Clothiers Are Going Crazy Over Coral!

imageTurquoise has been named as the Pantone color of the year, but nipping at its heels as a close second favorite is the color: coral. Coral beauty products have been a classic favorite of makeup experts when it comes to spring and summer because the color adds instant warmth and is an eye-catching hue on sunny days. The same can be said for coral colored apparel. Either as a flirty dress to turn heads, or a casual way to add a pop of color, like in a tee or tank, coral gives a youthful and daring vibe to any ensemble. Instead of red dress at night, try using a brighter, more saturated tone of coral to be a little more unique. Or make a weekend outfit of jeans and a t-shirt a tad more trendy with a soft coral tone. Coral comes in its own rainbow of shades and can be used for virtually every type of garment. Click on the slideshow to see some of my favorite coral garments and add a punch of color to your Spring!

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Keds Champion Take Flight

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The first shoe in Keds’ Century Collection celebrating the decades, the “Champion Take Flight” tackles the 1910s with a look that’s equal parts dapper menswear and ladylike detailing. Washed sateen lends an unexpected touch of shine, while a cap toe, other leather details and a striped lining speak to a classic early 20th century feel. We can imagine Amelia Earhart sporting the gum soled-footwear, though Keds cites “America’s coming of age during Industrial Revolution” as its inspiration.

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As a partner with Keds on their Original Sneaker campaign (Keds introduced the first sneaker in 1916), we’re excited to have the exclusive on this premier sneaker in a series of 10 limited-edition releases that Keds will be debuting monthly—stay tuned for more! The edition of 200 sells online only from the Keds site for $50.


Bag Of The Week: Botkier James Hobo

imageOf course I love nearly all bags, but if we’re really getting down to business, the purses that get a serious “maybe-I’m-more-than-just-looking” double-take from me are ones that do something fresh and new aesthetically. For example, a couple months ago I was lovin’ this tie-dyed leather shopper (right?! Tie-dyed leather!), and this Botkier James Leather Hobo is blowin’ my mind in a similarly visually-impressive way. While it’s certainly all leather (like buttah), its distressed texture makes it look like denim! And not in a cheap 80s way either. Without any obnoxious zip-flies, patched pockets, or any actual denim, the antiqued illusion is totally chic. Of course, the site copy suggests that you wear it with denim leggings, but I think I’ll opt out of the jeggings (thanks for the tip though?) and rock it with just about anything else I already have in my closet!

What: the Botkier James Leather Hobo
Price: on sale for $476
Where to Buy: Bloomingdale’s
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Botkier James Hobo to the Hive.

Lemuria

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The mythical land Lemuria is a lost continent whose inhabitants were mentally pure hermaphrodites, ethereal spirits, and able to shape their bodies using only their minds. The knitwear project bearing the same name reflects the spirit of the vanished land, with each single piece organically transforming into multiple new shapes and styles. The Tuta Mucca dress from the current Libero Arbitrio collection easily goes from a strapless harem pants singlet to a longsleeve dress depending on how it’s worn, with six combinations in all.

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The origin of the family-run business also has a unique story. Founder Susanna Gioia tells CH that over the past several decades Lemuria “has been producing knitwear for all the leading Italian fashion houses, working with 30 local families. Unfortunately many of the big names are moving production abroad or have radically changed their budgets. So we have bravely decided to apply our knowledge into an experimental project.” Fortunately the experiment succeeded and worldwide recognition followed, with acknowledgment from Vogue to The Independent.

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Made in Italy, the quality of Lemuria clothes is absolute. Holding and touching them is quite an experience, because of their softness and steadiness, but also because they appear to be designed for aliens with three or more sleeves, geometric shapes, asymmetries and overall strange cuts. Gioia acknowledges that at first it can seem complex “but every piece comes with a DVD full of video tutorials explaining in the simplest way how to use them.”

See more images in the gallery below.


Seashells On The Seashore … And On You!

imageUsing shells, either whole or just the shiny parts, is not a new concept when it comes to jewelry, but is a style that is constantly getting revamped. Shells are definitely reserved for the sunnier seasons like spring and summer because it invokes breezy, sun-filled days on the beach and give the wearer an air of nonchalant luxury. Sometimes, it’s just a single, shining pendant, while other accessories use shells for it’s shine and color, like on layered chains and charm bracelets. But no matter what, seashells are always a good look and adds immediate elegant whimsy to your ensembles. For simple shell accessories, try pairing it with a nautical color palette, like navy blues, whites and reds, or don a clustered bib necklace over a simple sundress. However you decide to style it, there’s no denying that shell accessories are feminine, versatile and just what the sunshine called for. Click on the slideshow to see my favorite shell jewelry for this season!

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Label Love: Channel Your Inner Cool With Sea New York

imageDesigner Sean Monahan didn’t always have a career in fashion (then again Miuccia Prada has a Ph.D. in Political Science). He had an almost decade long career on Wall Street before making the unlikely jump into fashion design. In 2006, he and his best friend Monica Paolini launched their line Sea New York with the intention of making clothes that make girls smile. Sea’s secret to success is creating easy going garments that take a second to throw on and go. No need to fuss with complicated straps and ties or even iron if you don’t want to. Their spring 2010 collection features everyday basics with a subtly sexy edge such as embroidered dresses, leopard print on airy voile, and sandwashed silk charmeuse separates. Easy to wear colors such as blush pink, cream, and camel means you can incorporate pieces into your current wardrobe without a major overhaul. Celebrities and style icons such as Chloe Sevigny, Blake Lively, and Alexa Chung have all fallen for Sea’s effortless cool look. Take a look at my slideshow to see more of the spring 2010 collection in stores around the world now!

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Black. Masters of Black in Fashion and Costume

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An apt location for an exhibition dedicated to the use of black in fashion and costume design, Antwerp is arguably the industry’s minimalism mecca. As an influential fashion capital, its status owes much to the Antwerp Six—graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the early ’80s—whose roster includes Dries Van Noten, Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs and briefly, the reclusive Martin Margiela.

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The city’s Mode Museum hosts a new exhibition dedicated to fashion’s favorite color in “Black. Masters of Black in Fashion & Costume.” Throughout Western history black textiles have conveyed multiple messages and significance, with intrinsic ties to Antwerp, a city famed for dyeing fabrics the color in the 16th and 17th centuries.

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Leading up to the 19th century, the complexity of dyeing methods meant that black fabrics were only available to the rich and wealthy. However, improved manufacturing capabilities bought the color to the masses, culminating in the turning point and arrival of Chanel’s Little Black Dress.

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Tracing the roots and cultural significance of the color, the exhibition covers a breadth of information and references including materials, production methods and textures. Mode Museum’s Black exhibition also features garments from the likes of Ann Demeulemeester, Olivier Theyskens and Dirk Van Saene, as well as the international couture houses of Givenchy (Riccardo Tisci), Chanel and rapidly rising star Gareth Pugh.

The exhibit runs until 8 August 2010.


Shoe Of The Week: Report Signature Downey III Sandal

imageWhat shoe genius designed this beauty?? It’s kind of like a peep-toe pump, kind of like a cut-out ankle bootie. It’s kind of like a heeled sandal and kind of exotic, but classic at the same time. It’s kind of amazing and made by Report Signature. The Downey III Sandal is all the latest and hottest shoe trends all wrapped into one gorgeous, versatile, leg-elongating package. Plus, the splash of turquoise and gold snake skin gives it a pop of color and adds an air of exoticism. The crisp white leather is perfect for spring/summer, but doesn’t compete with the many trends already going on, giving the Downey III Sandal an elegant and luxe vibe. Pair it with linen pants or a mini-skirt for a breezily beautiful day ensemble. Or get the black with gold and silver version and strut your stuff for an sexy, edgy nighttime look!

What: the Downey III Sandals by Report Signature
Price: $209.00
Where to Buy: Revolveclothing.com
Who Found It: Idabone was the first to add the Downey III Sandals by Report Signature to the Hive.

Coral Spring Beauty: Give It A Glow!

imageWhether it’s a dusty pink hue, or as a bright pop of color, coral is showing up all over the place in the beauty world. Coral adds brightness and warmth to those that might be a little lacking in the melanin department, and gives warmer skin tones an instant glow. Sculpt cheeks and emphasis your decolletage with a sheer beige tinted coral powder, or add a punch or fun with a saturated coral lip gloss or nail polish. A surprisingly versatile hue that compliments numerous skin tones and colors, coral simply screams sunny days and windblown hair. Click on the slideshow to see the top ten coral beauty products to add some warmth to your complexion for the sunny Spring days ahead!

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Label Love: Madeleine Thompson Spring 2010

imageThis spring, adopt the look of laid back luxe with Madeleine Thompson’s new Spring 2010 collection of cashmere knits. Known for her high-quality knit wear, Thompson presents us with a group of soft cashmere essentials and layering pieces that are classic, feminine and a study in sophisticated leisure. Long, fluid lines, loose drapes and flattering separates define this beautiful new collection and are reminiscent of what you might pack for a luxurious weekend at the beach house. With comfortable and stylish lounge wear, versatile tanks and dresses and cozy, comfy wraps and cardigans, Madeleine Thompson has all you need for a fashionably fun and classically stylish Spring. Click on the slideshow to see some Madeleine Thompson Spring 2010 favorites!

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