end up with this couple walking down the aisle in love. [Also, there is] this beautiful song that was written by Kristian Bush, specifically for our show. He came as a guest, and he was so inspired by being there, he created the song for us. To have that song being played and seeing these people walk down the aisle and sharing their love, I think it gives people hope. During this pandemic, I think that is one of the greatest things that we need right now. Just some hope.

You grew up with a love of fashion and began sewing dresses when you were 9 years old. What drew you specifically to wedding gowns?

In my third semester at FIT, they had a contest. If there was a contest for anything, my teachers were always like, ‘You got to enter this; you got to enter this.’ Well, the contest was really for fourth-semester to eighth-semester students, and I was only in my third semester. Because I had such a passion for evening wear, I did female impersonation for about 10 years, I always wanted to do evening wear, but this bridal contest came along, and I entered it. We were supposed to design a mood-board bridal and bridesmaid design. Me being an overachiever, I designed five mood boards, five bridal designs, and five bridesmaid designs. When the judges came in, they were supposed to choose the top 10, and they chose all five of mine not knowing it was the same student. Whoever was in charge was like, ‘Listen, you have to go back and choose one of these and go back and choose four others because this is the same guy.’ One of the judges was Vivian Dessy Diamond, who passed away in 2019. She spotted my drawings and said, ‘We have to get this kid.’ They called me, and her husband owned The Diamond Collection Bridal Company, and they said they wanted to hire me. They wanted to give me my own name and label. I am the only student who graduated from FIT with their name on two labels. I got thrust into it, but the reason I love bridal so much is because this is the singlemost-important garment a woman will probably ever wear in her life. She has thought and dreamt about it, so for me, it is such a personal garment. They bring in their mothers, fathers, best friends, and everyone to help them with this decision because it is so important to them. When that bride puts on a dress, and she feels beautiful, sometimes for the very first time in their lives because they have had body issues, but when they step into that dress, look in the mirror, feel beautiful, start to tear up, and say yes to that dress, it is like winning an Academy Award for me. Every, single time. It never gets dull. Follow Fenoli on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date, or visit his official website, randyfenoli.com. Visit tlc.com for more information on Say Yes to the Dress. To read the full interview, visit outfrontmagazine.com.

Racks, on Racks, on Racks (of Clothes)

by Angel Rivera

Starting a new year means setting yourself up for a “new” you. Fashion may seem like the least of your worries, but it can be a great way to help keep your mind in a fresh, confident state. Here are some tips to help kick-start your fashion game so you can be uniquely you.

Fashion is split into two, distinct seasons, spring/summer and autumn/winter. These two signify a paradigm shift in not only color but texture and outfit composure. For one, when you step out, you want to make sure the colors you are wearing complement your mood and your actions. A bold, bright pink may give you a dash of bold confidence in the spring and summer the same way muted, millennial pink will give your outfit the spice it craves in the winter and fall months.

Usually these seasons will run from January to June for S/S and July to December for A/W, so remember, your outfit choices should be for the oncoming season, or at least add to older outfits, hence the term fashion forward.

Speaking of fashion forward, let’s talk about some trends that you are going to see be more popular in the chilly end of winter and the blossoming of spring. Corduroy is making a big comeback in unexpected ways. Adding a corduroy jacket to your outfit is a great way to add some texture and layers to an outfit where you might pull out a jean jacket. The same goes for corduroy skirts; use the texture of the skirt to highlight a black or gray, color-block shirt and some black stockings for a comfy, mature look.

If maturity isn't for you, then inject your look with some youthful notability by mixing professional with leisure. Band or graphic tees mixed with the comfort and notability of slacks or dress pants can keep your outfit sharp and everyone around you looking. (For extra brownie points, make sure to wear the dress pants that make your behind look amazing.)

If you decide to go with this look try tucking in the shirt neatly into the pants to create a more tapered, masculine silhouette or draping an oversized shirt over the look can add some subtle, feminine charm a la Ariana Grande. This look is best complemented with a belt-and-shoe combo. Wear black accessories with warmer colors and brown or beige accessories with cooler colors to make your waist and feet pop.

Speaking of accessories, let's talk about the phrase coined by miss Coco Chanel: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror, and take one thing off.” Well, eat your heart out, Coco, because layering jewelry or double accessories from the 90s is making a comeback. Layer two to three chains and necklaces to help elongate your neck while smaller coin or medallion pieces add a sparkle to your outfit by catching light and eyes.

Or, for a more contemporary look, pair Cuban link and tennis bracelets for dual masculine and feminine energy, adding grit and eleganza to your outfit. The point of accessories is to mix and match your favorite pieces to help embolden a plain sweatshirt or give yourself eye-catching, unexpected moments. It's OK to start small, but remember to be brave.

Fashion is ever-changing, and no two looks are ever the same: a small tuck, additional flare, and a new accessory can give your outfit the breath of fresh air it needs. Remember these small tips for the coming months to help bolster your looks, and keep an open mind to trying out new shapes and colors on your body and skin tone.

BE IN THE KNOW

GET THE GLOW

by Angel Rivera

Heading into the first “real year” of a new decade, we must wonder, how is this new year going to treat us? Especially compared to 2020. Unlike the coming year, your skin care doesn't have to be a mystery.

So, where can I start, you may wonder? The best and easiest option is morning routine; this is a critical time for your skin; you have just finished sleeping and are about to get going for your day, be it at home or social distancing at work. The morning pamper sets your mood for the day. The first step is making sure that you have an amazing cleanser that is going to give you that refresh.

Cleansing is always the first step of the routine, so you want to make sure it's cleaning off all the sebum, dirt, and dead skin from the night before. Some beautiful morning cleansers to help kick start you are Murad's Essential C cleanser, which is jam-packed with vitamin C to help reduce the look of dark spots and even skin tone.

CeraVe Foaming facial Cleanser is great for those sensitive to fragrance and who are looking for a light exfoliant, or Fenty Skin’s Remove It All cleanser is a perfect product for something clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and all-around good for the planet with its recyclable bottle and materials. Whichever cleanser you choose to roll with, make sure it's going to synergize with the rest of your routine for the best results.

The next few steps of the routine are the lifeblood for making your skin WERK. After cleansing, you want to tone it, and I know you may have heard toning can be left out, but I say keep it, as you can add more moisture to your skin, or it can act as a light, double-cleanse for those who are more oily and acne-prone. Add moisture with Fenty’s Fat Water Serum-toner hybrid with niacinamide to help reduce the look of pores and control oil. Or, use micellar water which can gently double cleanse the skin while adding moisture without irritation. Setting the tone is great, but the secret is in the serum.

Serums can be a scary part of the routine, as they can be confusing and overwhelming, so just remember, serums are concentrated power bombs for the skin. If you're still striking for skin brightening, then vitamin C is going to be your BFF. Or, if you want to keep your skin acne-free, use a serum with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) such as glycolic acid, which helps cell turnover and increases luminosity of the skin.

Lactic acid also increases cell turnover and helps with collagen production in the skin; if you don't know what collagen does, it helps keep the skin looking plump and looking young! Pro tip: when applying your serum, make sure to firmly swipe your pointer finger from the bridge of your nose to the back of your cheeks to help with lymphatic drainage and decrease puffiness in your skin. With all that, we still need to lock all that good stuff in. Moisturizer is going to be your final step for glowing and healthy skin. Even if your skin is oil-prone, you want to make sure you are adding moisturizer to it so your skin doesn't overcompensate for the cleanse and produce more oil than it already does. Make sure to use something “non-comedogenic,” as it’s formulated to not clog pores.

A great starter for anyone is Neutrogena’s Hydro boost moisturizer gel, as it's filled with hyaluronic acid, which sounds terrifying but actually helps retain moisture in the skin and joints. For those without oil-prone skin, moisturizers with extra active ingredients can be good options, such as Algenist’s Collagen moisturizer, or even Peter Thomas Roth’s Vitamin C Moisturizer. Remember, we are locking in the final steps of our routine.

With all that, I remind you to ask three simple questions. Did I cleanse? Did I use toner/serum? And did I moisturize? A good routine is not only as good as the results. Stay dewy all, and use sunscreen.

LOVE IS LOVE.

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The Rio Grande

Shakes Up Mexican Food in Denver

by Ash Trego

Images courtesy of The Rio Grande The Rio Grande, a Mexican restaurant in Denver’s historic LoDo district, has been a well-known and much-loved eatery for over two decades.

The roots of the operation started to take shape when three, young friends decided to pack up their van and go wandering about and eating their way through the Yucatan in the late 70s. It was on this trip that the ideas began to develop that would eventually evolve into what we now know as the Rio. In 1986, founder and owner Pat McGaughran opened the O.G. (Rio in Fort Collins. The Denver Rio, located at 1525 Blake St. in Lodo, opened in 1999. A while after his return from that fortuitous culinary tour de Mexico, McGaughran began developing the dream that sprang from a bean. Not only did he bring his love of black beans (frijoles negros) back with him, but due to black beans not even growing in Colorado at the time, he decided to team up with a local farmer, Lucy Stromquist, and began to grow them. A true “farm-to-table” story before that was a thing. From front to back, this venue exudes a kind of easygoing, swanky, industrial charm. The rustic, brick exterior; vaulted ceilings; and ornate, mixedmedium staircase leading to the upstairs lounge area all play their integral parts. The real eye-catcher in the downstairs dining room is by far the beautifully crafted bar. It is from said bar that an endless array of happy concoctions continually flow.

The care and attention to detail in Rio's decor is evident in the entire atmosphere of the place, from the enticing, neon glow of the sign on the exterior to the eye-catching accents in every nook and cranny. The vibrantly colored artwork and mosaics throughout along with a multitude of lush, tropical plants, add an exotic overtone, and the loftlike design provides a wonderfully open feel. This is a place and space that invites you in with an everwelcoming charm and intoxicates the olfactory before you even step inside the front door.

Aromatic, black beans are made fresh daily, and the beautifully eclectic menu boasts something for every palate. The Rio chefs craft each bite using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients to ensure a memorable meal every time, and the love of good food shines in every dish that arrives at the table. Creamy guacamole, house-made salsa, crispy chile rellenos, steak fajitas (McGaughran’s favorite), delicious tacos, and burritos with green chile are just a few delectable choices. A must-try for those who like spicy are the fried jalapenos. Charred to perfection with a nice, firm texture, these are so good. The menu goes on and even offers options for Keto- and vegan-sensitive diets. And then, there are the margaritas. The Rio restaurants, including all locations, make nearly a million margaritas each year, and they even have a full-time, tequila ambassador on staff who is always happy to tell guests about their collection of more than 60 tequilas, including 17 “vault tequilas” (meaning muy especial) that are literally kept under lock and key. The list is something to marvel at and prices range from $10 to $300 a shot. In addition, they also offer a fine selection of wine, beer, and other spirits. Now with locations in Denver, Boulder, Park Meadows, Greeley, and, of course Fort Collins, this ever-evolving establishment prides itself on always seeking new and inventive ways to grow and continually strive to be a welcoming and appreciative part of these continually diversifying Colorado communities.

Another way that these guys are keeping things interesting is with cool, new seating options that are COVID-safe. Depending on the location, diners can sit in igloos, an airstream or a trolley car, and even a cute, little greenhouse. They have also come up with some creative ways to help customers to simplify their meals in style: family-sized meals and even margaritas for takeout or delivery! So, whatever you and your crew are up for, be it heading out for drinks and some food with friends or staying in for a nice dinner and margaritas with the family (or that special someone), The Rio Grande has you covered. Salud!