God Save My Shoes – A Must-See Documentary featuringChristian Louboutin

Text, Vivian Kelly

This year has been a good one for fashion documentaries. There was the one about Bill Cunningham, the one on Duckie Brown, and now this one about some of the world’s foremost shoemakers [let's just call them MAGICIANS] opening later on this month.

One of the highlights of the film is the section on Christian Louboutin and his red soled creations that cause women everywhere to abandon all reason and happily spend over $600 for a pair. Admittedly, as a runner, I don’t wear heels and have already endured 2 bunion surgeries. That annoying fact though doesn’t dampen my desire to own a pair of Louboutins, which I would then display in a plexi glass case lit from the bottom. They’re art right? So, why not?

My great friend, Theadora Brack, Paris Correspondent for EuroCheapo, brought this film to my attention a few weeks ago, and then again today, with the newsflash that it opens October 4th. For the lucky few, there is an invitation-only event in Manhattan, at the very beginning of NYFW, on September 7 and the Paris Theater, 4 West 58th Street. Fittingly, it’s around the corner from Bergdorf Goodman.

Below, a little preview to whet your appetite.

For more information go to:

CAID Productions

Tel: 212-537-5785

Hair Happiness – the In-Styler- taking hair from bad to rad

Text, Vivian Kelly

Before the email from the lovely Cheryl Buscema of Siren PR and that life-changing afternoon meeting when I got to meet celebrity hair stylist, Dean Banowetz, my hair possibilities were limited – to say the very least.

A “good day” meant no frizz, wavy bumps and no cowlicks and the ability to put my hair into a stubby ponytail. [yes, the growing-out process is still on].

As I flipped through my monthly issues of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and W, I admired the sleek straight hair in Carmen Kass wore in Michael Kors ads season after season and the sleek chignons in the new “Mad Men” collection Banana Republic is promoting, that sort of hair was never in my personal realm of possibility. My admiration was always detached as without a hair magician such as Leonard Zagami or one of Oribe’s wizards doing their magic on my hair, that kind of hair was just never going to happen to me.

All of this changed after I met Dean in the Setai’s zen-like Library Room during MBMiami Swim Week. He demoed his creation – the in-styler on Cheryl, who has beautiful long chestnut hair. I was impressed but I was still a tad emotionally removed, that is until he worked the magic wand through my short bob. To say that it was not a good hair day up until that point would be putting it kindly. It was around 2:00p.m., and I’d been out running from hotel to hotel on market appointments in the humid mid-summer Miami heat with my hair yanked away from my face in a ponytail.

Seeing is believing and as Dean started working the wand through the first strand of my tangles, Kooba Gooding Junior’s insolent voice whined in my brain, “show me the money!” Less than five minutes later, the voice was silenced as I looked in the huge mirror and saw a perfectly coiffed bob.

Dean pronounced it, “too perfect” and mussed it up a bit before spraying it and letting me leave, with my own in-styler to go. Good hair is life-changing. As I walked out of the Setai, I couldn’t wait to see people I knew to show them my hair – a feeling I’d only experienced after a really good shorter than short hair cut at Oribe’s and when Anthony Palermo dyed my hair an amazing copper red.

I always like to share my findings and to get an opinion. Once back home in CT, I had Junior Editor Juliette and her friends try the in-styler out. If super critical teen cheerleaders liked it, the in-styler was the equivalent of a record that’s gone platinum.

An hour later, they marched into my FE Home office and pronounced the in-styler “really LEGIT” and preened and posed to show the results. As Dean had explained, you can create waves and flip up your hair with the in-styler, as well as straighten it.

Some final notes, even though my hair is colored and roughed-up from color, the in-styler did not dry my hair out as the typical straightening iron does, because

Below, the 411 of this rotating straightener and curling iron the WORKS with a minimum of damage to your locks.

THE INSTYLER is the first-ever rotating straightener and curling iron that infuses volume and shine into the hair while styling. This multipurpose hot iron is designed to offer maximum styling benefits and professional results all in one easy-to-use tool, allowing women to style their hair like a pro without the difficulty of managing a blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron or big round brush. THE INSTYLER has a built-in brush that works together with a heated rotating barrel to create a variety of curly or straight looks, while polishing, smoothing and volumizing the hair. The rotating heated cylinder is also beneficial compared to a traditional flat iron because the barrel is constantly moving while distributing heat evenly to the hair, never remaining in one spot for a long period of time.

THE INSTYLER ($119) is available at getinstyler.com “http://www.getinstyler.com”www.getinstyler.com

Grooming at the Duckie Brown spring 2012 Preview – Conair’s i-stubble trimmer

Text, Vivian Kelly

There’s not much going on in the dogdays of summer in New York when it comes to fashion. I was surprised and thrilled to receive an email from friend, Daniel Silver, to attend the Duckie Brown spring 2012 show preview.

“Preview?” I wondered, knowing from my years at Michael Kors that designers are loathe to reveal the goods until show day.

As I kept reading, I understood, the Duckies would reveal the goodies so early -on because this was a grooming-based event, and as such, it made sense.

The grooming turned out to be Conair‘s i-Stubble trimmer for Men. This trimmer is kind of like the Rolls Royce of trimmers as it has 15 ultra-precise length settings. So, if you want that “Dirty Harry” look, you can get it at home with the i-Stubble. The Duckies’ Steven Cox gamely demoed the i-Stubble and went from a beard to a chic stubble. Have a look at the “before” and “after” looks.

So how does this play into what the models will look like into the show?

The inspiration for this season’s collection the Duckies told me was “a rough boy-man from London’t East End, who’s out and about in a tracksuit.

Of course, this being Duckie Brown, their version of a tracksuit is a highly refined one, made of beautiful silk-nylon [more refined than the one my Prada bag is made of]. Although the black one we looked at was definitely comfortable, it was as always, impeccably tailored.

Beyond that, I made a concerted effort to look AWAY from the racks- especially the Mrs. Brown ones so that I’d have the thrill of seeing a collection that would make my blood boil. Steven let me see one Mrs. Brown piece and I got to try it on! The shrunken leather jacket is a winner – it’s cream [I love all things cream and nude colored] and “as soft as buttah” with some major zippers that give it that cool Paris Girl look, maybe a little Jane Birkin?

Beyond that, my lips are zipped but all will be revealed on September 9th at 1:00p.m. when the Duckies unveil Duckie and Mrs. Brown at Industria Superstudios during NYFW. Until then!

A Winning Ad Campaign – Joe’s Jeans and Paz de la Huerta

Text, Vivian Kelly

Images of Campaign, courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

Most ad campaigns tend to be kind of boring, so when something new comes along that’s out of the box it’s definitely worth a mention.

Earlier this summer, Lily Salembier of Paul Wilmot Communications sent me an email about something interesting Joe’s Jeans had come up with. For their 10th anniversary, Joe Jeans’ latest ad campaign is featuring gorgeous actress, Paz de la Huerta.

Paz is of particular interest as she’s one one of the stars of HBO’s award winning series “Boardwalk Empire”. Her character, Lucy Danziger, a former Zigfield Folly’s Girl, is wild and sexy and totally in character with her classic looks and pouty red lips.

Creative Director Joe Dahan and photographer Tao Ruspoli had Paz pose for the campaign images based on a classic movie star story. Ruspoli shot Paz in Fellini’s cinematic style. The campaign is based on a classic movie story and follows Paz through the various acts of her performance.

The series begins with Paz in full flight on a vintage merry-go-round horse – (Coated Skinny Micro Flare in Fiona and lace top).

The starlet’s closing scene has her posed in front of her vanity mirror contemplating her lustful last performance (Skinny Micro Flare in Black and Sidonie shirt with tie). There’s something a bit voyeuristic about the campaign and it’s refreshing to see an interesting actress participate in an ad campaign that’s in character. Prior to seeing this campaign, Joe’s Jeans were just another high-end jeans brand. Thanks to this campaign, Joe’s is now a brand I’m paying attention to and one I WILL go into Neiman’s and try on. I’ve got to spend that $100 NM gift card on something….

ABOUT JOE’S JEANS INC.

The company began with concept of unique denim that fits a range of diverse body types, not just model size zeros. Today’s enhanced fit selection includes such notable names as The Honey, The Provocateur and The Visionaire. In the past 10 years, Joe’s has added a casual, chic lifestyle collection for men, women and kids.

To learn more, visit joesjeans.com or Like Joe’s at facebook.com/joesjeans.

Fall Accessory Must-Have – the Nude Pump, Popularized by Kate Middleton

Text, Vivian Kelly

Oh Trends, Oh Trends, Oh Wherefort Art Thou?

That’s the refrain that keeps going through my head in terms of how I’ll be dressing for NYFW and for fall in general.

OK, I’ve been reading too much Shakespeare lately, but after a chat with friend, Meredith Garcia of The Fashion List, I realized that the answer is, There are precious few trends out there that as Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown said, ‘make my blood boil’ .

This prompted me to revisit W Magazine and some websites for inspiration. As it turns out, I found inspiration at the supermarket. Yes, Stop & Shop’s “People Special Fashion Issue” headline, “Kate’s Style Secrets!” got me back in the swing.

At the top of the list here were the nude pumps she’s been photographed wearing – a lot. Although Kate is a style inspiration [I like her unpretentious style], I’m going to credit my friend, actor Pamme Jones for putting this nude shoe trend in front of me. She came over for cocktails sometime in February, proudly sporting a pair of sky high nude pumps she’d gotten from DSW. The rest of her outfit was skinny jeans and a sweater. Not one of the women who were over could drag their eyes away from these pumps – we all wanted them.

Shortly afterwards, I spotted a similar pair at Kohl’s. Vera Wang had made a pair for her “Simply Vera” shoe line. The nude pump was just not a one-off though.

Earlier this month, I received an email from Melissa Edwards, of Clout Public Relations about a hot new shoe from one of my favorite shoe lines, Aruna Seth.

The Aruna Seth Nude ‘Samantha’ Pump” is the ultimate example of the nude pump that’s become a trend across a variety of price points. Melissa’s email below, says WHY.

“It’s a wardrobe classic that not only elongates the leg, but serves as the perfect complement to the bold ready-to-wear trends of splashy patterns, prints and neon hues.”

Sure, you COULD wear a black shoe but it would look too heavy and draw too much attention, so it’s really not an option.

Kate Middleton and her “Sledge” patent L.K. Bennetts have gotten the most play, but lots of other celebrities have snapped-up this wardrobe problem solver: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Anniston, and Camilla Parker Bowles aka Duchess of Cornwall, wore them to Zara Phillips’ recent wedding to Mike Tindall.

What’s impressive is how varied this group of women is, and that’s what a good trend should be – something that works for a varied demographic.

There are a wide variety of options available.

Below, my picks for high, medium, and just playing [minimal $ investment].

HIGH END: Aruna Seth’s “Samantha” peep toe version at $705 is the ultimate in luxury.

MEDIUM: The ones Kate wears. “Sledge: pump by L.K. Bennett

[They aren’t available yet, but will be this fall].

JUST PLAYING: Arturo Chiang “Orina” platform pump, $69.99 at Dillard’s Department Stores. Two other options are the “Noemy” if you like a closed toe and the “Apple” if you have to have a peep toe.

As I don’t wear heels, I’m going to take it down a level and spent time this afternoon conferring with Felipe at Shoe Service discussing how best to dye my pristine white Bruno Maglis the perfect color of nude. The model- a pair of Chanel spectator flats in nude with black toe caps.

Daniel – my blood isn’t boiling, but the nude shoe trend has got it going at a nice slow simmer.

John Crocco Does it Again – His Winning Formula for Perry Ellis

Text, Vivian Kelly

Once, not so long ago, I had mentally lumped the men’s brands who showed at New York Fashion Week into two broad categories: “fashion” [makes my blood boil] and “clothes” [dullsville].

In the “fashion” camp were: Duckie Brown, Siki Im.

In the “just clothes” camp: Nautica, Perry Ellis.

I’m going to remove Perry Ellis from this category and for now, place it in the in-between one along with John Varvatos – a definite step up, style-wise.

A week or so ago LaForce & Stevens sent me an email highlighting the latest Perry Ellis Campaign. At first glance, not a lot of color, nothing revolutionary, but I rather liked it and decided to share it with friend, Mark Behnke, the Men’s Editor of Fashion Tribes.

Mark, bless him, always has an opinion and knows his men’s fashion.

In response to my query ["Sooo, what do you think?]“, he replied,

“I really like the way John Crocco is working in small ways to make Perry Ellis a line for the stylish cool dude in his late Twenties to Early Thirties. The designs each season get a little more forward without going over a line that a Perry Ellis wearer wouldn’t cross. By having some identifiable faces as reps of Perry Ellis is another step in that direction.”

I like the company’s M.O. – small steps, but always in the same direction, just like the turtle in the French Fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’. In this instance, the small step was to use three models rather than just as one, as they’d done for years. Add to that that the trio – Arthur Kulkov, Thiago Santos and Parker Gregory do actually “mark a shift in the direction and composition of Perry Ellis advertising.” Let’s just say that not every guy who sh0ps Perry is a WASP and it’s great that the company acknowledges the American male shopper’s changing demographic in such a public way. Thumbs up to John Crocco and Charles DeCaro, Creative Director of Laspata DeCaro, who directed the shoot [see video, below].

Click here to watch their behind the scenes video.

If John Crocco continues like this, he may well win the race to carve out a bigger piece of the pie of the men’s market. For now, I’m looking forward to seeing what Mr. Crocco unveils at the upcoming NYFW show.

RAMBO’S PICKS: AUGUST 14 – Sleeping on Frette Sheets= BEAUTY

Frette ” The Trademark of absolute prestige in the field of home couture throughout the world.”

Text,♥RAMBO

My Editor, Vivian Kelly

This week, I want to talk about the importance of SLEEP as part of your beauty regimen. Look at ME and my big step-sis, AVON, if you need any proof that it works. Who wants to read boring studies in magazines like MORE, anyhow. ZZZZZZzzzz.

Below, is my dream crash pad. These are Frette sheets.

Sleep might not sound like a beauty problem I would take on, but after seeing a bunch of flight attendants over breakfast in Warwick, Rhode Island, I decided that not enough sleep is a beauty vampire – blue circles, bags, saggy lids and lips. Scary!!

I don’t have this problem. As a cat, it’s part of my religion to sleep at least 12 hours a night. There’s sleep and there’s sleep.

Okay, I like Ralph Lauren, but his sheets are only 250 thread count and are rough compared to the Frette Sheets I’m obsessed with.

WHY am I obsessed?

Easy, 5 reasons:

1. Frette sheets are white or cream and “go” with everything and you don’t get tired of them like the ones with prints on them.

2. They’re insanely soft and get softer and softer instead of falling apart with more washes like some other big brands but I don’t want to be “catty” and name names

3. We love Woodbury Commons and our Frette obsession gives us a reason to drop into Woodbury. I like it so much I might actually get into that ugly blue nylon carrying case and come along.

HINT: if I had that snazzy Burberry one we saw at the Baby Burberry store at the Westchester Mall, I’d be a lot more agreeable about going to get my shots at the evil vet.

4. My people are always redecorating, which is fine as long as there is something neutral around to balance it out. No, I didn’t come up with this on my own exactly, but I figured it out after looking at the pictures of that Assouline book, Gypset Style that’s on the bedside table and Aunt Demi said so too. She’s my Interior Decorator Auntie and knows everything about that.

5. Frette is luxury and I love luxury. This is a great investment when you think about it – yawn -[ all of this thinking is making me sleepy....]

You can buy a set of these sheets at Woodbury for under $100 and I can lay on them 12 hours a day. I can’t do that with a Vuitton bag – it’s just not comfy.

What are you waiting for? The only way to really know it to try sleeping on them with your cat companion or ik with a dog if you’re not lucky enough to have a kitty at home.

I’m soooo sleeepy talking about Frette.

Next time, I’m going to tell you which creams you should use for anti-aging and which you need to toss.

Avon and I tried a bunch and we talked to our facialist, Adrianna, of Ricci Salon to find-out which ones are dog doo and which ones are the cat’s meow.

Ciaow Meow!

~R~

Stand-out Prints – A Great Print is Hard to Find – the CIA Maritima Swimshow at the Raleigh

Text, Vivian Kelly

A good print is hard to find. Everyone TRIES but few succeed. Here’s a handful of designers who have succeeded: Diane Von Furstenberg, Lilly Pulitzer, Mara Hoffman, and Benny Rosset for Cia. Marititma.

This season, the suits at Cia. Maritima were teeny tiny – a requirement for any self-respecting Brazilian beach babe – no news there.

What grabbed my attention were the wild tropo-ethnic prints in fucshia-pink and cobalt-poison green on the bikinis AND the specially designed microsoft computers we got to view at the Microsoft party in the Raleigh’s penthouse.

For more on Cia. Maritima’s latest offerings, read my review of the Microsoft showcase and the Cia Maritima show on The Fashion List.

MBFW SWIM 2012: THE DINEILA BRAZIL PRESS PREVIEW- A Hot hot hot Capsule Collection

Text, Vivian Kelly

The Raleigh Penthouse
Miami, FL

This capsule collection was the result of swim designer Neila Rudden teaming up with Sports Illustrated hottie, Chrissy Teigen, to create a colorful collection for DiNeila Brazil’s Swim 2012 offerings. It’s good to have an actual model involved in design process, as they are hyper-aware of the fit, having actually worn the clothes in question. Teigen’s hand in, helps explain the excellent fit of the sleek one-pieces the handful of models showed off as guests sipped on cocktails and bopped to the music DJ Nektar played throughout the presentation.

As it turns out, the DJ is also a talented new accessories designer – check-out the fabric, crystal and bead chokers the models are wearing. I wouldn’t have known, but luckily Miami friend, Karelle Levy [designer of KrelWear and the fantastic "Quickie Couture" - I've always got the gray vest she made me in my car] was with me, giving me inside info just like this. I made a note to connect with Nektar at a later date and see more.

For the rest of the runway coverage of this outstanding capsule collection, read on at The Fashion List.

Aloha! Until tomorrow.

Rambo’s Picks – Week of August 1

Text, RAMBO

Translated by Vivian Kelly

This week, I had VK try-out a bunch of mascaras. It took a while because I napped more than usual in this heat and didn’t get around to dictating my beauty tip until the weekend.

I was inspired by ROCKY – the terrifying raccoon who steals into my garage at night. I got up the courage last Saturday night to spy on him from a hidden accessway into the vegetable cellar that has a good view of the food bag target in the garage.

Talk about a mess, but he inspired me! Rocky has mascara running all around his eyes – reminds me of those heavy metal bands on VH-1 when they do that “blast to the past” stuff. Hardly anyone can wear this look. He is a fashion “don’t”. I liked how Amy Winehouse looked, but was the only one.

THIS, is how mascara should look like on.

Anyhow, my advice is: Mascara needs to do a couple of things:

1. Lengthen

2. Thicken

3. NOT run or smudge till you take it off.

4. Oh – not look overdone. If you look like you’re trying to hard, that’s “a fail”!

After weeks of having VK test these out while out on long sweaty jogs in 90+ degree heat, I have a 3-way tie.

I know, I know, I’m only supposed to pick ONE, but they were all good and have different price points.

HERE are my WINNERS.

Hey Rocky, are you listening???

Expensive: Dolce & Gabbana

We bought this because we liked the shiny gold case that kinda looks like a piece of jewelry. It’s $29

Medium: Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara, $15 – does the job, seriously lengthens without smudging.

Auntie Theadora got this for us!

Also Medium: Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara – I like the sound of it, $15

We liked the flexible brush that makes even those wimpy little lashes in the inside and outer corners look long like Mr. Ollie’s whiskas.

Another good thing is that if you buy this one, you can buy the good stuff for me – Fancy Feast! Did you know that they were the lead sponsor on TV for that Royal Wedding?

Next Week, I try to help VK find magic in a jar – a little bit of the fountain of youth at the beauty counter. My big Sis, AVON, inspired me.

She is forever young, beautiful, and mysterious.