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November 20, 2008

Death of a Stylephile

This, dear readers, is the final Stylephile post for the foreseeable future.
Along with Wall Street, WaMu and the city of Detroit, this esteemed lifestyle blog has fallen victim to the bananas collapse of the American economy.
A few days ago, I was informed of my forthcoming execution.
And as I kneel, blindfolded, neck on recessionary chopping block, let me take these last few moments to flash back through history with you...
The Stylephile was envisioned by Variety Vice President of Sales (online) Dea Lawrence, who spoke with Tom Tapp (editor of VLife magazine) about her idea to create a style blog and newsletter. VLife writers Ginny Chien and Anna Lisa Raya developed the concept and on Oct 22, 2004, The Stylephile was born. Jean Paul Gaultier had just launched his men's makeup line, ShopBop.com had just entered cyberspace and the very awesome Alpha Male store in West Hollywood had just opened its doors. Happy days.
Here are some of the very first posts.
When VLife ended, Ginny stayed on as The Stylephile editor with Tasha Nita Adams as a contributor for the blog. Ginny suggested The Stylephile also appear in print to complement the print daily paper's Vpage section and it eventually did (after Ginny's departure) and was integrated into the Variety Weekend section under the editorial direction of Monica Corcoran with Laura Repstad as a contributor. When Variety Weekend ended, the Stylephile went back to being an online-only product under Mia McNiece. I took over in November 2007.
The very talented Tara Simm and Martha Hernandez designed the current look of The Stylephile Newsletter, which won a Gold Award in Newsletter Design Excellence for "Best Consumer Subscription Newsletter" in 2006 from www.Newsletterbiz.com. And The Stylephile was a finalist in the 2007 L.A. Press Club awards for best Weblog.
In just a few minutes, The Stylephile's life support will be set to minimum, and the site will peacefully enter a vegetative state.
Please don't cry. All of the posts of the last four years will remain online (should you ever wish to research what Hollywood was wearing in August 2005, for instance).
Please do continue to read all of Variety's excellent blogs, which you can find at www.variety.com. And should you have any questions, comments or requests, don't hesitate to contact me at caroline@carolineryder.com or visit me at www.carolineryder.com.
On behalf of everyone at Variety and the former editors of The Stylephile, I'd like to thank you all for coming on this most fashionable of rides. It's been a blast...

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (33)

Possible Perfection at Pelican Hill

A shiny black limousine pulled up outside my home and the sunglasses-wearing driver tapped gently at the door. "May I take your bags?"
Thus began our 24-hour pamper-fest at The Resort at Pelican Hill, the new five-star luxury resort that comes with its own world-class, 36-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course, not to mention uber-dramatic views above Newport Beach's Crystal Cove.
Half an hour out of L.A. and we started noticing shiny yachts and "McCain/Palin" signs, indicative of the neighborhood's wealthy, right-leaning resident population. We gasped as we pulled through a giant stone gateway marking the entrance to the resort. "Yes, it's amazing," said our driver, who seemed almost as excited as we were to arrive at the new property, a California-Tuscan hybrid of 5,000-plus square-foot custom homes.
Owned by the Irvine Co. (a real estate management company that also owns the nearby Island Hotel and Resort, formerly the Four Seasons Newport Beach), "The Possibility of Perfection" is Pelican Hill's motto and we did, indeed, receive the full star treatment.
Upon stepping out of the limo there were men in uniform, one to greet us, one to hand us steaming face towels, one to open doors, one to welcome us—all attending to our most trifling needs like the ultimate team of doting mothers.
It was a little overwhelming at first. For instance, when asked if we would need a ride to our villa, we accepted, not knowing where our villa was. We got in the car, and were driven approximately 50 feet across the road—a three-second car journey that underlined the near-obsessive level of service were were about to receive.
Inside the villa we met our personal butler, (he comes with the villas, and never sleeps, apparently) who offered to draw an evening bath for us. Earlier, we had been told by management that our butler could take care any of our needs whatsover. "That's good because I'll be needing a baby grand piano in our room tonight," I joked. The manager looked me in the eye and said, "If you want it, we will get it."
With its 204 bungalows and 128 villas, the resort has the feel of an exclusive gated community, and if that's your bag, you'll be in OC heaven. Our three-bedroom villa was an exercise in understated luxe living. Amid the muted beige and cream furnishings were plasma TVs (one in each bedroom, plus in the lounge area), lofty wood-beamed ceilings, and a limestone fireplace. The giant marble bathrooms featured deep tubs and separate rain showers, and the stainless steel kitchen was kitted out with the latest in Wolf appliances.
We lounged on the sun patio for several hours, marveling at the sparkling ocean view ahead of us. At sunset we donned swim gear and splashed in saline water infinity pool as the sky glowed crimson and peach along the PCH.
It was, truly, a perfect sunset.
We followed it with a fittingly decadent dinner at the Pelican Grill where a lively crowd of locals (always a good sign) was tucking in to the hearty cuisine (creamed spinach, champagne and filet mignon for me, please.)
In the morning, we took a yoga golf class on the course, rated in the nation's Top 100 by "Golf" magazine.
Yoga golf?
It's a fascinating concept, whereby a golf instructor observes your swing and a yoga instructor designs a class designed to work on your weaknesses. If I were actually a golfer, I'm sure it could have provided the missing link to better my game.
This resort is not for the intrepid. It is, rather, for those deserving souls who wish, for a weekend or even longer, to absolutely lose themselves in the womb-like comfort of Pelican Hill, a place where the azure skies never end, and where the possibility of perfection means you can finally stop thinking...and simply relax.
The Resort at Pelican Hill Resort debuts on November 26 with room rates starting at $695 a night.
See the resort for yourself here.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (6)

Winner: Luau Dinner for two

The cocktail menu at new Beverly Hills restaurant Luau is based on secret recipes researched by mixologist Jeff Berry, who spent more than a decade decoding the ingredients via interviews with original Luau bartenders.
We invited Stylephile readers to tell us about their favorite tiki cocktail for the chance to win a dinner for two at Luau, and the following entry by ivyfine was a clear winner, with extra points given for superlative story-telling.
"For years I'd been dying to trek to Rosemead to visit Bahooka, one of the last remaining tiki places in LA. When my friend Meredith was turning 30, I got my chance. We were intrigued by the section of the drink menu entitled, "Flaming Drinks for Two" and ordered a "Bahooka Bowl." The ancient waiter set down a wooden salad bowl filled with what tasted like Kool-aid and vodka (heavy on the vodka!) punctuated by a pair of flaming croutons. We gleefully dove in with our 2-foot long straws while giggling about the kitschy decor which included hundreds of fish frowning down on us from tanks perched over our table. We finished our bowl before our food arrived so of course we ordered another one. Big mistake! We were both on the verge of acute alcohol poisoning about halfway through it, but still laughing our heads off and loving every second. I vaguely remember a surreal journey across Gilligan's Island trying to find the restroom. I don''t remember much after that. Thankfully, I''d thought to bring along my teetotaling hubby who acted as our chauffeur. Otherwise, I think we''d still be there! The capper is that Meredith was in no condition to drive back to her place so she spent the night on our couch. She felt so bad the next day, she stayed the entire weekend! But we still laugh about our Bahooka Bowl experience and vow to go back (although I''m sure one will be enough next time).
Congratulations, Ivyfine!
LUAU 369 North Bedford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Tel: 310-274-0900.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Massive One-Stop Gift Shop (LA)

More than 165 independent, local designers and artists will sell their wares at UNIQUE, a giant design and gift sale taking place in Downtown Los Angeles.
The event, being dubbed an “alternative to the mall”, will offer holiday shoppers great deals from popular designers that they know and love, as well as gems by emerging talent. The majority of vendors are from California, though a handful are joining the event all the way from Brooklyn, Portland and Seattle.
Vendors include ROJAS, Unhee, Black Hearts Brigade, Johnny Cupcakes, Rock Scissors Paper stationery goods, Illume Candles, jewelry by Steven Shein, and sweet treats by Cake Monkey.
 designed the event to foster and support the creative community while stimulating the local economy, and to offer shoppers a diverse selection of great gifts created and produced by local talent.
"Why would anyone buy something factory-made at the mall, when they can find great deals and one of a kind gifts from emerging talent and top designers?" says UNIQUE founder Sonja Rasula. "UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is a one-stop shop for shoppers who will be able to find something for everyone on their lists, all while saving time and gas!” 
The event takes place Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th, from 11 AM – 7 PM.at the California Market Center, Penthouse, 110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90079. $5 per ticket (children 10 and under are free). 50% of ticket sales benefit CREATE NOW, a local charity that brings art and creativity to high-risk youth. Www.uniquelosangeles.com.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

Devon Leigh Sample Sale (LA)

Jewelry designer Devon Leigh's ability to transform natural semi-precious stones in to striking, one-of-a-kind statement pieces has earned her some high-level private clients—from Kate Bosworth to Liz Taylor.
You can buy from her Fall and Holiday collection at Devon Leigh's sample sale, which runs December 8-14, with 40-50% off on some of her sparkly hammered gold and rhodium creations. Shoppers who throw down more than $500 will receive a gift bag.
The sale takes place December 8-14, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, 8026 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA, 90048. (between Fairfax and Crescent Heights) View the collection here.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 18, 2008

In Hollywood Domino, We're All Pawns

In Hollywood, we're all pawns—and that's seemingly the inspiration behind Hollywood Domino, the board game du jour of Tinsel Town.
Players in this new variation on the classic game choose a film genre, with pawns that represent different movies (Horror, Western, Action, Romance, Sports, etc.). The first to use up all of their dominos wins the bid for the "Oscar" Domino and completes their blockbuster movie.
Charlize Theron is the reigning Hollywood Domino champion, and she took on fellow celebrities in a two-city weekend tournament. 
In London on November 7, Sienna Miller, Tom Hollander, Olivier Martinez, Ridley Scott, and Giannina Facio presented a Hollywood Domino event in aid of Theron's Africa Outreach Project.
On November 9 the battle took flight to New York, the second round played at the Edison Ballroom by Salma Hayek, Ali Larter, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price, Jason Lewis, Matthew Rhys, Molly Sims and more.
Visit the website here. Buy Hollywood Domino here for around $40.

November 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Raquel Allegra Leather Headband is Free at Shopflick.com

Raquel Allegra, the L.A. designer recently featured in the N.Y. Times Sunday Styles Section, is throwing in a free leather handmade braided headband with any Raquel Allegra purchase on Shopflick.com.
Allegra, a former Barney's sales associate, is known for using rags reclaimed from L.A. County Jail and turning them in to one-of-a-kind garments as worn by Heidi Klum, Nicole Ritchie, Jessica Biel, Penelope Cruz, and the Olsen Twins.
Her boho scarves and distressed tees (pictured) are also in high demand.
For limited time only, the $135 headband will come free with any with any Raquel Allegra purchase made on Shopflick.com. Buy here.
 

November 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Crisp and Custom: Sioloonim White Shirts for Ladies

Designers Minoo Hersini and Lois Rosenthal realized that nothing screams understated chic better than a crisp, perfectly-tailored white shirt. With this in mind, they launched Sioloonim, their luxe women’s only white shirt collection featuring exquisite Italian, Japanese and Swiss fabrics in forward, asymmetrical cuts.

The attention to detail borders on the obsessive—Sioloonim even includes a protective face mask with each shirt so customers can avoid getting any orange foundation streaks on their pristine blouse.

The current collection offers custom-made white blouses for women, and the Fall ’09 line will expand to include pieces for men and children, as well as accessories. Shirts retail from $450 - $650 with select couture pieces at $900.

Custom shirts are available from the Sioloonim showroom in New York and they ship nationally and internationally. Call the showroom at 212 750 5606. As of December 1, the shirts will be available for order at Sioloonim.com.

November 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 13, 2008

Fancy a glass of Tasmanian Rain?

Nicole Kidman is a drinker of Tasmanian Rain, water that is captured as it falls from the clouds over Tasmania, Australia, where the World Meteorological Organization has recorded the purest air on earth.
Holiday party hosts should consider investing in a crate of the stuff. It is ten times purer than spring and artesian water, and softer than a wispy cirrus. The sparkling version contains the lowest sodium content of any carbonated water on the market, and let's face it: "Would you like a glass of pure unfiltered cloud juice from the cleanest skies on earth" does sound sexier than "tap or Dasani?".
With Tasmanian Rain's new "Rainman" service, you can have bottles delivered to your doorstep any day of the week. Sign up online with the promotional code KELLEY, and you'll receive a complimentary case of 24 x 375 ml bottles each month.
Sign up here. To try it out first, a case of 24 375ml bottles is $79 from here.

November 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Disaya's Zip Zip Bangle

Is it so wrong to desire Disaya's Zip Zip bangles, made from gold, rose gold and silver?

Disaya Prokobsantisukh is a Thai-born designer who earned her stripes at Central Saint Martins College of Fashion and Design in London, going on to train with none other than John Galliano.

In 2004 she launched a lingerie collection called Boudoir by Disaya, followed by her eponymous label, featuring a ready-to-wear and jewelry collection, both inspired "by the creative elements of London".

This bangle is $226 from new fashion e-tailer Forward, which promises a carefully-curated selection of fashion-forward clothes, shoes and accessories from some of fashion's hippest types (think Jeremy Scott, Alex & Chloe and Erin Fetherston).
Buy here.

November 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

Save the date: Massive Aloha Rag designer sale, Nov 18

And this, my friends, is why recessions rock—Aloha Rag, the online and physical retailer with impeccable taste in designers, is holding a one-day sale at its NYC store sure to delight all bargain-hungry fashionistas.
Aloha Rag's Shopping Night takes place Tuesday, November 18th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST with 40% off everything in store (with the exception of gold). Spend $1000 regular price and the discount increases to 50%.
Aloha Rag's designers include Martin Margiela, Thomas Wylde, Comme des Garcons, Tom Ford, Lanvin, Chloe, Linda Farrow, Rogan and more. Swoon.
Visit the website to see what the store has to offer, and get ready to be the most stylish person you know!
Aloha Rag, 505 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 212 925 0882.

November 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sylvette Blaimont's Stackable Rings

Naomi Watts' family gifted her a set of Sylvette Blaimont's gold signature stacking rings at her recent 40th surprise party, letter-pressed with the following words : "Alexander / Sasha" (her son's name and nickname), followed by impish / faithful, wild / fragile, fascinating / unique, dreamy / graceful. All in French. Très chic!
We also hear that Demi Moore just received her signature rings too, custom-inscribed with the family's names (Ashton, Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout) and the word "love" on the last ring.
And there's nothing to stop you enjoying some of Blaimont's delicately crafted creations too.
Born in Paris, Blaimont worked in France’s fashion industry for several years, managing the first A.P.C store in Paris, then writing for “Frou-Frou” magazine. She moved to New York in 1998 where she styled magazine photo shoots, commercials and TV shows, before studying gold and silver design under a veteran goldsmith.
Even if they didn't happen to be an A-List jewelry favorite, Sylvette Blaimont's collection of engraved rings would make a special gift for any loved one.
The stacked rings are $1450 in gold and $750 in silver. www.sylvettenyc.com. Buy here.

November 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 8, 2008

Three Dots' Sample Sale

If you're a fan of California label Three Dots' range of stylish basics, then get yourself in the car to Garden Grove, CA where they will be holding a "huge" sample sale, Nov. 14-15.

We're told there will be great pieces in all sizes for women, men, kids and maternity, all of them "deeply discounted".

Three Dots sample sale takes place November 14-15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 7340 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, 714-799-6333. Three Dots.com

 

November 8, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Michelle's Winning Jewels

You might not have been paying much attention to Michelle Obama's ears as she amd her husband entered the annals of history last Tuesday night.

So let me tell you that those dazzling gems dangling from her lobes at the Election Victory rally in Chicago were Loree Rodkin's white gold and diamond triple dangles.

Worth $10,275, you can pick yourself up a pair by calling Ikram boutique in Chicago, Tel: 312-587-1000.

November 8, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 4, 2008

XS Baggage for Glamorous Groceries

When actress-designer Hilary Shepard designed XS BAGGAGE, re-usable grocery bags made from excess fabric, it was only proper that her actressy friends should lend their support. Daryl Hannah, Rosanna Arquette, Donna Karan, Anna Farris, Heather Graham and Mariel Hemingway all carry their XS Baggage with pride.
The bags' biggest advantage, they say, is that the bags fold up and fit easily into your pocket or purse, so you don't even need to remember to bring them with you when you grocery shop.
Shepard used extra fabric from a one-of-a kind purse collection she was designing for Donna Karan’s Urban Zen line, made from re-purposed vintage materials.
XS BAGGAGE bags are $19.99, buy here. A portion of all sales goes to green charities. A special line of XS BAGGAGE for Dr Jeffery Sachs' Omnipeace charity can be found at Kitson stores.

November 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

007's latest Omega watch

Omega is unveiling its ultra-masculine new James Bond "Quantum of Solace" limited edition watch November 14, coinciding with the release of 007's latest adventure.
The black textured dial was inspired by the grip of Bond’s trademark Walther PPK, distinguishing the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m "Quantum of Solace" from every other James Bond limited edition watch. The blood red tip of the seconds hand rotates in contrast to the black dial, and a 007 logo is engraved on the buckle of the stainless steel bracelet.
Omega Watches.com, call 310 860 9990 for more information.

November 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Keep your 'I Voted' sticker!

Let's hope you voted—not least because Leona Edmiston, the Australian fashion designer who counts Drew Barrymore and Tyra Banks among her fans, is offering 50% off to every customer who comes in to her Sunset Plaza store with an 'I Voted' sticker.

Edmiston, who has 16 boutiques in London, L.A. and Australia, is known for her gorgeous flowing print dresses. No wonder they call her the First Lady of Frocks in Australia.

Leona Edmiston is located at 8591 Sunset Blvd. at Sunset Plaza. Los Angeles 90069. Tel: 310-855-9121 Leona Edmiston.com

November 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Illume wants to light your fire

Just like Diana Ross, ILLUME believes that you can't hurry love—which is why they created their 65 Hours of Love shimmer candle.
This boxed glass candle makes a wonderful gift for those lovers who need to, well, relax a little.
And if its heady fusion of exotic woods, Tahitian vanilla and spun sugar doesn't fill them with desire, nothing will.
Buy 65 hours of Love here.

November 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

McQueen's right on Target

For those of you who can't afford Alexander McQueen's $2,345 sequinned leggings, here's some good news—the British high fashion designer is launching a capsule collection at our very own Target.
In March 2009, just a few aisles beyond the Method hand soap and and the $15 espadrilles, you'll find McQueen's rock n roll designs, with prices to fit even the most modest of pocket books.
Women's Wear Daily reports that McQueen's Target fabrics will feature edgy details such as studs and tattoo-print fabrics.
It's part of Target's new Designer Collaborations project, which will bring the styles of couture designers to the general public, all at Target prices. Alexander McQueen is the first designer to participate.
Long live the McQueen!
www.target.com

November 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 3, 2008

Gift like a movie mogul with Jasper and James

In showbiz, execs don't have time to actually think about gifting—they simply require it to happen, and with finesse.
Which is where Jasper and James comes in. The company handles high-end gifting for many studios, TV and cable networks, including Paramount, Fox, Miramax, and Showtime. They buy directly from brands, many of them European (think Missoni Home products, Ackerman leather goods from Germany, Bill Amberg bags from London, Abahna bath products from England and more), and then they deliver the items to their clients, beautifully wrapped using heavy papers and double-faced satin ribbons (or recycled materials, if preferred). They'll even write a note on their clients' stationery, and deliver to the recipient. Job done!
And it doesn't stop there—Jasper and James can custom make leather and cashmere goods at trusted European workshops, and can hook up their clients with the latest Leica cameras (they are one of only two Leica dealers in L.A.) The new version of Leica's popular C-Lux model (pictured), for example, is expected to be a much-coveted gift this holiday season.
"Yes, but I'm a boom operator," you say. "What if I just want to find gifts for my friends and family, rather than the entire cast of 'Lost'?"
Jasper and James can help with that too.
They have a shopping newsletter with plenty of great gift ideas, and an e-commerce store, featuring a carefully-edited selection of about 20 different uncommon luxury gifts. Sign up for their Holiday Hot List, which highlights a new, hard-to-find gift each week through Christmas.
Visit their online shopping site here. Jasper and James also offers gifts by Nikon, iPod, Tumi, Kate Spade, Burberry, Baccarat, Versace, Dean & Deluca, Missoni, Breville, and more.

November 3, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (4)

Lauren Bush's schoolgirl fling

Looks like Lauren Bush is hopping aboard the schoolgirl trend—here she is at the the relaunch of Dylan's Candy Bar last week in New York City, wearing a candy-striped Cynthia Rowley jacket.

She almost pulls it off—but with her naturally head girl-y demeanor, this preppy jacket looks a little costumey. An edgier haircut would have offset the overwhelmingly collegiate feel of her ensemble.

Think you can do better?

The multi-colored jacket with white piping detail and side pockets is available for purchase at www.cynthiarowley.com

$330, buy here.

 

November 3, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 2, 2008

Paper magazine's "24 Hour Cultural Department Store"

As part of Paper's annual L.A. invasion, the magazine is opening a "24 Hour Department Store" on Sunset Strip, featuring 24 performances by artists including The Lady Tigra, The Chapin Sisters and Entrance.
As well as great music, expect an "extreme shopping experience", with items by Opening Ceremony, Supreme, Jeremy Scott, Mr. Cartoon, Rodarte and more, available at the pop-up.
The store will be one of the only ways the public can jump aboard the Paper train—most other events (including an exclusive dinner hosted by Danny "Ubiquitous" Masterson and Bijou Phillips, and an awards ceremony celebrating Paper mag's favorite reality TV stars) will be invite only.
Paper magazine's "24 Hour Department Store" opens for business Friday November 7 at 6 p.m.until 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. 8873 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046.
 

November 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rain Boot

Rain fell for approximately five minutes in L.A. this weekend, sending the city into a Noah-like frenzy.

To prepare for the next deluge, we suggest you arm yourself with an Ark, a paddle, and a pair of hot-ass rain boots, like these heart-print ones from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Made in Italy, these genius little numbers feature a two inch heel that should elevate you above most puddles, and a leather lining to keep your calves cozy and sweat-free.

The boots are $225, buy here.

November 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Burberry Ear Muffs for Tweenaged Sophisticates

It's happened—even children's ear muffs have turned designer.

These checked muffs by Burberry were created with the most cultivated of kids in mind, the kind of child whose tender little lobes can't handle anything but merino wool and cashmere.

Plus at $135 a pair, they're definitely cheaper (and way easier to fit in a stocking) than a horse.

Buy here.

November 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 30, 2008

The "Juno" cheeseburger phone

Even the sulkiest, most precocious teenager will flip out over this cheeseburger phone, as used by Ellen Page in "Juno".
Priced at $26, it's available at Fred Flare, possibly the best website for teen gifts in the world.
There's no guarantee that this phone will prevent unwanted teen pregnancy—but it will make you look like the coolest parent/aunt/grandma ever.
Buy here.

October 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tinc, trunk, Sunday

Forgive me for not being able to stop talking about San Francisco-based line Tinc—I can't help but admire its minimalist oddness.
Go experience the line for yourself this Sunday in Culver City, where the designer Savannah Knoop (nepotistic disclaimer: we're friends) will be on hand to explain her wearably-avant garde vision.
You'll be able to pick up previous seasons' items at a fraction of retail, and take a look at Tinc's new offerings.
The event takes place at the studio of photographer Linda Shaffer in Culver City and you must RSVP to attend. RSVP to savannah@tincwear.com.
Nov 2nd from 3 to 7 p.m. 1706 S. Genesee Avenue,  Los Angeles,  CA.  90019,  between Pico and Venice Boulevard. East of Fairfax,  between Fairfax and Hauser.  On the corner of Airdrome and Genesee.
www.tincwear.com

October 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Shin winner

Having recently dined there myself, I can state with absolute confidence that the winner of our "dinner for two at Shin restaurant" competition is going to have a very lovely time.
An authentic Korean BBQ in Hollywood, Shin attracts a sexy sort of crowd. We ran in to co-owner Danny Masterson with a group of friends at the restaurant, plus a bevy of "Project Runway" models eating far more than you'd expect them to.
At the back of the lofty dining room, an unearthly glow emanated from an aquarium, home to half a dozen moon jellyfish, serenely floating around behind the bar.
The food was a carnivore's wet dream--melt in the mouth spicy chicken and marinated spencer steak delivered with completely authentic sides, kimchi 'n all, with only the slightest hint of fusion. The on-table grills have been specially constructed so as to totally avoid the annoying oily splash-back that has destroyed many a silk shirt at other Korean BBQs.
To win the dinner for two, we asked you to describe your most exotic dining experience. From your stories of eating Chinese jumping shrimp, drinking milk directly from a goat's teet and consuming mac 'n cheese a quarter of a mile underwater, I picked this romantic entry by Stevenfinly, simply because it made me want to pack my bags and head for the South Pacific immediately, just so I could find that restaurant.
"Most exotic, definitely in Tahiti. Hotel suggested my girlfriend and I try this remote restaurant high up on the hills in the middle of the island. So we did. A little VW BUS picked us up, then drove around and around the mountain, spiraling its way to the top. Once we got there, we realized we had a 360 view of Tahiti and all the small islands surrounding it (at sunset yet!). Tropical birds, a cacophony of wild flowers, waterfalls, it was truly beautiful."
Congratulations, Steven!

October 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Director Wears Prada

How does a filmmaker visually portray a citrus scent on the big screen? Specifically, Prada’s new men's fragrance Infusion D’Homme? 
Last week at the Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theater, Prada unveiled its “Short Movie Project for Infusion D’Homme,” a collection of experimental shorts the fashion house commissioned from nine global filmmakers, each given the mandate to produce their cinematic interpretation of the fresh cologne.
For some of the auteurs, the smell of Infusion brought to mind such trippy images as cavemen skulking behind a man in a lobby (“Evolution” from Brazilian director Guga), two lovers playing ping-pong amidst rose petals (“Ping Pong, Paul & Mary” from Korean director Hyuk-Jae Kwon) or a scientific montage of the cosmos’ connection to the brain (“Work in Progress” from Argentina’s Juan Ignazio Aluz).
To top off the screening, Oscar-winning editor Pietra Scalia (“Black Hawk Down,” “JFK”, seen here at the event with "Boys Don't Cry" director Kimberly Peirce) was on hand to present his own short, “Alchemy,” a synthesis of the nine works.
“If you could distill the theme of a film in one single image, what would it be?” asked Scalia whose natural editing instinct was to find a common thread throughout the shorts, “most of the emotional connections were about memory and youth.”
Beng, the director of the Spanish short “Spring Rain” about two lovers’ awakening broke his vision down, “There were four different scents in the perfume and I tried to represent that through four emotions.”
None of the films will be shown in their respective countries as part of a marketing campaign; rather the entire project was part of Prada’s m.o. to be creative without a commercial confine.  Even though Prada financed each short, the filmmakers own their shorts out right.
Both Infusion D’Homme and its female counterpart Infusion D’Iris are available at Nordstrom 1.7 oz ($54), 3.4 oz ($74), 6.7 oz ($100). Buy here. You can watch the nine short films along with Scalia’s synthesis “Alchemy” here.

October 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 28, 2008

Tonight/Not Tonight eye masks for lovers

Sometimes all a girl wants is a mug of cocoa and an early night—but how to explain that to your insatiable lover? These "Not Tonight" eye masks can help you break the news gently, even if you are on the first night of your honeymoon.

And if your mood changes, that's when the "Tonight" eye mask comes in handy.

I hate to use the phrase "stocking filler" while we're still in October...but at only $8 a pack, these make the perfect gift for couples who kow the value of direct communication.

Buy here.

October 28, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Styles fit for a sommelier

Neck ties inspired by Sonoma Zin? Headbands that remind you of that Grands Cru Bordeaux-tasting you went to?
Little Barrel is a new accessories line that caters to the true oenophile, providing high-quality essentials for any wine-lovers wardrobe.
The line, which officially launches November 7, was founded by a pair of grape fiends who came up with the idea after getting married in Santa Barbara's wine country in 2007. "We wanted to give our family and friends something to remind them of the vineyard experience," they said. When they couldn't find unique or fashionable enough gifts, they decided to make them themselves.
I think a Merlot tie would make a wonderful holiday gift for the family wino, don't you?
Ties are $75, headbands are $22, scarf belts are $65 and totes are $75–$95. Visit Little Barrel online and sign up for their newsletter, which will inform you when product goes on sale in a few weeks.

October 28, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2008

Celebrity Halloween Costume Ideas

Want to stand out from the sea of faux Sarah Palins set to invade parties this Halloween weekend? Why not try these alternatives...

Be reviled—go as a Wall Street Trader, and don't forget the noose around your neck. Or maybe pick up an Ben Bernanke or Henry Paulson limited edition horned mask, here.

See double—Going to a party with your significant other? Madonna & A-Rod, Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson or Wall*E & Eve would be our picks.

Pass away—Heath Ledger, Yves Saint Laurent, or Isaac Hayes would make stylishly macabre looks.

Be snow-capped—emulate the eccentric style of octogenarian model Iris Apfel. Or play Karl Lagerfeld with a white wig, dark glasses, fingerless gloves, and permatan.

Be fecund: Angelina and her belly at the "Kung Fu Panda" premiere in Cannes provided the most memorable pregnant look of the year. Find a pea-green strapless prom dress at your local Goodwill, strap a giant pillow to your belly, and smile benignly.

October 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Glitter your pumpkins

This Halloween, stylish pumpkins are wearing more glitter than Mariah Carey's cleavage—just ask Sarah Jessica Parker, who purchased a number of spangly squashes from Ovando, an NYC-based floral design company.
"They’re a great quick way to add some last minute Halloween décor to your home," said a rep from Ovando, and we couldn't agree more.
If you can't afford to buy Ovando's jazzed up Jack-O'-Lanterns, Martha Stewart can show you how to make them at home here. She's also suggesting you drill dozens of holes into your pumpkin, resulting in a celestial Swiss Cheese effect. How fun!
Visit Ovando's website here, or call them 212 924 7848.

October 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2008

Stella McCartney and Ed Ruscha talk shop on TV

Got no plans tonight? Then you might as well watch Stella McCartney and Ed Ruscha muse upon their own fabulousness on the Sundance Channel tonight, at 10PM EST.
Sundance's Iconoclast series follows the fashion designer and the artist around New York, capturing their conversations on things like organic fashion and what it means to be an artist these days..
"It's selling and selling and selling," says McCartney, when they discuss the art business in the back of a cab.
"Isn't the fashion world full of people who have killer instinct?" ponders a nonplussed Ruscha. They both seem a little stoned, which should make for amusing viewing.
Go here find out more about the Sundance Channel's Iconoclasts series.

October 23, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Teenage riot: Taryn Manning's Born Uniqorn sale

Your teenage neice/daughter/neighborhood Lolita will think you're the coolest aunt/parent/Humbert Humbert on the planet if you take her to the Born Uniqorn sale in Hollywood next week.
Launched in 2005 by actress Taryn Manning and her friend Tara Jane, Born Uniqorn features cute 'n flirty basics that exude youthful joie de vivre. While the line is geared toward 13 to 18 year olds, there's nothing stopping young-at-heart girls of all ages working these looks.
The one-day sale, which will also feature discounted pieces by concept jeweler Han Cholo, takes place Tuesday, October 28, from 7:30pm – 11pm at NATIVE Boutique, 5915 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, 90028. Complimentary EFFEN Vodka cocktails will be served, and the designers will be in the house.

October 23, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 21, 2008

Heidi Merrick's Bowie blazer

Silverlake, CA denizen Heidi Merrick is known for making beautiful tie-wrap coats—and her flared cuff Bowie blazer, a departure from her usual style, makes a casual-chic addition to any Fall wardrobe.

The blazer is also available in white for resort.

Merrick, whose father makes surfboards, launched the line in 2006. She believes that "it's much easier to be kind when you feel beautiful." Maybe

Mother Theresa would have disagreed, but I'm a believer...

You can buy the Bowie blazer (c. $400) at Elle H in Laguna Beach, CA (949-715-1345), Lola's in Southlake, TX (817-310-6373), and Dari in Studio City, CA  (818-762-3274). www.heidimerrick.com

October 21, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Grande dame Rosamond Bernier opens up her vintage couture closet

A connoisseur of the finest of arts and highest of cultures, New York socialite Rosamond Bernier has a wardrobe that befits her status as an international grande dame. For the first time ever, she will be opening up that legendary wardrobe for a sale on Yoox.com, the highlight of which is Bernier’s haute couture water-print taffeta ball gown designed in 1959 by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior, with its matching evening bag—a rare example from Saint Laurent’s brief reign at Dior, which gave him his entrée into the realm of Parisian high fashion.
Bernier has given more than 200 lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and many of her talks were about artists whom she counted among her friends: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti.
Rather than wearing a little black dress for the lectures, she liked to go all out with her high fashion ensembles. “I thought of it as a performance," explains Bernier. Many of those couture dresses remained ‘sleeping beauties‘in her closet until Federico Marchetti of online retailer Yoox.com came along and convinced her to put them up for auction.
Yoox will create a dedicated area featuring excerpts from her lectures, photographs from her personal collection, and a video interview, to establish the biographical context for the selection of vintage pieces available for sale.  
Bernier worked for Paris Vogue after World War II before co-founding L’Oeil,  a prestigious art magazine of the era. She has lived in New York for nearly 40 years now with her husband John Russell, a former New York Times art critic. She has been decorated for her contributions to culture, awarded the Legion of Honor and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres in France, and the Cross of the Order of Isabel la Catolica, bestowed by King Juan Carlos of Spain.
On Yoox.com Rosamond Bernier will comment on each featured item from her wardrobe, sharing her recollections of how and when she acquired it and the noteworthy occasions on which she wore it.   
The sale is geared toward serious private collectors and museums. It will also feature a Zandra Rhodes dress from the early 1970’s, a Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel red wool bouclé suit from the early 1980’s and a Kenneth Jay Lane leaf necklace, circa 1970.
The sale starts this Thursday October 23 at around 9 a.m., EST at Yoox.com.

October 21, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2008

Au revoir, Mr. Blackwell

Mr. Blackwell, the cantankerous fashion critic known for his biting "Worst Dressed" lists, has exited the runway. A former fashion designer who dressed Nancy Reagan and Jayne Mansfield, Blackwell died Sunday from an intestinal infection aged 86. He had been in very poor health since August.
A pioneer in the art of bitchy fashion criticism, Blackwell started his annual "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list in 1960, way before terms like "Fashion Police" or "VPL" had even entered the lexicon.
"If a woman who wears a shoe two sizes too small is apt to suffer from bunions, I wonder what is the fate of one with a 39-inch bust who wears a size 16 dress?," he pondered of Anita Ekberg in his first Worst Dressed list. The list would later be syndicated to countless magazines and news networks around the world.
Martha Stewart "dresses like the centerfold for Farmer’s Almanac" he griped one year. The Dixie Chicks "look like a trio of truck stop fashion tragedies trapped in a typhoon", he wailed in another. And Bjork, he sighed, "dances in the dark...and dresses there, too."
Members of the British Royal Family, Meryl Streep, Paula Abdul and Paris Hilton were regulars on the List which, like an eccentric old aunt or the dodo, will be most appreciated now that it is gone.

October 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 15, 2008

Hurley tees and corsets for breast cancer

Clothes made to raise money for charity may make you feel good, but let's face it—they don't always make you look especially good. Not so with Hurley's 2nd Annual Art Chest—last night, Hurley unveiled a series of celebrity-customized corsets and tees worthy of even the hippest of wardrobes.
The garments are being auctioned off to raise money for breast cancer awareness in an online auction that launched today (Wednesday October 15) and closes October 30—which means you have plenty of time to place your bid.
Here are three from the collection, customized by model (and Leo DiCaprio squeeze) Bar Refaeli, actress Denise Richards, and actress Constance Zimmer respectively. And be sure to check out the celeb-adorned tees, many of which feature lace details and whimsical trims, not to mention the distinctive, girl-powerish Art Chest corset logo.
100% of profits from the auction will go to Boarding for Breast Cancer (www.b4bc.org), a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising foundation.
Click here to participate in the auction. www.hurley.com

October 15, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lindsay Lohan's 6126 Leggings

Named for the birth date of her idol Marilyn Monroe (born 6/1/1926), Lindsay Lohan's leggings line 1626 just debuted at Henri Bendel in New York.
The public first got wind of Lohan's Marilyn fascination after she donned a slightly ratty peroxide wig for her revealing shoot for New York magazine. In it, she posed as the ill-fated screen idol, who was also rumored to be bisexual (I once heard something about Marilyn, Brigitte Bardot and a bathroom).
We're sure Marilyn herself would have loved these leggings; the Dom Basic ($128) is a plain back design with gold calf zipper, while the jungle-print Gable Basic ($80) features the ultimate anti-fashion statement—stirrups. Both looks are available for pre-order at Lisa Kline. Order here.
(More looks, including her Mr President leggings and leopard print ankle socks, will be available online at Intuition.com)

October 15, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dallas Austin offers sneak-peak of his Rowdy Collection

Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter Dallas Austin, a hit-maker for the likes of TLC, Boyz II Men, Gwen Stefani, and Madonna, offered a sneak preview of his new clothing line, The Rowdy Collection, at Ivan Kane’s Café Was in L.A. this week.
Bobby Brown and Eddie Murphy danced the night away with the beautiful actress Naja Hill at the party, hosted by People’s Revolution. Bartenders wore Rowdy tees and served Ciroc Vodka to revelers. At around 11:15 p.m. eighty plus guests watched as Dallas Austin and a crew of male models emerged from a red velvet curtain wearing Rowdy's "punk meets preppy" looks, as conceived by Austin and his design consultant Gregory "Greg Mike" Mensching.
After posing for pics, Austin, who sported a Mohawk, disappeared out to the patio leaving the models to play. The ensembles bore the signature “R” with angel wings on each side and topped with a Kings crown.  The looks were all heavy leather, with colorful racer jackets and hats in a palette of basic black and white. Some of the ensembles were accessorized with colorful bandannas and sneakers, giving off a young, urban vibe. Rather than strutting down a catwalk, these models mingled with the guests. Some of them performed card tricks on top of the piano, while others were overheard talking about their love for the line.
Items from The Rowdy Collection will retail from $90 to $300 at Lisa Kline Mens.

October 15, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 14, 2008

Meet Boo Boo Stewart at grand opening of Kitson Kids On The Plaza

Expect massive sugar highs and shrill tantrums at the grand opening of 4000 sq. ft. tween fashion emporium  Kitson Kids On The Plaza this weekend. Organizers promise a rocking pre-pubescent party at the store on Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, a bigger, better incarnation of the original Kitson Kids boutique. On the racks will be kids' denim by Seven for All Mankind, jumpsuits by Little Marc Jacobs (pictured, $92) and dresses by C & C California.
Disney T-Squad star, actor/martial artist Boo Boo Stewart, is hosting the event and will perform for the diminutive crowd. (Boo Boo, 14, is the son of Nils Allen Stewart, who has built a successful career playing thugs, doormen and beefy mercenaries in films like "Chupacabra Terror" and "The Scorpion King".)
Also expected to attend are Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Jeannette McCurdy and the cast of "I Carly"—names that mean nothing to me, because I'm not nine.
Kidswear brand Graffeeti will launch its "Anthem" line of write-on sneakers and backpacks at the event. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts, a program for lower income youth started by Britney Spears.
Kitson Kids on The Plaza's grand opening party takes place Saturday, October 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 116 N. Robertson Blvd. (Just south of Beverly and across the courtyard from the Newsroom Cafe). Shop the store online here.

October 14, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Costume Dept: Feisty leggings

While black leggings with high heels may feel a little '06/'07, Costume Dept's amped-up graphic print leggings are very much of the moment.
Priced at around $35, their chain print designs inject Donatella brass in to any disco look, daytime or evening, as do their many metallic American Apparel-style numbers. Shy types may prefer less in-yer-face designs like the Nude Mermaid ($45), Spotted Silk ($79) or the beautiful Japanese Flower ($75).
The line was launched in March by Shaun Samson (who works for designer Jeremy Scott) and Shawn Kaleka, who went through med school only to realize leggings were his true calling. True story.
Costume Dept makes its leggings using random fabrics sourced in Downtown L.A.'s garment district, meaning that once a design is discontinued, it probably ain't coming back. New designs appear on the site each month.
Www.costumedept.com, buy here.

October 14, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 12, 2008

Comme des Garcons unleashing on H&M, Nov 13

Not every one will necessarily "get" Comme des Garçons' capsule collection for  H&M—but as an exercise in polka-dotted, saggy-panted high design for the masses, it's a resounding success.
Of all the H&M collabs so far (Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli), this one with Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons represents H&M's most serious flirtation with avant garde.
This collection, which launches in Tokyo November 9 with an American debut November 13, offers a tantalizingly affordable glimpse in to the mind of Kawakubo, a true fashion auteur known for her fondness for polka dots.
H&M invited journalists to view the collection at its Los Angeles showroom last week. The collection features one group of jackets and skirts that play with deconstruction, while another group features classic Comme des Garçons boiled wool and gabardine offerings. A three-dimensional wool skirt with tattered edges nodded to traditional Japanese peasant garb. Harem trousers, meant to be worn with tailored button-up and booties, will no doubt become a staple of artsy closets worldwide.
The men’s collection was especially impressive—suits and shirts have been cut on the bias, while other shirts feature the trademark Comme des Garçons’ patchwork technique.
Accessories included a unisex CDG fragrance, polka dot weekend bags, slip-on and lace-up canvas shoes and an updated version of Comme des Garçons’ celebrated wallets, designed especially for H&M.
Items from the collection will be priced from $150 up. I like that it's not too inexpensive—CDG should never be too closely associated with the culture of throwaway fashion. And I like to imagine recession-stricken teenagers having to actually save up a little pocket money to own a piece of this prized collection.
The collection launches in selected H&M stores in the U.S. November 13, 2008.

October 12, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 9, 2008

Skagen: The Great Dane

Denmark—it's the happiest place in the world (according to the Global Peace Index), with the highest levels of income equality, a progressive film scene (Lars Von Trier is Danish) and some of Europe's most cutting-edge design. Skagen Denmark, makers of sleek, fairly-priced lifestyle accessories, embodies the Danish spirit of happy excellence. As such I'm delighted  to announce that Skagen Designs is opening its NYC showroom to the public for the first time ever, for a sample sale on October 23 from 8:30 a.m.to 7 p.m. Many of the brand's iconic titanium, stainless steel and leather watches, stylish plastic and metal sunglasses, sleek leather carry-alls and elegant stainless steel jewelry will be deeply discounted. We're told there will also be a selection of little-seen Skagen cashmere sweaters for only $90. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer organization in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
All Skagen products are inspired by the Danish village of Skagen, a picturesque artists colony sitting on the tip of the Jutland peninsula. It was Denmark's equivalent of Provincetown in the 1800s, attracting scores of bohemians, artists and writers thanks to the unearthly quality of its light.
The sale takes place for one day only, October 23 from 8:30 a.m.to 7 p.m. at the Skagen Designs showroom, located at 339 5th Avenue, 5th floor (between 33rd and 34th streets).
www.skagen.com

October 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 8, 2008

L.A. sample sale goes online at iShopFem.com

With consumers scrambling for any way to save a buck, society has entered what historians will remember as the Golden Age of the Online Sample Sale—just yesterday, another site launched, iShopFem.com, the e-version of the popular L.A. sample sale event. The site went live with sales on Voom by Joy Han and CC Skye accessories. The first 500 shoppers to register on iShopFem.com will receive a free three-month Premier membership.
 Founded by Irene Wong, known in L.A. for her FEM sample sale events,  the new e-commerce site will feature brands at 50 to 75 percent off retail pricing. Wong, a graduate of Parsons and FIDM fashion schools, also promises to showcase wares by emerging designers on the site. She launched iShopFem.com because she felt other sample sale websites were overly exclusive. She wanted her site to be open to anyone, not just invited members. Now that's what I call democracy. 
www.iShopFem.com

October 8, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 7, 2008

Mandy Moore hosting Gen Art in L.A...tickets available

Mandy Moore will launch Los Angeles Fashion Week when she hosts Gen Art's 11th Annual "Fresh Faces in Fashion" show, featuring twelve of the city's most promising designers.
I'm a fan of hipster Wayne Joffe's Wayne Hadley line, a irreverently forward, tailored men's collection featuring double-breasted outerwear and tux jackets that debuted at LA store Scout (Joffe is pictured below with his pal Lindsay Lohan). I'm also addicted to Michelle Nguyen Williams' French beatnik-inspired  Quail line (I wore nothing but her cute collared racerback jersey dresses this summer). And keep an eye out for Posso's presentation—they make the sexiest spats (pictured) you'll ever see—and Jerome C. Rousseau's collection (he's one of the very few young shoe designers based in L.A.)
Gen Art always presents a delicious clusterf*ck of new design, and while the scene can get a little crowded at times, I urge those Angelenos with an interest in emerging fashion to purchase tickets for the event. You can bet your bottom dollar that the designers you'll see there will go on to big things (remember a little guy called Zac Posen? He's a Gen Art alum. As were Rodarte's Mulleavy sisters and Phillip Lim.)
Other designers showing include: Joel K (KZO), Maxine Dillon, Sandra Sandor (Nanushka), Meredith Fisher (Wayf), Maira Caren (Peonie), Mallyce Miller (LAEKEN), Azature, Laura Kranitz, and Vanessa Giovacchini and Marylouise Pels (Posso)


The show takes place this Friday, October 10, at the Peterson Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Buy tickets here.

October 7, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Actress launches ONE OCTOBER purse line

Actress Roxana Zal, who became the youngest person to win a Primetime Emmy after her performance in 1984's "Something About Amelia", has launched ONE OCTOBER, a fashion-forward new handbag and accessories collection that features salmon skin as well as regular patent leather.
ONE OCTOBER, which Zal launched with her good friend Naomi Stokeld, is geared toward the environmentally-conscious consumer. "Salmon skin is only an industrial residue from the farmed salmon industry but it is considered "exotic" leather," they say. "By using salmon leather, we aim to deliver high fashion and quality, in an environmentally-sustainable way."
It was while living in Chile that Stokeld, a corporate lawyer, discovered the myriad possibilities of salmon leather. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, she met Roxana and the two decided to combine their talents to create ONE OCTOBER.
Don't like fish? Not all of the bags are made with salmon skin—their "Joanna" bag is made from patent leather with a salmon skin edge. The bags retail for around $400.
Buy here, or here.

October 7, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Option this: the real JT Leroy

The guy underneath literary hoaxer JT Leroy's preposterous wig and glasses turned out to be a girl—fashion designer Savannah Knoop—and she's reading from her mind-bending autobiography "Girl Boy Girl" tonight at Book Soup, at 7:00 p.m..
If you can't make it to the reading, you can purchase the book online here, and learn how Savannah, a soft-spoken twenty-something artist from San Francisco, found herself hob-nobbing (and occasionally sleeping with) Hollywood's friendly gullibles (Winona Ryder, Carrie Fisher and Asia Argento were all intrigued with JT for a time), all while pretending to be a male former truckstop prostitute named JT Leroy who had penned two best-selling novels ("Sarah", "The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things").
Knoop's wide-eyed "did I really just do that?" take lends a poetic, fairy tale spin to the story, as she leads the reader through various landmark JT moments, most of which that trembled on the edge of farce (a surreal dinner date with Gus Van Sant) and fantasy (making love to Asia Argento). She poetically demonstrates how the fantasy of JT became so much a part of the Savannah reality, it became impossible to distinguish the two.
After New York magazine unveiled the hoax, the woman who actually wrote the books, Laura Albert (the ex of Savannah's half-brother), was sued by the film company that had bought the rights to "Sarah". (Albert has written for the show "Deadwood".)
Savannah, whose avant garde clothing line Tinc reflects her continuing fascination with gender boundaries, will be putting on a fashion show at the Linc gallery in San Francisco October 25, where she will showcase a padded underwear collection called Tranc.
Savannah Knoop reads from her book "Girl Boy Girl" at Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood CA 90069, tonight (Tuesday October 7) at 7:00 p.m.

October 7, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Karl Lagerfeld's new gender-less Kapsule

Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion designer who I may be impersonating this Halloween, has announced his new "Kapsule" fragrance collection. It's unisex because, as the wise man says, "gender doesn’t matter, as long as you have style."
The collection comprises three scents—called "Light", "Floriental", and "Woody"—based on Lagerfeld's interpretation of the three major fragrance families. They can be worn alone, or layered all three at once.
According to the press release, they're "chic and accessible as a capsule wardrobe, and just as rich in possibilities."
Lagerfeld's swirling autograph is embossed on the glass base of each bottle.
The scent officially launches November, exclusively at Neiman Marcus...we suggest you take your place in line now.
Kapsule Eau de Toilette Sprays are $110 for 2.5 oz.

October 7, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 2, 2008

Transparent shoe boxes for the footwear fiend

Do your shoes—designer, vintage or otherwise—commingle in a giant festering pile in the corner of your closet, like mine do? Time to get organized with The Cleary Glam Box, an ingenious clear stackable box by Brazilian shoe designer Gracienne, who, according to her website, has worked with Fergie, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore.
Made from recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), the Cleary Glam Box will help you easily separate your 1970s Givenchy peep-toe pumps from the dust-encrusted Mariachi boots you wore to Burning Man. No need to attach Polaroids to the outside of the boxes, like some anal-retentive shoe fiends I know—just peek inside and pick the pair you need.
The Cleary Glam Box can be bought online at www.Gracienne.com for $9.95.

October 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

Belusso: Swimwear worth buying a yacht for

Club 55 in Saint Tropez is the "spiritual home" of Belusso, the glamorous swimwear collection founded by former fashion industry lawyer Kirsten Ehrig-Sarkisian. Adorned with 14 carat gold details and semi-precious gems, the silk bikinis and one-pieces are perfect for any St Bart's getaways you might have lined up...
Ehrig-Sarkisian, who is married to William Morris agent Keith Sarkisian, came up with the name of her line during a private tour of Steve McQueen's automobile collection, when she fell in love with the actor's vintage Lusso Berlinetta Ferrari. "Lusso" is the Italian word for "luxury", so she added the letters "bel" from the word "belezza"- Italian for beauty—and a resort line was born. 
Marilyn Heston, the fashion PR whiz (and offspring of the late Charlton Heston) is spreading the Belusso gospel around town. She swears the bikinis are flattering, even though they may look skimpy. "They hold everything up," she assured me. Eva Longoria, Mariah Carey, Audrina Partridge, Elizabeth Banks, Ali Larter, Brooke Burke, and Jade Jagger are among the jet-setty beach bums who agree.
Www.belusso.com, click here for a list of online stockists.

October 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Clothes for a cause: Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so pay a visit to Net-A-Porter.com's dedicated Fashion Targets Breast Cancer page, where you'll find exclusive fundraising looks by Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, and Marchesa, among others.
Ralph Lauren founded Fashion Targets Breast Cancer in 1994 in response to a plea from the late Washington Post fashion critic Nina Hyde, who was fighting the disease at the time. All proceeds from this limited edition Ralph Lauren/Fashion Targets Breast Cancer fitted polo shirt ($75), found exclusively on Net-A-Porter, will benefit FTBC charities globally. The shirts, which come in red, yellow, green, blue and white, are priced at $75 each. 
Creative director David Lipman and photographer Patrick Demarchelier developed the ad campaign, which features top models Daria Werbowy, Lily Donaldson, Lily Cole, Du Juan and Sasha Pivovarova wearing the shirts.
Hollywood has been enthusiastic in its support of the cause—Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Brooke Shields, Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Sienna Miller, and Penelope Cruz have their own FTBC polos.
Buy here.

 

October 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Musical brainwashing helps you learn Russian

Venturing deep in to realm of musical mnemonics, Berlitz has devised an effective new means of language-learning based on sing-a-long brainwashing techniques. 
You know how non-English speakers around the world are somehow able to sing their favorite David Hasselhoff or Milli Vanilli song, word-perfect? Berlitz Earworms' "Musical Brain Trainer" is based on that very phenomenon. "The music acts as a catalyst for the memorization of words and anchors the new vocabulary deep in the long term memory," they say.
Imagine, for instance, you're in Greece shooting  a documentary on the singer Vangelis. You desperately need to memorize the Greek term for 'Excuse me!', phonetically written messee ohriteh. The tape will ask you to sing 'Excuse me, I've got a messy oil heater'. Which sounds so odd, you can't help but remember it for the rest of your days.
"Some may call it brainwashing," said a spokesman, "but Berlitz Earworms takes the hard work out of learning."
Compatible with iPod and MP3 devices, the audio pack comes with a booklet that contains all the words and phrases spoken on the CD, plus the sounds of the word. Berlitz Earworms comes in two volumes: Volume 1 is a survival kit of essential words and phrases, while Volume 2 allows you to talk about yourself, past, present and future, express opinions, chat, and even flirt. (I wonder how you say "how you doin?" in Chinese?)
$24.95 from www.earwormslearning.com. Available in Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

October 2, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 30, 2008

Girls dress up for their gay boyfriends at the Outfest Legacy Awards

The well-dressed hags almost outshone their gay boyfriends at Outfest's glittering Legacy Awards fundraiser last week, with Marisa Tomei (left) and Kristen Bell (center) looking sassy chic as they toasted the crème de la crème of gay Hollywood. Not to forget the night's host Bruce Vilanch, whose "Big Boned" t-shirt said it all.
Bruce Cohen (pictured, with Marisa Tomei) producer of the upcoming Gus Van Sant/Harvey Milk biopic "Milk", as well as "American Beauty" and TV's "Pushing Daisies", was thrilled to receive the night's top honor, handed to him by actor Ewan McGregor. "I kissed Ewan McGregor on the lips!" he gushed.
NBC co-chair Ben Silverman accepted an award on behalf of NBC-Universal, whose subsidiaries created LGBT landmarks "Will & Grace", "Brokeback Mountain," and "Far from Heaven". Silverman said he wished his mom, who is gay, could have been been at the awards with him.

September 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Obama knee socks for presidential cheerleaders

Director Spike Lee scooped up armfuls of Obama knee socks at the Democratic National Convention, adding the finishing touches to his presidential cheerleading outfit.
Only 1,200 pairs of Obama knee socks have been made, and they're only available at Shopflick.com, a shopping site that  uses web videos to sell its wares.  The socks are navy with bold red lettering spelling "Obama" down each calf, and they are made of a cotton-poly-spandex blend that ensures a snug fit on a variety of leg shapes. They fit women's shoe sizes 5 1/2 through 11, although many guys have been buying them too. "I am a big wearer of knee socks—that's the only inspiration here," said the sock's designer Erica Easley, head buyer the Red Light Clothing Exchange in Portland. "I am not a political junkie. I just like cute clothes."
The socks are $15, buy here.

September 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recession-proof shopping at Regent's Secret

If you too are sick of the undignified elbowing and long lines that often take place at sample sales, then you'll enjoy  Regent’s Secret. They organize online sample sales for those who treasure their personal space, with up to 70% off retail prices.
Currently on sale is Evisu (ends October 1 at 11:59pm). Their YAYA AFLALO sales kicked off today and ends October 2 at 11:59pm. Adn we're really excited for their Salvatore Ferragamo sale that starts October 2 at 12:00am and ends October 5 at 11:59pm.
The concept behind Regent's Secret is based on a successful e-commerce business model which originated in France, whereby private sales of designer overstock is taken online by a middleman before heading to outlets.
"For consumers, it’s a smart way to dress like a celebrity without breaking the bank," said a rep for Regent's Secret. "It’s also great for those living in areas not considered the so-called Fashion Capitals of the world, where shoppers may not have access to a wide variety of sample sales."
Past sales have included Dolce & Gabanna, Tom Ford, Hudson Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, 2B Free and Roberto Cavalli.
If you invite friends, you can get 5% of their purchases in cash for life.
Register to become a shopper at www.regentssecret.com.

September 30, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 25, 2008

Charmed, I'm sure

If you feel Microsoft Outlook Calendar has taken all the fun out of remembering birthdays and anniversaries, consider a Not Just Any Old Day calendar charm instead, upon which a precious gem is used to mark the special day.
Designed to identify a significant month and day in the life of the person who wears it, the NJAOD solid sterling silver calendar charm (approximately ¾ inches by ¾ inches) is marked with a Swarovski crystal birthstone on the date that holds a special meaning. Or you can pick a relevent birthstone instead.
Inspiration for the keepsake line came from an antique calendar charm worn by designer Michele Esposito's grandmother.
The collection comprises necklaces, bracelets, key rings, money clips and letter openers, all of which make great birthday (mine's November 12), anniversary or new baby gifts. (Just ask Tori Spelling, who wears a NJAOD necklace with the birthdates of her two children Liam and Stella).
The Not Just Any Old Day collection ranges from $98-$258 and is available at www.NotJustAnyOldDay.com. 

September 25, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 23, 2008

Dita Von Teese launches new Wonderbra collection

Pin-up lovely Dita Von Teese channeled 1940s glamour for her capsule lingerie collection with Wonderbra in the U.K., which launched yesterday.
The collection features three different ranges—Multi-Teese, Spot-Teese and Satin-Teese—and is designed for every day wear. Von Teese, who has said she is considering a move to Paris because "there are certain places where men always appreciate their glamour girls", insists that women should wear lingerie for themselves, not for their lovers. "It's not about seducing men, it's about embracing womanhood," she says.
Von Teese, who is Marilyn Manson's ex-wife, also has her own line of nylon stockings and lingerie, available through her website.
The Wonderbra collection is available in the U.K. from Littlewoods (no international shipping available) here. More online stockists are expected to carry the line in coming months.

September 23, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Not the Emmys: Taylor Momsen at the Met Opera opening night

The New York Times was especially irritable in its coverage of the Emmys (and that's saying something, considering the near universal panning Sunday's Emmycast has received in the media). So, for those jaded Gothamites who simply won't suffer another word about Los Angeles and its Emmy Awards—here's Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen looking very elegant for her years in crimson Marchesa at the Met Opera Gala in New York last night.
Yet to turn 16, Momsen (who plays Jenny Humphrey on the show) makes a chic statement in this pleated organza gown with crimson suede bodice. Aside from the red lipstick, which is a little OTT with her platinum hair and garnet dress, she looks divine. Compare and contrast with Phoebe Price, who attempted the Lady in Red look with disastrous results on the Emmy carpet. (Whoops—did I say Emmy again? Fiddlesticks!)
The Marchesa collection, designed by Georgina Chapman, is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and specialty stores nationwide.

September 23, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 22, 2008

Emmys 2008: Red Rug Redux

Wall Street collapse, a security alert, and possibly the lowest ratings in Emmy history—such things were of minor import on the Nokia Theatre's red carpet Sunday, where the sartorial mood was decidedly bright and cheery.
That's not to say that there weren't any depressing hues at the 60th Annual Primetime Emmys—there were plenty (Glenn Close, Debra Messing, Nicolette Sheridan, Hayden Panettiere, America Ferrera and Kate Walsh all opted for drab-fab noir)—but the Black Widows lost out to the Ladies in Red, Emerald, Amethyst, Marigold and Plum, whose Technicolor gowns dazzled and shimmered in the afternoon sun.
(Click here and here to see Variety's photo coverage of the Emmys.)

The Stylephile's Emmy 2008 Style Awards:

Best Green Goddess: Christina Hendricks

"Mad Men's" Joan Holloway, aka 30-year-old actress Christina Hendricks, looked like the Wizard of Oz's concubine queen in this emerald Tadashi Shoji goddess gown, which the designer had created in green, just for her. "It's my perfect dream dress," gushed Hendricks, whose Rubenesque figure and heaving porcelain bosom pick up exactly where Ava Gardners' left off.






Best Princess Bride: Olivia Wilde

"House" star Olivia Wilde, 24, looks like a fairy tale princess bride in her pearly Reem Acra satin and chiffon cap-sleeve gown and Jimmy Choo heels—although she's more alterna than her sparkly red carpet attire would suggest. Wilde is married to boho L.A. filmmaker Tao Ruspoli, who is a member of LAFCO, a film and art collective that travels the country in a converted school bus. On the red carpet, Wilde was more interested in talking about her admiration for Hugh Laurie than her hubby's beatnik lifestyle. Working with Laurie "is a dream come true," she said. Winning the coveted Stylephile Princess Bride Award, Wilde beat off stiff competition from fellow fairy princesses Sandra Oh (named "most improved" by carpet commentator Lisa Rinna, thanks to her ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown), and Marcia Cross  (in nude Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, Rene Caovilla heels and Hearts on Fire diamonds).

Best Red Carpet Clash: Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields' fuchsia organza dress by Badgley Mischka was a showstopper when she was on stage presenting, but the dress' impact was muted on the carpet, where the red competed with Shields' pink. Shields, 43, who stars in "Lipstick Jungle" with Mary Tyler Moore playing her mom, said it was the first time she had been to the Emmys.







Best Yellow Fever: Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher, 43, and Mariska Hargitay, 44, both went for in-yer-face marigold yellow, a shade which is bound to catch the eye of the paparazzi, but is too loud to be truly stylish. Hatcher's dress was by Monique Lhullier, whom the actress described as "the nicest person, so sweet."








Best in Black: Kate Walsh

"Private Practice" actress Kate Walsh, 40, was East Coast sassy in black Zuhair Murad. "Dont mess with the Zuhair," deadpanned Walsh, who was bedecked with Neil Lane diamond-and platinum jewelry worth $1million. "Private Practice" premieres October 1.









Best Flowerchild-Meets-Xena-in-a-Texan-Whorehouse: Phoebe Price

Professional nobody Phoebe Price, age unclear, understands the value of worst-dressed lists—they're better than no list at all. With that in mind, Price went totally bananas in a lacy red see-through gown (designer unknown—and it's probably better that way), red floral headband and red panties, creating a look better suited to the AVN Porn Awards than the Emmys rug. With this colossal mistake of an ensemble, Pee-Pee—described as a "trainwreck-famewhore" by TMZ—is headed straight for the 2008 Fug pile.

September 22, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 18, 2008

"Beverly Hills 90210" inspires Henry Holland's new 501s

British designer Henry Holland (pictured) brought new meaning to the phrase  "fashionable circles", turning Levis' iconic 501s into Swiss cheese by means of laser-cut polka dots. Mirroring his circle-obsessed Spring '09 runway presentation at London Fashion Week, the holey jeans were launched today on Selfridges "Superbrands" floor, and become available to the public as of tomorrow.
The collection features six different styles in a light blue denim. Three styles are printed and three are laser-cut. Apparently, both this collection and his runway show were inspired by the original "Beverly Hills 90210" series. Whether the CW's new "90210" spin-off also goes on to inspire London creatives remains to be seen.
www.selfridges.com

September 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

L.A. Fashion Awards postponed

The 2008 L.A. Fashion Awards, the finale of L.A. Fashion Week since 2005, have been put on ice after organizers were unable to secure the sponsorship necessary to cover production costs. "Rather than produce a sub-par event, the program is on hold," said Jen Uner, the event's helmswoman. Traditionally held at LA's Orpheum theatre, a venue perhaps oversized for the fledgling event, the awards were set to be scaled down this year anyhow, with Uner saying a "smaller, more refined invitation-only event" had been in the works for 2008.
Now it looks as though the awards may skip 2008 entirely, with organizers saying they are "hopeful for 2009".
Even in the context of the economic decline, it's not clear what this says about L.A. Fashion Week, which has struggled with its "Runt of the Fashion Week Litter" image for several years.
However, not having a Fashion Awards ceremony doesn't mean there's nothing to celebrate in the L.A. fashion scene, or should I say, fashion retail scene, this year. In 2008, the city enjoyed the opening of the Alexander McQueen store, a Comme des Garcons 'guerilla' store in Downtown, a new Ralph Lauren store for Melrose Place and the continuing growth of its famed Robertson Blvd. shopping scene. And let's not forget the showbiz awards—the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes red carpets, with their camera-ready diamonds and flowing goddess gowns, continue to have the eye of the world.
Let's see what 2009 brings.

September 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

Anya Sarre's Emmy beauty: What all starlets should know

Red carpet stylist and "Entertainment Tonight" fashionista Anya Sarre has been dressing and beautifying stars for the Emmys for six years. "During the Emmys I'd estimate there are around 20 crises per day," says Sarre, explaining how red carpet styling, despite the common perception that it's a lesser art than costume design or magazine fashion styling, is an intricate and demanding science unto itself. In fact to her, and to the stars that hire her, red carpet beauty is an issue of serious gravity, one that can make and break careers in a town where image=everything.
Sarre, who is styling Mary Hart, Pat O'Brien and many others for Sunday's Emmys, knows all the tricks, from strategic spray tanning (to create the illusion of sculpted muscles), to portable teeth whitening pens (which brighten smiles after a glass of post-Emmy Pinot).
Are you taking notes, starlets?

Suddenly Slimmer Body Wraps
Talk about instant gratification—you'll lose anything from 6 to 12 inches per hour-long session, as the all-natural mineral wraps draw toxins from your body
Colonics at the Beverly Hills Wellness Center
The secret to glowing skin.
Water Pills
Water pills are diuretics that will eliminate bloating, fast. You can get them through a friendly doctor. Or you can try over the counter brands like Aqua Ban.
Shape Wear by Dr Rey, aka Dr 90210.
Bye bye bulges. "It's like armor," says Sarre.
Portofino Spray Tanning at your home
"For $300, they will come to you house and spray you there," says Sarre. And they even know how to draw in definition, giving the illusion of toned muscles. And they'll customize the color so you won't ever look Valentino orange.
Endermologie anti-cellulite massage
"They literally massage the fat out," says Sarre. "It's amazing."
Glycolic peels
Ask your favorite facialist for one, ahead of time of course. Raw red skin is never a good look on the red carpet.
RevitaLash conditioning eyelash treatment
Created by a doctor whose wife lost her hair following chemotherapy, this product "literally makes your eyelashes grow," says Sarre, fluttering her own, insanely long, natural eyelashes at me. She has her clients start using it a month before they step foot on the red carpet.
Botox
Go figure.
BriteSmile To Go
These handy teeth-whitening pens have a time-release formula that helps keep starlets' smile pearly, even after gallons of red wine. 
Sassynips by Sassybax 
These gel nipple covers ensure your boobies will remain PG even if your dress demands no bra.
Scott Barnes' Platinum Body bling
Shimmering body lotion.

And let's not forget:

Shoes
"Never wear a closed toe on the red carpet," says Sarre. "Ankle straps are a no too, as they will make your legs look stubby." She recommends a nude peep-toe.
Faux diamonds
"Why not. I love 'em."
Nails
For red carpet, they should be neutral: light pink or buff. "Otherwise viewers' eyes will go straight to the nails."
Fragrance
Sarre advises her stars to keep a fragrance in their purse for those chance red carpet encounters with George Clooney. "I always have 'Child by Ron Robinson'," says Sarre.

The 60th Primetime Emmys take place this Sunday.

September 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 16, 2008

Robert Verdi: Born for TV

Larger than life, scathingly honest and balder than a baby's behind, TV fashionista and lifestyle expert Robert Verdi is what's known in the business as "a trip".
I met Verdi (who regularly styles Eva Longoria and J-Lo) during New York Fashion Week at his showroom the Luxe Laboratory, where he was hosting an intimate cocktail party for "Portfolio" magazine's European fashion editor Dana Thomas (stayed tuned for my story about Thomas and her groundbreaking book "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster").
Wearing a jewel-encrusted t-shirt beneath a tailored suit jacket,  Verdi had filled the "must be seen to be believed" apartment with designer armchairs, enormous contemporary chandeliers and a giant flat screen TV that functioned as a virtual aquarium. In the bathroom, slick-haired French financiers murmured between themselves next to a ginormous jacuzzi tub, flanked by bottles and bottles of expensive hair product.
"Do you think anyone would notice if I moved in?" I asked one of Robert's assistants. "Maybe not," he said, "but there's no bedroom." I assured him that one of the many over-stuffed couches would suffice.
Verdi and his dog Lucinda whirred about the party on invisible roller skates, braking for brief, breathless conversation before whizzing on to the next guest. "He's a total psychopath, hate him!" Verdi cheerfully yelled, overhearing me mention the name of a leading New York fashion designer. "What the hell is she wearing—she looks like a little boy!" Verdi screamed in horror, pointing at one of his guests, who happened to be standing not three feet away. His frankness was entertaining, and not dumb. Not once did the performance feel contrived—one gets the impression that Verdi was just born like this...born for TV, that is.
I finally pinned him down to talk about his varied broadcast projects. He is about to start taping the second season of his mature models show "She's Got The Look" for TV Land, and is in talks with QVC to launch a jewelry line. He's also host of Surprise By Design on the Discovery Home Channel, and the Style Network's Fashion Police. And then there's a reality show in the pipeline. The working title is the rather genius: "Me, Me, Me.". 
"So Robert," I asked, "what's the show about?"
www.robertverdi.com

September 16, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

20% off online shopping at Owl's Lab

Owl's Lab, the Washington Square, NYC boutique formerly known as Addict, has solid celebrity credentials, naturally—what high-end boutique these days doesn't? What's really exciting is that its online store is offering 20% off to those in the know.
But back to those celebrities (this is Variety after all):
Blake Lively was photographed on the set of "Gossip Girl" with this Bryna Nicole 'Loyola' satchel in violet, available at Owl's Lab for $595.
The store's publicists also inform us that Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessica Alba are fans of the store. Alba has been spotted with the Rebecca Minkoff 'Nikki' bag and J Brand Maternity jeans gifted to her by the store. Maria Carey's stylist also shopped with them (yes, she pays someone to make her look like that), and the singer ended up wearing her Citizens of Humanity jean shorts from Owl's when she pitched a ball at a game in Japan.
The store carries the following designers and many more:  7 for all Mankind, Botkier, Jill Stuart, Rag & Bone, Sonia Rykiel, Tibi and Vera Wang Lavender Label.
Enjoy 20% off online orders by typing in the code " happy20" at checkout. Offer good till September 20th.
Owl's Lab is located at 20 E. 12th St., (212) 633-2672. Shop online here.

September 16, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Bollywood goes global

Call him Sabya for short: Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee creates intricately-ornamented, henna-dyed clothes that should appeal to quirky indie It Girls as much as they already do to Bollywood starlets.
Winner of the 2005 National Award for costume design (India's Oscars equaivalent), Mukherjee dipped in to the palette of the streets of his native Calcutta for his New York Fashion Week presentation, creating scalloped mini dresses, floor-length skirts and giant slacks in earthy shades of red clay, khaki green and gold.
Models wore black-framed sexy librarian glasses and their hair in tight buns as they showed off high-necked micro-dotted blouses, and tank tops festooned with buttons. Evening looks veered from indie demure—one black strapless dress would look stunning on a tastefully-tattooed Seattle coffee shop dweller—to red carpet provocative (the teeny-tiny scalloped skirts were definitely more Hollywood than Taj Mahal).
Already admired by Renee Zellweger and Reese Witherspoon, Mukherjee's quirky, colorful melting pot yields countless stylish possibilities for citizens of the world.

September 16, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 11, 2008

Wabbits have wights, even at Fashion Week

This New York Fashion Week has seen angry protests by animal rights activists outside—and inside—the tents at Bryant Park.
PETA activists stormed the runway at Donna Karan's Sunday presentation, claiming she had broken a promise to no longer use rabbit fur in her designs. (While the collection on the runway did not feature fur, designs currently in her stores do.) The two protesters were arrested.
And Carolina Herrera was the subject of an NYC Animal Rights Group Protest, whose members dressed up as blood-splattered bunny executioners.
More protests are scheduled for today.
The Stylephile's position? Wabbit fur feels really nice but the methods with which it is procured—not so nice. And that tends to detract from the whole fur-wearing experience, if you allow yourself to think about it.

PS. I visited the NYC Animal Rights website and found this amazing photo of two very distressed-looking sea creatures called Hatchetfish. Maybe they too are horrified about the rabbits.

September 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rodarte's radical attack

Rodarte's Mulleavy sisters put paid to criticisms that they are only capable of chintzy, Sugar Plum Fairy doily frocks, unveiling a breathtakingly original collection that was more Mad Max than meringue.
The pièce de résistance was, in my opinion, the first to hit the catwalk—am epic technicolor goddess gown that cupped the model's charms with the loving touch of a sculptor.From there came an array of multi-layered, deconstructed mesh and lace frocks, in shades of black, gray and taupe, worn with fishnet leggings and Harajuku platforms, and fit for a petulant punk rock ballerina.
While remaining true to the Mulleavy sisters' unshakably feminine principles, this collection showed how easily and skilfully they can deconstruct their own style. When pushed, these girls can get radical.
Right on.

September 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Narciso Rodriguez Spring/Summer '09: Daring, yet demure

Pure, clean silhouettes are what Narciso Rodriguez excels at, and his latest collection—an exercise in glamorous symmetry—stayed true to form. Dresses hovered coyly above the knee, with vavavoom smuggled in via tight bandaging and discreet panels of exposed flesh. Black or white bandages were placed with almost clinical precision upon a procession of dresses that quietly oozed sex, looking like they had been applied by a doctor who is also an expert at Japanese rope bondage. Models looked happy to be strapped in to their frocks, while the occasional round-shouldered, bubble-skirted bodices nodded, intentionally or otherwise, to Balenciaga.
This was a wonderfully versatile collection—this season, Narciso Rodriguez' ladies can be as demure or as provocative as they choose to be.

September 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

In remembrance: September 11

Despite one reader's kind suggestion that I stick to writing about scarves and shoes (see Sarah Palin post here), I'd like to take a second to remember all those brave souls who lost their lives here in New York, on this day seven years ago.
I flew in to New York last night and found the city predictably consumed with the fabulous pomp and circumstance of its Fashion Week. Yet this morning, understandably, many denizens woke up in more somber mood.
I'm staying at the excellent Nu Hotel in Brooklyn (blessed with possibly the friendliest hotel staff in history), where the chief engineer Alvin Torres talked to me this morning about his memories of 9/11. I bumped in to him in the corridor, and noticed his colorful tie, emblazoned with stars, stripes and an image of the two ill-fated towers.
Torres told me how he had been working at the Regent Wall Street Hotel at 55 Wall St. the day of the attacks. "At first, we assumed it  must be confetti," said Alvin, referring to the dust and ash that fell from the sky after the first plane hit. "Then we realized—there was no ticker tape parade." Alvin watched in horror as the second plane hit. He says it's thanks to his military training and a "strong, stable family upbringing" that he kept a clear head while he and colleague Clyde Wilson evacuated the hotel.
Today, he wishes that New Yorkers could reclaim the sense of unity that they displayed after the attacks. "People were nice for about sixty days," he said, "and then it was back to normal. But New York should be like that every day."
Buy a patriotic Twin Towers tie here.

September 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 9, 2008

Sarah Palin: You've been framed

Forget policy--it's moose pie, short skirts and Kawasaki 740 glasses frames that doth a political icon make.
Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's glasses, made by award-winning industrial designer Kazuo Kawasaki, have sparked a buying craze among women desperate for that "corporate madonna/whore" look. Made from titanium beta, former TV sportscaster Palin wears these prescription glasses in gray, lens shape SP-51.
Buy them here, if you must. To see some of Kawasaki's designs at the MoMA, click here.

September 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (10)

Titipon Chitsantisook: When designers look like their dresses...

Promising young Thai designer Titipon Chitsantisook won the grand prize at Tokyo's Onward New Designer Fashion Grand Prix with a collection of dresses that seemed to strangely resemble the designer himself.
Look at this swirling inky black sequined cocktail dress from the winning collection—it seems to curve and flow like the tentacles of a giant deep sea squid...much like Chitsantisook's blurry, mysterious self-portrait. Uncanny.
Born in Thailand, and now based in Paris, Chitsantisook says his work is based upon his observation that "the manner in which we dress no longer necessarily reflects our belonging to a social rank, an ethnic group, a profession or sexual identity. This state of ‘liberating confusion’ is an important source of inspiration."
Chitsantisook had already shown the collection (named after one of our favorite kids' films, "Neverending Story") at the prestigious Hyères festival in April.
The collection will be shown again in Belgium on October 23rd. Visit his blog here.

September 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer '09: Absolutely nothing new

Floral print maxi dresses. Flowery head dresses. Mismatched flower print chiffon. What is this, the Topanga Canyon Whole Foods granola aisle?
I'm all for Laurel Canyon hippie style in general, but Diane von Furstenberg's SS '09 collection, boringly named "Rock Goddess", was disappointingly unoriginal in its celebration of all things Joni Mitchell. Where was the war cry, the passion, the sensuality and the decadence? These clichéd yet strangely tame interpretations seem lifted direct from a Woodstock-era Sear's catalog, with no modern value added. And those costumey faux flower head dresses and denim flares—why not just have them wearing giant peace signs and smoking reefer on the ruway and be done with it?
This collection, which we're sure was beautifully stitched and is prohibitively expensive, is primed for massive Forever 21 rip-off  status, thanks to the nasty prints and shapeless silhouettes.
Flower children, run for the hills!

September 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer '09: Mary Poppins meets your grandma

Miss Marple, Maupassant and Eastern European fortune tellers will never go out of style, as evidenced at Marc Jacobs' Spring/Summer '09 show in New York.
These looks are the epitome of democratic style, in that you can imagine them working just as well on a young nubile hipster as you could on a homeless crazy lady with three teeth...which is exactly why we loved 'em.
The shoulders were from the screen sirens of the 1940s. The thick wood-soled sandals were from Japanese tea houses. The shiny fabrics were borrowed from Bianca Jagger's closet, circa Studio 54. The sashes were on loan from Romanian gypsy camps. And the hats were supplied by Mary Poppins's private milliner.
Hooray, Marc Jacobs—this sweet, quirky, mish-mash of a collection made me smile.

September 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

MTV VMAs: The awards cermony that style forgot

The MTV VMAs descended deep in to Machiavellian farce with Britney sweeping the boards as part of a clearly manufactured "come-back"...and don't even get me started on the hair.
While last year's VMAs saw Britney ridiculed for her lackluster performance and poor parenting skills, this year, the VMA Gods decided it was time for the underdog to win. Pfff.
"If there was a female Christ, it's Britney," prattled Russell Brand, the British comedian host. Um, no.
Spears, a 16 times VMA nominee before winning three awards Sunday night, predictably thanked "God, first and foremost, for just blessing me like this". We think she should thank her agent and the puppet masters at MTV.
Most of the artists who were lauded at last night's VMA specialize in terrible M.O.R. pop music, but still--the whole tasteless affair could have been rescued from the depths of pointlessness had there at least been some good style in the house.
Denied!
While there were some decent looking gowns on the red carpet, the majority were teamed with embarrassingly bad "Extreme Mermaid" hair dos.
Britney herself, wearing Versace, looked like a mentally-deficient Rapunzel. Christina Aguilera aged herself 20 years with harsh peroxide bangs. Lindsay Lohan pulled off a convincing Carmen Electra impression, with long Playboy Mansion honey blond extensions (her House of Holland dress was passable). And what was up with Ashley Tisdale's "Knott's Landing" soccer mom 'do? Way too much volume at the crown, girl!
What's most troubling is that these images are beamed to impressionable young teenagers around the world. Hollywood, is this really the best you can do?

September 9, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 4, 2008

Omigod: it's Shannen Doherty, cool again

Like, omigod--Shannen Doherty, star of the new "90210", is hosting tonights Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show in New York, suggesting that Doherty's legacy of hideous 90s mommy jeans may finally be behind her.

This is a come-back 15 years in the making, dating back to when Doherty departed the original Beverly Hills 90210 cast amid accusations of belligerence, drug use and general bad style.

Now older, wiser and styled by "Friends" costume designer Debra McGuire for the CW's new "90210", Doherty is ready to take on hosting duties for the fashion show that launched the career of Zac Posen.

Brenda, it seems, is finally back.

Tickets for tonights event are sold out. Look for coverage on The Stylephile.

September 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Vivienne Westwood's first album

Vivienne Westwood, how come it took you so long to put out your own album? Maybe you were too busy dressing the Sex Pistols in the eighties. Maybe you got distracted, putting supermodels in impossibly high heels in the 90s. We're just happy that now, at age 67, you're finally bringing us Catwalk Breakdown.

Sadly, the album doesn't feature any original music by Westwood, and is instead a demented mish-mash of orchestral classics and noisy oddities. In keeping with the designer's eclectic tastes, songs range from Billy Fury to Tchaikovsky. Here's the track listing:

Permafrost, Magazine
Concierto De Aranjuez: 1. Allegro Con Spirito, Alexandre Lagoya
Barock, Luca Mainardi
Cave Girl, Dirty Stop Outs
L'ecole Des Aegypans (From Cydalise Et Le Chevre-Pied), Orchestre National Opera De Paris
La Lecon De Flute De Pan (From Cydalise Et Le Chevre-Pied), Orchestre National Opera De Paris
Dance Of The Nights, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Last Night Was Made For Love, Billy Fury
Valse Lente, Paul Strauss
Pas de deux: Variation 2 (Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy), Kirov Orchestra
Pas De Deux: Coda, Kirov Orchestra
Georgia Pines, Link Wray
Waltz Of The Flowers, Kirov Orchestra
Personality Crisis, The New York Dolls
Great Balls Of Fire, Mae West
Slow Down, Larry Williams

Her ex, Malcolm McClaren (is he still fixated on eight-bit music?) should watch his back.

Catwalk Breakdown is released September 15, you can pre-order it for $49.95 here.

September 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Red Carpet: Bowled over by Rinko Kikuchi

We're still loving Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi's striking bowl haircut, as seen yesterday at the 65th Venice Film Festival.

Here she is at a photo call for the movie Sky Crawlers, an animated adventure featuring Kikuchi as the lead character's voice.

Kikuchi's chic mod bowl cut, said to have been inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's Fall 2008 fashion show, is a refreshing departure from the sea of long wavy tresses usually seen on the red carpet. She teamed the look with a gray strapless mini dress, YSL shoes and a Chanel clutch.

Kikuchi was nominated for an Oscar for her performance as a deaf-mute in "Babel".

September 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Diane Pernet's Fashion Film festival

Launching September 26 in Paris, Diane Pernet's inaugural A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival is poised to become the Sundance of the emerging 'fashion film' artform.

Diane Pernet, a former fashion designer, is known for her distinctive look (a giant beehive, mantilla veil, cat eye sunglasses and crimson lips). She also has one of the most influential blogs in fashion, A Shaded View on Fashion, in which she reports from the outer extremes of the cutting edge, giving face time to events, designers and nations that are often overlooked by the mainstream fashion media.

A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival, or ASVOFF, launches at the Jeu de Paume contemporary art musuem and features entries by Colombian director Jessica Mitrani (her film is about one Mary Jane shoe), Italian director Francesco Carrozzini, and British director Malcolm Pate, among others.

ASVOFF will debut at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris on 26 September. Click here for more information, or to submit for ASVOFF 2009.

September 4, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 1, 2008

Grey Goose taps Rachel Roy for spokesmodel dresses

Vodka company Grey Goose has become the first spirits company to commission an exclusive designer dress for its spokesmodels.
The company has commissioned fashion designer Rachel Roy, wife of hip hop business man Damon Dash (Roc-A-Fella Records, Rocawear Clothing), to create these sleek cocktail numbers, which will be unveiled at Rachel Roy’s presentation during New York Fashion Week this month. 
The dresses are elegant, yet simple, with blue silk flourish at the back. Let's hope Rachel's side project helps pay off some of the family debt—earlier this month it was reported that two Manhattan homes owned by Roy and Dash had gone into foreclosure, with the couple owing $7.3 million on the properties. Ouch.
Help a girl out, and shop Rachel Roy here.

September 1, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bored of gifting flower baskets? Try DayNa Decker.

Personal assistants, listen up: if you want to wow your boss's clients with thank you gifts that go beyond the same old bunch of designer lilies, consider a scented candle Conceptual Gift Box by DayNa Decker. Trust me, the presentation alone is enough to win you a promotion.
In the Botanika collection (left), individual candles are surrounded by natural moss and contained in a beautiful, clear reusable box, adorned with a manzanita branch and wrapped with a fine satin ribbon. The Couture (right) collection comes in an opaque, black cube, adorned with a lacquered manzanita branch, quartz crystal and satin ribbon.
 “I wanted to create a modern and conceptual alternative to gift giving," says Decker, a former model.  "These visually articulate glamour and sophistication. Giving and receiving them leaves a lasting impression.”
The candles are lit using Decker's patented EcoWood Wick. I am burning one as I type, and the light crackling sound made by the wooden wick is soothing, reminiscent of the sound of raindrops outside, or dusty old vinyl.
Offered in Grand and Luxe sizes ranging from $285 to $545, the Conceptual Gift Boxes are available exclusively in the Los Angeles area.  To purchase the Conceptual Gift box and for more information visit www.daynadecker.com/gifts

September 1, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Pea in the Pod month-long style drive for expectant moms

High-fashion maternity boutique A Pea in the Pod is joining forces with denim brand 7 for all Mankind and skin care company basq in a series of events showcasing the best products for style-conscious moms-to-be.

A favorite among Hollywood’s celebrity moms, A Pea in the Pod has dressed Jessica Alba, Minnie Driver, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Tori Spelling, Marcia Cross, Cate Blanchett and more.

As part of the month-long promotion, denim specialists from 7 for all Mankind (which recently launched a line of maternity jeans exclusively at A Pea in the Pod) will provide advice on how to find the best jean for the pregnant silhouette. 

Representatives from basq--whose products work wonders on everything from stretch-marks to break-outs, and fatigue to swollen legs--will discuss skin care issues that arise during pregnancy and introduce their newest products and spa treatments. 

Guests will be be treated to hand and foot mini-massages using basq products. Each shopper to make a basq and 7 for all Mankind purchase will receive a complimentary beauty gift from basq, as well as a chance to win a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans, an A Pea in the Pod top and a basq Gift Set.

The events take place at seven A Pea in the Pod locations throughout September. The kickoff event will be held at the A Pea in the Pod boutique within Destination Maternity, 28 East 57th Street, New York City, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on September 12, 2008. For more event dates and locations, visit www.apeainthepod.com.

September 1, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 29, 2008

Project Runway's Nina Garcia launches new book

Following up to her "Little Black Book of Style", "Project Runway" judge/Marie Claire fashion director Nina Garcia bring us "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own".
The style minimalists among you may wonder if 100 must-haves is a little excessive.
Personally, I can list my style essentials on one hand. Black silk A-line dress, wide leather belt, silk scarf, fitted cropped leather jacket, lace up wedge heels. Accessorize to fit mood and season, "accidentally" forget to wear bra for added kapow factor, and spritz neck with Narciso Rodriguez "For Her". That's it. Whether you're homeless or drunk or yachting, these five basics can be adapted and accessorized so you always look good, and yet different, every single day.
My approach also makes for a very short book. 
Garcia, on the other hand, fills 304 pages with handy tips and illustrations (provided by the venerable Ruben Toledo), listing the essentials you should consider for your style armory. Things like a cocktail ring, and some chic luggage, for example. Follow Garcia's advice, and notice how the phrase "I'm having a style crisis!" slowly melts from your vocabulary. $15, buy it here.

August 29, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 27, 2008

World's fiercest costume designer: Eric Daman

"Gossip Girl's" Eric Daman could well be the fiercest costume designer in the world right now, as demonstrated by the legions of fans who lined up to catch a glimpse of him and his girls at Henri Bendel in New York last weekend.

Here he is, naked beneath his tight waistcoat, strutting the red carpet and soaking up the love.

The party, thrown by Henri Bendel (Daman recently dressed the windows) and YSL Beauté, celebrates the "Gossip Girl's" second season, which launches on the CW, September 1. The show is known as much for its influence over fashion as for its storylines.

A reporter for Paper magazine wrote how one determined fan breached the velvet rope, determined to get a photo of her heros. When challenged by a photographer, the fan countered "Just cause you got a big camera, bitch, you ain't all that. Why, I should come over there and slap you down!"
Which is also fierce...Scary fierce.

August 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

Obama's Daytime army

So this is how soap stars do politics—by stripping down to their Obama brand underwear.
Pictured left to right are Ashley Jones ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), Kristen Renton ("Days of Our Lives"), Andrew Christian (Obama ’08 Briefs designer), Christel Khalil ("The Young & the Restless"), Blake Berris ("Days of Our Lives") and Lesli Kay ("The Bold and the Beautiful").
They're showing Barack Obama the depth of their support by posing in these apparently best-selling “Obama ’08 Briefs” ($29 each), designed by underwear guru Andrew Christian.
Christian, whose undies are sold at Kitson Men (Los Angeles), Fred Segal (Los Angeles), and Patricia Field (New York), created something called "Flashback Butt Lifting Technology", which, he says, allows the wearer to "create the illusion of having that much sought after “bubble butt” without having to waste hours in the gym. The construction of the underwear automatically lifts the buttocks making them look more firm and round."
Obama, who probably doesn't have much gym time these days, will no doubt want to know more.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Andrew Christian's Obama briefs will be contributed to the Obama campaign. Buy here.

August 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Albert Hammond Jr., your friendly tailor

Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. is launching a line of tailored men's suits set to drop at Confederacy, the soon-to-be-opened Hollywood Blvd. boutique of his friend, celebrity stylist and art brat Ilaria Urbinati.

Hammond, who recently became engaged to British model Agyness Deyn, says he's targeting guys who'd rather get something tailored than "go to Men’s Wearhouse, pay the same amount, and look like an out-of-date parent.”
Urbinati, who has styled the cast of The L Word (see her work here) and who co-launched L.A. fashion hubs Milk and Satine, co-designed the line with Hammond.

Confederacy, which Urbinati is opening with actor Danny Masterson (Masterson will curate a gallery space within the store), opens its doors in mid September and will carry high fashion/hipster threads from Azzedine Alaïa, Band of Outsiders and many more.

Confederacy will be at 4661 Hollywood Boulevard., Los Angeles, CA 90027.

August 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ah, to be a 20-year-old blogger in Paris...

So coquettish, so gamine, so very French is 20-year-old art history student/blogger Louise Ebel, that fashion editors around the world are wondering "how do you say 'It Girl' in French?"

Hailed "It Girl of Tomorrow" by Refinery29, and named "our favorite girl crush" by Teen Vogue, Ebel, who studies at the Sorbonne, is the poster child for Parisian street fashion, 2008.

Often bespectacled, always impeccable, Ebel is like a slightly more put together, slightly less drunk Cory Kennedy, her American "Internet It Girl" predecessor.
In true Gen Y style, Ebel's blog revolves entirely around herself and how fab she is, and she especially loves to post photos of herself next to great works of art by fin de siecle Parisian artists like Toulouse-Lautrec.

Being French, cute and 20, she gets away with it, of course. Say "bonjour" to her here.

August 27, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 24, 2008

Madonna does gangsta pimp, Givenchy-style

Madonna chose Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her 2008 "Sticky and Sweet" world tour, which kicked off tonight in Cardiff, Wales.
Two outfits were created for her by Givenchy, including this one, said to blend Art Deco and 'Gangster Pimp' influences.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to offer the world of Givenchy Haute Couture to Madonna the Icon, the Artist, the Woman," gushed Tisci.
We think she looks rather fetching in this black stretch satin frock coat, which reminds me of both Wednesday Addams and "Last of the Mohicans", thanks to that tassled warrior breechcloth. Surely she's the sexiest gangster pimp Wales has ever seen.

August 24, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 21, 2008

John McCain's style sells him short

Not since President McKinley was elected in 1897 has there been a President in The White House who has stood under 5’8”. McCain, at a munchkin-like 5’7”,  has the odds stacked against him, especially when compared to Obama's statuesque 6’3”.
Short men’s designer Jimmy Au, who has created the short collections for Calvin Klein, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Sean John and Michael Kors and who has dressed little guys like Danny DeVito, Mel Brooks and Variety's very own Peter Bart, runs America’s only short men’s designer store, "Jimmy Au’s for Men 5’8” and Under" in Beverly Hills. Here he provides McCain with some much-needed style pointers, via his spokesman Alan Au. (Pictured is a Jimmy Au charcoal suit)

What is McCain doing wrong?

 McCain's stylist is using the incorrect but commonly used adage that bigger shoulders make you look bigger. That may be true for a skinny tall guy, but for shorter men that rule doesn't apply nor does it make sense. Bigger shoulders (over emphasizing the horizontal) will make a shorter man look stocky and shorter. A trimmer, softer shoulder design would be more better for him. Not to mention a trimmer sleeve.

Shoulder pads - yay or nay?

Depends. Shoulder pads serve a functional purpose in the fit. If your shoulders are in the "normal" range, there is no need, in fact it may make it look awkward like you were shrugging your shoulders. If you have muscular or square shoulders, there is also no need. However, if you have sloping shoulders, shoulder pads can help you fill in the shoulder back into the "normal" range of which the coat should be designed. Shoulder pads for the purpose of exaggerating of accentuating the shoulders will only make a shorter man look shorter or smaller because of the disproportion it causes. Think linebacker pads.

How can shorter men elongate their silhouettes?

Wear a suit instead of a sportcoat and dress pants. Wear the trimmest fit within your comfort zone. Be sure your coat is just long enough to cover the bottom of your seat. Wear pants in a short or low rise for a longer leg line. Wear pinstripes to create a longer visual line. Be sure the stripes are not to wide or narrow for your frame. Choose a slimmer tie with a simple pattern. Lastly, and most importantly, have a good tailor adjust your sleeves and hem to the appropriate lengths, and check the width of the jacket and pant legs and adjust for fullness.

 What are the biggest mistakes short men make when they are dressing?

 Biggest mistake #1 is not having a tailor do the needed alterations to a coat like adjusting the sleeves and waist; on the pants, adjusting the seat and thighs for fullness. Biggest mistake #2 is letting your ego get in the way of buying the right size. Don't buy the number, buy the fit. If you are not a 38 regular, don't buy it. Especially if you don't plan to avoid biggest mistake #1. Altering a 38 regular to make it look like a 38 short will never look as good as a 38 short to begin with. It'll be altered to the point it's not proportional anymore, defeating the purpose of trying to look taller. The best fit and proportional design will always make one look taller. Biggest mistake #3 is choosing a pattern that is too big, too wide, or too loud. Any combination of the three will draw attention to your clothes, not you. While people may see you from a social distance, from afar all they will see is your clothes.

 What about hats?

I think hats can be a great thing. It shows another level of personal style. Choosing a flattering, subdued style would be best if it goes with your personality. Anything too proportionately larger, although appropriate or fashionable may be misread as over compensating for something, including your height. True Texans may have an excuse.

Would you encourage McCain to wear platforms, a la "Saturday Night Fever" or The Bee Gees?

Absolutely not, unless it was out of jest or to get the media to talk about him more. It says insecurity. What's he going to do? Break out a 70s leisure suit? Go clubbing? If he wanted some extra height, a dress boot would be more appropriate. It's less conspicuous than a western boot and can be suit appropriate. It would give him anywhere from 1" to 1 1/2" without being very noticeable. It's plain leather uppers can be very chic. I would then put him in a properly fitted navy or charcoal 2 button single breasted pinstripe suit with trimmer sleeves and shoulders. Put on a dominant but slender necktie with a white shirt, and I'd say he'd have a winning combination. He's not using his age or his wife's beauty to his advantage. He needs to dress like an experienced leader, not a grandfather. He can be both, but he's got to dress like the first. If he makes it to the White House, he can grandpa it all he wants.

Jimmy Au has supplied wardrobe for hit shows like "House", "Heroes", "The Office", and movies such as "Oceans 13" and "Rush Hour 3". His celebrity clients include Mark Wahlberg, Chris Rock, Rex Lee, James Kyson Lee, Oscar Nunez, Jason Alexander, Al Pacino, Ed Asner, Danny DeVito, Eddie Izzard, Mel Brooks, Nathan Lane, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox and more.

August 21, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 20, 2008

Pink Blackberry Curve for fashion-types

We love Verizon's new Pink BlackBerry Curve 8330, designed for on-the-go Type A's prone to Appletinis, Jimmy Choos and strong cocaine.

Pitching the phone squarely at the fashionista crowd, the folks at BlackBerry are throwing a party at L.A. style haven Intermix later this month to celebrate the launch of this cute new lifestyle accessory, I mean phone.

The blush-toned smartphone comes hot on the high heels of BlackBerry's Pink Pearl, and offers Berry-lovers a "party on!" alternative to the gray, straitlaced "let's run some numbers" Curve 8330.

The Pink Curve costs $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate and two-year contract, buy here.

August 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 19, 2008

Welcome to the future: QR code shopping at Polo Ralph Lauren

You're flicking through your favorite fashion magazine and spot an ad for a Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt. "That'll look simply darling on my nephew Cuthbert," you think to yourself, scanning the barcode on the page with your cell phone camera, and hitting "buy". Ladies, welcome to the future of mobile shopping.
Polo Ralph Lauren is the first luxury retail brand in the U.S. to launch a major mobile commerce campaign incorporating QR codes, pixelated bar codes that you can scan with a mobile phone. It's already a big deal in Japan (this completely random YouTube video shows you how it works).
Polo Ralph Lauren's QR codes will appear in print advertisements (on the back of the Aug. 18 edition of "New York" magazine currently on news stands), store windows and mailers, and will drive to m.ralphlauren.com.
Here's how it works, basically. You see the ad with the code. You download the reader, in this case by visiting m.RalphLauren.com or texting RLQR to 65056 to receive the reader that is compatible with your device. You capture the code by scanning it with your mobile phone camera. Depending on the device, you will either “scan” or “snap” (Blackberries “snap” while Palms “scan”). The QR software will instantly send you to
the mobile web site, where you can shop.
Personally, I happen to love this Pet Shop Boys video which shows the whole world turned in to a giant QR code. Prophetic, perhaps?
For more info visit http://about.ralphlauren.com/mobile/ 

August 19, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Righteous Kill" promo campaign's Skid Row headquarters

An edgy fashion space in L.A.'s Skid Row was transformed into a gangsta's paradise, plastered in images of Al Pacino and Robert de Niro, as part of the promo campaign for their upcoming cop thriller “Righteous Kill”.

Wannabe wise guys lined up around the block to check out the space, which belongs to legendary grafitti artist Mister Cartoon, his right hand man, photographer Estevan Oriol, and streetwear brand Upper Playground.
Mister Cartoon and Oriol created the poster artwork for the movie. No sign of De Niro or Pacino themselves...

The space, which was named exclusive promotional headquarters for “Righteous Kill”, features a poster wall of all of De Niro and Pacino’s films, and plasma screens throughout the room showcasing Oriol and Cartoon’s favorite scenes from Pacino and De Niro’s film repertoire. Danny Trejo, Clifton Collins Jr., Jacob Vargas, DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill, Rohan Marley, and Latin hip-hop artist Malverde were at the opening late last week.

Upper Playground has created limited edition “Righteous Kill” apparel that will be distributed to "key influencers", (marketing speak for hip hop/street art hipsters with tats).

The Righteous Kill Space is open to the public until September 15, 2008, Tuesday–Saturday from Noon–8 p.m. 131 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. The film will be released in theaters on September 12, 2008. View the film trailer here.

August 19, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ayurvedic scarves heal through your skin

Ayurvedic scarves from India make you look good on the outside...but they also help you feel good on the inside, according to fashion entrepreneur Lisa Bittan. She's just started importing hand-loomed, organic ayurvedic scarves from India that are dipped in ayurvedic broths, infusing them with special healing powers that can help boost your immunity, brighten your skin, or loosen your joints.
So how, exactly, can a scarf make you healthy?
Apparently, the ayurvedic remedies enter your cellular structure though your skin, via a process called "transdermal induction".
As many as 40 different herbs are infused in to each of Bittan's scarves.  The gray scarves are made with veteveria, apamarga (Chafftree) and myrobalan, and promote good digestion. The pink scarves, dyed with Indian madder and brazilwood, will condition your skin. The green scarves are immunity boosters with anti-stress and anti-aging properties, thanks to the clustered withercherry, holostemma and pomegranate formula. Gift the brown scarf to your elderly aunt—it'll work wonders on her arthritis and rheumatism.
Bittan started distributing her scarves in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas about two months ago. "People seem to respond to their beauty and fragrance, and also because they have a wonderful story behind them," says Bittan. "They are also about as politically perfect as possible…organic, handmade, bio-degradable and fair-trade!"
Ya Living is coming out with a special holiday scarf which has extra gold thread woven into it and comes in a handwoven screwpine box.
Organic Ayurvedic Scarves are available at Turpan, Andrianna Shamaris,  Diani, and Salt on the West Coast.  Fred Segal will carry them in September. For more information, contact yaliving@yahoo.com.

August 19, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 18, 2008

Eco, fetish and a touch of grime: Lower East Side Flipside fashion show

Usually the clothes you see on Orchard Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side are cheap, imported and 100 percent synthetic, but on August 17 they were chic, vintage and eco-friendly. The L.E.S. Fashion Flipside event (organized by The Lower East Side Business Improvement District and sponsored by Metro NY) got all the neighborhood’s best boutiques together to turn Orchard into a makeshift runway and show off the distinctive L.E.S. style, with an eco-twist.

After all, whether they’re using eco fabrics, supporting local designers, or selling vintage, many L.E.S hipster boutiques have a shade of green about them. Take the Dressing Room Bar and Boutique, which provides workspace and retail for local designers, and will take your old clothing in exchange for cash, clothing or booze from their in-store bar. (Plenty of fashion-obsessed girls in Manhattan like to trade in last season’s look for a couple of rounds of Ketel and water.)

Other noteworthy boutiques included Kaight, Shop and David Owens Vintage, who showed off both contemporary and retro duds. In true L.E.S. style, there was fetish-wear (from adults-only garment haven Demask), plenty of pleather, and an inebriated street person who tried to climb on the runway—it wouldn’t be the Lower East Side without a little sex and a little grime, after all...

August 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 13, 2008

Leonine discounts at Hautelook.com

Save the date: This striking lion-print dress by boho-chic designer Karen Zambos will go on sale at HauteLook.com next Monday August 18th, alongside some beautiful leather purses by Linea Pelle.
HauteLook.com runs exclusive 12 - 48 hour sales focusing on one or two designers, offering savings of up to 75% off retail. In these belt-tightening times, discount sites like this are just what the doctor ordered.
Other sales worth checking out include Joie (this Friday August 15th), Alexis Hudson (also August 15th) and the truly adorable Jigsaw-London Kids on the 19th.
It takes just seconds to sign up, and once you're a member, HauteLook.com will send you regular email alerts about upcoming sales. HauteLook is adding men's sales in October.
(FYI: I just saved more than $100 on a Morphine Generation racerback tee and skirt...totally addicting.)
www.HauteLook.com

August 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

MODEL.LIVE: Vogue TV's new online documentary series

Next week, Vogue.tv launches a new 14-part online series documenting the lives of three fresh-faced models trying to thrive—and survive—in New York.
MODEL.LIVE follows three models Cate Van Ee (the Natalia Vodianova one, top, left), Austria Alcantara (the Chanel Iman one, top, right) and Madeline Kragh (the Agyness Deyn one, bottom) as they prepare to walk the runway in New York, London, Paris and Milan for the first time.
I already have a little crush on Madeline, a wandering boho type from Arizona who left home at 15 and traveled the world before being discovered by an IMG scout. All the girls are signed with IMG Models.
The show premieres Tuesday, August 19 on Vogue.TV, and each weekly episode will be approximately eight minutes long. MODEL.LIVE will air every Friday following the August 19 premiere.
If all this sounds exciting to you, you should join the MODEL.LIVE social network immediately at www.bebo.com/modellive. The models will update their profiles daily with video diaries, text messages, photos, blogs, schedules and more. You can sign up for daily alerts, comment on each model's progress or post messages of support and advice like "don't barf more than three times a day" and "you won't get addicted if you smoke it".
View the trailer here.

August 13, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 12, 2008

Organic stud cuff by Jennifer Fisher

There's no better stud than an organic stud...an organic stud cuff, to be precise, in 18K gold.

You can find said stud on jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher's new e-commerce site, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry.com, which features her signature hand stamped pendants, popular cuff bracelets, varied combinations of charms, as well as new "couture" pieces, incorporating colored diamonds, rare metals and highly sought-after gems such as onyx and baroque south sea pearls.  

Before becoming a jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher worked as a wardrobe stylist for film and television. Since launching her line she has found fans in Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman, Marisa Miller, Liv Tyler, Lauren Conrad, and Elizabeth Berkley. Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker both wore Fisher’s jewelry in many scenes throughout the "Sex and the City" movie. 

Featured designs at Jennifer Fisher.com include a black diamond double finger starburst ring in 18K gold, branch hoop earrings in 18K green gold, and these wide organic cuffs in 18K gold.

The new couture pieces are priced between $900-$7,500 and are available exclusively at www.jenniferfisherjewelry.com, by appointment only at her new showroom in NYC at 270 Lafayette St. Suite 1403, or by calling 212-625-2380. 

August 12, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our favorite Isaac Hayes looks

Fans of early 1970's pimp style lost its most flamboyant icon on Sunday, with the possibly treadmill-related passing of Isaac Hayes.
Hayes, a father of 12 (!), was found collapsed near a treadmill at his home in Memphis, and was pronounced dead an hour later. The cause of death was not known. He was 65.
With a wardrobe comprising gold chain vests worn over a bare chest, tight spandex pants and his gleaming shades, Hayes was one of the most glamorous of the Stax male artists, a style pioneer in a class all his own. Eschewing the classic Blaxploitation afro in favor of a smooth bald pate, Hayes foreshadowed the bling era, accessorizing his looks with some of the biggest gold chains ever seen. His style would later influence artists from Snoop Dogg to Biggie Smalls.
As well as writing the Academy Award-winning “Shaft” theme, and numbers like “Soul Man” and Hold On, I’m Comin’, Hayes voiced the libidinous Chef character on “South Park” until he got fed up of all the Scientology jokes (Hayes was a fully paid up member of the Church).
Hayes stars in the upcoming "Soul Men" alongside Bernie Mac (who died just hours before he did) and Samuel L. Jackson, who we hope is taking his vitamins and staying well away from treadmills.

August 12, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 11, 2008

Shopping portal brings Robertson Blvd. to your fingertips

Here's one way to avoid the throngs of tourists and chihuahua-toting celebutantes on L.A.'s Robertson Blvd.—visit ShopRobertson.com.

Founded by a former staffer from Robertson Blvd's Madison boutique, the website offers pieces by many of the designers you'll find on the famed shopping street. Think Milla Jovovich's Gold Hawk, shoes by Dolce Vita and dresses by Kate and Kass.

Currently, the site's biggest seller is this simple tube dress by Nui ($265) as seen on Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie and Salma Hayek.

Buy here.

August 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Adina Reyter's "Best Friends" necklace

Amid the current craze for costumey, chunky jewelry, designer Adina Reyter has stuck to her minimalist guns, creating simple gold and sterling silver pieces that won't ever engulf the wearer.
That's why she's so popular with film and TV stylists—her pieces have been worn by the cast of  "CSI, Las Vegas", "Desperate Housewives", and "Medium", among other shows, and her classic, low-key style means you notice the actor first, then the jewelry.
Reyter's fans include Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore and Debra Messing.
We love her sterling silver best friends necklace, the latest addition to her collection. The hearts separate, so each wearer wears one half.
$135, at Adina Design.com.

August 11, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

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