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Friday, June 29, 2012

Seven Bold Print Dresses for Summer

thingswelove_brwn2.png
In fall and winter, I burrow into my wardrobe of black, charcoal, eggplant, navy...  I made it a strict resolution this year to brighten things up when summer came around.  I promised bold prints, bright colors and an attitude that forces me to not take life too seriously!  For the last in Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love summer fashion series, we explore prints.

I found this cute chicken and egg print at ModCloth.  It literally made my Hubby speechless and dissolve into giggles at the sight of it.  He thought it was the most adorable dress he has ever seen (an adult) wear. I guess I'll take that as a compliment.  I paired it with a knit bolero from The Limited and a white/gold picture frame necklace from Bauble Bar.  

If poultry isn't your thing, I found a bunch of other gorgeously printed dresses for summer...  In the top left corner is an Escada abstract dress, the bottom left corner is ModCloth's Kaleidoscope dress.  In the center is a beautiful floral and vintage wallpaper print dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.  Top right is a draped dress from Full Circle, the middle floral dress is from Alice & Olivia and the bottom right is a foil geometric print from Paprika.  

There is a frock for every price range, so you can make a statement no matter what you want to spend.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.

Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.
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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Hello La Mode Preview Party


NYC's top fashion bloggers and designers gathered at 28 on 27 Tuesday to celebrate the pre-launch of a new online luxury resale site, HelloLaMode.com. 

I was intrigued by the concept of a digital marketplace that focuses purely on luxury, designer fashion goods.  I love that it takes the guess work out and risk out of buying consignment goods online by personally certifying each item that is sold for authenticity and condition.  When the company offered me a job as their marketing director, I was honored and said yes!

The party Tuesday brought out my favorite bloggers Jinna, Christine Tsang, Stephanie Unter, John Simon among others.  My design peeps from over the years came from companies like Carmen Marc Valvo, Diand von Furstenburg, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.  

As the event planner for this little soiree, I had the privilege of serving up French favorites like sparkling wine, macarons and madeleines from Financier Patisserie.    

Fashion illustrator Jennifer Lilya, (part of the upcoming NY Fashion week exhibit) was on hand to sketch the guests in their chic poses.  For those who needed a quick fix, a spontaneous photo booth was also set up for fun.

This site really speaks to me since I have accumulated TONS of designer items over the years from being in the industry. Some were impulse purchases, some were just cool, but never found an occasion to wear it.  I have too many pairs of shoes I have never worn because I realized they weren't comfortable on my wide feet.  Some pieces were samples from my job or friend's jobs.     

With Hello La Mode, I can list of all of these for sale (then buy new stuff!)   For those who realize they are more attached to their pieces than they thought, you can always change your mind up until the actual sale takes place.  When a purchase is requested, the site will send out a free shipping label for you to send the item to the head office to be certified before it is sent out.  

If you are a buyer, your funds are held in escrow until your purchase checks out for both authenticity and item condition. 

All right, you know you have tons of neglected pretty things in your closet.  Isn't it time to purge and renew?  Check out the VIP beta version of the site at HelloLaMode.com   (Use password FASHION to enter).  
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Inside Chado Ralph Rucci Resort 2013

ralph rucci resort
 We are coming up on the 4th of July.  This is where I love to give props to all of the designers who proudly produce in the United States.

Ralph Rucci has earned his accolades sculpting deceptively simple, ultra-flattering clothing for a posh clientele.  Body contouring seams, trapunto stitching and shaped piecing really celebrate a woman's body.  He is a true American couturier (the first of this country to be accepted by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.)

I visited their downtown studio to see their artisans at work.  The embellishment specialist was drawing precise placements for embroidery on a pattern.  Other seamstresses were stitching pieces by hand.  A team of interns hand picked sequins on beaded fabric.
ralph rucci designer

 
Resort 2013 had many of Mr. Rucci's signature touches.  Basic silhouettes were augmented by 
cheeky touches of transparency.  Waists were accentuate with stitched inserts.  The designer also added new colors to his typical palette, using wisteria, seafoam, red and rich purple.  The art of patternmaking was on full display from the perfectly draped muslins on the mannequins.  This should be no surprise, the designer learned his craft from Halston and Balenciaga.

So are you feeling patriotic?  Shop local with chic dresses made in New York!

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Monday, June 25, 2012

Top Trends of Summer Swimwear

Gone are the days of sack dresses and rubber flowers for proper ladies at the beach.  This summer, swimwear mirrors top trends from the runway.  Poko Pano uses color blocking for bold effect and Lisa Vogel uses watercolor patterns for a sophisticated look in one piece bathing suits.

Cover-ups are designed to be worn out of the pool right into chic soirees.  The big summer item of maxi-dresses are also designed to complement the smallest bikinis.  Designer Mara Hoffman rocks this trend in multiple silhouettes.


For the true beach bunny, there are those suits that were never meant to get wet.  Aqua di Lara's collection from the Miami runway, contained constructed and embellished swimwear that took its cues from the sexiest evening looks up North.  Sequins, corset styling and metallic patterns make these suits perfect for a poolside gala.

So when you're heading for a body of water this season, don't leave your fashion sensibilities indoors.  There is a designer and suit for every trend you follow!

(P.S. Don't forget to protect your bared skin with sunscreen and moisture!   Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration covers both.  Check out the rest of Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love summer series... 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.
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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Blogger Love: Summer Starts Here

Edited by: Emily of Sugar & Spice

My first week editing Links a la Mode and so many amazing posts to choose only 20 from! Today marks the first day of summer for the northern hemisphere and judging by my choice below, I am willing summer to start in earnest in the UK! In the meantime, there’s tips on keeping stylish in the rain. One of the things I love about the fashion blogging community is the creativeness that it breeds and this week is no exception with a few brilliant and on-trend DIYs for your to try at home. If DIY-ing isn’t your thing but you still like to save your pennies there are posts for splurging or saving too.


SPONSOR:
New Bags ShopbopFerragamo, Gucci, YSL, Totes, Addition, Chloe, M. Williamson, Valenentino Bags, Rachel Comey, Tucker, Hindmarch & Margiela Bags

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Friday, June 22, 2012

Bloggerini's Fashion Soiree on the Upper East Side



The blogsphere's most fashionable set partied with NYC's stylish social butterflies this week.  Super photographer Patrick McMullan, lifestyle guru Katlean de Monchy, Real Housewives of NY Ramona Singer (with her own wines) and Alex McCord were all on hand to support the events of the evening.

Many of my fellow fashion bloggers modeled cute evening frocks from Camille La Vie, hats from Eric Javits and Nina shoes.  Sexy swimwear from La Maison de Pascale and Elusive Leader came down the rooftop runway as it got a little chillier.

Shoutout to bloggers  Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti of How to be a Red Head, Ashley Rudolph of What Would Ashley Wear, Melissa Flores of Super Glam News, Meghan Butler of Meg’s Mumbo, Allison McKenna ofComing Down the Aisle of Shape Magazine,  Tia Walker of The Quest for “It.” and Stephanie Unter of "New York Fashion Hunter".  


Looking forward to more summer parties!
Additional photos provided by JanineJust.com
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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Nonoo Resort 2012



I saw flirty chic that looked right at home on HBO's Boardwalk Empire.  Designer Misha Nonoo took her inspirations from more regal muses.  Either way, the Fashion Group International Rising Star award winner produced a very pretty, wearable sophisticated collection for Resort 2012.

Models with blonde ringlet curls gave naughty smiles against a musical backdrop of jazz.  The Gramercy Hotel rooftop had a classic garden terrace look and little tea sandwiches were served.

Elegant botanical prints mixed with pops of neon yellow embroidery.  Rich blue lace complemented exotic paisley, fushia and indigo sequins.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Independent Handbag Designer Awards 2012


The best of independent handbag designers were honored last week at the Sixth annual awards.  This event is always truly special to me as someone who loves to champion indie creators.
Winning one of the awards isn't just a prize or a headline, but truly a multi-part support package that helps to advance the designer's career.

The award categories themselves brings out the best qualities that the indie fashion industry could hope for, like Most Socially Responsible (using ethical and moral standards in the production of the bag) and Best Green Handbag (made from sustainable, recycled or organic materials). Attendees are encouraged to donate old purses to Bottomless Closet, an organization that aims to outfit women with the confidence and fashion to interview for the right job.

Winners are featured InStyle magazine as supported by editor Ariel Foxman.  Singer sewing machines donate state of the art machines to equip an entire studio, mentorships, special collections in collaboration with designers all propel small business owners to new career levels.

Designers who were honored included Krystal Sokolis for Best Student Made handbag.  Sheila Harper won Singer Simplicity's award for Best Handmade, Aimee Kestenberg won Kipling's award for Creating with Nylon.  Best Green Handbag went to Fiona Kempton and Most Socially Responsible Handbag was awarded to Marisa Collado of Mexico.  The Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design was won by Bita and Rouzita Vahhabaghai for their gold and green reed-like clutch.  The Audience fan favorite (and mine) was Jennifer Lang's laser cut leather purse.

Designer and awards founder Emily Blumenthal has really mentored entire generations of designers with this competition.  Her passion has brought in designers like Carlos Falchi to do the same.

The iconoclast award honored Kenneth Cole this year.  His start in the industry is legendary, but his own wit about this business was even more charming.  His brand is known for leather goods, shoes and bags.  He advised that one should never judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes... (If you still don't like them, you are a mile away from them and you also took their shoes).

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Summer Skin Savers




When you have beautiful day and summer Fridays, how can you not spend as much time outside as possible?  Sitting in the park for lunch, after-work cocktails and weekends at the beach.  Yay summer!

However, al fresco events quickly take their toll on your skin if you don't prep properly... For the third post in my summer essentials series, here are my picks for keeping fresh and sun damage-free.  This group isn't fancy at all, but they all do the job you need...

Even if I don't plan on extended periods of time outside, I start with Aveeno's Ultra-calming daily moisturizer with SPF 15 every day.  I have particularly sensitive skin so the cooling properties are nice and freshen me up in the morning.  It's not greasy at all and if I need to spend extended time in the sun, I can add another sunscreen on top.

When I went to school in Paris, I always saw the chic French women pull out these tiny Evian Spritz bottles out of their purse to cool themselves (you never do see them sweat!).  A quick spray and they always looked perfect.  You can buy them Stateside and do the same...

For real outdoor plans, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration has up to 50 SPF (for UV-phobic freaks like me) as well as shea butter and silk proteins to really keep skin soft against salt, sand and sun rays. I have been carrying this bottle around with me every weekend so far this summer.

If you burn easily despite your diligent efforts with sunscreen, you still have a chance to save yourself. Prevent peeling, sooth redness and pamper your fried senses with a good dose of aloe gel.  I keep a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Cool Aloe After Sun Burn in my refrigerator.  I pull it out for an icy treatment every time I accidentally fall asleep outdoors midday.

Summer is the time to relax and renew! Make sure your skin gets refreshed as much as you do.


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Sales Alert: Joe's Jeans, Shoshanna, Lauren Moffatt, Rachel Zoe, Steven Alan

Sample Sale - 231 West 39th Street, Suite 422 - Wednesday, June 20th 10-6:30PM, Thursday, June 21st from 10-6PM - Up to 75% off dresses, swimwear, and separates, Cash and Credit Cards accepted
Shoshanna:
Ladylike frocks, swimwear and separates for up to 75% off.  Stock up on all the flirty summer items you need now!
When:  Wednesday, June 20th - Thursday, June 21st, 10 AM - 6 PM
Where: 231 West 39th street, #422

Lauren Moffatt Sample Sale
Lauren Moffatt:
Hit the beach and luxury boho chic this summer.  Lauren Moffatt's warm weather threads are up to 70% off.
When: Tuesday, June 19th - Wednesday, June 20th, 8 AM - 7 PM
Where: 214 West 29th Street #1503
Rachel Zoe:
Up to 60% off fashion that's just bananas...The uber-stylist's own collection of clothes, shoes and accessories are up for grabs.
When:Wednesday, June 27 through Saturday, June 30. Wed—Fri 10am—8pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Where: 250 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts


Nanette Lepore/Joe's Jeans/Tocca/Eva Franco:
This is truly a sample sale.  Stuff that was produced for production approval or the showroom, so limited sizes on styles, but you might find one of a kind pieces here:
When: Wednesday, June 20 - Thursday, June 21st.  11 AM - 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, 2nd floor


Steven Alan:
Not in NYC? Here is an online only sample sale of top hipster brands at Steven Alan.
When: June 19th - June 22nd
Where: http://www.stevenalan.com/   Free Shipping Code: SASS12
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Sunday, June 17, 2012

Kara Ross Resort 2012

kara ross

kara ross purse

Is there a lovelier way to spend an early summer evening than admiring luxe baubles over the Manhattan skyline?  I don't think so.

Designer Kara Ross previewed her gorgeous collection of handbags and jewelry on the rooftop lounge of her Columbus Circle building.  There were plenty of her signature glittering pieces with lots of stones and exotic envelope clutches.  

What always sets her handbags apart for me, is her innovative treatments of the leather.  She takes surface design on her leathers a step further.  A glazed python clutch is additionally airbrushed with metallic.  Deeply dyed ostrich is two-toned on the spots.  The trend of Ikat patterns is re-interpreted in snakeskin with handpainted designs right on the leather.  

A neon group of jewelry was a departure for Kara Ross and my favorite of the evening.  The designer took the craft of decoupage upscale with using pieced collages of fashion magazines on top of wood and finished with acrylic for a stone-like mosaic look.  The bright patterns were paired with striking neon for amazing statement pieces for resort. 


Ladies Who Lunch Travel host Mdivani Monroe had a chance to speak with Ms. Ross about her Fall 2012 collection.  Learn about her design inspirations and what a sweetheart she truly is:

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Blogger Love: Style, Personalized.

 Edited By: Taylor Davies
The submissions for this week's Links a la Mode were a total turn around from last week's, but isn't that always the way with blogging? One week you want to talk about the Prada exhibit at The Met, and the next you want to share your DIY for a fabulous studded collar. As bloggers we each try to own our niche and develop a personality, but the fun is in being able to expand; to shift gears and to evolve our content any way we choose. The 20 links below represent a myriad of personal points-of-view, from color obsessions to trend tips learning to love dressing for yourself and no one else.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: JUNE 14TH



SPONSOR:
Dark Dresses at Shopbop3Dots, MinkPink, BCBG, C&C, Splendid, Arizaga, Elkin, Zac Posen, Of Two Minds, Tucker, Velvet & Haute Hippie Maxi Dresses
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine
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Thursday, June 14, 2012

What to Pack for a Summer Getaway



Summer Fridays, warm weather escapes, the next few months are meant for a getaway.  These are  my travel must-haves for Hawaiian Tropic's Things We Love - Summer Edition series.  I keep my mini travel bag packed at all times just in case there's a spontaneous trip to be had.  (Hubby on the other hand calls it lazy because he thinks I just don't bother to unpack). Whether you are headed for the beach, off to the country or travelling overseas, don't forget these top essentials.

Sonia Kashuk makes these cute printed cosmetics bags that are perfect for taking on a plane.  They have two removable clear bags that are easy to pull out for airport security.  It is big enough for my IPad (loaded with e-magazines, books and Angry Birds).

Little versions of haircare products.  L'Oreal's Ellnet comes in a mini bottle and Frizz-Ease fits airport security specs as well.  Ellnet has a fine mist that doesn't get too sticky in humid or salty beach air.  Frizz-Ease sheer solution keeps my hair sleek in the frizziest conditions.

I can't live without sunscreen and skin moisturizer.  Luckily, Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration can count as both.  It goes up to 50 SPF and has shea butter.  I feel like I don't have to pack an extra skin lotion if I have this with me.

Little Calvin Klein black knit dress.  I can ball it up and squish it into the smallest spaces in a bag.  Basic enough to be casual, but easily dressed up with jewelry (that you purchased on location) or topped with a cardigan for cool nights.

Last, an inflatable neck pillow is a comfort saver.  It folds down to nothing and  makes a huge difference on a long flight.  More importantly, if you are stranded somewhere waiting for a flight/bed/buffalo crossing, it makes life much more tolerable.

Are you ready to go? Bon Voyage!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.


Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.


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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2013 at The Louvre

ferragamo louvre

Luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo made history Tuesday as the first designer to present a fashion show in the legendary museum of The Louvre.  A sculptural collection of textured cutouts, fringe, tailored jackets, constructed dresses looked right at home next to Leonardo Da Vinci's St. Anne exhibit.

A subdued palette of stone, nude and marble seemed to suit the surroundings of world famous statues near the runway.  Luxurious finishes of hand crocheted dresses, lacings, suede patchwork and studded embroidery were complemented by an inspiration of eternal summer.  

The world's elite flew in for the special show presented by  Creative Director Massimiliano Giornetti.  Celebrities like Freida Pinto, Hillary Swank, Leighton Meester and Fan Bing Bing wore Ferragamo to honor the designer as fans.  



PHotos courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo and  Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com
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Monday, June 11, 2012

CHANEL: The Little Black Jacket Exhibit

Rarely can a single garment become an icon onto itself.  Chanel's Little Black Jacket is one of those exceptions.  Carine Roitfield and Karl Lagerfeld collaborated on a series of photographs with top international style icons in their own right, like Sarah Jessica Parker, Yoko Ono and Daphne Guinness. 

The photographs have a romantic, art quality to them.  In dramatic black and white, they show the differences in construction, styling and the personality of the model posing in them. 

What kind of work goes into a little black jacket from Chanel?  Check out this video for some insight:

\
For more information, check out their site.
Saturday, June 8 - 15, 12 PM - 7 PM
18 Wooster Street, NYC Map
Photos courtesy of Little Black Jacket Website
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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Blogger Love: International Tastemakers

International Love

Edited By Taylor Davies
Perhaps the greatest thing about the IFB community is our diversity. We bring together bloggers from all over the globe, who want to come together and share and learn and talk about fashion! This week's Links a la Mode selections represent a slice of just how far and wide our bloggers stretch across the world. We have a trend report from Japan, online law and legislation from the UK, a Finnish brand debut in Hong Kong, and more. From the Olympics to the Jubilee, and 3 interviews with stylists and costumers - this really is a stellar collection of links for the week. Enjoy!


SPONSOR: :
Fashion Tees at ShopbopWildfox, Ella Moss, Splendid, Theory, Free People, LNA, Enza Costa, Joie, ALC, James Perse, Vince Tees & Haute Hippie Shirts
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Friday, June 8, 2012

Summer Beach Essentials - Hamptons, Montauk, Amagansett


There is nothing I look forward to more when the weather warms up than my weekends out on Eastern Long Island.  For some, that means the Hamptons, but I like it quieter in Amagansett and Montauk.  The beaches are never crowded and you're not under too much pressure to look perfect.

My essentials for the beach?  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  That means bringing lots of drinks (vitamin water, champagne...) and products to moisturize everything else.  Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration lotion has shea butter and silk proteins to keep skin soft.  I slathered this stuff on everywhere and never felt greasy (big pet peeve of mine).  I used the 50 SPF version because I burn fast in midday sun.  My hair turns into a mess near the ocean, so I like Fekkai's Summer Hair masque.  It cools my tresses down after frying in the sun (no frizz 'fro for me).  

Fashion wise, Tory Burch tunics and maxi dresses seem to be the uniform around here.  I'm wearing one of their cotton dresses with beaded cuffs and neckline.  I have a bunch more in the closet.  My fun flower ring was from a wholesale jewelry store on 28th street and my sunglasses are from Nautica.  

If you're planning a romantic picnic on the sand, my favorite treats are cheese from Lucy's Whey in East Hampton, cookies from Levain Bakery, and Lobster Rolls from the Seafood Shop in Wainscott NY. 


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic.   Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.
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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look

fashion illustration
It's an evolving, but rarely appreciated art form.  Fashion illustration was once relegated as merely images for advertising, but have endured to become a medium that is responsible for shaping the world's most stylish brands.

The biggest fashion illustration exhibit in over ten years is set to debut during NY Fashion Week.  The group of artists in the show use mediums that range from pen and watercolor to masking tape and digital.

Among the artists in the exhibit are Antonio Lopez, credited with establishing the "New Look" of fashion illustration.  Images with friends Jerry Hall, Grace Coddington and Karl Lagerfeld will be shown to the public for the first time.

In addition to the exhibit, there will be panel discussions, free illustration classes, fashion film series and live demonstrations with artist Bill Donovan.

For more information:

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look
September 6 – December 1, 2012
Brooklyn Public Library  |  Central and Brooklyn Heights


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