Sunday, September 26, 2010

an ocean of awesome hair


I tried a new product this weekend and might be in love. I've respected Bumble & Bumble for quite some time, and am really impressed with their new "Surf Hair" product.

Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles - whenever, wherever.


Who:
Anyone; excellent for wavy types and surfers with winter blues; adds body to fine hair; a nice texture for silver hair.

When:
Anytime; after Prep or Tonic Lotion, during styling.

How:
Work through damp or dry hair; let dry naturally or blow-dry with a diffuser. Or on dry hair for detailing and adding lift at the roots. The less you touch it, the longer it will hold.

I don't care how they describe it; a few spritzes of this awesome product helped create easy texture, hold, and my hair looked great without being weighed down or feeling gunky.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Audio en vogue

I love Rihanna. And I can't get enough of her new song. Take a listen and you will see.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Luxury Snapshots


We've all seen them. Those pictures, whether advertisements in a magazine or online, billboard spreads of epic proportion, flash animations on our iPhones and iPads, or in random spaces like bus stops, in airports, and a host of other locations. From chiseled Italians sprawling their bronzed, buff bodies on exotic beaches, to ethereal blondes echoing everything we imagine a real princess to possess in the most amazing, flowing gown - luxury advertisements captivate, spark creativity, and definitely ooze character.

And now, as if a match made in fashion heaven, the luxury industry has collided with the camera industry to create the most amazing, exclusive device ever: the Leica M7 Edition Hermes.

This Leica M7 limited Edition Hermès offers a total of 200 silver chrome Leica M7 cameras with exquisite leather finishes applied by Hermès. The body and the carrying strap of the camera are made in Swift calfskin, a drummed leather with extreme suppleness. Connoisseurs of pieces that are extraordinary in both quality and style may choose between two eye-catching varieties in "étoupe" and "orange". Only 100 cameras are available in each of the two leather colours.

In addition to the silver chrome camera, the special Leica M7 Edition Hermès set also includes a matching, silver anodised Leica Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. wide-angle lens. The lens is complemented by a classical round lens hood in silver anodised metal manufactured exclusively for the Edition Hermès. The set also includes a Leicavit M rapid winder finished in silver chrome. The finishing touch to the special edition is provided by the leather carrying strap handcrafted in the Hermès ateliers to match the colour of the camera chosen.

The lens: Leica Summilux-M 35 mm/f 1,4 ASPH with silver anodized finish.

For many decades the 35mm lenses are seen as the basic equipment for M-cameras and therefore they are very popular. The Summilux-M 35 mm/ f1.4 ASPH. is one of the reference lenses in the fast wide angle field. Its excellent image reproduction features honour this exclusive Edition Hermès available in a silver anodised version. Due to the silver anodised surface being based on aluminium it has been possible to maintain the low weight of the black version. The lens is complemented by the classic round lens hood made of metal again with silver anodised finish which is exclusively manufactured for the Edition Hermès. Front and rear cap are also made of silver anodised metal.

The rapid winder: Leicavit-M

The Leicavit-M is a compact, non electrical, manual rapid winder which is mounted in stead of the camera bottom plate. It gives the Leica M7 Edition Hermès not only a special appearance but in combination with the aperture priority of the M7 a very fast shooting option. It is also matches the camera and the lens in silver chrome finish.

I've had a love affair with both of these iconic brands for years, so you can only begin to imagine my excitement upon discovering this coveted device.

Must. Have. Now.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Fall into Fashion 2010

(in no particular order)

-- Tweed, Tweed, Tweed - especially trousers, jackets, and vests.

-- Jackets - blazers, lightweight coats, and rain gear especially - I love how refined and complete your look becomes whilst wearing a jacket.

-- Casually wearing a dress shirt (unbuttoned, rolled/flipped cuffs, a few buttons undone) with a terrifically tailored suit.

-- Unexpected pops of colour - like in dress socks, ties, and those iconic Moncler jackets and vests.

-- Chunky hand-knit sweaters.

-- Global living with a purpose - like the bilingual article headings in September's US version of GQ Magazine. English and Spanish for Spain's tennis great Fernando Verdasco, English and Italian for the article on the best dress shoes, English and French for "the new business casual", and English and German for the spot on military inspired watches. Adding international input for poignance and perspective is the best accessory speech can ever imagine.

-- Living your life with courtesy - I'm bringing back the "courtesy wave" whilst driving to signal thanks for others driving with kindness, the "courtesy flush" during visits to public toilets that trigger even your own gag reflex, and the "courtesy call/message" if you're running late to an appointment, will be unable to keep an arrangement, etc.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Sexy Soccer

I love fashion and football (that's soccer, for my American friends) - so when the two collide, especially with humor and sex appeal, I get pretty excited.

Loving Armani Jeans' new cinematic advertisements featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and sultry actress Megan Fox.





Take a look for yourself. Bravo, Maestro Armani!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fabulous Fashion

ramp up your style with these key trends:

Crazy for camel - khaki in all shades (from the most elegant eggshell to the most outstanding olive) - this is your neutral base for fall/winter.

Dior Homme's le chiffre rouge watch and Chanel's J-12 Marine watch.

The old world ruggedness with refinement and masculinity of Aglini.

The fashion forward yet understated casual coolness of Desigual

Slim fitting, tremendously tailored suiting from Hermes, Gucci, and Prada especially

Military Mania and all things dandy at Burberry. Christopher Bailey keeps his innovation and creativity at incredible levels

Friday, September 10, 2010

Stand Up 2 Cancer




Today is the second anniversary broadcast of Stand Up 2 Cancer. It will be on every network that matters at 8 PM EST.

For as long as I can remember, my Mother had skin cancer. Trips to the dermatologist, surgery, radiation, and other treatments became the norm. But she never let cancer stop her from living. She was a quiet fighter. She was born with Polio, but that didn't stop her from walking normally. In 2006, the cancer spread to her brain and lungs. I moved home to help care for her, stopped living for me, and started living for her. In April 2007, my Mom died. I've begun living for me again, and definitely live for her now. In her honor, I stand up to cancer. And although she didn't know it, I think Meryl Streep did this for my Mom. Join me. Spread the word. Donate now. And Stand Up 2 Cancer!

And a crazy thought? If all of my facebook friends donated $12.23, we collectively would raise more than $10,000 for cancer research and advocacy. To those who have donated already, I thank you. To those who haven't, $12 is less than 3 grande drinks at Starbucks.

To those who have donated to my team, I thank you. If you are considering a donation, please donate to my team. I'm trying to raise $10,000 in honor of my Mom and all the fabulous women in my life who have battled this awful disease. This is where the end of cancer begins: http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=team&a=index&id=4007

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Style Personified

If "style" was a person, her name would be "Gwen Stefani" - I love her. Everything about her. And you can meet her.

Tomorrow, 10 September, the style maven, rock star, glamourous mother, and fabulous woman will be at Sephora SoHo in the city that doesn't sleep. The first 100 customers to purchase the US$90 wicked style fragrance package will have their bottles autographed by Gwen Stefani! And as if that wasn't amazing enough, the newest additions to the Harajuku Lovers collection of fragrances will be driving around in the HL Treat Truck with fragrance samples and giveaways all throughout Manhatten! Like an ice cream truck for fashion freaks!

For more information, and to learn exactly where the HL Treat Truck will be located throughout the day, click here.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Fashion Night Out 2010

From Brooklyn to Brazil to Boston, the fashion industry is already buzzing about the news that this year’s globe-spanning extravaganza Fashion’s Night Out, is back!

The 2010 edition of the biggest fashion party in history promises to be equally epic, splurge inspiring and full of even more stylish surprises. Start your wish lists now, we look forward to seeing you in September. For more information email: info@fno.com.

I recommend this sampling of designer fabulosity:

3.1 Phillip Lim

115 Mercer Street New York NY 10012

212-334-1160

FNO Collection Available In-Store

3.1 phillip lim invites you to attend Fashion's night out at our NY store Friday, September 10th 6-9pm In-store: shop with Phillip, plus special performance by My Gold Mask Outside: street party with Rag & Bone

ALESSI

30 East 60th Street New York NY 10022

212-317-9880

6-9 pm Champagne and Wine will be served

Alexander McQueen

417 West 14th Street New York NY 10014

212.645.1797

We will be offering a double wrap snakeskin skull bracelet in limited edition colors for one night only!!! There will also a be a raffle for the union jack clutch!

Badgley Mischka at Bergdorf Goodman

754 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10019

212-921-1585

Mark Badgley and James Mischka will take the catwalk with their canine companions Rommel and Whiskey at Bergdorf Goodman at 7 PM on the third floor as part of Bergdorf Goodman's Best in Show designer dog show.

Balenciaga

542 West 22 Street btw. 10th and 11th Aves. New York NY 10011

212 206 0872

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Nicolas Ghesquière & Balenciaga present an evening of exceptional events for Fashion’s Night Out on Friday, September 10, 2010, at the Balenciaga NY boutique. For one evening only, from 8 PM– 10:30 PM, Balenciaga is proud to feature the US exhibition debut of the Cindy Sherman Untitled (Balenciaga) Series. At 9 PM Balenciaga presents a special live musical performance by Karen Elson, performing songs from her debut album The Ghost Who Walks, produced by Jack White. For full press notes and images, please contact Cynthia Leung at cynthia.leung@us.balenciaga.com or 212.279.4440

Carmen Marc Valvo At Lord & Taylor

424 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10018

212.391.3300

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Receive a signed t-shirt from fashion designer, Carmen Marc Valvo. 8pm, 3rd Floor See complete details at: www.lordandtaylor.com/fashionsnightout.

Christian Louboutin

59 Horatio Street New York NY 10014

212255191

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Details Pending. *Preview of Boutique exclusive for men/women will be available for sale on Sept. 10th with a limited preview size run.

D&G

434 West Broadway New York NY 10012

212-965-8000

Bring your friends for a night of shopping at D&G on Fashion's Night Out while DJ Tyson spins September 10th 6-10pm D&G 434 West Broadway 212.965.8000

Diane von Furstenberg

874 Washington Street New York NY 10014

646-486-4800

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Diane von Furstenberg takes Fashion’s Night Out to the digital universe with The DVF and HP Experience Lounge, a multimedia event that will transform the DVF boutique and gallery into an interactive fashion playground. Hosted by Refinery29.com, the evening will feature cutting-edge fashion installations, complete with a ‘Fall Favorites’ photo booth featuring DVF items curated by Refinery29.com editors on display for shoppers to utilize when browsing their most-desired DVF looks. Photos can be printed, posted to Facebook or streamed live into the lounge on social feed monitors, allowing guests to engage with the fashion community and interact with DVF. Computer terminals and touch screens will feature up-to-the-minute news about FNO from around the city, and the world!

DIESEL

770 Lexington Avenue New York NY 10022

212 308 0055

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Event details to be announced

Dolce&Gabbana

825 Madison Avenue at 69th Street New York NY 10021

212.249.4100

You’re invited to join Dolce & Gabbana and Naomi Campbell to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of her career A collection of limited edition t-shirts featuring Naomi Campbell portrayed by some of the greatest contemporary photographers and signed by Naomi will be available for purchase* Special surprise performance choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson at 7:30pm and 9:15pm Music by DJ Lindsey T-shirts sold exclusively at the Dolce & Gabbana boutique will support Fashion for Relief, a charity founded by Naomi to raise funds in the fashion world in time and places of need *T-shirts will be signed from 6:30pm to 9:45pm

GUCCI

725 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10022

212.826.2600

Gucci is pleased to celebrate Fashion's Night Out and 'Gucci for FFAWN Day' at the NY 5th Avenue flagship store with a special event benefiting Mary J. Blige's Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN). In honor of Fashion's Night Out and the company's ongoing commitment to FFAWN, Gucci will donate 20% of the day's sales at the 5th Avenue store to the FFAWN Scholars Program, supporting its mission to help all women gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their full individual potentials.

Henri Bendel

712 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10019

212.247.1100

FNO Collection Available In-Store

6-11pm Reality stars,The Fabulous Beekman Boys ,with cameras, bring the country to Fifth Ave. with a General Store. Get a 10 min reading with astrologer Susan Miller for $25; benefits Housing Works. Launch of Atelier Swarovski collection featuring Karl Lagerfeld. 6-9pm Fekkai, Marchesa and Olivia Palermo have a Red Carpet moment that you can share on Facebook/Twitter. 7-9pm Bendel illustrator, Izak, signs one of a kind“green”totes for $100; proceeds go to charity. 8:30-10:30pm Model Erin Wasson presents her jewelry collection LOWLUV. For details,go to: www.henribendel.com/happenings/2010/9/10

Hermès

691 Madison Avenue New York NY 10021

212 7513181

J’aime mon carré Show us how you wear your Hermès scarf! Live scarf-tying demonstration by Hermès scarf specialists From day to evening, the styles for fall 6pm - 8pm

L'Occitane en Provence

610 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10020

212 586-1071

L'Occitane transforms the Rockefeller Center boutique into the absolute runway! Step onto the red carpet of beauty – watch all your favorite L'Occitane products grace the spotlight for doing what they do best – making you look and feel absolutely gorgeous! The L'Occitane boutique will also feature mini Provençal beauty treatments to perfect skin and find the perfect fragrance cocktail. Enjoy these natural treatments with girlfriends while sipping French lemonade. And if that is not enough, enjoy the ultimate Fashionista Handbag Essentials kit for $20, with $45 purchase! Isn't nature beautiful?

LAFCO & Santa Maria Novella

285 Lafayette St New York NY 10012

212.925.0001

Join LAFCO & Santa Maria Novella on FNO as we support RxArt. Event details pending.

Loomstate at Saks Fifth Avenue

660 Madison Ave New York NY 10065

646.827.7560

FNO Collection Available In-Store

FNO Collection Available Online

Event details pending.

Loro Piana

821 Madison Ave New York NY 10065

2129807961

Don’t miss the elegant new men’s and women’s collections at Loro Piana. Stop in and join us for cocktails and live modeling. See and feel the world’s most luxurious cashmere and wools, along with fine silks and rare and exotic leathers, all made in Italy.

LUCA LUCA

1011 Madison Avenue New York NY 10075

212-288-9285

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Join Creative Director Raul Melgoza for a night to remember as LUCA LUCA unveils the newly arrived Fall 2010 Collection. Inspired by the fusion of opposing elements--structure and fluidity, mascule and feminine, matte and shiny-- the LUCA LUCA Fall 2010 Collection flaunts a new spin on refined sex appeal. While sipping champagne and cocktails, fashionistas can explore the designs as Raul himself shares advice and inspiration.

MAC

1540 Broadway New York NY 10036

646-355-0296

This year M•A•C takes Fashion’s Night Out even further…with a very special performance by comedian Sarah Silverman. In celebration of M•A•C’s Fabulous Felines Fall 2010 colour collection; a slinky, seductive new take on the patterns, shades and textures of three of our favorite pedigreed cats; Sarah will treat guests to an exclusive stand-up performance and sign copies of her book; The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee at our Soho store. Fashion’s Night Out at M•A•C will be a meow mix of sorts – all purr, cuddle and caress one minute…then suddenly, darting danger!! Slink, purr, prowl, preen...M•A•C Fabulous Felines. You can keep her, but you'll never own her.  8:00pm—Performance  8:15pm—Book signing

Maison Martin Margiela

801-803 Greenwich Street New York NY 10014

212 989 7612

Evening cocktails

Manolo Blahnik

31 W 54th Street New York NY 10019

212-582-1583

FNO Collection Available In-Store

A night full of surprises and special appearances!

Marc by Marc Jacobs

403 Bleecker Street NY NY 10014

212.924.0026

Marc Jacobs

163 Mercer street 10012 NY NY

212.343.1490

Porsche Design

624 Madison Ave. New York NY 10022

212 3081786

Event Details Pending

Prada

724 Fifth Ave New York NY 10022

212-664-0010

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Come celebrate FNO from 6 -10pm at the Prada 5th Avenue boutique where you will have the opportunity to see Vogue’s Creative Director, Grace Coddington bring her September “Benches” story to life featuring the F/W 2010 collection. With any in-store purchase, your photo will be taken and signed by Grace Coddington and Dakota Fanning.

Prada

841 Madison Ave New York NY 10021

212-327-4200

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Stop by Prada’s New York City boutiques from 6 – 10pm to purchase a limited edition B.Y.O.Bag. These lightweight totes are in traditional Prada fabric embellished with select archive prints. A percentage of proceeds from the B.Y.O.Bag will be donated to the New Yorkers for Children charity to benefit youth in foster care in New York City.

Prada

575 Broadway New York NY 10012

212-334-8888

FNO Collection Available In-Store

Stop by Prada’s New York City boutiques from 6 – 10pm to purchase a limited edition B.Y.O.Bag. These lightweight totes are in traditional Prada fabric embellished with select archive prints. A percentage of proceeds from the B.Y.O.Bag will be donated to the New Yorkers for Children charity to benefit youth in foster care in New York City. Listen to special guest DJ, Kim Ann Foxman from Hercules and Love Affair and sip on champagne throughout the evening at Prada’s Soho store!

Valentino

747 Madison Avenue New York NY 10010

212 772 6969

Valentino hosts a poker tournament at their New York Flagship Boutique.

Versace

647 Fifth Ave NY NY 10016

2123170003

Sip on chilled martinis in a fashion fête filled with runway looks from Versace’s 2010 fall/winter collection. Enjoy a sneak peek of asymmetrical dresses with fun hems and shapes along with bold studded leather jackets for the Versace man. The talented artist, DJ Kiss will add to your experience with eclectic spins and music mixes.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Range Rover Evoque


All eyes will be on the Paris Motor Show in the next several days as Land Rover's latest car is unveiled - the Range Rover Evoque. As this is a concept, I don't know anything about it. But I must say, it is absolutely beautiful.

In the United States and Western Europe, Land Rover enjoys a luxurious, high end branding connotation. I'm sure this newer, sleeker, younger model will only intensify this positioning, especially with the ever-important young adult demographic.

Upon seeing the Evoque, what emotions does it evoke?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Miansai Bracelets for Men


I've spoken frequently about loving the aesthetic of men wearing multiple bracelets. Mixing and matching fabrics and textures - like pairing your Grandfather's Zenith watch with a woven sailor style bracelet or a leather wrapped cord style bracelet with equestrian inspired hardware from Hermes with a brightly coloured techno-fabric ribbon bracelet.

I've just discovered Miansai. And to be honest - I'm impressed. I've yet to see their work in person, but I love the pictures and love the story. The pricepoint is very affordable, the colours and styles available extensive, and the aesthetic pleasing.

MICHAEL ANDREW SAIGER
DESIGNER/FOUNDER

Twenty-three year old native New Yorker, Michael Andrew Saiger grew an appreciation for WWII relics and paraphernalia at a very young age. As a child, he was surrounded by his mother's collection of antique auction finds and quickly developed a fascination for historic curiosities. His earliest and most memorable influences ranged from old knives and BB guns, to Indian motorcycle parts and a helicopter propeller.

As a young adult, Michael studied Sports Management at the University of Miami, modeled and traveled the world. After years of eye-opening experiences in Europe, Peru and Costa Rica, Michael fused his worldly style with his affinity for past treasures. The outcome? An eclectic and elegant line of vintage-inspired jewelry, which he proudly calls MIANSAI.

The MIANSAI philosophy is the more worn, the better. "Every piece has its own rich history," says Michael. "All my designs, especially the more controversial ones, are meant to get people talking. It's almost like the pieces themselves have a secret or a story to tell. Keeping that in mind, I try to find each relic in its natural habitat. That way it maintains a raw integrity, a quality I hold high when I create my designs.