Think Pink! H&M’s

Text, Vivian Kelly

After having completed my request emails thanks to The Fashion List put together my panel for the AAU “Fashion and the Social Media”, and registered for the IFB Conference on February 8, I started to think about what to wear to NYFW.

My usual in-the-country outfit consists of dark jeans, black leather Superga sneaks, Jack Wills socks, a cotton tee or LaCoste polo and a couple of cashmere sweater layers.

I’ll have to do a little more for NYFW but wasn’t terribly inspired until happening on p. 72. of Harper’s Bazaar February 2012 issue. The page is part of the “Smart Shopping” section and is titled, “Rose Parade”

The text goes like this:

Rose Parade

Pretty? Always. But 

These PERFECT PINKS

also have a little bite.

While I could never envision myself wearing and not toppling in a pair of Yves Saint Laurent shoes [$1,095], they DID make me consider wearing my blush pink ballet slippers out – weather permitting.

The Phillip Lim jumpsuit [$795] reminded me that oh yeah, I DO have a pair of pale pink Banana Republic chinos I scooped up last summer at a consignment shop in Newport, RI.

Shanghai Express – Douglas Hannant’s Shanghai Fantasy

Text, Vivian Kelly

Sometimes a show is more than just a show. I reminded myself of this as I sat down [finally] to register for Mercedes-Benz NYFW, and to go over the list of shows on The Fashion List. The task is easier as I’ve already got a list of GO-TO shows – the ones Deborah Hughes Inc. and Paul Wilmot Communications are producing.

One of my favorites last season was Douglas Hannant’s Shanghai inspired collection, which gave me the opportunity to indulge in a historical fantasy – being present at one of those members-only soirees in the American Consulate in the 1930’s.

There’s a book in the works that will be published by another favorite – Assouline Publishing as well. Douglas got the inspiration for the collection by viewing the black and white photographs the author shared with him a few months before the show. The images of the author’s grandparents daily lives in the upper echelons of 1930’s Shanghai society got Douglas’s creative juices flowing and the resulting collection was nothing short of inspired.

Enjoy the video of  my interview backstage with Douglas.

The 69th Golden Globes – Spotlight on Jodie Foster’s Elegantly Polished Hair and Makeup

Text, Vivian Kelly

The morning after the 69th Annual Golden Globes, our winners for “best-dressed/most beautiful”  were: Charlize Theron, Madonna, and of course, Angelina Jolie, who managed to look even more beautiful than ever in her cream Atelier Versace gown. The woman is unnaturally gorgeous, almost cartoon like in perfection and always a reliable glamour fix even if we get our dose from afar.

The Always Gorgeous Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace at the 69th Annual Golden Globes

The above women are so stunning that they may not be as relatable as another actor, Jodie Foster. She’s Hollywood Royalty and has been since her big screen debut as “Nina”  a teenage prostitute in  Martin Scorcese’s Taxi Driver in 1976. This star has “class” and gamely smiled [and actually appeared relaxed] when Globes’ host, Ricky Gervais, took a few verbal cracks at her. Maybe having a perfectly made-up face, thanks to Carol Shaw, helped her keep her cool.

  Carol Shaw is a Celebrity Makeup Artist and Founder of LORAC Cosmetics, an excellent brand that keeps a relatively low profile, like Jodie.

Jodie’s overall look was fresh, modern and glamorous. It’s that off-hand elegant look that takes work, but for a big night like this, it’s worth it!

The Look in a Nutshell: shimmering champagne and smoky brown eyes, bronze cheeks and light peach glossy lips

Below, the HOW TO, courtesy of LORAC

Complexion:

• Apply AquaPRIME Oil Free Makeup Primer to prepare skin for smooth, long-lasting makeup application
• Smooth Breakthrough Performance Foundation in SMS 3 all over skin for flawless coverage and a youthful radiance
• Give skin a silky-smooth picture perfect finish with POREfection Baked Perfecting Powder in PF2

Eyes:

• Prime the eyelid with Behind the Scenes Eye Primer
• To give eyes a hint of sparkle, use the shimmering champagne and nude shadows in the NEW UNZIPPED Eye Shadow Palette (available at Sephora this spring)
• Define eyes by tracing the lash line with Front of the Line Pro Eyeliner in Black
• Create dramatic, voluminous lashes with Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara

• Brows:

• Fill in brows with Creamy Brow Pencil in Blonde

Cheeks:

• Brighten skin while giving a natural radiant glow with Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Luminous
• Apply Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed to give cheeks a peachy pink pop of color
• Finish by lightly dusting TANtalizer Baked Bronzer all over for a subtle glow

Lips:

• Line lips with Nude Pencil #18 to define and keep lip gloss in place
• Apply NEW Lips With Benefits in Mark (available this spring) for a long-lasting glossy finish

Body:

• Mix TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer with Breakthrough Performance Foundation in SMS 3 and apply to exposed arms and neck for a natural Red Carpet tan that is about as removed from Snookie’s orange glow as you can get. Can you really see Jodie Foster running to a Mystic Tan spray booth or laying in a tanning coffin covered in coconut grease?
• Website for Purchase: LORACcosmetics.com

Athletic Hotness! David Beckham’s Bodywear Collection For H&M

Text, Vivian Kelly

The Beckham branding machine rolls-on in 2012. Up  until the H&M Collaboration, Victoria was the star, and David, the supporting actor.

I first really started paying attention to the English soccer hunk when W’s August 2007  issue arrived in my mailbox. As the cover line said, “…David and Victoria Beckham are determined to become the new American Idols.”

Wow. Prior to viewing Steven Klein’s arresting images in this issue, I’d dismissed the couple as yet another pop and sports coupling that was a bit “common”.  Although they liked to wear expensive designer brands, and obviously spent a lot of money, they were not “fashion”, just have a look at the black leather his-n-her outfits in a shot snapped of them in 2003 and the goofily giddy expressions on their faces. In the August 2007 snaps however, they’re all business and there’s an intensity and focus present that made me want to know all about them and their projects. They are now on my official “watch” list.

Soon afterwards, “Posh’s [she’s not called that anymore, and is now referred to as “Victoria”  – FAR more elegant ]- launched her eponymous line and kept garnering favorable reviews for her chic ladylike dresses. There were fragrances, the 2009 underwear Armani ads and now David  is making a play for the spotlight with his line for H&M.

Collaborations work if they’re meaningful, ie: the celebrity in question would actually WEAR said items. The press release I received from Paul Wilmot Communications stated that

“David and his design team worked with pieces from David’s own wardrobe, incorporating David’s own unique style aesthetic in order to create and build a meaningful bodywear brand from the outset.”

A winning point – there’s minimal waistband branding [thank you, David!]  The “signature” is found in the design of the pieces themselves.

This approach is an ambitious one. Some of the world’s most foremost luxury brands take a similar approach: Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, to name a few.

For this first collection, you will be able to choose from nine key products in their most basic form. The idea? To highlight the quality of the design.

There are four underpant styles – briefs, trunks, boxer briefs and woven boxers; three tops – David’s perfect T-shirt, vest and Henley;  pyjama bottoms, and also long johns. If you live in the North East, you’ve got at least one piece of this cotton waffle fabric. My mousy flower print pants are  admittedly frumpy, so I’ll be at H&M buying the X-Small ones, smug with the knowledge that they’re chic and cool.

Another thing about this collaboration is that’s  it’s not just yet another  a one-off, never to be repeated experiment. Mr. Beckham and H&M are in it for the long-haul. Neither partner views this partnership as a one-night stand. Instead, Mr. Beckham/Becks aims to create a collection of “new classics” that if all goes well, may become as legendary as Donna Karan’s black “Five Easy Pieces” were, only this time, guys, it’s YOUR turn!

The bodywear line will be available in around 1800 H&M stores in around 40 countries worldwide on February 2nd in time for Valentine’s Day.

Mark your calendars!

The Papillon Movie Starring….Phoebe and Pepito

Text, Vivian Kelly

My last post was about Wendy Curran’s adorable Papillons, Phoebe and Pepito. As promised, here they are in their first film featurette.

Who worked their doggie couture best, Phoebe or Pepito? We’d like to know!

Papillon Pups Work their Doggie Couture His-N-Her Outfits

Text, Vivian Kelly

Introducing… Phoebe and Pepito!

I used to be one of those people who did some major eyerolling when I read in WWD that fashion designer x, and fashion designer y were expanding their global brands to include doggie couture. Really? A bleu marine [navy blue] leather Hermes collar with palladium hardware sells for $390 on luxury-shops.com. It’s beautiful yes, but rather austere, and not to mention, expensive.

My attitude adjusted after doing some shopping with my Mother for her 1st dog, a sweet black Pomeranian named ‘Mona’. She had an outfit for every occasion. There were even mini Wellington boots, but my favorite was a hand knit shocking pink sweater which looked Steven Sprouse-ish.

That was nothing. The REALLY fashionable dog wears made to measure couture. Shockingly, it’s not nose-bleedingly expensive. This weekend, after a couple of cups of java, watch my interview with Wendy Curran and her two Papillons, Phoebe and Pepito aka Pete. In it, Wendy discusses the history of the breed and reveals a few of her sources to get adorable outfits for the duo. Wendy sourced Phoebe’s flirty dress on Ebay [@ $30] and Pepito’s Country Squire coat is from Fox&Hounds [$40]. The theme for the gear they’re wearing in tomorrow’s video is “holiday” but it could also work beautifully for Valentine’s Day next month.

Warning: Once you start cruising Fox&Hounds, you may get sucked-in as it’s part of the Sherpa Pet Group, which consists of 8 collections.

In case the sky’s the limit, you could look into the $3million+ necklace featured in The National Enquirer, modeled by a very lucky Papillon pup. As someone who follows the ‘Columbo’ [Peter Falk’s iconic detective], I’ve got “just another question, please”. HOW, does a tiny dog wear this 52-carat necklace that consists of 1,600 hand-set diamonds AND a 7 -carat centerpiece stone without toppling over on his/her little nose? If money is no object, as it was [not] for Marie Antoinette, and you and your Papillon pup can share, then maybe Ava’s necklace is something your precious needs to have too.

* Check-in tomorrow for my video interview with Wendy, featuring Phoebe and Pepito featuring their chic yet eminently accessible couture duds.

STylish Books Accessories to Have and to Hold in 2012

Text and Images, Vivian Kelly

NEw Year’s Day was a day to trawl through my iphoto library to gather inspiration for the year ahead. Lots of cool fashion items, namely ACCESSORIES and BOOKS. Jan 1 was all about reveling in sloth-dom: an SVU Marathon, followed by Cameron Diaz in “Bad Teacher”. Self-imposed nactivity WILL get the creative juices flowing!

Happy New Year!

1. My close friend, Demi Schimenti, totally rocked these Jack Wills pink and navy socks. I have to have them and the argyle ones too! They’re part of the “wear more skirts and dresses this year” resolution and my continuing love affair with PREP.

2. Rings as a self-defense weapon – I remember these from the Capsule Trade Show post spring NYFW in September. What jogged my memory were some similar rings worn by Rooney Mara in “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” , a not to be missed movie, for the clothes alone! Two thumbs way up.

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - style!

3. Another coffee table book – I’ve already gobbled up my last second purchase of Jeffrey Banks’ PREPPY Cultivating Ivy Style while in the insanely long line at American Eagle yesterday afternoon.

This year’s MUST have is Assouline’s BALS: Legendary Balls of the Twentieth Century, by Nicholas Foulkes. It’s $175, but it’s SUBSTANTIAL, and with a blurb like this by Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley, the “maybe” turned into “order it now” for me.

“

4. My first official HUNT item is for a vintage airline bag. It’s actually an item I didn’t get to last year that made the list after attending a LaForce & Stevens Party for the cast of Pan Am at the gorgeous Lisa Perry store uptown which will be moving to the corner this March. The new addy – 988 Madison at 77th Street. Put that in your calendar p/s!

The Historic Glen Cove Mansion – Roaring Twenties Splendor

Text & Images, Vivian Kelly

I’ve always wanted to check-out Long Island’s North Shore. It’s where some iconic “right time/right place” moments: F Scott Fitzgerald’s “East Egg V. West Egg” in The Great Gatsby in the Roaring Twenties when Gatsby had a party to end all parties at least once a week. I was able to blast back to this period in the past when I stayed at the Glen Cove Mansion in Glen Cove, L.I.

Maybe Fitzgerald was inspired by big business personalities such as John Pratt who was an attorney and executive with Standard Oil, the behemoth oil company founded by robber baron John D. Rockefeller in 1870.

John and his wife, Ruth Pratt [quite the career woman herself] maintained the 55 acre estate to the glamorous standards that were “an integral part of the many glamorous estates which comprised Long Island’s Gold Coast.” *

The front of the mansion is truly magnificent as is the entrance – huge double staircases, rich paneling and antique fixtures which put it on Country Life Magazine’s “best twelve country houses in America”. If you do nothing else, take the time to rent a bike from their fitness center on the second floor and tour the neighboring streets. You won’t be able to go down the long driveways – impossible to miss the forbidding “absolutely no trespassing” signs or the older white iron poles with black block letters spelling “”private”.

Once back at the Glen Cove Mansion, I day dreamed back to the Roaring Twenties as I biked around the former Pratt mansion’s circular drive. I imagined I could see the bejeweled guests arriving in flapper dresses and tuxedos, eager to attend yet another Gatsby-esque party to end all parties staged at the pool in the back of the property’s 55 acres.

*From the Glen Cove Mansion’s in-house guest information kit

Booking Information: I found the Mansion thanks to Living Social.com

Stocking Stuffers for Eleventh Hour Shoppers

Text, Vivian Kelly

I’m an eleventh hour shopper and d–n proud of it. Gal Pal, Demi Schimenti and I agreed that one of the funnest parts of the Holidays is that Christmas Eve visit to the Mall to grab stocking stuffers. I do it every year but  this year, I’ve got a list prepared before-hand.

THe Stocking – One of Lady Gaga‘s “Gaga’s Workshop” alternative stockings, currently on the 5th Floor at Barneys NY.

Price: $45

For the Beauty Addicts in your life: Shiseido’s Honey Cake Translucent Soap. They come in my two favorite colors – Lilly Pulitzer pink and green. Available exclusively during the holiday season,  for a limited time only at www.shiseido.com .  A cult classic since its launch in 1956, these luxurious French-milled soaps are made from honey . $7.50

Grab a few at Lord & Taylor.

Nicole Lynn Cardillo, the company’s Executive Director of Public Relations told me that it ‘s also a good shampoo. Perfect – for those of us who like to travel light.

Stay at Lord & Taylor or hit Sephora and splurge on some NARS eyeshadow duos. Last night, I picked up Kalahari – a color that goes with everything, chosen and demoed for me by Courtney Ferris, who used to work for NARS. She’s currently the Laura Mercier Counter Manager, but as the NARS rep was gone for the day,  she obliged, and we bonded over her iphone pic of her prize possessions – a pair of   Louboutin peep-toes, that only come out for really big occassions.

Hop over to the Accessories counter at L&T and pick up one of Carolee’s limited edition icon pins – the Wallis or Elizabeth Taylor ones give a swank touch to the standard issue black sweater. If you can’t spring for Cartier, this one is the solution, at $75.

At Sephora – Warning- DO NOT dawdle! Get a couple of  sets of FRESH’s brown sugar exfoliator and lip balm stick. The set is on special for $22.50 and both are unisex. Sign your special someone up for the Sephora rewards program starting with the points you get for this purchase.

Techie lovers – Jog over to Brookstone. I picked up the video spy pen for the James Bond wanna be in my life for $79.99, mostly because I’m dying to try it out too.

For the foodies, it’s off to Williams -Sonoma. Their red velvet cupcake mix is THE best out there for the Cake Boss fans on your list. If you have time, get them one from Crumbs or Junior’s so they have a model to emulate.

IF you have time  and can order online:

Alexis Studio Design’s Asian Moonlight Earrings $45

Wear these in good company; they’re going in the Golden Globe Gift Bags.

Coffee hounds – you’re going to LOVE Organo Gold – coffees which are  really healthy because of the Ganoderma herb they are infused with*.My favorite is the latte, it’s just sweet enough. Fashion Publicist-Friend, Dana Bethune, turned me on to it and like a true addict, I’m Jonesing for the next shipment of the latte packets to come in!

Accessories – IMAN Global Chic. Here’s bling without going bust. The Holiday Glam Crystal and Pave  Knockout Ring is perfect for cocktail parties when you want to show off your holiday mani.

HSN is on it when it comes to deliveries.

Go to my favorite apothecary, MIN New York and pick up  Acqua Di Parma’s Blue Mediterraneo Shower Cream or Shower Gel. After one too many rounds of battling for possession, I gave up and bought the “Mandorlo Di Sicilia” scented one so there’s one for each shower in the house.

And lastly for the bookish person on your list, Rizzoli’s MM-Personal, From The Private Archives of Marilyn Monroe

ENDNOTES

**About Ganoderma – that key ingredient in Organo coffee

Ganoderma an ancient Chinese herb revered for over 5,000 years as the world’s ‘superior’ herb. 100% ORGANIC GANODERMA LUCIDUM is also scientifically proven worldwide as one of nature’s most potent health boosters. It is associated with longevity, youthfulness, and vitality. “Often used as an immune stimulant by people with cancer (as well as HIV), Ganoderma has been shown to strengthen immunity as well as combat cancer-cell proliferation.”

A Night Out – Holiday Cheer W/ Shiseido at Town & Country’s Visionnaire 5th Avenue Apartment

Text, Vivian Kelly

Last week, I was the “plus one” for a swank event co-sponsored by Town & Country and Shiseido. Contributor Laura Wood and I were there for a veritable laundry list of reasons:

– to chat with her friend, Connor Raus, a digital strategist ad the Creative Director of Digitature and to watch him in action, filming host and stylist, Luciene Salomone

– to check out the decorated apartment

– to watch the Shiseido presentation of the Future Solution LX line, of which I was already a fan. [ Kaplow PR had gifted me Bio- Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream which feels insanely rich and luxurious, even at 6:30 in the morning when I’ve only got one eye lid open. A few colleagues have told me how “rested” I looked recently.]

The event invite promised ” a lip touch-up” which sealed the deal as I can’t ever pass up an opportunity to find a new shade of lipstick, never mind the 30+ tubes of lipsticks and glosses piled behind me on the FE home office shelf.

An added bonus to the affair was to wander about the lovely apartment and to peruse the gorgeous Rizzoli coffee table books. I’ve got MM Personal: From the Private Archive of Marilyn Monroe on its way to me for some much anticipated holiday reading.

Below, a video of host, Luciene Salome discussing the events of the evening.