Designer Working on the Next Marithe & Francois Girbaud Collection in the NYC Studio

It’s a big brand, there’s the French european collection, the Japanese Collection, and the American Collection.We took a look at Girbaud’s latest in the men’s American Collection.

Article on Marithe and Francois Girbaud

Tina Hassenstein, the owner of  Bring n Buy, one of my go-to designer consignment stores, has fond memories of Girbaud, in its Eighties heyday.

Says Tina, with a big smile, “I remember my Girbaud striped overalls I bought in the Eighties. I worked waitressing in high school so I could buy them. They were $80 and I was the first in town to own them!”

At the spacious NYC showroom, publicist Jono Waks, pulled the key pieces men are wearing this spring from Girbaud’s American collection.

At the top of the list: brightly colored denim jeans, short sleeve plaid shirts and the ever-popular safari-cargo shorts. “Men are loving the Chinese red jeans and wearing them with the cuffs rolled-up”, Jono reports. “The latest Girbaud collections give you a chance to engage in some serious color play.”

“Color, he continues, is a part of fashion that guys are comfortable with as opposed to trying the mixed prints trend.”

Girbaud’s Chinese Red Jeans for Men, available at Dr. Jays.com

Jono and his chic assistant suggest guys try wearing color blocks. For example, pair jeans with a white wife beater, a white cuban linen shirt, white tee – anything basic really, and then roll the cuffs up. The look is super-prep, as if you’re about to go clamming in Nantucket.

If you’re feeling adventuresome and a little more urban, pair your bright pants with a camo tee.

I left with a pair of black safari shorts with the signature mid thigh seam  on the front and the flattering x -construction on the back. Jono and his assistant provided a styling tip  for women who want to steal their men’s pants.

STYLING TIP: “Get a skinny belt and wrap it around twice.” The pants have that fashionable high waisted look and are in line with the trend towards a roomier fitting pant.

Now that you know about Girbaud, it’s time to go to drjays.com and pick up some some well-constructed jeans and shorts that will form the core of your off-duty wardrobe.

- Vivian Kelly -

Bright Red Nail polish at Celine’s spring 2012 Runway Show, style.com

Time to get a pedi!

If you’re as smitten with the Celine spring 2013 ads as I am, Forever21′s,” love & beauty”, nail polish, in red, $2.80, matches the shade on the model’s toes to a tee. For an inexpensive polish, it’s surprisingly long lasting.

Now that we’re finally don’t need to wear gloves anymore,  let’s indulge in the latest nail trends. At the top of my list are the pretty Jordan Almond shades.

Mark. nailed this season’s pastel trend with their mini nail lacquers in “creamsicle” and “cupcake”. The PR team at Kaplow PR sent us these two shades that are quickly becoming the spring’s best-sellers.

mark. Nailed It Mini Lacquers, $7

If you’re more of a neutral girl, Zoya has the ideal nude that debuted on Peter Som’s spring 2013 runway show. It’s called “Jacqueline”, I’m assuming, Kennedy…

This shade was so popular that my go-to beauty emporium, Renaissance Beauty, had to add me to the waitlist of women who also wanted it. Zoya polishes are eco friendly AND that they stay on at least as well as regular polishes.

Zoya “Jacqueline” Nail Laquer – on trend beige and eco friendly

While prettying-up for spring, don’t forget your teeth; one of your most important accessories. Years ago, talk show host, Regis Philbin’s insanely white teeth set the standard for all of us who wanted to brighten our smiles. Prime Time Smile delivers results in a mere five days. The two-step brush on gel pens work at maximum speed. Thanks to their sensitivity protection component, there aren’t any painful stabbing pains to endure that tend to come with quick results with methods such as laser light procedures.

The Prime Time Smile kit is available for $22 at drugstore.com. We tried it courtesy of our friends at Alison Brod PR.

Regis Philbin’s Whiter than White Smile

Bold eyebrows were key on the spring and fall 2013 runways because they play such a pivotal role in framing your face. Greta Garbo was famous for her super skinny arched ones and Brooke Shields made bushy eyebrows fashionable in the Eighties. Few of us are born with perfect brows but there’s an easy fix for that. Shape & Tint by Godefroy Beauty fills in the blanks. The three application kit rings in at $12.95, available at Beauty Plus Salon  and at www.godefroybeauty.com.

Melissa Caruso-Calafell’s Brows, Perfected With Divaderme’s Brow Extender

To perfect your new, thicker brows, go to divaderme’s Brow Extender, “Eyebrows in a Bottle”.  Melissa Caruso-Calafell, Renaissance Beauty’s owner, gifted it to me post eyelid surgery to create thicker brows that would better frame my face. Divaderme is another two-step product. First, apply the fiber powder and second, seal it with the gel made of natural Italian clay that stays put, even in the pool!   Melissa road tested it and vouches for its staying power. Added bonus – there’s protein in this that helps your eyebrows actually grow in addition to covering them up.

Insider Tip: Renaissance’s Facebook page has more great tips and weekly contests for beauty and gift items.

Next up, some great accessories for spring to perk up your look without emptying your wallets, of course.

Two wardrobe items I have to freshen-up every spring are tops and sneakers. These inexpensive pieces are a great way to add a little bit of newness to your transitional wardrobe and a nice way to celebrate spring.

This spring, my “More Dash Than Cash” pieces hail from H&M and Vans.

Vanessa Paradis Wearing a Dress from the H&M Conscious Actions Collection, $19.95

The Vanessa Paradis’s short film for H&M’s latest “Conscious” Collection lured me into my local H&M before my scheduled preview at the Soho Showroom later in the week. I left with a jungle print top that bears some resemblance to the upscale Fornasetti wallpaper, “Frutto Proibito” on Fabricsandpapers.com I admired.

Monkey Wallpaper, “Fruto Proibito”

H&M Blouse from the Conscious Actions Collections, $17.95

I’m planning on purchasing the long chiffon-y floral dress; it’s just the thing for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in July.

Next up, sneakers for spring.

Vans’ classic “Authentic Slim” canvas sneaks have the season’s thicker sole and a reasonable $45 price tag that makes buying a few in different colors a distinct possibility. I recommend starting with a neutral navy blue pair and then adding colored and print pairs as spring rolls-on to change-up your day-to-day wardrobe.

Vans Van Doren Authentic Sneakers in Light Blue, $55

Last year, I bought a pair of lemon yellow Superga sneakers and wear them on days I need to brighten up my monochramatic shirt and jeans outfit. This season, the bright rose pink pair and Van Doren print in light blue will be my accent pieces.

Vans Authentic Slim Sneakers in Bright Rose Pink, $45

Until reviewing the spring lookbooks, I wasn’t familiar with Vans’s clothing collection. Their ruler oversize top is the warm weather version of the ponchos I can’t live without in the winter. This gray top is perfect for walks on the beach or for running around in your car on the city streets.

Vans Ruler Oversize Top for Women, $36

So, there are a few pieces to get you started. Next up, some of the moment makeup and nail varnish shades to punch up the black you’re probably still wearing, and a few fresh new fragrances from Hermes.

*I’m enamored of the spring 2013 Celine collection and am hunting down a reasonable look alike to the criss-cross sandal. Has anyone seen anything that resembles this? I’d like to know! I’m mad for them!

Celine criss cross sandal from the spring 2013 Collection

The above “More Dash Than Cash” is a phrase I’ve borrowed from British Vogue, a section I’ve loved in the book since the Nineties. It perfectly describes what’s brewing over at JC Penney these days.

JC Penney is getting on its game. For starters, it’s now referring to itself as “JCP”, as part of its rebranding process and starting to make a play us budget fashionistas who have been prowling the floors at H&M and Target for years, snapping up luxe for less items such as “Missoni loves H&M and Prabal Gurung for Target.

Duro Olowu for JCP Ruffle Print Dress – one of Nina Garcia’s Favorites, $50

JCP’s  bid for budget fashionistas got off to a strong start when they hired Nina Garcia as their JCP Style Voice.

Then, there’s the actual merchandise: Duro Olowu and Joe’s Fresh. Duro is not available at my local mall, but having seen the pieces on display at the Daily Suite during NY Fashion Week, I can vouch for them. The African themed prints are colorful, interesting and best of all, unique. Shop the site and pick up a mug, a notebook, clutch purse, and the gorgeous ruffle dress while you still can.

Duro Olowu for JCP African Tribal Print Accent Rug, $25

Duro Olowu for JCP Leaf Print Clutch, $30

Joe’s Fresh had a tweet-up I participated in last week because I loved the ads plastered in the Times Square subway station of a laughing model wearing a white shirt and pink jeans. Founder Joe Mimran and Nina Garcia were on the twitter chat and offered easy to execute styling tips and encouraged participants to try color for spring. The chat also established JCP’s style credibility when Nina tweeted, “One thing about trends is that you can always say NO if a trend doesn’t fit your body or taste.”

Joe’s Fresh for JCP Boxy Shirt, $29 – one of “Nina’s Favorites”

Nina does of course have her favorites, which include the boxy button-down shirt that makes for easy dressing this spring. Just pair it with a pair of the Joe’s Fresh capris and your favorite shoe and you’re out the door in minutes.

Styling Tip From Joe Mimran: How to wear the cropped Joe’s Fresh jeans- make sure they fall above the ankle [about 4 inches above]. This is useful info to have on hand when you take the pants to your tailor.

On my first foray to JCP, I left with a $9 black v-neck short sleeve tee that is nice and thick and that will doubtlessly hold up through spring and summer.

For my next trip to JCP, I’m planning on trying on an assortment of capris and the longer zip up pants in delicious sherbet colors.

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 -

FALL 2013 MENSWEAR TRENDS IN A PHRASE:

Impeccable tailoring: as seen at Duckie Brown

Attention to detail: as seen at Timo Weiland

Prep or “collegiate” style: as seen at J. Crew, and Boast

Sport Style: as seen at Y-3 and Number Lab

The power of the right accessories: a snappy hat at Timo Weyland and at Perry Ellis by Duckie Brown [s/s2013], the classic Monk Shoe at Boast.

When it comes to getting dressed, think of your look as part of your personal brand. The most successful fashion designers live by the mantra, “Stay true to your brand”, and so do the best-dressed men.

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation, but if you know in your heart that you are “a preppy guy” then follow designers who deliver that aesthetic. You hardly want to pitch your wardrobe every season, right? Rather, consider adding pieces that complement your core look.

Fashion advice from New York’s top menswear designer

“Wear it like you own it” – Steven Cox, Duckie Brown

Worn by the wrong man, Exit #18, an electric blue backward coat could have been interpreted as “feminine”. Texan model, Mark Frick looked completely at ease walking down the runway in it and so will the men who gravitate to Duckie Brown.

The Trends – Expanded

Jim Moore, GQ Magazine’ s Creative Director, stressed the important of  “razor sharp tailoring” at the Duckie Brown menswear fall 2013 show. The red, black and camel topcoats were impeccably tailored, as were all the jackets. In the Duckie’s able hands, even a humble denim jacket looked “bespoke”.

Another way to look sharp is to invest in clothes that have wonderful detailing to them. At Timo Weiland the interesting diamond and hexagon stitching on the leather jackets elevated the jackets to designer status as did the interesting weave on the black kangaroo pocket sweater shown.

Split Star Black Nylon Quilted Jacket, Available at Big Dude, £49.99

Split Star’s black nylon quilted jacket has similar stitching on it paired with Duke’s black adjustable waist trousers delivers the same understated yet knatty look. The jacket is this item is available from Big Dude Clothing.

Duke Adjustable Waist Trouser With Belt, £35.99

Collegiate style came on strong for fall 2013. This is a great style for a variety of reasons: most men have worn it at least once and it’s universally flattering.

Models in Rugby Shirts at the Boast fall 2013 Presentation at the Harvard Club, NYC

Boast’s Creative Director, Danielo Pepice, suggests good old-fashioned bomber jackets and windbreakers as core pieces to your fall wardrobe. Ben Sherman’s Navy Bomber Jacket if right on trend. It’s got a nice check lining that’s classic prep.

Ben Sherman Navy Bomber £69.99

D555 offers an asymmetrical striped polo that’s a great addition to your closet and looks well with the Ben Sherman Navy bomber jacket.

D555 Asymmetric Rugby Shirt, £28.99

And finally, there are the accessories Even if the current trends don’t speak to you; you can easily update your current duds by donning the right hat or shoe.

Florsheim by Duckie Brown Shoes at the Duckie Brown fall 2013 Show

Look for a thick soled substantial footwear such as the platform trainers, at Y-3 or thick soled leather shoes at Duckie Brown from their Florsheim by Duckie Brown range. For a dressier look, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Monk Shoes. They look even better when they’re a bit scuffed.

Monk Strap Shoes at the Boast fall 2013 Presentation, NYFW

For some more dressing tips, read on for our interview with our favorite big guy, Mark Behnke, Managing Editor of Cafleurebon.com

Mark Behnke [Left] at the Elements Showcase Show

Karl Lagerfeld, shot by Patrick McMullen

Karl achieved his goal, but not everyone wishes to so drastically alter his size. Mark is in his words, “a big guy” but he’s become adept at working with his size. We did a post-mortem of our day at NYFW and tackled the size issue challenge.

“It’s very difficult for me to shop”, says Mark. “At my very thinnest, I could fit into an XL. The moment you move over an XL, they [fashion designers] don’t service it.  The biggest is a 42” waist on pants and a 2X on shirts.

He does however credit Perry Ellis for the company’s flexible attitude towards sizing. “Perry Ellis is very popular with (American) football players because they service them”.

Mark shared several ideas for staying on trend if you’re not fashion model skinny.

Tip #1: Look for colors and size.

While something may not come in a larger size, menswear manufacturers DO make clothing in on-trend colors.

Tip #2: Develop your accessory collection: ties and accessories are big.

Here’s the chance to incorporate the latest colors into your wardrobe.

Tip #3: Go custom, if and when you can. Mark quips, “With unlimited money, you could go to a designer and say, ‘Make it in my size’.”

-      Vivian Kelly –

Marc by Marc Beauty Detail, photo by Ed Kavishe, Fashion Wire Press

Look from the Marc by Marc Jacobs fall 2013 Collection. Photo by Ed Kavishe, Fashion Wire Press.com

That’s Antonio, as in illustrator, Antonio Lopez, whose vivid illustrations of the disco age ran in The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle live-on. His exuberant sketches give us a glimpse into the glamorous world he was a part of. His fashion pals included: Karl Lagerfeld, model-actress Jessica Lang, Jerry Hall [Mick Jagger's EX], singer Grace Jones and many more fashion trend-setters.

Donna Jordan, Antonio, Pat Cleveland in Paris, 1972 in  V Magazine

Marc Jacobs has been a fan of Antonio’s work for years. Antonio’s 1985 book, Antonio’s Tales From the Thousand and One Nights is said to have been the inspiration for the designer’s 2007 “Arabian Nights” event.

Rouge Drama Lip Lacquer from Shiseido, $25

As reported in style.com, makeup superstar, Dick Page went all out when he created the lip for the fall collection, which he described as  ”A bit more prim”.

He amped up the modest clothes with a “spunky” red lip using ”an OCD lip technique”, employing a nonstop layering of “Sanguine”, a deep red, and “Drama”, a rosy crimson. Both are part of Shiseido’s upcoming shades for its  Lacquer Rouge Line.

The “spunky” red lip was just the thing to complement the Seventies’ style teased hair stylist Guido Palau created that made them look “like Antonio’s girls”.

Antonio succumbed to AIDS in 1987, but thanks to Marc Jacobs, Guido Palau, and Dick Page, Antonio’s Girls live on.

Antonio: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco, by Roger and Mauricio Padilha, Rizzoli Publications

To learn more about Antonio, pick up a copy of Antonio: Fashion, Art, Sex, & Disco, by Roger and Mauricio Padilha, published by Rizzoli.

CAROLEE jewelry  emulates the chicest ensembles (for less)! Below, three of the best looks of the night and the matching Carolee pieces.

- Vivian Kelly -

Rihanna in Azzedine Alaia at the 55th Annual Grammys (L), Carolee Crystal Stretch 40th Anniversary Bracelet, $95 

Katy Perry in Gucci at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards(L), Carolee Cluster Necklace-Choker, $250

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards(L) and Carolee The Blondie studs, (R) $28

Y-3′s long and lean look and orange platform sneakers

Y-3 brand sport-style signatures were all in evidence at the fall 2013 collection show. There were graphic prints, interesting fabric juxtapositions, layered, voluminous silhouettes; and of course, Y-3′s must-have footwear. Rinôçérôse’s mournful music playing in the background served as the perfect backdrop for Yohji’s edgy street wear.

Y-3′s Long Shorts at the fall 2013 Collection Show

Mr. Yamamoto served-up two options for casual day wear:  long and lean [leggings] or relaxed [baggy rip stop shorts that hit below the knee]. For more formal occasions, there was a great Harris Tweed tailored pantsuit that looked polished yet relaxed. Best of all was the footwear, neon bright platform sneakers that are on my BUY list for fall.

Y-3′s HarrisTweed Suit From the fall 2013 Collection Show

- Vivian Kelly -

Photos: Marcus Tondo/In Digital/Go Runway

Thursday, February 7, 2013, 3:00p.m

Boast fall 2013 Collection presentation invitation

With Sting and The Police playing in the background at full throttle, we were transported back to the eighties when Reagan prosperity made Americans feel that all was well. The atmosphere at the ivy-leagued halls was one of optimism in the future after the last frat party of senior year.

Boast Models in Prepster Staples: Windbreakers, Rugby Shirts and Elbow-patch blazers

Models wearing the Boast fall 2013 Collection at the Harvard Club Presentation

The models at the fall 2013 presentation in the Harvard Club’s Biddle Room could have stepped straight out of this prosperous era. Collegiate style though, lives on despite hard economic times.

Boast offerings featured muted striped rugby shirts, cable knit crewneck sweaters paired with chinos with a leaner more fashion forward cut than the run of the mill chino pant. There were plenty of windbreakers in colors ranging from woodland green to two-tone versions in red and white that were perfect for a Saturday afternoon game of doubles.

Fair Isle Style Sweater at the Boast fall 2013 Collection Preview

A baby blue sweater with gold buttons had a Fair Isle feel to it was one of the standouts. The accessories were minimal – the Harvard prepster keeps it low-key when it comes to jewelry. The leather shoes had a well-broken in and well-loved look to them. Best was a pair of strategically scuffed brown monk shoes that gave the navy blazer, Rugby shirt and cords an elegant look.

- Vivian Kelly -

*This review and many others from New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 are available on The Fashion List.