Tory Burch Spring 2010

Just got back from the dress rehearsal of the Tory Burch show. I got a quick interview with Tory and here's what she had to say:

“I wanted to give a free spirit look to the spring collection, one that’s lived in, but not completely. My favorite outfit is the sequin dress, I wore it during the VMA’s and it was very comfortable and sophisticated.”

Take a peek at some of the beautiful prints and colors. Gotta love Tory!



Backstage Yannick gave the models the perfect ponytail with heat styling and finishing spray from Redken.

Trends...Baby Style

Hey guys!

I just got back from the Baby Phat show and surprise, surprise...the clothing was actually pretty nice (all things considered of course). The theme was Moroccan Kiss and the clothing was laced with brightly colored dresses, blouses, knits and swimwear. The looks were dripping in gold jewelry and accessories.

Before the show started I spotted Amber Rose and I just had to take a pic!

And your girl Kim was in the building!

And Sheree from The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Hanging with Vera

Yesterday I was hanging out with Vera Wang at Fashion's Night Out. Take a look at our picture and her Spring 2010 Bridal collection.

Ports 1961 Spring 2010 Show

Ports 1961 was all about glamour this season as they presented sheathes with huge glass necklaces and feminine pleated detailing. Bits of floral was dispersed throughout. My personal fav: pleated rompers.
And here's a vid:

Ports 1961 from Deena Campbell on Vimeo.

Laidback Style

When I think of classy interior decorations, pop culture doesn't exactly come to mind. Ironically, Laidback, a streetwear inspired home decor and accessory brand, is here to alter our bourgeois beliefs.

Laidback is a full service decorating collective with a young, edgy fashion-forward vibe. It's the brainchild of Tina Shoulders, who wanted to respond to what she felt was a lack of fun, graphic, and iconic images available for the fashion conscious hipster. Laidback also makes it easy to enjoy their unique designs--just pair their pillows with home accessories you already have to upgrade any room.

Laidback designs have been featured on Ugly Betty, so you can bet they will foster smiles and giggles. Our favorite is the "Boomin" pillow and the "Ol Play," a 100%-cotton denim pillow that wears like your favorite pair of jeans.

Visit laidbackhome.com for more information.

Politics Can Be Fun...Right?

High season for both fashion and politics may be over for now, but while cooler heads prevail (we hope) it may be just the time to check out "Fashion & Politics" at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The exhibition runs through November 7 and chronicles more than 200 years of cultural change, sexual codes, and social progress.

Pulling more than 100 garments, textiles, and accessories, the show's curators craft a compelling examination of the rich history of politics in fashion. We promise they won't cover Michelle Obama's sleeveless dresses and kitten heels, but rest assured the looks serve as a medium for conveying political ideologies and related social values. When you check out our favorites--a late 19th century woman's bicycle ensemble and Vivienne Tam's 1995 "Mao" collection--you'll be sure to experience political fashion in its truest glory.

Because fashion is more than great styles and flattering looks.

FIT Museum. Seventh Avenue at 27 Street. NY, NY 10001. 212.217.4558

Spa On-Demand

Let's face it -- one luxury that's hard to ever abandon is a mani-pedi treatment. In a world of lunch meetings, business conferences and parent-teacher meetings, who has time? You do, with myspa2go bringing top quality treatments to the privacy of your home.

All employees are licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, massage therapists and hair & make-up artists hoping to satisfy all your pampering, beauty and well-being needs. You can even score a flawless make-up application from Mac, Laura Mercier and other leading brands.

Need a quick blow out before a date? Call myspa2go for a stylist who'll arrive at your locale prepared with a blow dryer, flat iron and all the necessary tools to perfect your do.

Services are available in Manhattan, the Hamptons and select parts of Queens and Brooklyn. Visit myspa2go.com to set up an appointment or for more info.

Try a Pill If You Will

Are there such things as too many nutrients and countless health and beauty benefits? Not when it comes to Hirsana, golden millet oil capsules that are formulated to strengthen the skin’s barrier and regulate moisture content.

Say goodbye to dry and brittle hair, skin and nails, Hirsana has discovered a way to extract highly effective oil from golden millets to encourage beauty from within. The pill components—Vitamin B6 (boosts metabolism), Riboflavin (supports the formation of blood cells), Thiamin (promotes normal nervous system function) and Zinc (supports the buildup of protein produced within the body)—are formulated with 200 mg of pure golden millet oil. Simply take two capsules a day for three months and then repeat on an annual basis, after three months, reduce dosage to one capsule daily.

Check it out: www.hirsanausa.com

For the Love of Sandals

Crafted to withstand the elements, Matt Bernson's custom shoes are created with special leathers chemically treated to be both flexible and durable. Each shoe — hand cut and individually sewn with uppers adorned in metallic piping, complex hardware and hand-waxed insoles — is fashionably detailed with leather stitching and rivets.

I looooove that the sandals are comfortable. The luxurious feel has a look inspired by Indian jewelry, themes that stem from his jewelry designer mother and teachings given by the Dali Lama in India.

The fashionable kicks have only been around for three years, but the "soulfully made in Brazil" shoes have been spotted on style icons including SJP and are sold by retailers such as Fred Segal, Anthropologie, Kitson and Piperlime.

If the spirit is moving you now, visit mattbernson.com

Put a Ring on It

We've all been there before. You're at a swanky lounge sipping a strong mojito when you suddenly notice Mr. or Ms. Gorgeous holding court at the end of the bar. Just when you're about to approach, you stop and wonder, "Ohhh — single or not?"

Awkward hesitations be gone with Singelringen ('single ring' in Swedish), the world's first unisex ring for singles. The sterling silver band with a turquoise acrylic overlay is meant to be worn on your left hand — a placeholder for an engagement (or wedding) ring — so you can flaunt your solo status. Terrence Howard, Monique Coleman and Vivica Fox have been spotted rocking them once upon a time.

Signifying your eligibility goes beyond a single band. Other Singelringen products include necklaces, bracelets and mobile phone accessories. The imported jewelry can be customized with charms that represent spirituality (Buddhism, Christianity), hobbies (travel, sports), interests (pets, music) — allowing for the ultimate in instant messaging.

Because single is the new turquoise!

Books and Looks

Join all-natural skincare expert Suki Kramer and celebrity makeup artist Lina Hanson on June 10th for the launch of ECO-BEAUTIFUL, The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness…


rsvp to ecobeautifulpartynyc@gmail.com

Kristinit: The LOVE Campaign

Kristinit introduces its Fall 2009 Collection: the LOVE Campaign. Its mission—a holistic approach to high fashion, one that links social responsibility with sumptuous, sustainable fabrics and playfully classic designs.

The collection embraces versatility and elegance. The 30’s-era classicism of knee-grazing hemlines and belted day dresses play hopscotch with Victorian demureness and Faye Dunaway '60's chic. And attention to detail is key to the collection, like dramatic circle sleeves that bring daintiness to smoky, monochromatic tunics.

A New Kind of Art

Alicia Piller has designed many things—bags, paintings, and even candy boxes. But her most prized possession has been the birth of her own business, Designs by Alicia P.

It all started four years ago when Alicia was laid off from an unfulfilling design job. Realizing that she could make more money doing what she loved, she decided to launch a line of paintings, suede & beaded jewelry, and hand-painted clothing; all made by Alicia P. herself.

But she didn’t stop there.

Each garment has intricately arranged letters, shapes and lines…on washable fabric paint. And her jewelry intertwines crystals and semi-precious beads creating lightweight suede works of art. “My works appeals to literally everyone—the young and the old,” says Alicia.

When asked which is her favorite to design, Alicia excitedly screams: “Couture! I love to make weird and crazy elaborate things. I really enjoy painting free-hand designs too—I can let my mind go wherever it wants.”

Currently, Alicia is busy designing innerwear and dresses for a solo fashion show later in the year.

For more information visit http://www.designsbyaliciap.com.

Play with Gravity in United Nude Cosmo

For the past six years, United Nude has taken the shoe industry by storm. Known as the intersection between architecture and fashion, United Nude’s shoes are the cornerstone of saviness, elegance and innovation.

This season United Nude continues to play with gravity with its latest innovation: The Cosmo. By using a hand molded carbon fiber light-weight construction, the Cosmo shoe is a high-tech shoe laced with architectural design elements.

But be sure to act fast. The Cosmo is in limited production of only a few hundred pairs. Snag a black calf leather or mirror calf leather pair for approximately $550.

The United Nude Cosmo will only be available at specialty shoe stores and at www.unitedenude.com.

Bag-A-Licious

Jonathan Kelsey knows a thing or two about designing—working with Jimmy Choo, Mulberry and Emilio Pucci has helped paved the way of a successful shoe designer. But now Kelsey has a new project, and this time it doesn’t include fashion for the sole.

Kelsey and Belvedere Black Raspberry, will unveil a striking new limited-edition overnight bag: The Belvie. The leather, oversized bag even features a secret compartment for a bottle of Belvedere Black Raspberry—perfect for the girl on the move.

“It’s the perfect slouchy summer bag into which you throw everything you need, daytime or night time,” says Kelsey.

The best part, though? It was created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Estelle. As the embodiment of playful style and attitude, Estelle will co-host a global launch of The Belvie with Jonathan Kelsey.

Need plans for the weekend? Head over to the pop-up store where you can pick up a complimentary Jonathan Kelsey tote featuring the new Belvedere Black Raspberry ad campaign and learn about the process of maceration.

The bag retails for $1,400 and will be available at Jeffrey NY. Visit http://www.macerationisnatural.com for additional information—including updates on retail locations.

What: Belvedere Black Raspberry Event
Where: 117 Mercer Street (Between Spring & Prince)
When: Saturday, May 2nd 1-7pm

Recession Special Ted Gibson Style

At Ted Gibson Salon, the price of a haircut by noted hairstylist Ted Gibson could land you a 32” flat screen TV, knock off a huge chunk of your rent or give you a round trip plane ticket to Europe. But during these hard times, the Ted Gibson team has smartened up and curbed its prices—at least on Tuesday’s. Entitled Recessionista Tuesdays’, Ted Gibson salon is offering haircuts and single color processing for $75 and blow-outs for $40 at its Fifth Avenue Salon. Previously only crafting the manes of A-list celebrities: Angelina Jolie, Gabriella Union, Renee Zellweger, Keira Knightly and Anne Hathaway, Ted is now available for hair cuts, up dos, color processes, extensions, and various color treatments for ‘regular’ people.

Gibson once stated, “I really listen to what they have to say,” says Ted. “I cut hair with sensibility and ease so that my clients leave with a refreshed style without necessarily feeling like they’ve had all their hair cut off.”

Visit Ted Gibson for more information or head over the New York salon at 184 5th avenue, 2nd floor. The offer is available indefinitely or at least until the economy is less of a drag.

Marc Marmel: The Epitome of Sublime Understatement

Just when you've decided to cut back on luggage and travel accessory splurges, along comes Marc Marmel's line of classic handmade leather luggage with vintage inspired shapes and accessories to match. Comprised of large traveling pieces, small carry-ons, handbags, brief cases, wallets, passport holders, belts and custom pieces, Marc Marmel has something for everyone - for all situations.

If aesthetically pleasing and forward thinking excites you, you'll love my favorite piece, the T-Bag. This bag is an extra large shoe carrier with 18 pockets large enough for men's shoes as well as 4" heels. Made of cracked leather, you'll look well traveled and seasoned to perfection with its brightly colored lime green silk lining.

So whether in need of a long-weekend bag, or a hobo shoulder bag that isn't bound by trend or any particular season, you'll find it all at Marc Marmel. And, if you're feeling daring enough, stay tuned for Marc Marmel's black peacock silk brocade lining for fall 2009, with teal 'peacock eyes' trimmed in metallic taupe on a black background. Absolute luxury.

For more information click here!

Shopping with Green Envy, Cured

Have a thing for drop-dead delicious eco-friendly clothing, yoga and light snacks? On Thursday, March 19^th, designer Stewart + Brown is teaming up with YogaWorks to host a “Yoga and Shopping” event benefiting New Yorkers for a Green New York.

Sit back and unwind as Howard Brown of Stewart + Brown discusses how to be more eco-conscious from day to day, then learn about the importance of going green from Annie Churchill, founder of New Yorkers for a Green New York. Also included in the mix of festivities is a 15-minute Chair Yoga Class developed to demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate yoga into everyday life…smart, smart, smart.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out Stewart + Brown clothing as well as the YogaWorks Signature Collection. Make a purchase at the event, and 10% of it goes straight to the charity. Another good thing.

What: Yoga + Shopping for Charity Event

Where: YogaWorks SoHo, 78 Grand Street, Ground Floor

When: Thursday, March 19th, 7 to 9pm

RSVP: sarahp@tractenberg.com

Top Five Trends of Fall 09

Feathers
Make lots of room in your closet this season—feathers are taking over and flying with style. Anna Sui was one of the many designers who added touches of feathers to her collection, balancing romantic florals and brightly colored legwear.

Wide Leg
If you’re tired of skinny jeans, fall 09 is the perfect season for a welcomed change. The Oscar de la Renta and Ossie Clark collections added hints of flare with satin wide leg pants and jumpsuits. Pair with fitted belted cropped jackets, and satin ruffled tops for sophisticated bliss.

Shorts - Hot Pants
Hot pants don’t exactly scream the “go anywhere” look, but this fall, Giles Deacon and Phillip Lim have managed to dispel those myths. Hot shorts and pants for fall are paired with colorful tights and leggings, offering a combination of naughty sassiness. If you’re really daring, rock your tiny shorts with thigh high boots.

Neons
Michael Kors set our hearts on fire with bold lime colored dresses, while Marc Jacobs opted for wallpaper inspired tights. And who could forget Malandrino’s hot pink skirts?

Ruffles
Sass & Bide designers Sarah Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton have always been a tad unconventional, but this season they rocked the house with rock ‘n’ roll inspired pieces with touches of ruffles for added femininity. Included in the mix of ruffled lovers are Tracy Reese as she showcased ruffled short-sleeve sweaters, and Douglas Hannant’s ruffled Poiret collar blouses.

Fashion Week Nail Trends

From sheer, smoky silvers to popping pomegranate plums, nail trends for fall ‘09 leave room for wearers to gracefully express their personalities. According to nail maven Noni Crème from Butter London, her polish choice this fall is nude. At the Lela Rose show she proclaimed “We will be leaving dark nails in the dust!” as she used Swinger, an antique gold shade with a slight green content to give the nails a “wet” look. However, despite her prediction there was an assortment of dark colors present throughout the shows, including at the Vena Cava show, where Crème laquered up the models in British Racing Green - a dark, bold greenish shade set to launch exclusively on Beauty.com this Fall.

Dark colors were used as accessories this go-around and were present in the majority of shows. Chris Benz used Lancome’s “Declaring Indigo” collection (set to launch this Fall), filled with dark blues, golds and red shades. And Monique L’ Huiller combined Essie’s Aruba Blue and Licorice to give a penetrating dark glow.

Dashing Diva followed the dark trend while offering an array of deep shades with hints of lighter tones sprinkled throughout courtesy of manicurist Alisha Rimando. Jillian Lewis showcased Carrie-d Away, a peachy pink shade on fingernails but darkened the toes up a tad with City that never Sleeps an opaque, midnight blackberry. Erin Fetherston and Charlotte Ronson shared Dashing Diva’s Jet Set - a dark, burgundy frost, while Lorick opted for Central Park After Dark, a crème plum noir, and Catherine Holstein’s models sported Mulberry Street a dark, vampy burgundy frost. Bold and nudes were combined yesterday at Trovata, where we saw a new twist on the classic French manicure, a combination of West Village and She E.O. with Limo Service at the tip.

So whether your layering colors or wearing alone, captivate your personality down to your fingertips with bold shades and nude tones.

To re-create the look at Trovata, simply follow these five steps:
1. Polish all nails with True Color Base coat.
2. Polish all nails with West Village.
3. Polish all nails with She.E.O.
4. Use Limo Service just at the edge of the nail and lean the brush slightly onto the surface of the nail to achieve a 1/16″ black edge on the nail.
5. Cover all nails with True Color Topcoat.

ic! berlin: A Union of Traditional Masculinity and Feminine Modernity

The spring season may be a month away, but ic! berlin's newest sunglasses will make you want to look like a solar god(dess) stat.

Since 2005, the brand has fused unconventional styles and spontaneous modernity. ic! berlin produces slick, screw-less eyeglasses comprised of sheet-metal parts crafted into eclectic designs that laugh in the face of boring.

ic! berlin has always been popular with the fellas but the brand is ready to switch teams - at least for a bit. This year's new, 'Tres Chic!' line is a vintage inspired collection of sunglasses developed by an all-female team for the women of the world. Other hits I want in my own collections are the aviator styles and funkier plastic frames. But if singling out modern glamour is your trademark, look to ic!'s special editions in particular, 'i see one' - a minimalist, futuristic series produced in a limited run of 500 pieces.


Visit ic! berlin for more information and to find out where to scoop a pair for yourself.

Twinkle by Wenlan Uses Audrey Hepburn Character—A Damsel in No Need of Rescue

Last night I headed over to a preview of Twinkle by Wenlan’s fall '09 collection and experienced a fusion of exaggerated chains, beads, geometric patterns and relaxed and roomy blouses. The sweaters were very flirty and the waistlines were high and tight.

And to top it off, the collection was a union of classic style and the 21st Century age of hybrid modernity. I’m totally not a car-lover but I must say the Porsche’s and Ferrari’s were to die for!

Get Close with Jimmy Jane

The Valentine’s hoopla may be over, but keep the love flame burning with Jimmy Jane candles. This unique candle isn’t your typical burner, once you snuff out the flame the wax melts into room-temperature massage oil—perfect for drizzling over your loved one. Made of ember, the oil nourishes and hydrates the skin leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy all over.


And although it’s still a tad nippy outside, Jimmy Jane candles are laced with scents offering touches of spring. Combination scents include: Saffron and Neroli; Habanero and Grapefruit; Coriander and Quince; Truffle and Gardenia; Ginger and Date; and Lychee and Lapsang.

Monique L' Huiller Trends

Here are a few make-up and hair tips I grabbed from backstage at the Monique L' Huiller show earlier today. Remember, you got it here first!


M.A.C Make Up trends:
-The goal for fall '09 is to achieve a 'hard edge' look.
- The look is simple: a black band across the top eyelid with a light shading on the temple.
- The liner used is called smoulder
- Studio Sculpt foundation is very popular this season


Nail Trends:
- Rita Hazan Salon did all the nails for the models. The 1st coat is Essie Aruba Blue, the 2nd is Essie's Licorice

Hair Trends:
- The look is a low ponytail chignon. The inspiration is taken from a ballerina look. However, the look is the ballerina heading home, not to the performance. The look is clean, yet lived in. The goal is to find a balance of clean and non-perfection.

Get Funky with Funky Lobes

In the spring of 2008, Marie Jean Baptiste stumbled upon something in her Brooklyn neighborhood that changed her life—a going out of business fabric and yarn store. Marie immediately took advantage of the deeply discounted merchandise and purchased tons of yarn. “When I finally got home, I didn’t know what I wanted to make,” said Marie. “I just wrapped the colorful yarn around some earrings and things just started coming together.”

A few months and ideas later, Marie birthed Funky Lobes, a jewelry line filled with handcrafted yarn earrings, bangles and necklaces. Exploring new colors and fashion trends are important to Marie, and since her debut last year, she has upgraded to imported yarns from Italy.

Within her jewelry collection you’ll find an array of multi-shaped pieces daunting gorgeous palettes. Although the pieces are easy on the eyes, the process for making the jewelry is no easy task. Aside from using her strength to tightly wrap the yarn, Marie uses three glues for binding purposes. “It’s a long process,” says Marie. But it’s a task she embraces.

“There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new outfits when you can spice up your already owned pieces with one of our fabulous pieces,” said Marie.

So what’s up next for the fashionable gal? Marie is planning to create a collection of yarn handbags and provide a small collection of vintage dresses for Marie’s Closet, a clothing rental boutique for industry professionals—another endeavor Marie has up her sleeve.

Funky Lobes retail anywhere from $15 to $55 and can be found in Pieces and Kiini Ibura boutiques or online at http://www.funkylobes.com.

It’s Official: Michelle Obama in VOGUE Mag!

Next month, Michelle Obama will hit the stands in Vogue Magazine. Following Hillary Clinton, Michelle is the second First Lady to grace the cover. It’s not confirmed what exactly she’ll wear, but we do know she’ll be flaunting Jason Wu. The Washington Post reports:

In the cover photo, taken by Annie Leibovitz, Obama is leaning on a soft beige sofa at the Hay Adams Hotel, where the first family stayed days before the historic inauguration. Obama is wearing a magenta dress by designer Jason Wu, who designed her inaugural ball gown. Her hand rests under her chin. Her left hand folded beneath her. She is wearing a diamond that you do not often see her wearing in recent appearances.

Honestly, the last few articles in Vogue have been rather lackluster. So, Michelle will add a bit of color…literally.

Share the Love with Fashion

Valentine’s Day is like dessert after a delicious meal—you either love it, or find it to be completely pointless. But regardless of your relationship with the so-called-romantic day, it can’t hurt to have a bit of fun. Right?


Head over to N Boutique tonight to enjoy displays of sophisticated dedicates, bra fittings and a naughty show—er, fashion show.

See you there!

114 West 116 Street
Off Lenox Ave.
Time: 6-8:30pm

rEtAiL tHeRaPy

If you think the web world is filled to capacity with discount clothing sites, think again.

Truly Networks, a next-gen online retail development firm, launched a shopping site for women who enjoy high-end fashion apparel and accessories. Entitled, RedTagCrazy.com, The social shopping model combines top brands with huge markdowns, limited quantities, and a very limited time to purchase.

Sound like chaos? Not so much.

Let's be honest, In these hard economic times, everyone is looking for a way to save a buck, right? I know I sure am! And unlike the sample sale sites, you don't need to get invited or be a member. It's open to everyone—for a limited time.

The item Du Jour is a graphic stretch tee from Big Star. And, it's only $11.37!

I Want to Meet Rahni Flowers

Hairstylist Rahni Flowers is the man standing behind the first lady...literally.
Since Michelle Obama was 18, Rahni Flowers has been managing her tresses, making sure her look is always up to par. In his recent interview with Rachel Ray, Flowers discusses Inauguration style preparations and even offers tips on how to score the first lady look.
Rachael asked if he will continue to work with Michelle now that she's away from his Chicago salon and in Washington D.C. Flowers then stated: "It would not be a very pragmatic thing to fly me back and forth to Washington D.C. in light of the economic climate in the United States." Instead, he's training people who live in D.C. to maintain her look and her schedule.
How's that for a savvy stylist who isn't afraid of saving a buck or two. I'll take him!

Check him out on Rachel Ray

Poor Kors...

yesyerday, the Tony Duquette brand filed suit against Michael Kors for trademark infringement and other causes of action. The brand believes the Project Runway star infringed the Duquette proprietary name and trademark by producing and marketing a Kors Resort Collection using the name Duquette.

The weird/crazy part is that designer Tony Duquette, died almost 10 years ago and the company is now in the hands of business partner Hutton Wilkinson. Who knew?!