TRENDS FOR 2011
NY STREET FASHION AT IT’S BEST
Wanted to share with you guys some of the hottest looks in NY Street fashion. Which girl are you?
Candy & Sister: Cutting-Edge Fashion in Shibuya
CANDY IS ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITE STORES IN TOKYO …. SISTER IS A NOT MY STYLE BUT THEY HAVE VERY CCUTE ACCESSORIES THAT ARE RIGHT UP ANYONE’S ALLEY.
A hidden alleyway in the middle of Shibuya nestled between a street crammed with cafes and the Loft building. It’s dark and a little eerie, but about halfway down you’ll see a neon sign with the word “Candy” scrawled on it. No, it doesn’t cater for Tokyo’s legendary sweet tooth – but is one of the most cutting-edge fashion boutiques in the capital. Full of edgy apparel such as chain mail vests, wild and avant-garde footwear and a small but perfect collection of clothing – Candy is the epicenter of cool. Stocking a host of young domestic labels as well as a selection of international names such as Komakino and current English fashion darling Gareth Pugh, the boutique is a regular hangout for stylists, fashion students and customers looking for something special — not just your regular throwaway fashion experience.
Sister, named after the Plastic Ono Band song “Sisters O Sisters”, is Candy’s rock chick sibling. The buyer has a love of gothic/horror and PR/Manager Fuyuri Kobayashi says that the pieces found in Sister come from the buyer’s personal choices such as Piers Atkinson jewelry which she describes as “cute but also very strange. It has an underground look but at the same time makes me feel really good.” Sister specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry and millinery, as well as a collection of niche vintage and lauded contemporary Japanese designers such as Central Saint Martins graduate Sachio Kawasaki.
Elegant and edgy, Sister is a strangely beautiful boutique on the darker side of the fashion scale. Hats and jewelry come from some of the most creative designers around such as the legendary Stephen Jones and Erikson Beamon. The second floor boutique also plays 60s — 80s rock music and Kobayashi says that the creative team is inspired by music, old movies, books and even iconic singer and actress Marlene Dietrich.
Yanagi and Kobayashi agree that Candy and Sister are about more than just the act of shopping. It should be an emotional experience, a place where people can come to discuss and think about fashion and art. Friendly and open the boutiques are for anyone interested in a special enduring style which creates bonds between fashion and people.
H&M AND LANVIN WASTE COLLECTION
A very interesting approach to stay in everyone’s mouths. The Lanvin for H&M collection (which is going to be offered at select H&M stores) is now offering a small collection called Waste, which has been made from fabric left over from the production of H&M’s designer collaboration with Lanvin. Several different fabrics have been used in the same garment to create new graphic and harlequin patterns. “This mini collection from leftover fabrics looks absolutely wonderful,” says Ann-Sofie. “My favourite piece is the bright, colour-block tunic. It’s perfect for that first spring update.” My favorite pieces are the blazers and the handbags, which are yours?
Please note the Waste collection will not be sold in China, Turkey, Russia, Middle East and Israel.
HOW TO DO A SEXY SMOKEY EYE….
I love smokey eye makeup. It’s a very easy way to add life to your face without wearing too much makeup believe it or not. Once my eyes are this intense a light pale lipstick or gloss will do the trick, nothing too busy (You don’t wanna look like the new cast member for the Jersey Shore 😉 )
How To Do Smokey Eyes
To copy the bevy of famous people sporting smoldering, smoky eyes on the red carpet, stay away from blue hues – which unfortunately can make you look like you have undereye circles, says Giorgio Armani makeup artist André Drykin. Instead, go for black, grey, brown or if you want “color,” dark green shadows and liners. Then, follow these steps:
First implement a cream concealer more than your eyelid to make a smooth base for your eyeshadow.
Next use a pencil liner (black or grey looks best) to trace your top lashline from the inner corner to the outer. Then, use the exact same pencil to dot between your lower lashes. Smudge both lashlines having a cotton swab or an eyeliner brush.
Then you will want to sweep powder shadow (brown, gray and dark green all work with black or grey liner) over your lid and into your crease, blending the colour up and outward, says New York City makeup artist Morgen Schick DeMann.Marie Claire recommends: Morgen Stained Glass Eye Wash in Spruce; Shiseido The Makeup Eye Shadow Brush; Cover Girl Perfect Blend Pencil in Basic Black; Origins Full Story Lush-Lash Mascara in Black.
TIP: To stop colour from fading and give your lids a more shimmery finish, pat a cream shadow more than the concealer on your lid first, wait five minutes, then top having a matching powder shadow.
You’re nearly done. Dust a lighter, neutral eyeshadow (such as ivory) over just your browbone.
Finish with two coats of black mascara!
RED LIPSTICK
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF,”SELF, AM I A RED LIPSTICK KINDA GIRL?” AND YOU KNOW WHAT THE ANSWER IS?- WE ALL ARE!!! RED LIPSTICK ADDS INSTANT SEX APPEAL. NOW THAT WE ARE GETTIGN CLOSER TO THE HOLIDAY OF LOVE: V DAY, RED IS THE COLOR OF CHOICE AND WHAT BETTER PLACE TO WEAR IT THAN ON YOUR LIPS! i HAVE LISTED BELOW SOME OF MY FAVORITE RED LIPSTICKS…. GO ON A TRY-ON RAMPAGE AND FIND YOURS 😉
SPINNS HARAJUKU STORE IN TOKYO, JAPAN
ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORES IN TOKYO HAS TO BE HANDS DOWN SPINNS. Freshly opened in November of 2010 this store is sure to please all fashion heads out there, including myself. Located next door to Forever 21 on Meiji Dori, this large, centrally-located store is about to become a major new player in the neighborhood. While many of the big Harajuku openings in the last few years have been international stores (H&M, Nike, Kitson, F21, Tommy, etc.), Spinns is a funky, street-level Japanese fashion company. It is exactly the kind of place that puts Harajuku on the world fashion map. Run; don’t walk there. 😉
MY TOP PICKS FROM THE GOLDEN GLOBES 2011
The radiantly ageless and beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones, in green for the Globes, wears a surprisingly light and frothy Monique Lhuillier gown.
Mandy Moore’s Monique Lhuillier mermaid chiffon dress has just the right amount of drama for the petite singer-actress.
The pastel peach color of this ruffled Oscar de la Rental gown takes Lea Michele’s look to almost-Barbie, but still delightfully modern.
The unique texture and flattering shape of Mila Kunis’ Vera Wang look stands out from the other emerald dresses we saw on the red carpet.
Claire Danes masters the elegance of minimalism with a punchy pink halter gown by Calvin Klein Collection.
LIPSTICK CAN BRIGHTEN UP THESE GLOOMY WINTER DAYS !!
If wherever you’re reading from today is anything like New York City, than you’re probably frozen, sick of tights, and completely over snow (and yes, it’s really only January). Lucky for you I’ve got a two-second trick that’ll instantly put you in a better—and brighter—mood
Since your lips are the only thing showing, what with the whole hat-coat-scarf situation, than you might as well shine the spotlight on ‘em in a big way! Whether it’s fuchsia or fire engine red (like our models are wearing here) or tangerine orange (which I’m currently rocking), wearing bold color isn’t as tricky as it looks—and it makes you instantly look more put-together. I can personally attest to the fact that it really works: Running late and only seconds to go from hot mess to just hot, I reached for one of my go-to happy shades, MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger and swiped on some black mascara—instant game-changer. (And I admit, I use this trick a lot! Here’s 7 more sexy lip tips to try from makeup artist, Jun Funahashi, who created these gorgeous pouts:
1. Rub on a layer of moisturizing balm and use an eyebrow brush to gently slough off dry skin.
2. Add concealer to the outer corners of your mouth before applying lipstick, “This is a spot where color tends to bleed,” she says.
3. Make ‘em kiss-proof by filling in lips with liner. Then apply lipstick, blot, and add another layer of color. For more staying power, cover with a thin layer of tissue and dust translucent powder on top.
4. Get perfect edges using a lip brush. Start at the outer corners on both top and bottom and work your way into the center using one fluid motion.
5. Erase mistakes by tracing along the outside of the lip line with a small, stiff brush dipped in foundation.
6.To fake a fuller pout, add a dot of silver or gold shadow above the middle of your lips and stick to glossier textures.
7. Don’t overload on color everywhere—if you’re wearing a vibrant shade all you need is mascara, she adds.
5 Fashion Switch-Ups For 2011
1. Ditch The Black Bag— I love a great basic as much as anyone, but this winter, we’re breaking out of our rut and switching mom’s classic black tote for something a whole lot juicier. Even on a frigid overcast day, you can’t NOT smile when you grab any of these bright bags.
2. Make Blush Your Go-To Makeup—After so many seasons of bold lips and eyes, we’re turning our makeup routine over to bright and rosy blush. Not only does an extra flush of pink or peach brighten up the whole face, it’s a quick and easy way to wake up your makeup look without a million steps. Sign us up!
3. Swap Out Your Statement Necklace For Some Big-Ass Earrings—Again, don’t be discarding all your gorgeously gargantuan baubles. Instead, pack up the bulk of them and make room for a pair of two of statement earrings (tip: Scour ebay for some great, affordable vintage rhinestone earrings or even borrow your mom’s old ’70s hoops). With the season’s clean, low bun, there’s nothing more glamorous (and simple!).
4. Trade In Your Skinnies—Don’t get me wrong, I’m not exactly discarding our favorite skinny jeans, but with so many new high-waisted, wide-leg styles coming on the scene for spring, we’re feeling altogether longer and leaner already. Because really exaggerated flares don’t look great on smaller women, stick to the modified ’70s look that’s narrow at the waist with a clean straight leg. And heels are an absolute must.
From left: Arizona Muse beauty portrait courtesy of Into The Gloss (to read about Arizona's beauty tips, click here); Madewell spring 2011 lookbook shot, photo courtesy of Madewell.
BubblesPop 