A while back I posted some of my fav sunglasses for summer and they included these Jeremy Scott X Linda Farrow beauties. Hurry up and get yours on Karmaloop…I know I will 😉
OPI Launches Blue Shatters & Glam Slam! France Collections
I’m obsessed with OPI‘s shatter nail polishes, so happy they extended the line with three blue-hued shades! The three new shatter shades includes: Blue, Navy and Turquoise. Inspired by graffiti art, Shatter leaves behind a crackled, two-texture finish when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter from matte to glossy in seconds. I love it! The collection launches this month, so get your shatter on!
Since Serena Williams’ first Glam Slam collection with OPI is so popular, they team up again with four additions to the collection, including two new shades of Shatter – Red and White. Launching in conjunction with the French Open, Glam Slam! France celebrates with two duo-packs. The first Lacquer set includes Spark de Triomphe (a monumentally marvelous gold glitter), paired with White Shatter. The second Lacquer set features Rally Pretty Pink (rise to the occasion with this shimmering sunset-pink), paired with Red Shatter. New shades in the Glam Slam! collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open which was January 2011, followed by launches this month for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon and August 2011 for the US Open. Glam Slam! France will be available beginning this month.
Go get’em girls 😉
Patrick Robinson Let Go From Gap
News just broke that Patrick Robinson has been let go as executive vice president of Gap Global Design for Adult and Body. “After spending the last three months in New York with the creative team, I’ve made the decision to make a change within our Gap Adult design team,” said Pam Wallack, head of the Gap Global Creative Center. Robinson joined Gap in 2007 hoping to revive the brand, but his efforts did not make the mark as North America sales reports indicated negative sales results and inconsistent compared to its international operations. The brand is currently looking for a replacement, but in the interim, Jennifer Giangualano, senior vice president of Gap Kids and Baby Design, will help oversee the adult design team. [WWD] Who will be next? 
STRIPES AHEAD….
I’VE BEEN TALKING A LOT ABOUT STRIPES LATELY BUT THE REASON IS: THEY ARE ALL THE RAGE RIGHT NOW. IN TANKS, MAXI DRESSES AND SKIRTS, INCORPORATING STRIPES INTO YOUR SRPING/SUMMER WARDROBE WILL BE A BREEZE. CHECK OUT THE BELOW NEW STYLES NOW AVAILABLE ON SHOPBOP.COM
Golden Goddesses: Killer Summer Bronzer Guide
Bronzer is key in my daily morning makeup routine. So below I talk about the different kinds and which one can work for you, since there are sooooo many. 😉
Bronzer definitely has a lock on summer. With its universally appealing sun-kissed finish, a touch of bronzer adds an instant glow that evokes a breezy, beachy, weekend look. But it’s not foolproof, or, unlike the bright makeup we’re also loving this summer, something to take creative license with. Read: Over-applying or picking the wrong shade can result in that cringe-inducing, beyond bronzed look. In the hopes of demystify the world of bronzer, we turned to celebrity makeup artist Carmindy for some expert tips, and also rounded up a bevy of new bronzers, including options that go beyond the basics—think shimmer, cream, and liquid formulas. Because, as Carmindy affirms, “everyone can wear a bronzer, it’s just about knowing which shade works best for you.” 1. Pick Your Shade and Go Easy With Application—”Go about two shades deeper than your natural coloring, and don’t dust bronzer all over the face, which can make you look dirty,” says Carmindy. “Instead, strategically brush it on in a C formation. Start at the temples and sweep along the sides of the face and under cheeks for a more natural glow. You can add a slight sweep across forehead, nose, and chin at the end, but very lightly.”
2. Matte vs. Shimmer—A common mistake Carmindy sees often is applying a too-dark metallic bronzer all over the face. Instead, for day, try a matte bronzer: “Matte looks good if it’s very sheer and applied lightly,” she says. “It’s more natural than shimmer bronzer, so it wears best during the day and on lighter skin tones. If you’re really porcelain, make sure you use a very light shade of bronzer, and if your skin is really dark, use a deep shade with a bit of shimmer.”
3. Rules Of Sparkle—”Make sure to only use heavily metallic bronzer at night and stick to shimmer bronzers that have a slight pearlescent glow for day.”
4. Try A Bronzer-Blush Combo—Carmindy recommends using bronzer and blush separately, with the blush applied on the apples of the cheeks and bronzer in the C formation. But some duos are made for blending and these duos can give you a brightened up tan if you start off light and build from there.
5. Step Into Liquid—”Liquids can be messy and tricky,” says Carmindy. “So, it’s easier to stick to creams or powders. But if you must use liquids, try mixing them in with your moisturizer.” Plus, some of the new products with a foundation-like texture (like Guerlain’s Terracotta foundation and Stila’s One Step), help illuminate and can be applied all over the face or just in the T-zone.
STRIPES AND WHITES
Now is the time to bust out your whites, as smartly styled by Nicole from Gary Pepper Vintage. She puts together a look, made up of a chiffon skirt, striped top, cardigan, and oxfords, that’s Spring defined. Inspired? Shop my similar and exact picks from American Apparel, Rag & Bone, and Topshop now.
Left to right: American Apparel Chiffon Skirt ($58), Rag & Bone Beach Tee ($150), Topshop Cross Necklace ($28), American Apparel Bobby Oxfords ($120), Topshop Crochet Cardigan ($60), Yves Saint Laurent Ring ($195), MAC Lip Gloss ($19), Rebecca Minkoff Tote Bag ($150)
NEONS & NEUTRALS
Neons and Neutrals
To say the S/S 11 shows were bright is an understatement, to put it mildly. Between the fluorescent pink column skirts at Jil Sander, electric blue accents at Versace, and acid yellow sweater dresses at Cacharel, there was enough neon on the runways to power the Jem and the Holograms 1986 World Tour. But while everyone loves a kitschy ’80s reference, no one actually wants to look like a cartoon character—so what’s a fashion-loving girl to do? My suggestion is easy: simply temper your not-so-quiet neons with traditional neutrals to create a sophisticated take on this of-the-moment look!
If you need some concrete examples of how to execute this neon-neutral mash-up in a fashionable way, I suggest checking out the streets and some stylish celebs for reference. For example, Jessica Alba was early on this trend when she wore a nude and neon yellow Miu Miu dress to a dinner celebrating the brand’s new London store late last year. The nude bodice and Alba’s equally neutral platform heels perfectly compliment the frock’s highlighter-yellow skirt. For a more casual take on this look, take a page from Rashida Jones’ playbook. The actress was snapped at the Lucky Shops L.A. event last month wearing a darling outfit starring Prada’s Striped Drill Skirt ($650, 212.327.4200). Her pink and black mini skirt is the standout item, and she let it stay in the spotlight by wearing it with interesting, neutral pieces, including a gray Rebecca Taylor Gray Marled Sweater ($295, 212.243.2600), army green Isabel Marant jacket, and khaki 3.1 Phillip Lim X-Cellent HighHeel Sandlas ($675). I also totally approve of the way a stylish civilian on Stockholm Street Style wears this look and love the idea of pairing a neon pink draped dress with a nude leather vest.
With all of these inspirational references in mind, it’s easy to create your own version of the neon and neutral look—especially with the help of the amazing products I found! If you’re looking for a high-end, effortless option, you simply must check out Jil Sander’s Neon T-Shirt ($259) in Bright Fuchsia, which would look fresh with white trousers or flare jeans. I also adore Vanessa Bruno’s Neon Woven Shorts ($390), an as-seen-on-the-runway piece that is perfect for summer barbecues. For a thrifty thrill, don’t miss Zara’s Two-Tone Dress ($69.90, 323.935.5041) in Nude/Orange; its simple, body-skimming silhouette is so chic!
If you’re hesitant about committing to an article of clothing, no worries, there are loads of accessories that will work too. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Tangramarama Rocky Bag ($478) in Jalapeno will update your basics in a festive way. I also adore Marc Fisher’s Sabina Sandals ($89)—a darling cork wedge with an electric turquoise patent upper and a tan ankle strap—which would look so cute with a floaty white dress! For even less commitment, you could always nab one of Madewell’s Colorblock Chain Cuffs ($18) in Limeade or the new NARS Pure Matte Lipstick ($25) in Carthage, which is the most amazing shade of hot pink I’ve ever seen! However you incorporate neon and nude into your wardrobe, just make sure you go for uncomplicated silhouettes and otherwise understated makeup. By opting for simplicity, you’ll keep the focus on the color—which is exactly what you want!
Photo of Jessica Alba, courtesy of Getty; Photo of Rashida Jones, courtesy of Wenn; Versace and Jil Sander runway images, courtesy of PR Consulting; MaxMara runway image, courtesy of First View, Cacharel runway image, courtesy of Cacharel
NARS LAGUNA: Portrait of Paradise Collection
NARS Laguna Bronzer is my go-to bronzer in my make up bag- I simply don’t leave the house without it. With that being said, I was extremely excited to hear about their new launch.
NARS introduces a limited-edition collection of products this summer inspired by the cult classic Laguna Bronzing Powder. Taking a cue from Founder & Creative Director François Nars’ island, Motu Tane, the collection evokes vivid images of the exotic French Polynesia. The campaign image, photographed by François Nars, boasts a stunning black and white image of a Tahitian woman. The collection is available now on www.narscosmetics.com.
Products include:
· Laguna Body Illuminator ($45) – After the high demand of light-reflecting golden bronze face Illuminator comes an Illuminator designed for body application that won’t transfer onto clothing. Perfect for legs, neck and décolleté, the Body Illuminator is a limited-edition product.
· Laguna Multiple ($39) – Fusing an iconic shade with a cult classic formula, the brown with golden shimmer shade will debut for the first time as a limited-edition Multiple – perfect for highlighting, lightly contouring, or all-over bronzing.
· Orgasm, Albatross, Laguna ‘Blush/Bronzer Trio’ ($55) – Three iconic NARS products, one portable zip-around compact. With Orgasm Blush, Albatross Highlighting Blush Powder, and Laguna Bronzing Powder, this limited-edition trio makes a flawless complexion more attainable than ever.
How A Chanel Bag Is Made
I am lucky enough to own my very own Chanel bag and boy do I love it! The leather, the hardware, the weight … it just all very blissfully luxurious, like a warm towel after a cold swim, or like that first hug from your mom after two weeks at sleep-away camp. The perfect combination of longing and design is embodied in the Chanel 2.55, and now it’s time we see how it’s all put together.
The iconic purse has been around since February, 1955 (get it? 2.55?) and it has remained a classic and enduring addition to any wardrobe, from high society, to celebrities, to hipsters with a credit card. There’s nothing cheap about the 2.55, and at close to three thousand bucks, some might assume it’s stitched up with 18KT gold thread.
While there aren’t any commodities involved in the bag, the care, the materials, and of course, the legacy, all contribute to its insane price point. The Chanel-savvy over at the PurseBlog were lucky enough to attend an event that featured one of Chanel’s purse makers at work. Their photos are almost as beautiful as the final product and show the creation of the of the structure of the bag, the delicate suturing of the iconic double Cs, and the fastening of the beloved hardware. It’s cool if you start drooling, I know I am.
I was surprised to see in the photos that a sewing machine is used. I blindly assumed the purse would be hand-sewn, like an Hermes. While the photos certainly demonstrate how human the process is, the machine threw me off a bit. Does it change much? No, not really. The handbag is still flawless and covetable. The craftsmanship and attention to quality and detail is what make the bag timeless, and if it takes a machine to make it so, so be it. There’s nothing in the photos of the birth of a Chanel bag that looks unnatural or cold — the creation still looks organic and made with love. But then again, I compared a Chanel bag to a hug from mom, so my affection for the purse may be obscuring the truth.
What do you think of the making of a Chanel purse, and were you surprised a sewing machine is used?
Photos courtesy of PurseBlog.
PASTEL PREP FOR SPRING
Summer calls upon colorful, cool silhouettes, and I’m quite taken with pastel at the moment. I like how this street-snapped cutie poses her feminine tones with streamlined silhouettes, ankle socks, and platform sandals. Get the look with my similar and exact picks from Super, Diane von Furstenberg, and Eddie Bauer.
Left to right: Eddie Bauer Classic Oxford Shirt ($35), Bedstu Steinway Belt ($64), Erickson Beamon Bette Davis Eyes Bracelet ($595), Sessun Malloring Pant ($200), Super Sunglasses Basic Rainbow Lens ($180), Diane von Furstenberg Sandal ($350), Cambridge Satchel Company Satchel ($153), Hue Socks ($7)
BubblesPop 