Rebecca Beeson Lantern Sleeve Top
• Color - Grape
• 50% cotton 50% modal
• Elastic arm cuffs
Revolveclothing.com
$70
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Rachel Pally Lantern Sleeve Mini Dress
Rachel Pally's signature jersey fabrics prove that sexy forms need not come at the cost of luxurious comfort. Wear it one day as a dress; the next, as a top with your favorite jeans. Each signature piece goes every which way but loose.
• Color - Pacific
• 92% modal 8% spandex
• Dry clean only
• Unlined
• Front pleating
• Raw cut hem
Revolveclothing.com
$202
(BeansTalk Note: We have two of Pally's Lantern-Sleeve long (below-the-knee) dresses, one in Lake and one in an olive green)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Helene Berman Lantern Sleeve Doll Coat
Ultra-modern animal print patterns a collarless doll coat shaped with an Empire waist and three-quarter-length lantern sleeves.
* Front button closure.
* Inverted pleats at front and back.
* Banded cuffs.
* Approx. length from shoulder: 36 1/2".
* Fully lined.
* Cotton/polyamide; dry clean.
* By Helene Berman; made in England.
* Individualist.
Nordstrom.com
$362
Burberry London Double Breasted Lantern Sleeve Trench Coat
The classic trench is reinvented in a fresh, feminine silhouette. Three-quarter-length sleeves blossom at the elbows to end in a voluminous finish, while front and back pleats below the waistline create a fun, full skirt.
* Button closure with logo detailing.
* Coat hook at base of neck.
* Two side pockets with button closure.
* Epaulets at shoulders.
* Adjustable belt at waist.
* Approx. length from shoulder: 40".
* Cupro/viscose lining.
* Cotton/elastane; dry clean.
* Made in Italy.
* Collectors.
Nordstrom.com
$1,295
Sweet Pea Red Floral Mesh Lantern-Sleeve Top
red floral print mesh lantern sleeve top
* • Color: Red / Black / Cream / Grey
* • Lightweight printed mesh
* • Square neckline
* • Rouched bust, empire waist
* • Lantern three quarter sleeves
* • Flared bodice, raw edge hem
* • Double layered
* • Contemporary, loose fit
* • 100% Nylon; Hand Wash; Imported
bluefly.com
$49.99 (marked down from $60)
Max Studio Shirred Lantern Sleeve DressEvery wardrobe needs a fail-proof dress like this one. The soft and stretchy mesh fabric never wrinkles and is also cold-water washable. It has 3⁄4 length sleeves with flared bubble cuffs, a chic black and white vertical wave print and a flattering empire shape with flirty hemline. Notice the charming details like: shirring, baby ruffles and also textured marrow edging; zoom in for a closer look. Fully lined, this dress falls 21 inches from the waist and fits true to size. Studio M 95% NYLON, 5% SPANDEX
Shop.com
$79 (from $118)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Masterpiece Classics
to air Gaskell's Cranford
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters was adapted into a wonderful BBC/PBS production starring Justine Waddell. Gaskell’s North and South (please don’t confuse it with the U.S. Patrick Swayze Civil War era miniseries) was a most gorgeous adaptation, which catapulted star Richard Armitage into near-Darcy status.
There’s little question her work, albeit about “everyday” life of the time, is infinitely relevant to contemporary society and the ideal source material for television.
Gaskell was certainly a more obscure Victorian writer than some of her peers, but by adapting her Wives and Daughters a new audience was introduced to Gaskell’s observant, wry and engaging books, which had previously been languishing on many a library bookshelf.
The latest of Gaskell’s books to be turned into TV fare is her Cranford. The three-part miniseries’ producer is Sue Birtwistle whose name some may recognize as the producer of the watershed 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice.
While Cranford does share some elements as in Wives and Daughters – her world is concerned with funny old ladies and nice young men – (here in a rural Cheshire town in the mid-19th Century), Cranford may wrongly be perceived as too ordinary and staid, and perhaps not "romantic" enough, but it is a winning portrait (we were lucky enough to buy and view a U.K. DVD).
May 4, 11 and 18, 2008
Cranford
In 1842, Cranford is a village on the brink of change, where some find romance and opportunity, and others fear the breakdown of social order. Cast includes Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton.
Masterpiece Classics, 9 p.m. PBS.
Image: Lisa Dillon, Eileen Atkens, Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton star in Cranford
Presidential Candidates
on WWE RAW (Seriously)
Presidential candidates Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain each make an appearance on a three-hour edition of WWE®'s "Monday Night RAW" tonight (21 April 2008) on the USA Network starting at 8 p.m. ET.
The three Presidential candidates intend to tap into the power of the more than five million viewers who each week tune in to watch RAW, making it the number one weekly year round show on cable.
Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama will be in Pennsylvania. The three top Presidential contenders will each address the WWE audience in taped messages.
Voters can visit smackdownyourvote.com to register and to learn more about WWE’s Smackdown Your Vote! campaign
Friday, April 18, 2008
We Believe in Being True
BeansTalk Note: The cosmetic line Being TRUE is an excellent well-kept secret. From the line’s start, we’ve had the opportunity to sample the various powders, liners, lipsticks, lip glosses. There’s something very precise and thoughtful and clean about their products, if that’s accurate enough for everyone to understand. So we’re happy to let BeansTalk readers about TRUE’s latest.
Being TRUE introduces new shades and limited editions of tools and colors. The new products feature lighter, natural shades.
As the weather gets warmer, and natural light reveals just how much makeup adorns faces, “natural-looking” makeup in shades of brown, bone and beige enhance true beauty.
In the bright light of a spring or summer day, a natural-looking, healthy complexion can be mastered. Shades of peach, pink, bronze and gold are natural hues found in all skin tones and when worn together, add and enhance luminance to all complexions.
New from TRUE:
Luminance Collection – This limited edition holds a treasure of eye shadows, eye liner, bronzer and blush in Being TRUE’s signature color-cache compact. A must have for spring and summer’s fashions of brights and prints. Matte Peach, Soft Pink Shimmer, Rich Golden Brown, Bronze Glaze, Gilded Pink, and Sheer Gold Metallic create a pallet to compliment any skin tone and highlight eyes and cheeks. Also included is a set-by-step instruction guide with tips on getting a warm and glowing look, along with the Press Definer Brush for precision eye lining. Suggested retail: $86.00 ($136.00 value)
Dual Eye Liner - Express / Reflect – To define and intensify the eyes for spring and summer, Being TRUE welcomes their new Dual Eye Liner: Express/Reflect. A dual ended kohl eye pencil, Express gives a rich shade of mocha for soft definition, while Reflect neutralizes and brightens tired eyes with its sheer pink pearl shade. Suggested retail: $18.00
A limited-edition color of Sheer Lip Shine, Aglow practices what it preaches. This sheer golden toffee gloss with a brilliant dual reflection of pink and gold shimmer is designed to amplify the natural lip tone leaving you Aglow! Suggested retail: $16.00
Essential Brush Set –This limited edition set of hand-made professional brushes comes with an Eye Shadow Brush, Eye Contour Brush, Shadow Diffuser Brush, Liner Diffuser Brush, and Powder Blush Brush. Also included are tips and instructions on using Being TRUE’s professional tools. Suggested retail: $110.00 ($132.00 value)
The targeted skin care line is sold in six collections addressing specific and changing skin care needs, completed with the essential daily products. The entire brand consists of 205 skus and product categories that include skin care, professional and cosmetics. Prices range from $12 - $120.
Being TRUE is sold exclusively through high-end salon and spas and is currently available in over 400 doors including Nob Hill Spa in San Francisco, Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa in Dana Point, La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Marriot Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Hotel ZaZa in Dallas, The Spa at Four Season’s West Lake Village, Restore Spa in New York City and Valley Ho in Scottsdale.
www.truecosmetics.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Lush Lash
(BeansTalk Note: We actually have some Renew, but haven't tried it yet. We'll let you know in a review, soon. Meanwhile, here's the 411 on this lash builder.)
Renew Eyelash Revitalizer:
Helping lashes to reach their full potential, Renew Eyelash Revitalizer naturally stimulates lashes to a longer, fuller and healthier state within 4-6 weeks. Retail price $80.00.
* 100% natural ingredients
* Professional formula
* No rash or burn to the skin
* Strengthens growth
* Hypoallergenic
* Non-comedogenic
* For men and women
Renew Eyebrow Revitalizer:
Encouraging healthy growth of existing follicles, Renew Eyebrow Revitalizer is the answer to anyone who has been a victim of over-tweezing. This gentle serum gently cleanses and dissolves dead skin to unclog pores ultimately leading to natural hair growth in only 4-6 weeks. Retail price $35.00.
* 100% natural ingredients
* Professional formula
* Cleanses & dissolve dead skin cells
* Eliminates clogged follicles
* No rash or burn to the skin
* Strengthen hair growth
* For men and women
* Hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Zooey Helps Launch T-Shirt Recycling Program
We love Zooey Deschanel (so of course we took the opportunity to get her on BeansTalk!)
On 15 April 2008, an exclusive soiree was held to celebrate the launch of national t-shirt recycling program at Barneys New York and Barneys New York CO-OP. Indie rock duo She & Him, featuring M. Ward and actress/singer Zooey Deschanel, performed for surfer Kelly Slater, designer Magda Berliner, Loomstate co-designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn, Barney’s Julie Gilhart and a mix of fashion insiders and influencers. Event revelers – including Deschanel’s parents Caleb and Mary Jo –donate gently worn T-shirts and dance the night away to tunes by DJ Paul Sevigny.
As part of the kick-off of the second season of “The Green” on Sundance Channel, the network has partnered with Barneys New York CO-OP and the eco-chic fashion brand Loomstate to launch a first of its kind, national T-shirt recycling program. T-shirts donated at the event and at all Barneys New York and their CO-OP store locations nationwide from April 13-27 will be “re-fashioned” by Loomstate designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn. The eco-luxe T-shirts will be sold exclusively at Barneys New York and Barneys New York CO-OP for Holiday 2008, with proceeds from the program benefiting 1% For The Planet. Photo: Michael Williams / Startraks
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Maintain Hair &
Hair Color During Summer
by Les Haverty, Artistic Director of FHI Heat
It's almost that time of year again...The beach, swimming pools, and many outdoor activities are about to cause aggravation because they can adversely affect your hair's moisture and color. These days the nice thing is that we have many helpful options to protect our investment in our hair. I will outline my recommendations or strategy to maintain your hair's brilliance and shine through out the summer season.
-Shampoo with hydrating, color safe, sulfate-free shampoos. "These are usually the safest for daily use. I recommend sulfate free shampoos because they use natural cleansers to clean the hair without using the harsh sulfate detergents that are responsible for degrading the color or lowlights you spent your hard earned money on. I would also recommend an acidifying conditioner. These are usually citrus-based conditioners which have a pH value between 3.0 and 3.7, and remember that hair's natural pH is 4.5 to 5.5. Acidifying conditioners help seal the cuticle around the color molecules on the hair shaft and allow for the color to last longer!"
- Wash hair with tepid or lukewarm water. "I recommend that one use tepid or lukewarm water when shampooing to get it clean. Washing with too hot water can actually open the cuticle removing the hair's natural moisture and further dry out the hair making it feel like card board or a corn stalk. It also contributes to color loss. Also nobody likes the extremely cold water in the shower--burrr. This can be done daily (for oily scalps), but if you are one with a dry scalp, every other day is okay as well. On in between days, try using a natural bristle brush and brush the hair from scalp to ends allowing the natural oils or sebum to cover the hair, after all this is your body's custom conditioner for your hair. Very IMPORTANT, make sure you shampoo immediately following swimming in the pool! The chlorine and bromine used in today's pools can strip hair and discolor it. In the summer, the sun can amplify these chemicals increasing the stress to the hair, leaving it very brittle. Also, wash hair right after pool time and ocean time. The oceans contain massive amounts of salt, which can cause your haircolor to fade as well. Add the sun's solar energy into the mix and you will start to see the bleaching effect on hair, the sun is like a bleach factory. At the very least, one should rinse the hair off with tepid fresh water after pool and ocean swims."
-Conditioning hair in the summer months is very important. "I stay stick with the acidifying type for daily use if you have color and highlights. The pH is usually between 3.0 to 3.5 for these conditioners. The acid helps keep the cuticle closed while holding onto the hair color. For this type of hair I would also try a hydrating conditioner once every two weeks to maintain the softness and condition of the hair. If unsure as to your conditioner's pH, I recommend giving the manufacturer a call. For extremely dry and brittle hair try keeping a comb in the shower as well. After applying the conditioner to the hairs ends and mid strand, comb the conditioner through the hair. This makes sure that the hair, which needs the most help, absorbs it."
-Style hair with alcohol free and silicone-free products. "Some manufacturers claim that the alcohol dries the product and not the hair...but if your hair is already on the dry side naturally, I would stay away from mousses, gels, and sprays containing alcohol. The non-alcoholic products work just as good, if not better because they are non-damaging. Once the alcohol in the hairspray dries and attaches to the hair, it forms a bond and that bond is strong. When shampooing, the alcohol is also going to strip some color and moisture from the hair. Nowadays we have such a great selection of natural hair sprays, shampoos and conditioners that work fantastic. I think it's worth the shopping time. For styling products, I recommend serums that contain no drying silicone, but instead natural moisturizers, such as FHI Heat's Hot Sauce which contains jojoba crystals. Silicone leads to brittle hair, and when heat is applied, the silicone melts and embeds itself into the hair shaft, causing color not to stick to hair!
-Finish hair with UV enriched sprays. "Use a spray or pomade that has a UV protectant and use just enough to get the desired look. With pomades in the summer months, be careful not to apply too much as it will weight the hair down and the sun's heat may actually make the hair look greasy."
-My at-home tip for summer beach hair and skin spray:
- Boil 2 cups of bottled water
- Add 4 tablespoons of SPF 40 or higher sunscreen (lotion or cream works best)
- Stir until well emulsified
- Let cool
- Put into a clean spray bottle with sprayer nozzle.
"I use this on my hair at the beach and also my skin for a recharge in battling the suns harmful UV rays...it also gives my hair that nice shiny look!"
- Use gentle heat styling tools featuring far-infrared heat (gentle, healthy heat). Blowers, flat irons, curling irons, all hair tools that utilize ceramic, tourmaline, and far-infrared heat can help prevent heat damage. Stay away from metal irons and blowers that produce infrared heat (non-healthy heat). As you know, tools have come so far in the last few years. Once upon a time, the harmful infrared rays of curling irons and blow dryers did actually damage, fade, and even burn and scorch hair. Those days are long gone due to ceramic heater technology and thanks to the introduction of tourmaline gemstones in the construction of these tools. Ceramic heaters produce a soft, smooth heat wave pattern known as far-infrared heat which is very gentle to the surface it penetrates--in this case hair. Add the semi-precious gemstone tourmaline to the mix and you now have an ionic effect on hair that helps it retain moisture and look and feel much shinier after even one use. We at FHI Heat have gone even further down the technology line to add our proprietary Nano-Fuzeion technology. This is FHI's advanced combination of three distinct nano technologies (Nano Ti + Nano TiO2 + Nano Ag), which result in unmatched styling and health benefits for one's hair. Nano Titanium enhances the ionic effect, allowing the hair to absorb more moisture for superior conditioning and shine. Nano Titanium Oxide helps remove chemical pollutants and toxins, which build up in your hair from normal exposure to the elements. Finally, Nano Silver removes harmful or damaging bacteria from the hair. The moisturizing elements of Titanium work together with the cleansing and purifying characteristics of Titanium Oxide and Silver to leave your hair healthier, shinier, and more vibrant. So you can see we have come a long way from using a clothes iron on our hair. hehe!"
"The last thing piece of advice: stay out of the sun whenever possible or at least wear a hat when prolonged outdoor exposure is in the forecast."
FHI Heat products are available at fine hair salons and professional beauty retailers nationwide, via toll-free number at 877.FHI.HEAT (877.344.4328) and online at www.fhiheat.com. FHI Heat products include blow dryers, styling irons, curling irons, heat razors, heat-activated conditioners, styling clips, carbon combs, brushes and a chemical straightening system.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Walsh Wears it Well
Formal or casual, there’s something breezily elegant about “Private Practice” star Kate Walsh.
Walsh wore a Herve Leroux smoke colored gown for the Red Cross Red Tie Affair. Leroux’s signature design are his bandage dresses that are notable for the enhancement of the wearer’s curves.
The actress also has colored her tresses a much deeper dark color, quite a switch from her own signature red hair.
Walsh – seen in her Paige Premium Denim’s signature Laurel Canyon low-rise boot-cut jeans in the medium stretch destruction wash was caught by pap lenses Wednesday, 9 April 2008. “All styles are in right now but the boot cut is really making a comeback,” says designer Paige Adams-Geller. “The most important thing is to wear what is right for your body – skinnies, flares, crops or boot cut – find what’s right for you.”
Sunday, April 13, 2008
This Isn't Just Jumping On the Bandwagon: Rachel Pally's Dresses Are Must-Haves
Oh, there’s Angelina Jolie, all preggie with twins, donning -- again -- that sleeveless, long length Rachel Pally Caftan in Dove (a very soft grey color) . It seems to be the only dress she’s wearing lately. Maybe it’s the only one that fits her. More likely, it’s the most comfortable for her and the two fetuses, as she alternately carries and hand holds the current brood.
But here’s the thing – and yes, we realize that she IS Angelina Jolie – Rachel Pally’s dresses have the comfort of a luxury knit nightgown and the style of high fashion. The proof is in the pictures. Certified fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted strolling the streets with her son James Wilkie wearing Pally’s Short-Sleeved Caftan. Josh Stone, Jessica Simpson are also fans. Oprah was such a fan that she dubbed Pally’s garb as one of her “favorites.” The designer created a special outfit for Winfrey’s audience that day, and you can still find Ebay listings the link the talk-show hostess and Pally.
We were lucky enough to hit the latest Rachel Pally sale this weekend at their warehouse at 2001 South Santa Fe Avenue, Suite F, Los Angeles, CA 90021. It’s still happening, if you happen to read this today:
Rachel Pally Sale
2001 S Santa Fe Ave, Suite F
Los Angeles, Ca 90021
(Corner Of Santa Fe & 15th Street)
**Valet Parking Available**
Contact At Sale - 818-512-9474 Or 818-512-9575
Cash, Check, Visa, Or Mastercard Only. Today open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.Rachelpally.Com
Don’t be put off by the industrial surroundings, because there are treasures inside.
This is our second visit to one of these events and believe us, if we hadn’t just resigned from our day job, we could easily go shopanista/shopaholic or whatever you kids are calling it these days. In other words, boy, could we have spree-d.
Even current styles are included in the sale; dresses, skirts, tops, leggings and accessories are in organized, stacked cardboard boxes with photos of the styles in front. Reach in and find the right size and color.
The dressing room is tent sized and don’t be surprised if you’re nude-ing up in front of a magazine model or the BBW Bunco player from the ‘burbs. Pally’s dresses just look good on everyone.
We’re crazy about Pally’s Midnight color, which is best described as a deep, sincere, dark blue. OK, we know sincere may not mean the same thing to you as it does to us, but we think readers of BeansTalk will understand its meaning.
The images above show the Midnight Button-Front Baby Doll dress and short leggings we got Friday (as well as a Midnight Bandeau). We also found the last non-white-label (white-label is plus size) Cape Jacket, a signature of Pally’s and a big favorite. It’s in Lake (a kind of blue/green/aqua grayish). We already have the tiered dress in that color (the image is seen here, in this posting), so it’s such a great set.
We also have the Pam and Round-neck Bubble Dresses in Midnight, as well as the Cape Jacket. We have the longer (knee)-length lantern sleeved dress in a forest green and amethyst.
We're not bragging, we just love her dresses! Dresses are, on the average, $75 (they're usual up to $298).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Eco-Friendly Cosmetics
As Earth Day approaches and more companies strive to ‘go green’, PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics creates cosmetics that use natural, non-toxic ingredients for the well-being of the consumer and the environment.
Proven to reduce waste, pollution, and deforestation caused by mass animal consumption, vegan-ism is not only influencing dietary decisions but making an impression on the beauty industry as well. To be environmentally responsible, PeaceKeeper develops vegan-friendly products.
Eco-Sensual Lip Balm, which launched in 2007, is 73% organic and 100% vegan, containing natural ingredients to moisturize and heal. This year, PeaceKeeper will debut their newest vegan product, Eco-Sensual Nail Polish Remover, made from fermented corn and soy sugar.
Many manufactured ingredients deplete environmental resources. PeaceKeeper products are made with mineral-based and food-grade formulas that do not contain synthetic ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, acetone, toluene, mineral oil, FD&C colors, artificial fragrances and artificial preservatives. PeaceKeeper’s collection of Lip Paints, Nail Paints, Lip Glosses and vegan-friendly products promote a sustainable planet and healthy way of life. Now that’s Beautiful™.
About PeaceKeeper
PeaceKeeper is the first make-up company to donate ALL of its profits, after taxes, to women’s health and human rights advocacy issues. Through its unique brand of “dual-purpose” cosmetics, PeaceKeeper encourages consumers to more fully recognize the level of abuse and inequality suffered around the globe – and to become an active part of the solution simply by how they choose a product. To learn more about the programs PeaceKeeper supports, please visit www.imapeacekeeper.com.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Would You Wear These?
(If You Are Anyone Other
Than An Olsen Twin?)
Here are some of fashion’s latest footwear offerings. For you? Or no? If you can teeter on these towering heels and are confident enough to don some edgy footwear, this little BeansTalk installment may be for you. All available through neimanmarcus.com
(If You Are Anyone Other
Than An Olsen Twin?)
Here are some of fashion’s latest footwear offerings. For you? Or no? If you can teeter on these towering heels and are confident enough to don some edgy footwear, this little BeansTalk installment may be for you. All available through neimanmarcus.com
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
TCM’s Marathon of Heston Films
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will honor the life and career of legendary actor Charlton Heston, who died Sunday at the age of 84. This Friday, April 11, the network will present a 15-hour marathon of memorable Heston performances, including his Oscar®-winning role in Ben-Hur (1959). Also featured will be two opportunities to watch an in-depth conversation between Heston and TCM host Robert Osborne in the TCM original special Private Screenings: Charlton Heston.
“Charlton Heston was a towering man both in person and on screen,” said Osborne. “He was also one of the nicest, most courteous gentlemen I ever met. He will forever stand tall among those rare few we know as genuine Movie Stars.”
The following is a complete schedule of TCM’s April 11 tribute to Charlton Heston:
2:30 p.m. Private Screenings: Charlton Heston
3:30 p.m. The Buccaneer (1958) – co-starring Yul Brynner and Claire Bloom.
5:30 p.m. The Hawaiians (1970) – co-starring Geraldine Chaplin and John Philip Law.
8 p.m. Private Screenings: Charlton Heston
9 p.m. Ben-Hur (1959) – co-starring Jack Hawkins and Stephen Boyd. (image above)
1 a.m. Khartoum (1966) – co-starring Lawrence Olivier and Richard Johnson.
3:30 a.m. Major Dundee (1965) – co-starring Richard Harris, Jim Hutton and James Coburn.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Pa-tou-tou’s Debut
Pa-tou-tou’s debut collection, “Glamour Mix,” draws inspiration from the confident, bold and polished interiors of the Hollywood Regency style. The debut collection features 11 shapes – strong, clean forms with a modern mix of saturated color, pattern, and unexpected fabrications.
It began with the glamorous notion that when accompanied by a gleaming accessory, a woman can create a regal entrance no matter what door she is walking through, at any time, on any day. Strong silhouettes, bits of sparkle and simple palettes create this allure, always perfectly radiant and easy to read. This is the essence of Pa-tou-tou’s first eye-dancing collection.
The opulent and sleek characteristic of metal mesh is at its most restrained and chic on the clean profile of box bags and trapeze totes. Animals are never too far away from our glamour girl, and this season, an oversized giraffe pattern is given a lustrous treatment, screened onto mesh in crème and black. On the clean shapes, the effect is chic and effortless.
Emotive hues loved for their ability to pack a punch, such as Parrot Green, Dahlia Pink and Heliotrope, have a subtle intensity and surface sheen on the clean profiles of hand-held bags, while polished feminine patent and satin bags have their drama lifted through well-placed and unexpected details.
Spirited geometric patterns dance on blast-from-the-past bamboo handle totes… pleasurable jolts of citrus colors on tactile canvas form the ground for bold pattern play with slick patent striping on a deliciously fun, easy-to-pack-and-jet-away shape.
A generous, lighthearted, convertible pool tote glows like a sunny day in shining PVC colors. Ornamental motifs and classic all-over patterns vibrate, layered with classic black-and-white detail designed for everyday glamour.
Silhouettes: Rectangular cut-out handheld box bags, circular cut-out trapeze totes, vertical stripe bamboo handle totes, emerald profile bracelet bags, soft chunky chain link handle bags and chain detail bags.
Patterns / Motifs: Giraffe, Greek Key, Baroque, Asian Lattice, Spherica Lattice, Chevron Stripe
Metallic Colors: Champagne Gold, Silver, Gold Bronze
Neutrals: Black, White, Chocolate, Crème
Colors: Lipstick Pink, Kelly Green, Heliotrope, Tangerine, Raspberry Pink, Sea Blue, Parrot Green, Lemon Yellow
Materials: Leather and Patent Leather, Metal Mesh, Canvas, Lucite, PVC
Pa-tou-tou is a contemporary accessories brand, founded in 2007. Conceived in response to the over-utilitarian, repetitive (and sometimes drab!) accessories market, Pa-tou-tou reignites the fantasy of a more thrilling experience.
Re-imagining the perfect accessory, one that inspires the assured woman to live out her most stunning dream, Pa-tou-tou clutches, day bags and totes radiate the essence of progressive feminine style and fresh American glamour.
The passion and stylish certainty of the remarkable faces and places of old-school Hollywood and Hollywood Regency design epitomize the Pa-tou-tou lifestyle and look. Pa-tou-tou’s inventive bags promise this drama; a crisp, rich design aesthetic, a sense of modernity, a timeless grace and wit, and the spirit of a prosperous, frolicking time.
In 2006, the intuitive eye of fashion industry leader Cynthia O’Connor lead her to this brand-in-the-making. A year later, Pa-tou-tou was fully realized, and ready to launch its first collection, staged in the best setting imaginable - Cynthia’s showroom.
The line has been picked up by Kitson, Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Saks Dubai, and other high end retailers
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Who Got SAK'd???
As the official handbag sponsor of the 50th Annual Grammy’s, The SAK gave performers and presenters the first opportunity to pick up bags from the brand’s latest leather collection, Silverlake (not yet available in stores). Celebrities were also given the opportunity to take home the graffiti-inspired tote from The SAK’s special edition Ashbury collection (both Amy Lee and Cyndi Lauper are carrying the Asbury), available this Spring. The exclusive print featured on the tote was designed by Paris-born artist Gilles Jourdan and promotes peace and harmony among all beings – a theme that was universally supported among the celebrities!
Silverlake, complete with convertible satchel, convertible clutch and flap bag, was a hit with the A-list stars such as Miley Cyrus (who left with all three styles), Rhianna, Alicia Keyes, Fiest, Taylor Swift, Cyndi Lauper (seen above) and Amy Lee from Evanesence (seen above). Many stars picked up more than one bag saying they could not decide between the three styles.
Since the event was pre-Valentine’s Day, the handbags were a hit with many of the male guests. The Plain White T’s picked up three of the Ashbury totes with Gilles Jourdan print for their girlfriends, saying “they are going to love us this Vday!” The Foo Fighters chose bags for the leading ladies in their lives, their mothers. The band members chose one of each of the three styles in the Silverlake collection to give to their mom’s on Valentine’s Day.
Actor Jason Bateman mused, “when I come out of the closet, I am definitely carrying the SAK!”
The SAK is also supporting the Nature Conservancy by auctioning off celebrity signed Ashbury totes on eBay later this month. Celebrities participating include Miley Cyrus, Cyndi Lauper, Taylor Swift, The Foo Fighters, Plain White T’s and Amy Lee. www.thesak.com
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Light, Airy Sweet This Treat
We always have a hard time pronouncing these and confused them with macaroons (of the coconut variety). We love these sweet French treats. Paulette’s Macarons – an inspired collaboration between Paulette Koumetz, who has a passion for the celebrated Parisian macaron, and French pastry chef extraordinaire Christophe Michalak, winner of the 2005 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, with his passion for reinventing the classics. At Paulette Beverly Hills, the vivid hues of the unique macarons reflect the natural flavors and essences that infuse the ganache filling of these delicious almond cookies. www.paulettemacarons.com
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Putting Ponytails Right
Designer Tami Lynn has been a TV/Film Producer and Personal Manager in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Throughout her career Lyn has spent countless hours on Television and Movie sets. Traveling to and from locations, she quickly realized everyone was wearing beanies. Wearing hair in a ponytail and donning a beanie is very uncomfortable. Lynn designed a hat with a rolled-opening to wear with a ponytail and she collaborated with a knitting expert to refine the concept. The Tami Lynn Collection also includes hand-knitted Newsboy Caps, Double Pocket Scarves, (perfect for carrying your iPod and cell phone), and sweater vests with Kimono-style sleeves. Tami Lynn Collection -Retail $25-$75, available online & at boutiques nationwide. Celebrity fans: Alicia Keys, Christina Applegate, Drew Barrymore, Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson. www.tamilynncollection.com