Monday, March 15th, 2010 | Accessories, Fashion

AMI Swimwear Doesn't Break The Piggy-Bank

By Samantha

AMI, a line that we have come to love for their affordable fashions from dresses to shoes also is providing swimwear for the budget conscious fashionista. Summer is just around the corner, and if you are like me, you are already thinking about what bathing suit you want to don for Memorial Day.

Whether you are a itsy-bitsy bikini type of girl, someone that likes a little more coverage or all about the one pieces, AMI has a suit to fit your needs. Plus, the swimwear is available in a variety of colors and prints. Whether you prefer a classic look, or something more bold, you will be covered, or actually, not really covered much, but looking fabulous. Personally, I am digging the classic nautical style, but the red bikini will definitely be called upon when I’m trying to meet a hot surfer this summer.

There are over 100 styles to choose from, and they all retail for under $50. The swimwear is flirty and feminine, fashion forward with just enough of a kick to ensure you are the hottest chick hitting the waves. The only thing to really think about is how much fabric you want to cover up with.

For more information, and to view all of the styles, visit AMI.

Saturday, March 13th, 2010 | Fashion, Haute Press, Philanthropy

DIY: High Fashion with Lauren Pierce Atelier

By Samantha

Lauren Bush has found a way to allow every girl to design her own look, with her exclusive collection at Barneys, Lauren Pierce Atelier. The designer is hosting one week “in-store Atelier shopping events” at select Barneys store, where the line will be available this spring, in those stores only.

Barneys is a distinguished fashionista’s paradise, and the Lauren Pierce Atelier collection is a perfect fit for the store, known for carrying the latest and greatest in designer ready-to-wear. Lauren Bush worked with the women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa to make this bold line come to fruition. In the DRC, a program called Women for Women International, helps women in conflict and post-conflict areas of the world by giving them job training and emotional counseling.

I had the opportunity to meet Lauren and experience her atelier this past week during her visit to Barneys in Beverly Hills. First step, I had to pick my silhouette; there are 5 to choose from. And I must say, the variation of bodies allows for these dresses to be worn by anyone from my little sister to my mom. They are all fashion forward, but allow you to pick the style that showcases your personal favorite features. After I picked the one-shoulder dress, it was off to step two, picking a fabric. There was an array of brightly-colored, hand-dyed fabrics to choose from. The fabrics are made by the women in the DRC, and each is one of a kind. I opted for a purple and blue tie-dyed fabric, girly yet chic. The fabrics range from simple to extraordinarily outrageous, so every woman can find the colors that compliment her, or pick the colors she wants to be wearing this spring and summer. From there, it was sizing, to find the size that fit me best.

Now, here comes to best part. After completing these steps, any woman in the atelier can place her order. In 6 weeks, she will be delivered her own, customized dress finished off with  a personalized label that includes her name and the name of the woman that hand dyed the fabric that she selected. You have picked the dress and fabric, but how the print lies on the dress will be a surprise as each dress is custom designed by you, the designer, well, and Lauren Bush, too. Plus, with your purchase, you are helping out the women in the DRC, keeping their craft alive and helping to support them and their families.

The dresses are all feminine and sophisticated. Whichever style and pattern you choose, one thing is for sure. You will wear your one-of-a-kind piece with pride. And with prices ranging from $465 to $595, it is the most economically friendly atelier around. With Lauren Pierce Atelier, Lauren Bush allows every girl to become a designer for the day and to create a dress that is uniquely “hers.”

Lauren Pierce Atelier is available at 6 Barneys locations: New York City on Madison Avenue, Chicago on Oak Street, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Scottsdale and Dallas. Hurry up, and get going on making your dress this spring, so this summer, you can prance around in your very own creation. Lauren is a total dream, and I love that her passion for helping others has sprung into her fashions for a truly fabulous collaborative effort.

For more information, email sales@lauren-pierce.com or call your local Barney’s.

Photos courtesy of Michael Buckner.

Friday, March 12th, 2010 | Fab Events, Fashion, New York, Shop

Tibi at Bloomingdale's Today in NYC + A Little Fashion Advice

By Faith

I love traveling almost as much as I love shopping. Tibi rolls my favorite pastimes into one with bold prints and feminine silhouettes perfect for a trip to St. Tropez or Ibiza.

Today, Tibi and Bloomingdale’s are teaming up and giving the NYC set the perfect chance to start on Spring shopping. A fabulous gift comes with every purchase (don’t worry I won’t spoil the fun) and a beautiful runway piece will be given away to one lucky winner (the piece featured to the right).

I caught up with Tibi’s fashion experts ahead of time to get some spring/summer wardrobe ideas and to talk about some key pieces in the Spring 2010 collection.

What are some key pieces from Tibi’s Spring 2010 Collection?

The Cala Lilly Cap sleeve dress has been selling out like crazy! For a more glam casual look, we have a couple draped blazers in the collection that look amazing paired with our pastel colored ruffle shorts.

With spring and summer approaching, what are 3 essential travel pieces that all women should have?

Cropped jackets in fun textures – Tibi has an amazing suede blazer for spring that completely complements a flowy dress, and having something to slip over a dress or tank when it cools off at night is a travel savior.

Day Dress – We have a few jersey pieces in the Spring collection that you can completely ball up and won’t wrinkle, so amazing for living out of a suitcase.  Personal favorite is the Bouvier Jersey One Shoulder Printed Dress: it’s a perfect mix of downtown style and travel sensibility.

LBD – You always need to have a dress for a glitzy night out to make you feel like a rock star. Our Oleander Beading Slip Dress has a vintage silhouette with allover beading for a fun update.

What are some ideas for spring/summer ensembles?

Go short and show off your legs. Also sheer tops with embroidery or crochet detail in more conservative cuts perfectly mix coy and casual.  Until the weather warms up, throw a trench over everything and you’re guaranteed to look chic.

Any spring/summer fashion advice?

Always wear sunscreen and never miss a chance to wear color. The Tibi line includes so many fun prints and saturated hues, and summer is the perfect excuse to brighten up your wardrobe.

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 | Accessories, Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, TopPictures

Costume National Fall 2010

By Samantha

The Costume National Fall 2010 collection is all about morphing from the man-made to the technological. Omnipresent in the collection is the juxtaposition of organic fabrics and classic tailoring alongside modern technicalities of design.

Knits, leather and fur are the backdrop of the collection with a refined, rock n’ roll attitude for the edgy chick that remains sophisticated and timeless. The pieces are warm, yet remain very light and every item is deconstructed and put back together to create the look. The colors for the pieces are monochromatic, in different tones of the same shades. There palette is doubled with an urban feel in the black, silver, charcoal and concrete and a natural feel with ivory, almond and dark brown. Taking nature and marrying it with the urban evolution creates a collection that is stunning to the eye, with so much depth lying in the details. The embroidery is a unique “bark” which is an organic and iridescent surface of hand-folded gold sequins covered one by one with black voile. An artisans technique that is complimented by the innovations of modernity.

One of the best parts of Costume National is that the line is all encompassing from head to toe. Dresses, pants, coats, jackets, bags and shoes are all from the brand, and work together effortlessly to create looks that are raw yet ornamental and stunning. The Fall 2010 collection is on trend with all of the natural colors that we have been seeing, and what girl can go without a fabulous over-sized bag and funky, rocking shoes? Every garment is incredibly thought out and put together to create true “looks” that are lust-worthy for the girl that isn’t afraid to make a statement but likes to always keep it classy.


Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, Paris

Paris Fashion Week: Gareth Pugh Fall 2010

By Jessica

After several seasons delivering outlandish yet ingenious garments, Gareth Pugh may have finally toned down with an almost unilateral collection for Fall 2010. The outfitter-in-chief chose to shun his alternative ways for a much acceptable and wearable collection. The results however did not live up to expectations.

Neoprene and pleather may be a sensible choice of materials for the new age but the trick lies in using these fabrics prudently. Unfortunately for Mr. Pugh and us, what walked out on the runway was unpleasantly reminiscent of tyre tubes moulded around the human form.

Junkyard chic is not likely to develop into a trend anytime soon. In the process of expanding his demographic in order to gain entry into the mainstream, he seems to have lost touch with his signature traits and in a way, his creative side. While the asymmetrical crocheted coats are undisputedly genius, the trapeze silhouette seemed aridly recurrent in the form of jackets, capelets and frock-coats; the latter much capable of serving the purpose of a stylish scuba-outfit when teamed with equally deep-sea-friendly rubber leggings, as seen on the runway.

The occasional glimpse of gauzy silk and frayed cashmere did, however, make for a pleasant change.  From leather to metal, the transition was very apparent with the same silhouettes putting on a second skin, draped with thin chains. Nothing groundbreaking of course; not very unlike the work of a new whiz-kid on the block we’ve taken notice of some time ago.

So, what then could be the highlight of the collection? Believe it or not but Gareth Pugh did leave his mark behind by sending out a pair of sunray-pleated palazzo pants…for men.

More from the show below. -Dyuti Mishra

(Images courtesy Style.com)

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 | Celebs, Fashion, News

Anlo Launches Silks Into Their Collection

By Samantha

Anlo came to acclaim with their fabulously fitting denim that easily meshed into any ladies wardrobe, creating a plethora of outfit options. Anlo denim sought to compliment your ensemble, and be easily thrown into any outfit to create a fashion forward, savvy look. Designers Jenna Andreola and David Lonstein (“An” and “Lo”) created dressy denim that could be worn at night, or during the day.

The designers quickly had a large celebrity following from Kate Moss and Sienna Miller to Leighton Meester and Selena Gomez, to name a few. With their line of denim doing so well, the designers decided to launch a collection of silk dresses and tops under the Anlo label, making the brand into a lifestyle collection where the sophisticated shopper can dress head to toe in Anlo gear.

The Anlo line of silks is absolutely beautiful, with pieces that hug the body perfectly and act as chic basics that are must-haves for your closet. Plus, paired with the line’s denim, there is an easy outfit that will take you from day to night in style. Throw on a blazer over your silk Anlo top for your business meeting, and wear a silk Anlo dress out for date-night, the fabric alone with leave your special someone drooling.

Anlo silks retail for $194 to $297 and the denim ranges from $123 to $394. The line is available at ShopBop, so go shop away and feel super silky this spring.

Monday, March 8th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, News

John Galliano Fall 2010

By Faith

Each season, John Galliano takes us all on a journey with his namesake line. For Fall 2010, his nomadic spirit plays centerstage in a collection of show-stopping pieces fit for an unbounded international excursion.

Galliano’s inspiration for the collection is “a tribe of adventuring nomads” trekking “through a mountainous terrain, crossing imaginary borders in search of a new land”. Inspirations from all across the globe are seen as the layering of each piece creates the perfect melange of exotic cultures and high fashion.  Each piece is elaborately detailed from coats with fur trim to headpieces that deserve their own zip codes. Silhouettes vary from chic peasant-style blouses to harem pants and even to beautiful evening gowns, which are all surprisingly wearable.

The footwear is out of this world, in true Galliano fashion, but also completely adaptable for the Fall months boasting sky high stiletto heels and lace-up detailing, like the feminine versions of a combat boot.

More images of the collection below. Images and quote courtesy of Style.com and WWD.

Monday, March 8th, 2010 | Fab Events, Fashion, Los Angeles

Armani Exchange Opens Concept Store in Los Angeles

By Samantha

On the famed Robertson Boulevard, Armani Exchange has taken over the former Armani Casa space with a concept store that is sleek, refined and definitely a must on your shopping destination list. The 6,600 square foot retail space is huge, but the displays fill it beautifully, leaving room to browse.

The A|X Armani Exchange store officially opened on March 3rd and contains an edited assortment of the lines collections alongside signature, exclusive pieces to the store, fitting the young Hollywood vibe.

The store is amazingly organized, and I must say, this is the first time A|X Armani Exchange bags and accessories have come to my attention, and they are to die for. From denim and tees to funky nighttime dresses, the store has everything a girl or guy could need to take them through their days in style. Also, to note, there are barely any logos on any of the merchandise, so Armani Exchange has definitely grown up, in a good way, and we are loving it.

The concept store also features an exhibition area which houses pieces of art from emerging designers who have created pieces solely for this store. The installations will change seasonally, so there will also be something new to look out for. This store reflects with the Los Angeles lifestyle: young, cosmopolitan, elegant and casual yet fun. The store is full of reds and blues with a classic Americana look that is transformed for the West Hollywood crowd. Every mannequin is adorned in an outfit that is wearable, chic and classic, and finding the pieces to put the outfit together is so easy, it makes shopping more fun that ever.

One of the signature pieces for the store is fabulously vintage washed khaki and denim pieces. Everything in the store is sophisticated, fashion forward and easy to wear, fitting perfectly with the store which definitely commands attention and looks absolutely stunning in its space on quite a busy Los Angeles corner.

Monday, March 8th, 2010 | Accessories, Celebs, Fab Events, Fashion, News

2010 Oscars Red Carpet: Pinks, Blues and Gold All Over

By Samantha

The biggest red carpet celebration has just passed us by, the 82nd Academy Awards. But we wouldn’t let this day full of entertainment icons pass us by without discussing the fabulous fashions worn on the famous red carpet. This year, the Oscars celebration was full of vibrant hues from blues to pinks, with many starlets channeling the statue itself in metallic and nude tones. An evening full of ladies dressed up like real like princesses, these women are true style icons, and this carpet is their catwalk. So now, a rundown of the fashions at the 2010 Academy Awards.

There is no better way to start off than by the winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, and America’s Sweetheart, Sandra Bullock. The celebrity icon looked statuesque and fit for her statue in a gold Marchesa gown and Jimmy Choo “Quiet” sandals. A true golden goddess, if we don’t say so ourselves.

Now, for the ladies in pink, and there were quite a few of them, in all shades of the feminine, flirty and perfect for spring hue. Anna Kendrick was a pretty pretty princess in her Elie Saab Haute Couture gown and a Judith Leiber clutch. Her co-star Vera Farmiga through hot pink out of the park in her stunning Marchesa number, and she pulled off the ruffles with perfection.

Next up is Demi Moore who was glowing in an Atelier Versace dress, Versace sandals, a Ferragamo Clutch and Van Cleef and Arpels jewels.

Rachel McAdams may have been my personal favorite of the night. Her watercolored Elie Saab Haute Couture gown and Ferragamo clutch were to die for. The dress lit up against the carpet, and the starlet looked like a real fashion icon.

Penelope Cruz, the on-screen siren, definitely looked hot in a Donna Karan Couture dress and Roger Vivier Haute Couture Folies clutch.

Singer, actress and all around amazingness Jennifer Lopez stunned in Giorgio Armani Prive gown and clutch with Cartier jewels and Ferragamo pumps.

Queen Latifah looked truly regal in her fabulous jeweled frock, and the lines of the dress are truly eye-catching.

From pinks to purples, Zoe Saldana’s dress was the talk of the night. With a jeweled top and a ruffled bottom full of color, she looked radiant from head to toe, and those shoes were seriously amazing. The dress was Givenchy, and we hope she gets to keep that stunner.

In line with Zoe Saldana was Charlize Theron who took a fashion risk. Love it or hate it, you decide, we are going with love. It is truly a high fashion couture piece, and if anyone can pull that off, it is Charlize. The dress was Dior Couture, as were the shoes, which she paired with Harry Winston jewels.

Now, the other favorite color of the evening was blue, although none of these ladies looked like they had the blues. From pale to navy and everything in between, navy is a safe color, but many of these ladies went far from playing it safe with their fashion choices.

First up, we have Maggie Gyllenhaal who looked like the belle of the ball in her Dried Van Noten gown, that looked a bit to us like the famous “Starry Night” painting.

Law and Order: SVU is one of my personal favorite shows, and no one truly realizes how stunning Mariska Hargitay is until she pops out on the red carpet. For the Academy Awards, the television star dazzled in navy Vera Wang paired with Fred Leighton jewels.

Mo’Nique went straight for the cobalt blue trend, and looked stunning in a Tadashi Shoji gown, Swarovski “Fan” clutch and Jimmy Choo “Clue” Platform Sandals. Her husband was quite the hot accessory, too.

Mariah Carey looked sexy yet totally refined in her Valentino number, with a stunning side slit, and H. Stern jewels.

Newcomer to the carpet, Gabourey Sidibe, maybe getting a ton of acclaim for her role in Precious, but we must say, she is truly taking some awesome fashion risks along the way. The starlet looked stunning in a gown by Marchesa and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Stunner Elizabeth Banks looked positively glowing in her Versace blue-gray gown, with detailing to die for.

Los Angeles fashionista and designer Nicole Richie graced the carpet in a fabulous boho-chic ensemble. The dress was Reem Acra which she paired with a Judith Leiber clutch, Lorraine Schwartz jewels and Bally shoes.

Another popular color on the red carpet was metallics and nude tones, as if the celebrities were trying to re-incarnate the Oscar statue themselves. However, they looked dazzling in nude, which looked fresh and fun on the carpet.

Starlet Amanda Seyfried looked absolutely beautiful in an Armani Prive gown with Swarovski beaded detailing and Brian Atwood “Katie Bis” pumps.

Miley Cyrus looked age appropriate, fun and fashion forward in her Jenny Packham frock.

Cameron Diaz, Hollywood’s “it” girl, graced the red carpet in an Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010 collection dress with Cartier jewels, a Roger Vivier “Sesame” clutch and Brian Atwood gold satin “Wagner” pumps.

Kate Winslet played the part of the sophisticated, chic actress, which was not a stretch at all, in her Yves Saint Laurent dress and Tiffany gems.

Meryl Streep wore a dress by Project Runway alum, Chris March, which she accented with a Swarovski clutch and Jimmy Choo “Zena” sandals. The woman can do no wrong, I swear.

Trend-setting celebutante Diane Kruger failed to disappoint as she looked fabulous in her Chanel dress and Jaeger-Le-Coultre diamond bracelet.

Never is there a red carpet that passes that celebrities do not wear black. However, this year, the black dresses were bold and statement worthy, and nowhere near boring.

To start, we have Carey Mulligan, who looked fierce yet elegant in a Prada dress with “raso doppio tec” material, which she paired perfectly with Prada pleated “Duchesse” heels and a Prada clutch.

Country crooner, and total hottie, Faith Hill spruced up the red carpet in her black gown with black lace detailing. She looked rocker worthy and jaw-dropping.

Comedienne Tina Fey looked beautiful on the red carpet in a Michael Kors one shouldered gown, Jimmy Choo pumps, a Kotur clutch and Stephen Russell jewels.

And last, but certainly not least, is Sarah Jessica Parker. If there is a red carpet that she is on, she will definitely be note-worthy, make a statement and look totally fabulous. Tonight, I’m not sure if she was playing herself or channeling Carrie Bradshaw, but either way, she looked like the sophisticated, savvy New York City girl in Los Angeles. She brought her rays of sunshine with her, and woo’ed the crowd in her Chanel Couture gown and Fred Leighton jewels. The neckline was unlike anything I have ever seen, but the dress complimented with metallic rosettes in the front and back, was innovative, fun and dazzled on the carpet.

Sunday, March 7th, 2010 | Fashion, Haute Press, Men, News

MEN’S LUST VS. MUST BLACK & GOLD

By David

Black is back and more classic than ever, this is the color that’s tried and true, and appropriate all year round.

With accessories, it is paramount to build your collection with at least one or two pieces in black. If you’re limited on space and you’re a no frills man then your staple tote should be in a good solid black.

Lust: Mark Marmel Steamer bag $1410 Barneys.com

Must: Prospect Portfolio bag from Brooklyn Industries  $68 BrooklynIndustries.com

Outerwear is essential and even as the temperature is climbing consider a trench or simple peacoat with a military twist to protect you from the changing elements.

Lust: Modern Fit Trench Coat by Burberry $1695 Burberry.com

Must: Military Peacoat by Topman $140 Topman.com

Black shoes are what every man regardless of their style sense needs. Pointed luxury or Patent and high-end, take your pick!

Lust: Apron Toe Venetian by Prada $595 Barneys.com

Must:  Black Luxury Formal by Topman $140 Topman.com

A lot of men don’t wear watches but will wear accessories in other forms, consider an accessory with function and style. Think bold mechanics and texture, a lot of it.

Lust: Black Carnival by Ritmo Mundo $500 Vivre.com

Must: Chronography Dial by Fossil $125 Fossil.com