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May 8, 2008

Anna Wintour and Lebron James cartoon

We hear that none other than that Vogue columnist André Leon Talley has purchased the cheeky New York Observer caricature parodying Vogue's controversial April 2008 cover.  The original cover, which featured a bellowing LeBron James with model Gisele Bündchen, was branded racist by some. The cartoon, on the other hand, features a somewhat terrifying Anna Wintour and a rather fey-looking Condé Nast owner Si Newhouse in their place. 
Perhaps Leon Talley plans to gift the drawing to his boss this Christmas?

May 8, 2008 in FAME | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harajuku style immortalized

Gothic Lolitas in frilly petticoats mix with streewear junkies and Comme des Garcons afionados on the streets of Tokyo's Harajuku neighborhood—and even if you've never been to Japan, you can see it all in "Style Deficit Disorder". The book features more than 200 photos of this most colorful of fashion hubs, profiling its most influential designers, labels, stylists, and shops and featuring essays by key Japanese fashion editors. US stylist Patricia Field, designer John Galliano, and the late great Shu Uemura all provide commentary in the tome, which was put together by V magazine and Vogue Nippon contributor Tiffany Godoy. 
A coffee table must!
Buy here.

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

Periodic table rings

ITSNONAME's range of gold, silver and platinum rings hark back to school-day lab experiments, back when things like copper oxide and magnesium sulphate were daily players in our lives. The Brooklyn-based husband-and-wife designers Joe Johnson and Jeanju Choi-Johnson create chunky, classic rings that bear the names of the elements from which they are made. So "Au" is for gold ($2,350), "Ag" is for the silver ($255), and "Pt" is platinum baby ($6,600)! 
Better living through chemistry indeed. Buy here.

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

Jean Paul Gaultier's new eyeliner/concealer pen for guys

Jean Paul Gaultier has been making guys' make-up since 2003. And just in case you didn't get the memo, here's an update on his latest "guyliner". The Tout Beau Sharp Eyes Kohl Pen & Concealer is a dual action pen, with a concealer on one end to erase dark circles under the eyes, and a black kohl tip on the other end, perfect for that smudgy Kurt Cobain look. Not only will this pen add nighttime drama to your guy's look, it will also prevent him from ever borrowing your makeup bag again.
Other items in Gaultier's "Monsieur" line include an "undetectable" matte powder bronzer complete with pocket applicator for dandies on the go. He draws the line at lip gloss and mascara—for now.
Buy here.

May 8, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

Marni jelly sandals

From Brazil's Melissa rubber shoe brand to Givenchy's jelly gladiator sandals and Marc Jacobs' bendy mouse flats—footwear's never been this rubbery. We especially adore Marni's jelly flats, that come in neon red and green and  look good enough to eat. They retail for around $160, and if you're worried about your toes getting sweaty this summer, buy some Dr. Scholl Odor Destroyer.
Buy Marni jelly sandals here.

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

May 6, 2008

Your champagne stories

"If I could survive on cold champagne instead of water, I would." admitted one Stylephile reader, before going on to describe an ill-fated Arizona adventure with two bottles of vintage Krug and her lover (since ditched). 
I implored you to share your tales of bubble-filled hedonism for the chance to win a Veuve Cliquot Traveller (complete with bottle o' VC inside), and you regaled us with your stories. One of you confessed to wandering around Las Vegas with a college rejection letter in one hand and a bottle of Korbel in the other. Another shared the location of of a little bar in Le Marais, Paris that only serves champagne. In the end, I chose this entry by jcfiona, which describes how the seniors at her garden club became tipsy after she served them Christmas mimosas. Congratulations jcfiona, please email The Stylephile to collect your prize!

"The last time I got really drunk on champagne was over Christmas. I belong to a garden club which is mainly composed of older (75+) women. Being in my 30s, it is always interesting sitting through their meetings, but I do it for my grandmother. Anyway, we had a Christmas party at my house and I convinced them we should have mimosas. It was quite possibly the funniest time ever. Almost every single one of them brought a bottle of champagne! Needless to say, the orange juice ran out way before the bubbly! Luckily, most of their husbands pick them up from the meetings-but I bet they were awful surprised to see their wives so "happy!" I was totally drunk by the end of the party and my husband even had to go and pick my daughter up from school! It was really a great day seeing all of the older ladies cut loose and enjoy themselves! Gotta love the bubbly!"

May 6, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

The frocks of Valerie Dumaine

It's the middle of Spring, which means it's time for pretty dresses, picnics under blossoming cherry trees and rides on the back of a beautiful boy's Vespa.

But back to those dresses.

We love these bold yet whimsical frocks by Montreal's Valerie Dumaine, who spent two years at the heart of the Berlin fashion scene before returning to Canada to launch her own, very pretty and very reasonably-priced line. Buy here.

May 6, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pre-romanced leather working boots by wings + horns

Pre-distressed leather working boots by wings + horns scream of dusty highways and moonlit romance, endowing the wearer with instant boho cred. Here's the secret: before they hit the shelves, they are soaked and then wrapped in a ball, where they dry in the fetal position, and emerge as ready-made hobo footwear for the Blackberry generation.
They can be found sold at Blackbird (Seattle), Fred Segal (LA) and Stel's (Boston).
 

May 6, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Metrosexual grill

With its sleek sculptural lines and stainless steel body, the elegant Edo Grill by Kalamazoo Gourmet is the opposite of dowdy, a high-design grill for the true dandies among us. 
Inspired by the yakitori carts of Tokyo, this $7,495 grill is hand-built to order. It features the kind of thoughtful design detail (like vents that look like gingko leaves) that may cause your poolside guests to swoon with envy. Buy here.

May 6, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have bug, will travel

Bugs are beautiful according to China Young, accessories designer behind the new BTL luggage line.  Pronounced "beetle", the BTL collection  is inspired by the shiny curves of the Jewel beetle, a "naturally occuring gem" according to Young. 
In my opinion this beetle is an excellent muse to have chosen—there are more than 15,000 varieties of the glossy iridescent beast, which means Young should remain inspired for quite some time.
A BTL travel boutique is expected to open in Las Vegas by March 2009, followed by BTL Luxury handbag line.

May 6, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 1, 2008

Win a limited edition Veuve Clicquot Traveller

If your mom gets her kicks from champagne, why not gift her Veuve Clicquot Traveller (sic) this Momma's Day. It looks like a stylish mini tote...but inside, it's hiding a mini bottle of VC fizz. Designed to be the perfect carrier for a 375 ml bottle of Veuve, this Louis Vuitton-designed case keeps bubbles cool whether your mom's on the beach, at a garden party or running some pre-Mimosa errands. And once the contents are gone, she can use it as a cute handbag/vanity case/jewelery, simply by removing the cooling neoprene insulation from the inside. Buy here.
We have one Limited Edition Pink Veuve Cliquot Traveller to gift to a Stylephile reader (if you re-gift to your mom, we promise not to tell). To win, tell us about the last time you got drunk on champagne. Leave your answers in the comments section, and make sure to include your email address. Deadline is this Sunday, May 4!

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

April 30, 2008

Fight them with fashion: Chanel tweed grenade bombs

Last week marked the opening of “Vanity Bonfire”, a solo exhibition of new works by the young artist Sean Christopher at the Corey Helford gallery in Los Angeles. A graduate of the New York School of Visual Arts, Christopher creates work that very much appeals to the Stylephile.
Why?
Because in these turbulent times, Sean Christopher is one of the few to successfully marry themes of war, peace, and mortal combat with...Chanel.
We admire his audacious tweed Chanel grenade oil paintings—So bold! And just look at his adorable Chanel branded army tanker—where can I buy a real one?

Corey Helford Gallery was established in April 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband, television producer Bruce Helford ("The Drew Carey Show", "George Lopez", "The Oblongs"). The gallery is located at 8522 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232 and is open Tuesday - Saturday, Noon to 6:00pm.

April 30, 2008 in LOS ANGELES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scarves: God giveth and She taketh away

There's nothing quite like the pain of loving and losing a beautiful silk scarf. I invited you to recount your tragic tales of M.I.A. scarves for the chance to win a replacement—a beautiful floral silk number by L.A. designer Pegah Anvarian, and many of you were kind enough to share your tales of loss.

One reader admitted to losing numerous scarves after tying them to luggage so she could identify her bags at airport carousels. Tsk tsk! Another reader suspected her cat of eating her three scarves. One poetic Stylephiler could recall the very first scarf she ever lost. "It was a very tiny one with a teddy bear print, I think it was hidden under a fir tree where I used to play with dolls and imagine their princess dresses."
In the end, I had to pick this entry by stariesky, who had a scarf fetish but was too scared to actually wear any of her purchases because she thought she had a short neck. By the time she realized her neck wasn't actually that short, it was too late...

"Really nice scarves have always been my weakness. I''ve splurged in the past, sometimes blowing half a paycheck on ones I''ve admired on other people but too self-conscious of my short neck to wear out. I figured I’d buy now and figure out how to put them on ‘later’. So I continued to add to my collection, storing them like a squirrel preparing for winter. When I finally got it in my head that there was really nothing wrong with the length of my neck, I excitedly went fishing for my scarves, ready to explode into spring. To my horror, I noticed the box I stored them in was gone!! After searching for two days straight, I find out my boyfriend found them while looking for a box of old clothes I left in my closet for his yard sale. Yep, they sold for a buck each. Boy did I ever learn my lesson. I really hope whoever ended up with my scarves managed to get a whole lot of use out of them."

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

Win a dinner for two at Dakota Bridge

Where can you savor your filet mignon in the jasmine-scented night air, seated just yards above an azure swimming pool around which young beautiful things are sipping wines several years older than they are? At Dakota Bridge, Hollywood's newest dining destination.
Essentially an extension of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Dakota steak house, Dakota Bridge offers a semi-private dining experience that overlooks the hotel's Tropicana Bar and its David Hockney pool. Dakota Bridge can accommodate intimate dinners, from two to forty guests, by reservation, and all diners are guaranteed entry to the Tropicana Bar.
Tim Goodell, president/executive chef of Domaine Restaurants is calling the new venture a "pure, one-of-a-kind Hollywood experience,” and just last week, the restaurant popped its celeb cherry, when fashion designer Charlotte Ronson hosted a private dinner party there for family and friends (including her buddies Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie) to celebrate her Fall '08 collection.
Dakota Bridge is gifting one Stylephile reader a delicious dinner for two—to win just tell us this: If you were dining at Dakota Bridge, what would you hope to see happening down below at the Tropicana Bar?
Leave your answers in the comments section of this post, making sure to leave your email address. Deadline is Tuesday April 6.
Dining hours for the Dakota Bridge are Sunday – Wednesday 6-10:30 pm for larger groups; individual reservations are available Thurs 6-10:30 pm; Fri and Sat 6-11 pm. Reservations are required  (323) 466-7000.

April 30, 2008 in GIVEAWAYS | Permalink | Comments (15)

How Allure's editor-in-chief protects her summertime skin

Allure was the first major publication in America to devote itself solely to beauty, so it comes as no surprise that founding editor Linda Wells has the scoop on every skincare and sun tanning secret you could think of.
First and foremost, she doesn't trust the sun as far as she can throw it—she wears 85 SPF and adds anti-oxidant drops to her glass of Perrier before venturing out at midday. It may sound a little extreme, but she is BFFs with many of America's top dermatologists, and they all tell her the same thing: sun = danger.
I spoke to Wells today and she reminded me that melanoma is the fastest-growing cancer in America.
That's right—frolicking on the beach without adequate SPF protection and relaxing in a tanning booth could land you in the radiologist’s office quicker than a daytrip to Chernobyl, if you're not careful.
To highlight this sad reality, Allure magazine is hosting an exclusive art auction next week, with nude portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss donated by some of the biggest photographers working today: Mert and Marcus, Annie Leibovitz, Michael Thompson, Steven Klein, Bert Stern, Reed Krakoff and Eve Arnold among them. The 2nd Annual ‘Most Alluring Bodies’ Exhibit takes place at Skylight in Manhattan, New York on May 7, and all proceeds from the silent auction will  benefit NYU’s Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group and kick-off Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Ahead of the big event (which is invitation only), I snagged half an hour on the phone with Wells, and asked her opinion on tanning beds, SPF makeup, the best sunscreen and why so many of us think we're immune to the effects of the sun...
Read it and weep, sun worshippers...

So why do you take such a strong interest in skin cancer?

Well, I have the palest skin in the entire United States of America. So I have always been really aware of skin cancer and of my responsibility. The statistics are so terrible—it  is the fastest growing form of cancer in America, and the most common.

The statistics are out there...so why do we still like to bask in the sun like baby seals?

Many people feel their healthiest and most alive when they are out in the sun. But it’s also the situation when they are most at risk. And there's the aesthetics of the sun tan. I know I should bite my tongue, but I still think that suntans look good. But I don’t recommend them.

How does a woman’s awareness of sun damage change as she grows older?

Women in their teens and twenties are the ones most likely to marinade their bodies in baby oil while they sit outside during spring break or go in to tanning booths in the winter. They believe they are immune. When women reach their thirties, they realize they have to protect their skin because they don’t want to look older. The cancer connection comes much later.

Tanning beds, once and for all—are they or are they not safe?

I believe there are more tanning booths in the U.S. than there are Starbucks. The tanning companies say it’s safer to use a tanning bed than to go in the sun. It’s not safer. They bombard your body with UV light. You should not be in those things. It's like sitting in the doctor’s office smoking a cigarette. But don’t expect the tanning companies to tell you the dangers, however.

Having a deep Donatella Versace/George Hamilton permatan is tacky anyway, right?

In terms of fashion, I go to the shows in Europe and New York and very few top models have tans. A lot of them are from Eastern Europe and their skin has never been touched by the sun, and they have no visible pores at all. These women have no interest in getting a suntan.

What about SPF makeup...does it really protect us?

Here’s the problem with SPF makeup– you think you're fully covered, but you’re not. You don’t put it on all over your face; you don't put on enough to equal the coverage you would get from a sunscreen. Also, you don’t reapply it all day long. So it really creates a false sense of security. It’s great that makeup has SPF in it, but that’s not always enough. Luckily most self-respecting cosmetics companies have daytime moisturizers that have SPF 30. And when you go to the beach you should put on regular sunscreen of course.

How do you look after your skin?

I just got back from being on a boat in the Bahamas for four days and I took anti oxidant supplements, and I put anti oxidant drops in my water. I reapplied sun screen every hour. The anti oxidants tablets are called Heliocare and contain a fern extract. They really help protect your skin cells against damage from the sun. But I would never rely on those alone.

What about using chemical-free mineral sunscreens. Are they equally effective?

Mineral products are great but I don’t think there’s that much that’s terribly wrong with chemicals. If the natural product can do what the chemical can do, then terrific, but in all likelihood the natural product probably does contain at least some chemicals. Trust me, the disease is worse than the effort to prevent it.

What are the key things to know when you're buying sunscreen?

You want to pick a broad spectrum of sun protection. It’s not just the SPF. SPF protects against UVB rays. You also need to protect against UVA, which cause wrinkling and skin cancer. I love Neutrogena with Heliocare. They make one called "Dry Touch" that doesn’t make your face greasy at all. I was using SPF 85. I wouldn’t touch an SPF 8 or 15. Aveeno makes a really good one too.

What about self-tanning lotions?

I think self tanning is great. That’s a way of having your cake and eating it too. I do that sometimes, during the summer. If you get a self tan then you’re not going in the sun, but you have to be sure that the self tanner contains sunscreens. There’s new research that says that in the 24 hours after you have treated your skin with tanner, your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, so people should be aware of that.

What’s the most interesting thing you've learned about sun tanning over the years?

I am always fascinated by the psychology of it, and why we persist in doing something that is unhealthy. It always comes down to that tension between vanity and health. If you can appeal to vanity and take care of health, then you’ve won the game, especially in terms of what we do as a magazine.

April 30, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (3)

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