Celine fall 2013: Women Designing for Women

One of the most talked about collections this fall was Phoebe Philo’s wonderful collection of “easy pieces” for women on the go. It was truly a case of “women designing for women”. Ms. Philo is a working woman and mother. After her first collection debuted, she stated that she was creating clothing for women such as herself.

A Look from Phoebe Philo’s fall 2013 Collection for Celine

Celine, Fall 2013, Photo, Fashion Wire Press

This sounds incredibly run of the mill until you consider clothing some of the most well-known fashion designers, like Donatella Versace, who say they are design clothing for women. Yes, it’s true that we do like to dress up and occasionally totter about in stilettos, but not on an everyday basis. Outfits such as the leather and fur one by Versace, (below), would probably be something however that “Living Doll” VALERIA LUKYANOVA, would consider to be “casual daywear”.

Look from Donatella Versace’s Fall 2013 Collection – Women All Dressed Up

Valeria Lukyanova, aka “Living Doll” – Barbie, the Flesh & Blood Version

This brings up the endless question that rears its annoying head Monday through Friday mornings, week after week: “What am I wearing today?”

The answer is clear – if you can afford it, Celine! If you can’t afford it, then DO draw inspiration from Ms. Philo’s designs and go about putting together your infallible workaday wardrobe.

- Vivian Kelly -

Get Into A Dress! Muse Resort/Spring 2013 Dress Collection

Are you a woman in a hurry? A dress is the perfect wardrobe solution for you. The problem is to find one that’s not off the charts expensive.

Muse Monet-esque Sleeveless Dress

That’s where the MUSE line comes in. We were impressed by the latest collection 5w Public Relations showed us at the Garment Center showroom. Kathleen Kelly created the brand in 1996, and the label is now hitting its stride with the spring 2013 collection.

Muse White Paillette Party Dress

What we saw coming up for spring 2013 is sportswear lived up to the Muse promise: “Affordably priced sportswear for the bold confident woman who’s on the go.”

Retail price points range from $128 -180 per dress. Lest you assume the price implies icky linings and shoddy finishings, dismiss those thoughts. There are dresses for different body shapes, whether you’re a size 2 or 12.

The ponte knit had a nice hand to it and the dresses would be right at home in Nordstrom’s. There are dresses that bear resemblance to some unforgettable ones: Andre Courreges A-line space age dress, and Coco Chanel’s LBD.

Muse Rose Textured Dress – the New LBD

Don’t miss out on their $99 dress events. Visit www.museapparel.com, stock up and stop worrying about what you’re going to wear to parties and to the office during the day.

- Vivian Kelly -

Elie Saab Film – the Resort 2013 Collection

Need a breather from the Holiday hoopla? Wish you could jet over to Paris but don’t have the time? ELIE SAAB’s dreamy short film recently released from Paris may do the trick.

The film, (titled, Croisiere a Paris) announces the arrival of the Resort 2013 collection. Treat yourself to a cafe au lait and enjoy breathtaking cinematography shot on location along Paris’ romantic Seine.

The Elie Saab staples we love are all there: flowing chiffon, soft color palette, structured bags. The models who star in the film are a compelling mix of fresh faced ingenues with the confidence of an older woman who is as the French love to say “comfortable in her own skin”.

Watch Film Here:

Download HD Version Here: http://wtrns.fr/KesAi6kF1ZqbAZU

Film Credits: Elie Saab Jr., Executive Producer

Soundtrack: ”Dogs” by HVOB (Stil Vor Talent)

- Vivian Kelly -

Wrapeaze – Comfort, Warmth and Style during Storm Sandy

Vivian Kelly in Betsy Dolan’s Wrapeaze, Adult Black 27″ Fleece Poncho, $44.99

The changing global climate responsible for the brutal “Snowtober”, Irene and Sandy had me searching for a stylish alternative to wearing a blanket or snuggie to stay warm when the power crashes. After watching Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes, I started contemplating the idea of wearing a cape.

Betsy Dolan Models Wrapeaze at the Meet the Inventors Event Organized by Jono Waks, NYC

My go-to source, style.com says, “Convex is the new concave – Oversize, away-from-the-body coats made a big impact at Celine, Chloe, and Balenciaga.” A few years ago, Chloe produced a gorgeous Oversized Wool Twill Jacket, that retailed for $1,225. Fabsugar.com posted this picture, below.

Chloe Oversize Wool Twill Jacket

Last week, I found my cape at the Meet the Inventors- A People + Product Review. It’s an event publicist Jono Waks organizes several times a year to showcase small businesses with great ideas to the New York press. E.Z. Studio’s Penthouse space was perfect, small and intimate enough to have a nice conversation with the entrepreneurs.

Wrapeaze inventor, Betsy Dolan, is also from the North East. She hit on wrapeaze as a solution to the never ending “jacket battle” she and parents with young kids face trying to get their toddlers into a coat. The wrapeaze fleece cape has just one Velcro closure at the neck line and takes just seconds to put on your child once they’re strapped in.

Adults liked them, and now there’s a 27″ cape for adults. The black wrapease Betsy sent me couldn’t have arrived at a better time, hours before Sandy hit and knocked out our power. It’s just the thing to throw on when the temperature dips after the sun goes down. Post Sandy, my wrapeaze has earned a permanent place in my Jeep as a lap blanket and a stylish replacement to my post workout sweats.

Bond Girls at Romona Keveza’s Luxe Evening Spring 2013 Show

Daniel Craig Covers Vanity Fair

London, Istambul and Shanghai. Sound familiar? If you’re a Bond fan, it should.

The new James Bond flick, “Skyfall” proves that Bond is bigger and better than ever. The European premiere of the 23rd Bond adventure in the past 50 years hauled in $77.7 million this weekend.

Daniel Craig is perhaps the best James Bond yet, but even he needs props, namely his state of the art toys courtesy of Q, and a gorgeous Bond Girl.

The latest Bond Girl, Berenice Marlohe Covers August 2012 UK GQ

French actress, Berenice Marlohe, bagged the honors for “Skyfall”. She plays “Severine” and helped fan the flames by appearing in a black bikini on the cover of British GQ’s August 2012 issue.

Romona Keveza Navy Strapless Gown, Couture Bridal Fall 2013 Collection

Those of us who live Stateside have to wait until November 9th to get our Bond fix, but I got a preview dose at Romona Keveza’s spring 2013 Luxe Evening Spring 2013 Show at the St. Regis Hotel earlier this month.

Romona Keveza Bond Girl Inspired Gown, Spring 2013 Collection, Backview

Ms. Keveza did her Bond research. She referenced London’s historic Connaught Bar, and then whisked her Bond themed beauties to Istambul’s Ciragan Palace, and finally to a private club in the Xin Tian Di District of Old Shanghai.

Romona Keveza Camelia Pink Strapless Silk Crepe Mermaid Gown, Spring 2013 Collection

Enjoy the pics of Romona’s gorgeous Bond girl gowns masterfully cut from silk shantung taffeta, silk crepe and soutache lace. Rumor has it that Daniel Craig will be shooting more Bond flicks and that Bond-aholics won’t have to wait as long in between Bond fixes.

Beauty Notes

Beauty junkies - OPI has come through and has a limited edition range of “Skyfall” nail polishes at counter now. I picked up the last bottle of “Moonraker”, a bluish-gray-green metallic that goes with everything.

OPI Skyfall Collection – Moonraker

Postcard From NYFW s/s2013 shows: the Destination Iman Launch Party

Supermodel Iman and Paul Wilmot Communications pulled out all the stops for the Destination IMAN launch party at this last New York Fashion Week.

Edward Enninful, Iman, Karen Elson, Stephen Gan at Destination Iman Launch Event at the Electric Room

The glamorous fashion party held at The Electric Room, at The Dream Downtown had all of the electricity of the fashion A-list event it was. The who’s who in attendance, included V-Mag and Visionaire Founder, Stephen Gan, supermodel Karen Elson, and Barney’s legendary windows wizard, Simon Doonan. It was more than just a party though, because of the message Iman is imparting in her new website, Iman Global Chic.

Destination Iman: the Paris Noir et Blanc issue, September 2012

As the CEO of ImanCosmetics and IMAN Global Chic, Iman has had her successful fashion and beauty and lifestyle brand, Destination Iman, on HSN for several years, offering fans elegant fashion at a fair price.

The website is a bold next step. In it, Iman partnered with Dana Randall, Built by the Factory’s Managing Partner to put together a site that is an informative and elegant shopping experience.

What really sets it apart though is that Iman addresses AGE on its pages. Iman’s take on fashion and style is “Ageless chic”, an idea that flies in the face of America’s obsession with eternal youth and horror of aging.

Says Iman, “After turning 57 this year, I started thinking about who I have become, and am still becoming, as a woman, daughter, wife and mother. I have gone on countless fabulous travels, and now I want to share these experiences to inspire others.”

Iman and Dana Randall at the Destination IMAN Website Launch Party

The first issue, Paris Noir et Blanc, shares Iman’s travels to Paris and how to wear and style oneself in a curated selection of black and white from Iman Global Chic’s lines and from her friends’ collections: Jason Wu, Rachel Zoe, Donna Karan and many more.

Stay tuned for the next issue, in which visitors will continue to get a first-hand look at the things, places and experiences that fuel this dynamo’s creativity.

*The Huffington Post will run articles on a regular basis in their Huff/Post50 and Style sections on Ageless Chic.

Images of the Iman Global Launch Party, courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications, photograph, Jesse Lirola/BFAnyc.com [Billy Farrell Agency]

Postcard From New York Fashion Week: Day 2- the AAU Fashion Show

Day 2: NYFW- Part 1 of 2: The Academy of Art University Fashion Show, Lincoln Center

Day 2 began in the evening.

We arrived backstage to the Academy of Art University fashion show, in time to see the stylist John Reyman and his beautyvt.com team perfecting the sleek off center low ponytails twisted into buns, a bit like the braiding in a loaf of hallah bread. The ultra long pony required extensions in most of the girls’ cases but all that time and energy resulted in a polished style that’s the perfect complement to the bright spring clothes for 2013.

This season, there was an abundance of structured ladylike silhouettes on the racks backstage. These shapes had a whiff of what’s found in couture ateliers such as Ralph Rucci’s, which made their presence at a RTW show all the more interesting.

MFA graduate, Ginie C.Y. Huang, cut a fantastic series of topical wool crepe pieces in fuchsia, mandarin and yellow that screamed “Ladies Who Lunch”, circa 1965, but at the same time, looked thoroughly modern.

Jisun Lee and Liza Quinones had a turquoise printed silk t-shirt, shorts and wool/silk jacket with a satin tuxedo lapel that’s the perfect thing to wear to work and to dinner out with a pair of Louboutins or Steve Maddens, depending on your budget.

Jisun Lee and Liza Quinones’ turquoise silk te-shirt, shorts and jacket. Photograph, Randy Brooke: Wire Image

Yanfei Fan presented a sharp black and white organza argyle top paired with a white silk faille pant and silk jacket that’s boardroom perfect.

Jie Jessie Liu and Tanja Milutinovic delivered a sophisticated grouping of cement wool /silk cross-hatch tops skirts and pants, ideal for the cultured woman who spends her days at committee charitable meetings.

TOMORROW: Part 2/2 – The Destination IMAN Website Launch Party at the Electric Room at Dream Downtown

New York Fashion Week – Day 1

Postcards from New York Fashion Week – the spring 2013 Shows

DAY 1: Thursday, September 6th

*Duckie Brown is always an experience and turbo started our s/s2013 fashion week. There were some surprises throughout, namely Steven’s current fascination with proportion. This translated to a ballgown blouse that had sleeves that were wider than the torso portion. This, the Duckies revealed later in a backstage chat, was a nod to Cristobal Balenciaga. The blatant femininity of the top and the gorgeous waify model who wore it were dialed down thanks to deliberately frayed and unfinished sleeves and slouchy Inverness plaid trousers.

Next, to the Costello Tagliapietra show at the Milk Made space on West 15 Street. The airdye technology they’ve embraced over the past few seasons keeps getting better and better. The prints looked like splashes of color, which gave the colorful dresses a painterly effect. These designers have women covered, ruching and gathering is in all the right places to give her the curves she lacks and to minimize those she doesn’t care to show.

The Opening Look at the Costello Tagliapietra s/s 2013 Show

As the late pop star Meatloaf so famously crooned, “Two out of three ain’t bad!” That’s the case for Fashion’s Night Out [FNO] in New York City. Despite the best of intentions, you get to at best, two out of three destinations in that madcap evening.

Our one uptown stop for FNO was at Bergdorf Goodman’s Beauty Level. We arrived early, but secured a spot at the Creed Fragrance bar with a view of Aerin Lauder explaining her concept and the capsule beauty line she’s developed. The concept, says Aerin, is that the Aerin Essentials Collection ” makes beauty effortless, stylish and easy.” Isn’t that what we all want? The five products fit into a pretty rose patterned makeup bag and fit easily in the typical day bag you’d carry on the go.

Aerin Lauder

We escaped the crush of uptown wellwishers and fans to make it backstage in time to interview several of the talented MFA students showing at the A.I. [The Art Institute of New York City] show at Lincoln Center. It was A.I.’s first Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY shows. Backstage chats with Kayla Braunston, Isaiah Isaac and Jet Black revealed their impressive level of technical skill, maturity and understanding of the business side of fashion design. Kayla’s dramatic latex bustiers, cocktail dresses and gowns show her penchant for costume design. In her hands, latex looks like special occasion clothing rather than fetishistic sex trade outfits.

Isaiah’s minimalism was best expressed in his blush cotton micro twill and charcoal wool sleeveless top that prove that well placed darts can turn a simple top into something special. Jet’s quiet demeanor posed a striking contrast to his snappy leather dresses and jackets. His black, white and acid green fitted mini dress is just what Malibu Barbie and Katy Perry’s “California Girls” would want to wear out to dinner and dancing. Nelson Tavarez hit a home run with his segment of electric blue, black and turquoise pieces which had a strong architectural element to it.

The evening wrapped with a few FNO stops downtown by subway. [A car service is a waste of money, we concluded after emerging onto the streets to be swallowed up by massive crowds of party goers.] Stephanie Wang demoed Rodan & Fields, a brand created by dermatologists and only available through private distributors. The Anti-Age Lip Renewing Serum is near miraculous and stayed on even after drinking a cup of Starbucks Chai latte an hour later. The last stop was the DKNY store on 420 West Broadway.

Jocelyn meets Karlie Kloss at the DKNY-FEED Event at FNO

We met supermodel Karlie Kloss who chatted to us about her participation in her friend, Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Project. “I love to bake!” she exclaimed, with a huge smile. Karlie teamed up with Momofuku Milk Bar to create “Karlie’s Kookies”, which were packaged in an eco friendly brown box. All proceeds of the $5 box go to help feed children around the world. We left Karlie and DKNY on an upnote, anticipating a late start and some interesting events on tap for Day 2 of the s/s2013 show.

Day 2: The Destination Iman Launch Party and Backstage at the Academy of Art University Student Show.

*Look for a full reviews of Duckie Brown and the Duckie Brown for Perry Ellis the week of 9/17.

Back To School Style for High School & University Stylistas

Back to school.

Only the most hyper organized have everything they need for the first day back. Not to worry, even if you chose to beach it instead of hitting the shops over Labor Day Weekend, here are some items to fill in the gaps for the coming fall months.

L.L. Bean canvas and leather tote

Our list of suggestions are in the spirit of “less is more”, to ensure that your fall 2012 “gets” are the right ones.

Let’s start with accessories, because like Teen Vogue’s Gloria Baume, many of us often start a look with the shoes and bag we want to wear that day. Despite the fact that a lot of our info and life is on our smartphone, we still have stuff to carry. The only person I can think of who carries absolutely nothing is Anna Wintour. Hands-free is a sign of success!

There are many chic options to carry stacks of books, magazines and your ipad or laptop.

Carry-Alls: the classic L.L. Bean boat & tote “ice bag“. I don’t get on a plane or go to a Fashion Week without my large one. For under $25, I had mine monogramed, which turned it into a “keeper” bag as opposed to just “another tote”.

North Face Backpack

If you prefer a backpack, North Face’s “Isabella” comes in a cool graphic print for $80 – 85 [lifetime warranty included] makes a lot of sense. It’s got pockets for anything you could think of carrying, including your favorite snack. Continue the healthy eating you got into for bathing suit season and try packing Bitsy’s Brainfood cookies to nibble on when you get the afternoon munchies. They’re good, GMO free and far better for your waist than greasy chips and crackers.

Bitsy’s Brainfood, organic treats

L.L. Bean’s Signature collection has a lot of great classic styles you may remember from this 100 year old brand. The Creative Director, Alex Carleton, was actually raised in New England, and wore the brand as a child. Mr. Carleton has put a stylish twist on the core classics from the archives and has added pieces that will likely themselves become classics.

The new canvas leather tote [above] in bright yellow and tan leather is an elegant choice for a train or bus commute.

The 16″ updated hunting shoe [$199] has you covered for slogging in the country or the city as it has a bit of a dressy feel to it.

The stylishly updated 16″ L.L. BeanHunting Boot

Combat boots are back, but not as heavy looking as the Doc Martens of Nineties’ grunge. We tried on and loved the Steve Madden Troopa at Lord & Taylor’s. The cognac leather is both shiny and distressed and there’s a handy side zipper to make it easy to get on and off. At $99, they’re a good option for a 24-7 boot.

For sneaker days, we love Lacoste Meyas in gray and Keds new champion sunset striped sneakers.

Keds Sunset Stripe Sneakers

: Lacoste Meya Slip on Sneakers

QVC and HSN are other places to go looking for well priced basics and accessories. Be sure to look at Iman’s Global Chic accessory collections if you’re seeking a nice handbag or clutch. Her Platinum rich leather & haircalf iconic caryall bag is $349.95, but you’ll never part with it.

We’re looking forward to see Iman’s latest at the Destination Iman launch party later this week during New York Fashion Week.

The new jean is a hybrid between your favorite pair of denims and leggings. We love our Old Navy super skinny Rock Stars. They’re incredibly comfortable and with a price tag of under $40, you can pick up more than one pair – the black and a pair in rich jewel tone, right in step with fall trends.

Tops have you stressed? Our favorite fall back is the navy and white nautical stripe print available at any shop you look. The GAP has a short sleeve striped dress for $59 that will be your answer when you don’t have time to pull anything together.

David’s Lerner’s Mini-Maxi Chiffon Skirt in Indigo and Black

We were eager to try out the long skirt trend and to get into leggings again after attending a doMAIN showroom event PR guru Michelle Steinberg hosted back in July. David Lerner’s maxi chiffon skirt is both long AND short, casual AND dressy. For drinks or dinner out, wear it on its own and show some leg. When it gets colder, visit ShopBop to pick up a pair of David Lerner riding leggings that are incredibly flattering on. A-list celebs like Halle Berry and Megan Fox swear by their D.L. basics.

Jennifer Hudson Models a Sleek Coat from her Clothing Line for QVC

Top off with a clean lined car coat from Jennifer Hudson’s new clothing line for QVC. We previewed the coat at the doMAIN showroom and can’t wait for it to become available this fall. It will retail for under $200 and is something you’ll wear for years. Jennifer Hudson will be launching her QVC collection on September 6th. Don’t miss out!

Last but not least, try some bolder makeup and nails to keep your look on trend. Mark Cosmetics has a blue shadow and liquid eyeliner in a rich cobalt blue. Mark Celebrity Makeup Artist Mai Quynh’s created a statement look using i-mark shadows, electra and ice age and electra liquid liner. Estee Lauder has some deep dark jeweled metallics that instantly amp up even the simplest outfit.

Endnotes & Questions:

Who wore her Lacoste Meyas better, Amy Adams or Julia Stiles? Let us know in the comments!

H&M’s David Beckham Statue Stunt and Promo

I love a good old fashioned publicity stunt! Some of the most famous events began as a mere publicity stunt: the Olympic Torch Relay, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tour de France, to name just a few on Taylor Herring’s Famous Publicity blog. Then there’s the “Tiger Tees-off” stunt that took in place in March 2004 on the helipad atop the Burj Al Arab hotel. Woods practiced his tee shot there in front of the media. It kicked off his participation in the Dubai Desert Classic that he played in for a cool million dollars.

Tiger Woods Tees Off For the Media Atop Burj Al Arab’s Helipad in Dubai

True, it’s old school, but who out there of you doesn’t enjoy a good laugh?

The American Public is spoiled rotten by promotions [when ISN'T there a sale on?] and brands have to work HARD at coming up with something that will pique our interest.

The clever publicists at H&M have succeeded with this promo.

One of the New David Beckham Bodywear Ads

It was already broiling hot mid-morning by the Flatiron Building, but just about every pedestrian in the vicinity of the silver statue stopped and took a second to pose on the red carpet with him and sent an instagram out.

CONTEST DETAILS

Starting today, August 20th to August 31st, get over to one of the H&M locations throughout participating cities if you can. Once there, snap a pic of yourself with Beckham, tag it with #HMBeckham and upload it to Instagram.

If you can’t make it to one of the participating stores*, the contest is live on HMBeckham.com for U.S. residents until August 31st. Prizes range from silly fun to a chance to do some serious shopping on H&M’s tab.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

If you’ve ever secretly longed to possess an Oscar statuette, winning one of the 100 mini limited edition David Beckham statues might scratch that itch. Better still is the grand prize, a $1,000 H&M shopping spree.

*Participating Stores [where you can pose w/ Beckham and Instagram your entry]

New York City: South Street Seaport, Flatiron, 5th Ave. & 23rd St, H&M, Lexington & 59th, H&M, 5th Ave. & 51st, H&M, 5th Ave. & 42nd.

Los Angeles: Hollywood and Highland, H&M at the Beverly Center

San Francisco: Union Square

Good Luck!