Eye-Con Couture, 1645 Union, is celebrating seven years from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Guests can enjoy fruit, cupcakes, sangria and music by DJ Hittz.

The first 25 guests who purchase $100 or more will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Free manicure with a $75 purchase.

Free purchase with a $175 purchase.

And take an additional 25 percent off sale items.

(VALID IN-STORE ONLY)

La Onda may be the only Hispanic magazine serving the Memphis area, but the language of fashion is universal, according to its photographer and fashion editor Kathleen Starita.

Beale Street Chick: How long has La Onda been around?
Kathleen Starita: La Onda has been around for about a year and a half and still going!

BSC: Describe the magazine, in general.

BSC:  The fashion section has been around for about a year. Why was it started?
KS: It started after our photo session with Riley Couture from Q 107.5. I went all the way to Tampa, Fla. to pick up a designer's dress that was featured at the Bahamas fashion week. At this session it was the first time I worked with Jad Davis as a creative director, I kind of just threw him in to help me out, and we were so satisfied with the results of the shoot that the next month we decided to do a fall fashion issue. We collaborated for the first time with Eye-Con Couture and Crazy/Beautiful. Once we realized that fashion would be a universal language for our community to relate to, Jad and I decided to bring up to the editor of the magazine the idea of having a fashion spread every year to feature local designers, hair stylists, makeup artists and anyone with talent that is eager to show what they can do.

BSC: What is your vision in preparing photos and spreads for the magazine?
KS: I usually have a story board for the next couple of months. Jad and I will sit down and talk about what we want to feature and what concepts we want to create. We want to bring something different and refreshing to our audience, we also want to inspire them, expose them to something different. My goal is to be outside the box, to create a world inside my photo and to bring you inside my world.

BSC: Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
KS: I would love to work with Greivis Vazquez. The Venezuelan basketball player; I want to do a shot with him in it, and the reason why is because I believe that fashion and sports can be integrated in a very graceful manner. 

BSC: Why do who think fashion is universal?

KS: I think fashion is universal because we all have a style no matter what language we speak, our clothes and style speak for us, without even opening our mouths we are already speaking the language of fashion to the rest of the world; with our color choices, fabric choices as well as hair and makeup. It is fascinating and incredibly uplifting to know that we do have a universal language that we can all relate to and understand.

BSC: What are your goals for the fashion section of the magazine?

KS: My goal is to eventually have a self-standing fashion magazine based here in Memphis. I would love to see my small project grow in to a blooming giant of colors, textures, textiles, makeup, hair spray and future designers that don't have to feel like they have to leave town to be heard and appreciated.

BSC: What do you hope see happen with the magazine in the future?

KS: La Onda Magazine is a unique publication, we bring to our community some lighthearted entertainment, we do not speak about all the serious stuff, like immigration policies or crime. We want to bring smiles and hope to our community, so I see a bring future for us, full of smiles and inspiration. We love our community and we want to keep growing as time passes.

I would also like to add that we would like all of our community in the city of Memphis to know that we are here and that we would love everyone's support. We are always looking for new talent to feature and would love to hear about all of you. We are not confined inside the Hispanic box at all, everyone is welcome!

Eye-Con Couture, 1245 Union, is looking for a Fashion Stylist to:

• Greet customers and make them feel welcome.
• Assist and Style customers with the highest standards of client services at all times
• Operate the cash register, follow cash handling procedures
• Assist with replenishing, arranging and folding/straightening merchandise, setting up visual displays, keeping the store and stock areas clean and organized.
• Communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and management.
• Demonstrate passion for extraordinary customer service.
• Be team-oriented, outgoing and relate well to others.
• Work a flexible shift between the hours of 10am-6pm/ Monday-Saturday
• To achieve and surpass business goals
• To insure smooth operations of the boutique at all times
• To insure all merchandise is handled appropriately and inventory monitored
• To assure that all company policies, procedures and directives are enforced consistently and effectively

Eye-Con Couture, 1645 Union Ave., is celebrating their new private label and plus-size line (up to 4x) with a fashion party from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be music by DJ Hits and wine and cheese will be served.

Information: 901.726.0393.

Eye-Con Couture, 1645 Union Ave., is celebrating five years with a "Eye-Candies Campaign."

There will be a casting call from 2 - 6 p.m. June 16 at the store.

Applicants need to be 18 or older, bring identification, and a photo. They must wear white tank/tee, black shorts/skirt, and colored pumps.

Application here.

Happy Friday!

Memphis soul singer Al Green at a Sydney concert in January 2010

• Notes from Memphis blogged about news about retail shops on Main Street (Main Event Boutique and Sneak Peek-Memphis).
• In the Flyer's Style Sessions blog, Mary Cashiola wrote about the fifth anniversary celebrations for Eye-Con Couture, 1645 Union, and Shelton Clothiers, 147 S. Main St.
• According to the Commercial Appeal, Memphis will be one of four new DestinationXL stores.
• 10 Things The Tennessean misses about Opry Mills (since the Nashville flooding).
• Also in Nashville, high-end retailer Jamie Boutique is having a flood sale to rebuild.

The show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Eye-Con Couture, 1645 Union Avenue. Free gifts with purchase; cocktails will be served.

Call (901) 726-0393 to RSVP.