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Friday, May 31, 2013

DIY: How to Make a Beaded Cluster Bouquet Ring

Did you have a chance to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit yet? I wanted to add a little something inspired by the studded embellishments I loved from Vivienne Westwood's punk fashion.  I thought a quick, beaded cluster bouquet ring was an easy project that anyone can do in an hour.  This is a glam, sparkly gift perfect for your high-glam friends...

You will need:
Multiple hole ring backing
Beading Needle + Thread
Bi-cone beads in various sizes.
Small seed beads
Tiny piece of felt
 (You can find most of this stuff at your local craft store or bead store.  When I''m lazy, I can find a lot of things on Ebay or Amazon)

You will start by cutting a small circle of felt that is about the size of the base of your ring.  Knot the end of your thread and start stitching the bicone beads to the felt, topped with the seed bead.  Make sure you draw you needle through the holes at  the ring base and stitch though another hole when you come up.

Repeat with different beads or different sizes to create a clustered, bouquet effect.
When you have enough beads for your bouquet, knot off the thread on the underside of the felt.

There you have it!  Now go forth and bead...

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Sisters of Summer



What makes the best summer memories?  Where you were or who you were with?  I spent a lifetime of summers enjoying food and fashion with my sister.   She just came down to NYC to kick off the summer with me for Memorial Day.  We enjoyed an epic dinner at Mario Batali’s Del Posto then went shopping at Woodbury Commons the next day.  (The photo above is of us heading out the door in my Vivienne Westwood Anglomania dress and she in her slinky black knit).


We have a history of seeking out the gourmet delights of the Mediterranean.  Three years ago, we traveled to a cottage in Tuscany to learn how to cook an authentic Italian meal.  An hour away from Florence, we sought out the elusive Prada outlet where she was so excited to shop, she claimed she would “vomit”.  (Tip: It’s called “SPACE” and located on the back of what looks like a corporate park).  The tiny town of Panzano was also home to an unexpected design studio for colorful custom shoes.

Nineteen years ago, we traveled through Greece and Turkey as a big family reunion.  We consumed huge bricks of baklava while shopping for handmade sandals and vintage Ottoman textiles.  Our childhood travels had simpler flavors.  We loved ice cream and a good game of dress-up at any spot our parents saw fit to take us on our road trips.

As adults, we dress up and still love a frozen treat.  However, we just might spike it now…

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.  Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff" Co., Norwalk, CT.  Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g.
* 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Smirnoff via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Smirnoff.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Parsons Fashion Design - Menswear 2013

Ah the gentlemen from the Parsons School of Design were  stylish lot.  Payton Frantzen mixed color and shiny leathers into the collection of jumpsuits.  The overall aesthetic reminded me of a luxe gas pump jacket of the future.
Yunxiang Sharon Zhou relied on asymmetrical proportions using traditional menswear fabrics.  The fit was relaxed and helped by surprises in headwear.  The dip dyed sleeves on the shirt was a nice touch.  I'm not sure the silhouettes are ready for the American market, but the collection looked comfortable.

 Patrick McCabe of Memphis had a modern take on formal wear.  The high contrast suits were young, fresh and I can totally see these on the red carpet.
Sang Hup Park took cozy, woolly menswear fabrics and designed a collection that turned classic menswear proportions around.  A dropped waist belted coat with over-sized pocket or a blazer with giant wrap collar looked avant-garde but completely wearable for the sophisticated man.  I totally see Barney's picking this label up. 

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Saturday, May 25, 2013

Blogger Love: Blast From The Past

lalam052213

Blast From the Past

Ever since the cave people started wearing loin cloths and furs, we humans have had fashion history. This week's roundup delves into the past and how it has inspired our future. From the swinging 60's impact on sunglasses, to a look at Eurovision's pop music style evolution. For those of us who can't get to the MET one blogger shares her experience and for those of us who haven't yet seen the Great Gatsby, we have a look into Gatsby style in the mix there as well. So get your cup of tea, reflect on years gone by and check out these links!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

SPONSOR: Shopbop style Flight001, Isapera, Graf & Lantz, Ileana Makri, Nu Bra, Deux Lux, Gorjana Clutches, McQ, Vera Wang Flats, Costume National, & YFB dresses
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Getaway Beauty with Elizabeth Arden



Memorial Day weekend = start of summer! For frequent getaways, you want to pack light but look fabulous!  Elizabeth Arden's expert Rebecca Restrepo gave great travel beauty tips at the Blog Meets Brand event I attended last week.

 I'm headed out to the Hamptons next week and a few more beach weekends around the country before fall.  I hope to get by with only one weekend bag (I just bought a Kate Spade one on sale!) This means I need to keep beauty products and liquids to a minimum.

The most practical way to do that is to carry multitasking products.  For the beach, I like moisturizers with a lot of sunscreen built in.


Restrepo also advised that solids always travel better than liquid.  She uses the company’s sponge-on cream makeup instead of something runnier.  Also, beware of being dehydrated when flying.  She cites Elizabeth Arden’s 8-Hour Cream Skin Protectant as something she uses on knees and elbows before landing.

I tried a few products from Elizabeth Arden myself to see how well they travel.   After a day in the sun, my skin feels tight and feels drained of moisture at night. Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum is perfect for travel.  Their tiny little pods with twist off opening  make them easy to slip into a makeup bag pocket.  You only need to pack as many as you need for the trip.  It was very light and surprisingly not greasy when applied on my face.  It absorbed quickly (I hate the sticky moist feeling of most night products).  I woke up with my face feeling silky.  

In the summer I (mostly) ditch my darker lipsticks in favor of a rich lip gloss.  Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss has a great palette that looks like translucent versions of my favorite fall colors. Also, it has a mirror attached to the case, meaning I have one less compact I need to carry.  Some lip glosses are drying after long use.  This particular one has extra mango and shea butter for extra moisture.


Elizabeth Arden is an original New York company.  Their signature Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant was actually developed in 1930 and still runs on the same formula today.  I like to rub this stuff around my cuticles when I have handled too many pieces of paper or worked too hard on my embroidery projects.  In a pinch, I might use a bit to tame my brows or tips of stray hair.

Are you ready to venture off on YOUR summer getaway?  Always, always always, remember to bring the sunscreen! 

Want more tips? Connect with Elizabeth Arden on Twitter, Facebook and Instragram!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Elizabeth Arden via Single Edition Media.The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Elizabeth Arden.
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Friday, May 24, 2013

Parsons Fashion Design - Class of 2013 Part Two

When I was at Parsons, the joke was that our school colors were black and grey.  It DID seem to be the uniform of the fashion industry back in the late 90's.  However, some of the graduating fashion  class of Parsons School of Design proved that color is the way to go.

The first group on the runway was an adorable children's collection.  The designer mixed up the rpints and accessorized with huge flowers for a cheerful presentation.
The group here mixed dimensional appliques with different textures of patent leather and quilting.  It had the look of arts and crafts meets rebel punk.
These were some of my favorites.  Fitted, sporty looks mixed with pop culture icons worked into religious icons as motifs.  It would seem gimmicky if the silhouettes weren't so flattering.

Bravo class of 2013!

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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Parsons Fashion Show - Part One

parsons fashion 2013
My alma mater, Parsons School of Design held its fashion show for the class of 2013 last night.  The evening honored Patrick Robinson and attracted other Parsons alumni like Proenza Schouler. The first batch of designers here were all about a technique.  They took high tech and classic treatments and created a mini collection around it.

Sharon Yumen Wang above was about making sculpture out of pleats.  He used wide, sharp pleats and wound them around the body in different ways to in a grey, black and white palette.
parsons laser cut fashion
Francine Frolich incorporated digital printing and laser cutting.  She took architectural forms and used them as motif and almost like armor when worn on the body.  I'm not sure how comfortable they were to wear, but I can say I haven't seen this on a runway before.
connie de la cruz parsons
 Connie de la Cruz from the Domincan Republic also used digital printing.  He then took the printed fabric and manipulated it with bold solid colors for an easy sportswear look.
parsons fashion 2013
This collection by Jasmine Plantin was all about thick, woolly embroidery contrasted with sheer, light fabric.  The dark, natural colors and the swirled patterns looked a lot like an elevation map to me.  While the silhouettes were very simple, the looks were very effective.  It's hard to make embroidery look masculine, but this group made it work.

Stay tuned for more graduate work!  Good luck to all of the designers!
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Smirnoff Sorbet Soiree


My NYC summer officially started when heat and humidity struck Tuesday night.  Luckily, I was fortunate enough to kick the season off with cool comfort courtesy of Smirnoff Sorbet.  My fellow Glam trendsetters and I were lucky enough to spend the evening chilling down with cocktails in the theme of my favorite flavors of pomegranate, citrus and mango. 
The much needed ladies night out included posh manicures and pedicures at TenOverTen lounge in Tribeca.  As I observed the room, hot and bright pinks were the clear favorite among the crowd.  I myself chose Chanel’s 541 Tentation to brighten up my night.  A tarot card reader was on hand to dish out your fortune and a massage therapist worked out the knots of a long day.  If you needed to glam yourself further, two make-up artists were ready to give you a makeover.
ten over ten tribeca

A sushi chef prepared healthy nibbles (delicious) while actual sorbet was offered by a cute server.  Alas, the Smirnoff did not make it into the actual dessert.  However, the icy treat did complement the libations perfectly. 

Relaxing with my Glam blogging sisters was like a broadcast of summer trends to come.  My girls were wearing stripes or bright colors.  They paired simple, warm weather shorts and flirty dresses with chunky statement necklaces and rings to upgrade their look.  Of course, enjoying a summer night with the perfect cocktail is never out of style. 

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.  Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff" Co., Norwalk, CT.  Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g.
* 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.

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

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Design Diet Coke's T-Shirt for Taylor Swift

coke design contest
Fashion designers, graphic designers and stylish soda fans... Diet Coke is announcing season 2 of its hunt for young designers to design their next t-shirt to be sold at Target.  The winner nets $10 000 in cash, sees their design in Target stores and travels to Nashville to meet music star Taylor Swift.

One of my favorite designers, Rebecca Minkoff is judging the finalists.  You can check their site for inspiration and investigate what past winners have done.

Hurry! You have 9 days to enter!  
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

David Bowie Is

davie bowie ziggy

david bowie
A pop icon, a trendsetter in fashion, design... The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has a comprehensive exhibit into the David Bowie archive to explore his creative process.  He may primarily be known as a musician, but his influence in style reaches far beyond that.

 In the 1970's and 1980's he was known for his androgynous, futuristic and avant-garde aesthetic.  His Ziggy Stardust bodysuits were designed by Freddie Buretti and gave direction to activewear.  Dramatic makeup looks were imitated by both men and women.  All are on display in the exhibit.  The rockstar's personal sketches, artwork for his albums, storyboards and intimate diary entries offer insight into his artistic process.

Yves Saint-Laurent, Jonathan Saunders Spring 2013 and Alexander McQueen's Resort 2013 collection were all clearly influenced by the Bowie's style. My first memory of his style was his role in 1986's Labyrinth.  His spiked hair, tights and ruffled shirt as the "Goblin King" was my first encounter with his Rock n' Roll style and the 11 year old me found it incredibly sexy.

The exhibit runs until August 11, 2013.

Photos by Frank W Ockenfels,Duffy Archive,John Robert Rowlands and V&A Museum
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Monday, May 20, 2013

Shopping and Spa at Atlantis Bahamas



What is the difference in planning a vacation shopping experience and one in your regular city? Do people shop differently when they are near the beach?  I explored the glamorous Escape Boutique at The Cove at Atlantis to find out.

In chatting with Atlantis Bahamas public relations manager Megan Marchesini, she expressed the luxury resort's major demographic guests were mostly from the Northeast of the United States.  Sounds like a bunch of New Yorkers to me.  When you factor in their restaurants mirror the top celeb chefs of NYC (they have an outpost of Mesa Grill and Nobu in the resort) you might be inclined to think that The Cove is Gotham South.

With that in mind, does the New York fashion sense travel to the islands as well?  Lots of blacks and tailored looks?  Not.  The more color, the better.  While fashion designers known to New Yorkers like Kara Ross and Matthew Williamson are carried at the shop, what sells is anything bright, embellished and probably shiny.

Buyers for a luxury resort boutique know that guests are in a fantasy mind frame, so the merchandise must reflect that.  A fun cowboy hat or dancing shoes need to represent the indulgent experience that is a contrast to the everyday routine of home (and the everyday look of home).  Like the name chefs of the restaurants on property, there is the assurance of designer names on the products, but also co-branded with the Atlantis resort's name as well, as it is in itself a prestige name.  When you get the bright pink or coral necklace home, it is your souvenir of the fun you had and a calling card for you to return to the party that was.



After all of that hard work shopping, you need to wind down at the Mandara spa. The high design factor of The Cove was carried through to the spa of course. I was in several waiting areas in between treatments which added to the experience. I had a little sampler of facial, massage and scrub. The staff here gets that New Yorkers are high-strung when they get there and know how to handle them. Every person I encountered was delightful.

BTW, here is the view that I had from my room. So how are YOU spending your next vacation?


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Friday, May 17, 2013

Glitterrings Gatsby Jewels

glitterings gatsby
A little eye candy for the weekend.  Were you inspired by the opulent style of The Great Gatsby?  Affordable jewelry company Glitterrings certainly were.  They launched a pretty collection available now that is styled with intricate vintage patterns in a rosy gold or silver metal.  Like their name, tiny crystals have an antique pave look.  

While I love this style anyway, I admit I do get sucked into film fashion excitement (I bought a dalmatian print top after watching Glenn Close's fabulous turn as Cruella De Ville).  I checked out the showroom for Glitterrings and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of their pieces considering their wallet friendly price point.  Rings were under $40, the elaborate pendant necklaces about $85. 

Have you ever been inspired to add to your wardrobe from a movie's style?  Which movie and what look?
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Your Most Stylish NYC Summer Ever


amagansett beach

Has winter finally left? As we inch towards Memorial Day weekend, I am lining up my plans for the months to come.  I had a crappy winter, so my resolution is to enjoy summer in my city in style.

I am looking forward to bunch of nights out with my girls.  The first one is courtesy of Smirnoff Sorbet next week.  I can’t imagine a better way to expose my toes in summer appropriate footwear than a pedicure and massage.  New York City has become an expert at offering up combo spa/lounge/nightlife destinations for the woman who wants the full package and has no time… TenOverTen is the one I’ll be checking out next week.  I’ll let you know how it measures up!  

I plan on chic weekends by the beach.  I have a few dates already set to head east to the end of Long Island. I start by shopping for pretty things along Main Street in East Hampton.  Catherine Malandrino, Tory Burch and Calypso are my go-to shops for colorful style.  My go-to lunch stops are Levain bakery and the Seafood shop in Wainscott.  I end the day curling up with Hubby and a bottle of wine on a quite beach in Amagansett to watch the sunset.

 In between weekends, there are of course the warm days in between.  Luckily, New York keeps the staycation vibe going with tons of free concerts, movies and cultural events.  Bryant Park is host to much of the fashion crowd with their film series on Monday nights.  It has become one big gourmet picnic for my colleagues and me over the years.

 If you need to chill, there are fashion related exhibits in the air conditioned buildings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (check out Punk: Chaos to Couture) and the Museum at FIT (RetroSpective opens next Wednesday).   Don’t forget museum parties… The MOMA opens late on Thursdays with live music starting July, The Met has a martini bar on their rooftop garden and the Rubin Museum turns into the K2 lounge with tapas, culture and cocktails on Friday nights.
Ready to heat things up? What are YOUR favorite plans in the city?



The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.  Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff" Co., Norwalk, CT.  Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g.
* 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.


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

Bryant park photo by Eddy
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Design for Fab.com and Michael Bastian


Design talents! Two new opportunities for you. First, super design-savvy marketplace Fab.com is on a hunt for great new designers.  They have a jury seeing people at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.  Bring your samples, your portfolio, your plans or ideas for this competition.  You need to impress judges like Fab's founder and chief design officer Bradford Shellhammer or Dan Rubinstein, editor in chief of Surface magazine among others.  They want to see things that are "high quality and be a functional object made through handcrafted, high-tech and/or experimental processes." 

To register,  send your name and country to designforus@fab.com.  Then show up at the ICFF show at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Center  (must be registered to attend) on May 21st, 1 PM to 3 PM.   If you register for the show today, you can skip the $60 fee.  
boffo design

BOFFO is a project that brings fashion designers, architects, artists and other disciplines together for pop-up collaborations.  The latest a competition to design and produce a retail installation in collaboration with fashion designer Michael Bastian.  Your base is a shipping container on Pier 57 near the Hudson River.  

Enter the competition here.
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Monday, May 13, 2013

Chris Benz is EPIC

chris benz spring 2013

epic movie storyboard
 Many fashionistas swoon at the costume designs in our favorite movies.  How often are fashion designers inspired by an animated film and vice versa?  Last week, fashion designer Chris Benz sat down with the art director of Epic the Movie, Michael Knapp to discuss their creative process.

Both projects were deeply inspired by nature.  The movie is an animated tale of a teenage girl transported to the magical world of the forest.  The warrior community she meets are very small and are seeing the forest from the viewpoint of the ground looking up, so much of the surroundings were drawn with this in mind.  A lot of thought went into the costumes of the characters, even if they weren't actual clothing that would be worn be live actors.  The costumes were based on textures inspired by materials found in nature or would be suited to whatever creature the character happened to be.  Some great costume design sketches and fashion boards were on display so you could see the aesthetic.

Chris Benz, after meeting up with a publicity person from the film, was also inspired by nature.  After seeing creative ideas for the film, it made him review pieces from his Spring 2013 collection.  He put together a mood board based on the film and rethought a green gown he designed in terms of patterns and color found in nature.

To all the creatives, how does fashion influence your work?  For the fashion designers, how has a film affected your creative process?

Epic the Movie comes out May 24, 2013.
michael knapp

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Wine Enthusiast's Red & White Ball

grand guignol
good units hudson hotel
wine enthusiast party
Before the roaring 20's of Gatsby, there was the Belle Epoque.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine celebrated their 25th anniversary with a decadent Red and White Bash for a good cause.  The event was held at the Hudson Hotel's basement re-imagined as a romantic circus.

Red and White was a reference to the over 30 wineries offering tastings of their wines.  The colors were also the theme of the night for event designer Adam Aleksander's decor and dress code.  Both the gents and ladies decked themselves out in vintage party style with hats, fascinators, pearls, jewels and dresses in the spirit of the event.  There were festive makeovers offered to people who wanted some extra flare in their hair or sparkly makeup.  

An old-timey big band set the soundtrack for the evening on stage with Parisian lampposts.  A sexy burlesque aerialist glided into her moves on a crescent moon overlooking the guests.   

While the wine flowed freely, the true reason for the celebration was that proceeds from every ticket sold went to benefit the Wine to Water organization.  The non profit heads up projects in countries like Uganda, Sudan, Cambodia and many others to provide clean water to communities that struggle to have access to it.  Some of their projects have included digging wells, distributed ceramic or bio-sand water filters and constructing a water system to an orphanage.

You can donate or host your own event on their behalf here.  If you were planning your next big bash, what theme would YOU go with?
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Thursday, May 9, 2013

How to Dress for the Gatsby Era

No doubt, every fashion magazine and blog will tell you how to dress in flapper style with today's styles.  Prada produced some drool-worthy fashion for the film The Great Gatsby, but what designers did the Daisy Buchanans wear IN the 1920's?

Roaring 20's fashion was the decade of Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Jeanne Lanvin.  Erte's theater costume illustrations set the tone of sleek art deco patterns.  Flapper dresses were embroidered in Asian florals or Art Deco patterns reflecting the trends in architecture at the time.  Chanel pioneered the concept of comfortable sportswear, opposite the whimsical embellishments of her Italian rival, Schiaparelli. As a parent, Lanvin's intricate work was coveted by other mothers, leading to coordinated outfits for their children as well.
Fashionable ladies were just as enamored with shoes as we are today.  T-strap shoes and embellished heels were the coveted styles of the era.  The prestige designers then were Salvatore Ferragamo and Andre Perugia. 

The 1920's was radical in that fashionable women cut their hair short en masse for the first time in history...ever! It was quite the milestone for a socialite to march into a salon and ask for the chic bob. I love this vintage advertisement that you could bring to your stylist:

Ok, now rouge your knees, roll your stockings down and see the damn movie already!

photos from oldrags.tumblr.com/, jildorshoes.com,
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