Prepare to Launch…

Wednesday night was an exciting night for fashion- I attended collection previews for 3 up and coming designers, and all were an occasion to celebrate!

Farrah Delaunay Launch Party
Model-turned-designer, Farrah Delaunay, showcased her newest collection at the Edward Tyler Nahem Gallery. With bright colors, fine leathers and unique West African fabrics, the bags in her Bambou collection have an exotic appeal. In an array of shapes and sizes, the smaller bags are perfect for days out on the town and the larger bags are travel-ready. Champagne and sushi were served as the crowd mingled about the gallery, taking guesses as to which NYC buyers and boutiques would be the first to snatch up Farrah’s bags. I loved the zipper detailing and interesting shape of the Dakar bags, and the convenient size of the head-turning Lagos bags. One of my other favorite bags was the gift bag! The cotton, beach-style Farrah bag included a customized scented lotion “Bambou Blend” from Bath Junkie; Vita Coco Cocunut Water; Wake Up Women– A book for women by women about being happy, healthy and wealthy; Tea Tree cleansing conditioner by Wen, certificates for At Home Pampering Services, Ancient Miracle in a Bottle, and a Tru Nutrition Chocolate sample.

Here are some pics from the event:

Farrah Delaunay Bambou Collection

Farrah Delaunay Bambou Collection

Farrah Delaunay Bambou Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farrah Delaunay Bambou Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paige Gamble & Kara Ackerman Exclusive Sale 

Handbag designer Paige Gamble and jewelry designer Kara Ackerman teamed up for an exclusive sale and preview of their spring/summer collections at the Pucci Building. A high style crowd was gathered to view the young designer’s newest creations.

Paige Gamble’s handbags are made of the finest leathers with luxurious accents such as peacock feathers, crystals, gemstones, and hand-carved jade. I had the opportunity to meet the designer, and she explained to me how her extensive design team comes together from all over the world to create her one of a kind bags- some accent pieces are hand picked in Asia, a tattoo artist in the West who custom-details the leathers, someone hand enamels certain accents, and overall she complimented her great design team and attributed them to her success. Paige Gamble bags are truly statement pieces- if I had the money, I would buy any one of them in a heart beat! Until then, I can stare at these pics from Wednesday night’s event:

 

Paige Gamble Patent Leather Flower Accents

 

Paige Gamble "Lunchbox" and Clutch

 

Paige Gamble Peacock Accented Clutch

 

Paige Gamble Ostrich with Crystals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kara Ackerman also creates standout pieces with a unique touch. She has three lines- GemGirls, KSA designs for Men, and Kara Ackerman. Each line is distinct- GemGirls seemingly for a younger target audience, KSA- self explanatorily for men, and Kara Ackerman having a more refined look. I enjoyed seeing all of the lines, but was most intrigued be the KSA line with various cuff links and accessories for men, and the pearls and gemstones in the Kara Ackerman line. These are my favorite pieces from the event, but you can see more of her designs onkaracreations.com:

Kara Ackerman Pearl Necklaces

Kara Ackerman

Kara Ackerman Gem Girls

 

Not Another Manicure for Mother’s Day

You could get your mom another lotion set or manicure gift certificate, but why would you when you can get her something that makes her say “wow!”(and really mean it)?

Guilt-less Gifts on Gilt.com
The Gilt Groupe set up a sample sale of great accessories specifically for Mother’s day shopping- “Fabulous Gifts for Mom”! Enjoy up to 70% off retail prices by joining Gilt via this invitation link and shop today!

Photo Gifts
Mom always loves pics of her little darlings- whether its you or the dog! Check out Shutterfly.com for photo gifts of everything from calendars to puzzles and the timeless coffee mug. Get free shipping on orders over $50 by entering the code SHIP50 at checkout (expires 4/29).

Bags
Remember all those great bagged lunches mom used to make for you? Give her a bag she’ll love.

This Liz Claiborne tote is perfect for the beach or shopping in the city. Comes in 4 great summer color combinations! $59.98 at 6pm.com 

These London Fog bags are classic but “springy” because of the bright color options! Check out these ($236 $149) and other designer bags for less on Overstock.com

Bejeweled
No more smelly chemicals ruining your mom’s manicure: This Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner from Brookstone will help mom clean up all that expensive jewelry you’ve been getting her the last few Mother’s Days.
$39.99, Brookstone

This Coral and Cultured Pearl Necklace is a timeless and unique piece of jewelry. Get it at Ross-Simons at 60% off retail price.  $50, Ross-Simons

 

 

 Take a Chance
Enter your mom for a chance to win a $5,000 Valentino Shoe & Handbag Shopping Spree on Neiman Marcus.com! (I guess you could enter yourself too, while you’re at it!) Click here to enter 

BCBG Max Azria- When Good Jewelry Goes Bad

I love BCBGMAXAZRIA- the clothing, shoes, and even the feather headbands they sold last fall. So when I received an e-mail from the brand this week stating: “Valentine’s Day Jewelry Has Arrived,” I was excited and clicked through (to this page).

What showed up?

“Friendship bracelets” engraved with the quote “A friend hears what you don’t say.”

An necklace enscribed with the quote “You are my inspiration and dream come true.”

A charm bracelet with a single charm with the mindless saying, “No matter where you go, there you are.”

How is this cute/trendy/or even stylish? It looks like BCBG got a jewelry loan from RedEnvelope. 

Red Envelope Diamond Rings Necklace

BCBG Friendships Ring Necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This jewelry collection needs to go away ASAP, hopefully some misguided boyfriends will buy it all up! Let me know what you think.

Style vs. Savings – Spring Shoes

THE STUDDED STRAPPY SANDAL

MANOLO BLAHNIK (Style) VS. NINE WEST (Savings)

Manolo Blahnik Studded Strappy Sandal $895

Nine West Kentaro Studded Sandal $89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER:  The Nine West Kentaro is a great deal – while the studs are not as prominent, both shoes have a 4 inch heel and are in a great neutral color. I choose SAVINGS.

THE RUFFLED T-STRAP SANDAL

NANETTE LEPORE (Style) VS.  STEVE MADDEN LUXE (Savings)

 

Nanette Lepore Savage Lover Stiletto $375

Steve Madden Luxe Brake Ruffle T-Strap Sandal $74.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER: The Nanette Lepore Stiletto offers a more rigid ruffle and more delicate straps while the Steve Madden Luxe Sandal has a rounded ruffle and thicker straps around the ankle and toe. The Nanette Lepore seems dressier and would be perfect to dress up a sun dress and wear to a spring wedding. The Steve Madden sandals have an edgier feel and would be great with a mini. I love… both. TIE.

THE METALLIC CUT OUT PLATFORM

DIOR (Style) VS. NYLA (Savings)

 

Dior Extreme Cutout $780

NYLA Shika Cutout Platform $79.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER: While the NYLA has all of the same details- all the way down to the studs placed strategically in the same places- this shoe is just too bulky. The Dior Extreme is just the right balance of rock star and glam- STYLE.

EXOTIC PRINT PLATFORM

PRADA (Style) VS. Nine West- Boutique 9 (Savings)

PRADA Jeweled T-Strap Platform $1100

Voula by Boutique 9 $160

 

 

 

 

WINNER: The Prada sandal is full of details that only a designer shoe can offer- a jeweled t-strap, (natural python leather!), and a bamboo heel. But- the Boutique 9 Sandal is gorgeous and while it still isn’t a total steal at $160- I feel like it would be more wearable. This was a toughie but: SAVINGS wins.

Alexander McQueen for Target- A Miracle for the Fashion-Oriented and Money-Lacking

 

Alexander McQueen’s McQ line for Target   hits stores on March 4! Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers- he is innovative, cutting edge, and he hosts the most dramatic and exciting fashion shows year after year.   New York Magazine’s the Cut! interviewed McQueen about the conceptual aspects and design of the line. My favorite excerpts included McQueen stating:

” I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern — wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passé.”

“It’s a new era in fashion — there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.”

“Fashion and style should not be exclusive to the luxury market or to those who have a certain amount of money.”

New Yorkers will be getting a sneak preview sale of the collection Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 15 at St. John’s Center on Houston Street. If this line is anything like Thakoon’s recent line at Target– it is going to go fast. So I’ll be there next weekend, trying to buy this dress and the blue booties on this page.   Don’t miss out on this great collaboration!

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

I am not getting jewelry for Valentine’s Day- I already received a beautiful ring for Christmas and my V-day gift is coming in March with a trip back to Chicago… BUT- many of your boy friends/ husbands/ etc. are probably still looking for jewelry/gifts for you girls– so why don’t you drop him a hint? There is nothing better than a unique piece- one that you won’t see 12 times a day when you walk down Fifth Avenue (cough cough… Tiffanys… cough cough)… so…

Go Euro… Astley Clarke is a great jewelry store from the UK that offers a wide range of gems, diamonds, and styles. Here are some great picks from their site:

 

Monica Vinader- Smokey Quartz Earrings

Yummi Glass- Happy Heart Glass Pendant in Raspberry Pink

 

 

 

Diamond flower ring with white, black and cognac diamonds in 18ct gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduated Swavorski Pearl Necklace

Eurostyle II: Lily Gardner is a designer I found in Covent Garden, London. I have a piece from her Teatro Lace collection that I absolutely adore and I recieve compliments almost every time I wear it. Try one of these beautiful pieces if you really want a show stopping accessory:

 

Swavorski Crystal Pearl Bow Necklace

 

 

 

 

Lily Gardner Lace Heart on Beads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently discovered the F.N.U.E. (From Now Until Eternity) Jewelry Collection, which would make the perfect gift and a stunning accessory to an outfit for any occasion. The collection is entirely handcrafted and made with 14k gold, 18k gold vermeil, or sterling silver, and includes necklaces, chokers, pendants, bracelets, bangles, cuffs, rings, and earrings (several pieces also feature precious gemstones). The pieces range in price from $45 to $1500.

Designer Halley Barney’s sophisticated collection is divided into five distinct series; the “He Loves Me” Series, the “He Loves Me II” Series, “The Garden”  Series, the “Heart to Heart” Series, and the “Pieces of the Heart” Series.” Each series has its own distinct flair while still embodying the theme of the collection, “Jewelry from the heart, for the heart.” These are a few of my favorite pieces:

Garden Series- Sterling Silver Flower Ring

 

“Cross my Heart” Duo Small Hearts Necklace

“Cross my Heart” 18 K Gold Pendant

“Pieces of the Heart” Sterling Silver Pendants

"He Loves Me II" Daisy Stack Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paris Spring Couture 2009

Spring is in full swing in Paris and the runways are full of beautiful couture designs! Chanel was showing black and white designs with plenty of lace, sequins, and a tripping model. Armani Privé added in some color, florals and metallics and Christian Dior exhibited all of the above plus voluminous skirts and details inside and out. Trend alert: Head pieces, florals, and structured jackets paired with skirts were shown all around.  Black, white, a mix of metallics and a few bright colors made the cut.

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chanel

Chanel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Armani Prive

Armani Prive

Breast Cancer Awareness- Make A Difference, Fashionably

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and many companies and designers have created products that raise funds to support Breast Cancer research. Even though the month is halfway over, it is never too late to make a difference! Check out these philanthropic finds:

 

Balmshell 1-in-8 Lipgloss

 

Balmshell 1-in-8 Lipgloss

This sheer pink gloss is non-sticky and sparkly. $1 from every 1 In 8 lip gloss sold will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$22 @ Sephora- And while you are at it, check out all of Sephora’s products that support Breast Cancer Research HERE.

 

 

 

 

10K White Gold and Diamon Ribbon Earrings

$115.99 @ Target.com

 

 

 

 

 

Dogeared Breast Cancer Necklace 

This unique wishbone charm necklace comes in gold or silver on a pink thread with the idea that you can make a wish come true. A portion of proceeds go to recognized Breast Cancer research organizations.

$27 at ShopIntuition.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan G. Komen Nintendo DS- Lite

 

Susan G. Komen Nintendo DS- Lite

For all you gamers out there- Nintendo DS-Lite features built-in Wi-Fi and you can enjoy a massive library of Nintendo games on this sleek, stylish, and ultraportable gaming system. Nintendo will donate $5.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each product sold, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $100,000

$129.00 @ Target  – Target has hundreds of Breast Cancer support products… find them online, HERE.

 

 

 

Jaime King Breast Cancer Awareness Tee

 

 

Jaime King Breast Cancer Awareness Shirt

Celebrity Jaime King designed this sheer tee with flower details and a ribbon designed over the heart. 50% of the proceeds for this shirt and these other celebrity-designed tops will benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

$88 @ ShopBop.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Breast Cancer Scarf

 

 

 

Coach Breast Cancer Scarf

This scarf can be tied around any of your purses to show support all year round- and will be especially fitting for Valentines Day this spring! 20% of the proceeds for this scarf and these Coach items will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$78 @ Coach

 

 

 

 

 

Susan G. Komen Silk Grid Tie

 

Susan G. Komen Silk Grid Tie

For the men in your life who may not be ready to go all-out pink to show their support- this silk tie and the other Susan G. Komen Ties on Macys.com have a small pink ribbon (and some do come in pink)! MMG Corporation is proud to donate $1.00 from each item purchased September 15, 2008 through November 15, 2008 with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000 to Susan G.Komen for the Cure®.

$29.98 @ Macy’s

 

 

 

Zazzle.com Friend Postcard

 

Zazzle.com

Zazzle.com has an entire Pink Ribbon Shop that sells t-shirts, postage stamps, coffee mugs, postcards and more. With beautiful designs and messages like the one to the right, you can even customize Zazzle products! I personally love this design- and would buy the postcards (or the t-shirt) that features it to show my support or let someone know about an upcoming Cancer Awareness walk!20% of the net sale of all the products in this gallery goes to support breast cancer awareness causes.

 

Pink Ribbon Ladies Bouquet

 

 

 

Flowers for a Cause

This arrangement of Tulips, Lillies, and Eucalyptus would make anyone’s day and 10% of the proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure. Pick from a selection of Breast Cancer research-supporting bouquets and gifts at ProFlowers.com.

$79.99 @ ProFlowers

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Pink Giftcard- Bloomingdale

Can’t Decide?

Bloomingdale’s paired up with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to offer a double-effective donation opportunity. When you buy a Little Pink Giftcard at Bloomingdale’s before December 21st, ten percent of the gift card value, plus an additional ten percent of any amount spent that exceeds the card’s value when the gift card is redeemed, is donated to BCRF.

$10 – 1,000  @ Bloomingdale’s

Shop Bloomingdale’s Little Pink Boutique

 

 

 

Other Breast Cancer Awareness Shops:

The Breast Cancer Site– Every purchase funds mammograms for women in need

Linea Pelle Breast Cancer Awareness Handbags-  25% of the purchase price will be donated to Susan G. Komen with a minimum guaranteed donation of $25,000.

Melissa Joy Manning Jewelry– 25% of purchase is donated to the Young Survival Coalition

The Pink Ribbon Store-  A portion of every purchase made from this Pink Ribbon Store goes to the charity of your choice.

The Susan G. Komen Promise Shop  Purchases support Susan G. Komen’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Shop Shop online for items that suppor BCRF

 

 

Fab Finds Under $50

While looking for new things to decorate my new apartment, I found some really fun things and great websites! 

These plates are classy and would be great for everyday use or for hosting a party. I found them on BunnyMaxwell.com, a website that offers indoor and outdoor decorating essentials, including some very unique (but expensive) designer wall paper. 

Fashion Plate- Set of 4

$48.00 on bunnymaxwell.com

 

On wishingfish.com, I found a great accessory called “luxe link.” Basically, it is a traveling purse hook, to place on tables to help protect your purse from damage, stretching (from the corners of a chair), or theft! Best of all- these “links” are pretty to look at. The styles offered on wishingfish include lace, houndstooth, and floral prints. 

    Luxe Link Purse Hook

    $35 on WishingFish.com

 

 

 

 

 

I also found these ice cube trays that would be perfect for a girls night out cocktail. The tray creates ice cubes shaped like jewels and the set is only $7.95!

Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray

$7.95 on WishingFish.com

 

 

 

Finally, I wanted to find an apron in hopes of inspiring myself to cook more often. I found a lot of different styles, but my favorite was this vintage-inspired half apron by Jessie Steele. I found it on wrapables.com but there are a lot of other great aprons on girlyaprons.com.

Jessie Steele Pink Paris Apron

$32.95 on Wrapables.com

The Ultimate Vacation Accessory

 

So… I had never bought anything at a mall kiosk… until last weekend. I found a dress that can be worn a trillion different ways and can be worn casually or more formally. The dress is 100% silk, so it can be rolled up into a ball and placed in your suitcase and still come out read-to-wear. The style is brazilian-inspired and all of the prints are unique, so no one can buy the same exact one. There is also a shorter dress in the same style as well as many different styles on the website. I paid $100 for the long style and prices only go down from there for shorter ones. Worth every cent, but I doubt I will change my general perception of mall kiosks.

Kariza “Star” Multi-Wear Dress

http://www.karizadesigns.com