It's In The Bag!

Don’t bitch! Yes, I know that I haven’t blogged in a while but with the holidays, et al. I’ve been too pooped to write. And now I’m gearing up for fashion Week so chill out.

That said, I did manage to check out some of the (to my way of thinking anyway) best looking handbags for Spring at two of the major trade shows. I braved the cold when I went to the Javits center for Accessories the Show. Ah, the sacrifices I endure to bring you the news. However I have to admit I was fortified by the complimentary massage and manicure so I wasn’t all bad.

Okay, here are some of my affordable spring picks (and God knows there were so many vendors to choose from starting with HOBO’s color blocked “June“ patent satchel from the core collection. Yellow, beige with accents of deep red make up the colors. Note that bi-color and tri-color combos are a major trend alonf with neutrals, some neon shades and smaller shapes in general. I saw a lot of mini saddle bags, messenger and book bag shapes and lots of cross-body bags at the show. See more at hobobags.com.

I loved IZZY & ALI’s versions of the schoolboy and satchels that come in terrific tri-color combos at very favorable prices. Style 35280 is a cute cross body offered in green/orange/white (my fave combo), blue/green/white or blue/pink/white.

KORET is a world famous manufacturer of ladylike handbags and has been for ages. The latest collection has an updated vibe while still retaining the brand’s chic retro appeal. My favorite bags include a double handled satchel in sandstone leather from the “ Snap it up“ range, nicely detailed with gold hardware and chain that features the Koret logo. My other pick would be the ruggedly handsome bamboo handled satchel in British tan faux ostrich with bamboo turn lock closure from the Bamboozled“ collection. Check out more at www.korethandbags.com.

VIETA is a California based handbag line that offers a lot of style for practically no money. The bags are fashioned in polyurethane (it really looks like leather) and come in cheery pastels. You’ll find everything from quilted numbers to faux Gucci type styles and cute cross body numbers. I also liked the clutch bags, another style that’s trending now. For more go to www.vietafashion.com

 Vieta Proves You Can Be Oh So Stylish and Keep Money in Your Bag

Speaking of clutch bags I fell in love with a brand new resource called LOLO. This line offers the cutest zip top mini clutches in vibrant patent that can do double duty as cosmetic bags. Each one has a contrast color patent applique. My fave comes in emerald green with a navy anchor and the black patent with white Maltese cross, but every one’s a conversation piece. Go see at www.lolobag.com.

A Sailor and a Biker Walk Into a Bag Shop... and Come Out With Lolo!

I also saw neon bright zip top fabric clutch bags with outside zip pockets at JPK. These are slightly larger that the ones at Lolo but just as covetable if you’re into brights. Go see at www.jpkhandbags.com.

Rounding out my top picks at this trade show is MISSCO GIRL. I went bananas for the color blocked satchel briefcase in a splashy sunrise color combo from the Urban Glamour line. Makes me wish I were still in school. If I can’t have that I’ll settle for the leather envelope clutch with handsome buckle closure. For more info visit www.misscogirl.com.

My next foray was to the ENK Accessory Show at the Piers. Believe me it’s no fun to trudge all the way west at the height of winter but I stop at nothing to bring you the news, I’m that kind of person. While I could have easily become distracted by the wealth of fabulous jewelry vendors I concentrated on the mission at hand!

One of my favorite collections was LANCASTER. There were so many styles to choose from I have to narrow them down to the pebble full grain leather color blocked satchel with shoulder strap, from the Happy Multi range, a very pretty Liberty print range with leather trim, and the full grain leather sporty top handle satchel with shoulder strap and outside pocket in a host of muted shades from the Soft Vintage group. There’s more at www.lancaster.fr

Lancaster... So Many Styles, So Much Goodness

MOSEY showed some very attractive quilted fabric cross body bags that are water resistant and lightweight. If you’re into casual sporty bags that are easy on the environment this line’s for you. For more on the company go to www.moseylife.com.

Let’s face it, you can’t get through the summer without at least one terrific tote and R&EM has a beauty in a zebra print canvas. Franky“ comes in sun, red, mint or black stripes. There’s a tiny attached zip top change purse as well. Love it, love it! I also loved the small ostrich print school bag in light blue/nude/navy combo called "small percy". It looks like the real thing at a much more affordable price. Since it’s a lower priced division of Rebecca Moses the quality and fashion styling is a given.

I could go on and on about all the gorgeous handbags I saw but it’s almost time to look forward to fall 2012. But while I’m on the subject it’s important to keep your good bags in tip top shape. Let’s face it bags are expensive for the most part so whether you own one or dozens like moi, finding a place that does wonderful repair work is a must. I found PAVLOS SHOE REPAIR at 125 East 88th Street. The man produces miracles (he reconditioned my very old Vuitton shoulder bag from 1971) but he also works miracles on leather belts, luggage, etc. And don’t worry, his prices are very reasonable. Tel: 212 876-8569.

Until next time, stay warm, C&C

MY HIT LIST 2011

Alright people, you had your chance and you ignored my Christmas gift list. I even told you what size I wear and yet, nothing, nada! 

But since I hold no grudge let us move on to some of my top picks of 2011. Yes there was a lot of crap and very little couture, but I managed to suss out some terrific stuff on my travels around the city.

Not that I need it mind you, however I’ve been using ARTISTRY’s Time Defiance System moisturizer, vitamins and the Clear Now acne treatment device for an occasional breakout (yes, you’re never too old to get one), that combines heat technology to target bacteria. All very technical but my complexion’s never looked better. Either that or my eyesight is worse and I just can’t see.

Treat Your Skin Like Your Favorite Piece of Couture!  C&C Does.

 

 

JUICY COUTURE’s spring collection made a favorable impression on me. The clothes seemed to project a more sophisticated vibe and even the way they utilized the trend for neon colors worked nicely in small doses. My favorites included the preppy country club crocheted sweaters and ‘20s inspired pleated tennis dresses. I also loved the striped pencil skirts and blazers plus the hot pink and orange resin charm bracelets and necklaces.

On the First Day of Winter, Juicy gave to me... Hope for Spring!
Juicy Couture is Growing Up and Looking Good.

No one would have stabbed Caesar had he been wearing Juicy's Necklaces!

 Photo Credit for all Juicy Couture Photographs: M. McKenzie

While we’re on the subject of jewelry one of my best finds was a chocolate brown enamel link bracelet from LEE ANGEL and LIA SOPHIA’s jeweled “Athena”cocktail ring with its ‘60s vibe. A little glitz never hurt. And speaking of glitz it pays to occasionally check out H&M. Don’t snicker, it’s where I found a fabulous rhinestone snake ring for less than six bucks! There was a matching bracelet but that would have been overkill. My point is, never turn your nose up at some of these chain stores since you never know what treasure will turn up.

For example, I found a great pair of black glitter “Mouse” shoes at JOE FRESH. Yes they copied Marc Jacobs but so what? I wear mine with grey flannel trousers and skirts during the day. Wearing them after dark is too cliché. 

Speaking of late day I have the hots for Galanos’s black wool crepe cocktail sheath at my favorite Upper East Side vintage boutique, the MARION ALEXANDER GALLERY. She always has great vintage and couture finds in apparel, handbags. accessories and shoes. Marion may be off the beaten track for you vintage lovers but her boutique’s worth checking out periodically. 

Ah shoes! Who doesn’t love shoes? Let’s forget about some of those overpriced towering monstrosities for now (I don’t care how trendy they are) and get real fashion at a price. For that we turn to URBAN OUTFITTERS where I saw a fab pair of velvet carpet slippers that looked every bit as chic as the Stubbs and Wooten version. In the dark blue or black for $36 bucks apiece why not get both?

For handbag lovers there’s a new game in town. KNOMO USA. A line out of London has a stunning range of bags and travel goods that I compare to Tumi and Longchamp. Prices are affordable and the styling is sophisticated and timeless. I’d opt for any of the quilted, leather trimmed totes (perfect for laptops) and any one of the top handled bags from the “Berkeley” range. Keep your eye out for this brand. 

If I had holiday plans that call for luggage (and I, sob, don’t), I would be delighted to carry NAUTICA’s latest items from their “Harbor 83” collection. The wheeled carry-on offered in navy or yellow would fit the bill nicely for any upcoming trip. Anything from this brand gets my stamp of approval.

C&C is Getting on Santa's Nautica List This Year!

While we’re on the subject of jewelry –and we are- I’d personally rather own the diamond encrusted gold Pepsi bottle pin from the Joan Crawford estate sale at DOYLE’s auction house than the over the top baubles from Christie’s Elizabeth Taylor estate. 

Being a full time fashionista can take its toll on the bod and my latest remedy calls for a slice of the best pie outside of Montreal.

HILL COUNTRY CHICKEN (at 1123 Broadway in Manhattan) to me offers up the couture of desserts! I’ve sampled the double cherry with streusel topping and I plan to work my way through their whole pie assortment. 

Now if only I could find the perfect chocolate malted… 

Until next time, have a happy holiday from C&C.

Close Encounters Of A Different Kind

C&C editors - jaded fashion mavens that we are - recently had the chance to attend a most interesting New York City event even though the event was not primarily the kind of fashion event we usually would be invited to or even want to attend. This particular event, hosted by the Los Angeles-based Publicity firm, American Rebel, was held not only to introduce members of the East-Coast press to some of the clothing and accessory lines that American Rebel promotes, but perhaps more importantly, to publicize and benefit a most worthy cause – “H.E.L.P. Malawi´ (www.helpchildren.org).

The charity, which aids over one million needy and impoverished children in Malawai, spreads Hope, Education, Love and Protection to African children. In rural areas of the country, in order to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty by improving education, health care, and many other significant life-saving programs.

The event, which was held at The Bryant Park Hotel, made this editor-at-large, fondly remember the good old days when the fashion cognoscenti could hop, skip, and pop into so many unique goings-on during Fashion Week at Bryant Park, before everything moved uptown to Lincoln Center. But, that is another story for another time.

While the American Rebel event featured a goodly share of wonderful and stylishly-cool collections, the three collections below stand out as break-away’s, for their ultra-high-fashion and charitable-quotient, both within the United States and in exotic, far-away lands, such as Malawi, Africa and Bali, Indonesia.

So, with all of this being said, here for your reading and viewing enjoyment, are C&C’s personal and exclusive picks from a most fun, enjoyable, and quite different kind of fashion event:

Dearfoams

Although the emphasis on the whimsical, brightly-colored slipper line, obviously inspired by the vivid, saturated tones of Belgian designer, Jil Sander’s recent runway collection, right along with the cuter-than-cute, totally vintage-y, capsule PJ grouping (so very Sandra Dee “Gidget”; Doris Day “Pillow Talk”, et al) at the event was indeed Spring 2012, guests received a lovely, wintertime surprise, by way of a special selection of cozy, warm, kitten-soft, inside and outside slippers as a take-away. This editor-at-large is already planning an outfit to wear around town, with her alpine-inspired Dearforms. FYI, C&C’s editor, DDM, received a so-very special pair of adorable, animal-print boots; perfectly fitting and totally groovy. 

Fashionable, Comfortable, and Warm

Dearfoams makes the C&C editors ready for NYC's Winter 

 

Dearfoams' Leopard Print Boots:  The Perfect Footwear for Running the C&C Media Empire

All Dearfoams Photos Credited to M. McKenzie

 
HELP Malawi

In addition to the rustic jewelry and accessories shown at the event, C&C readers can learn more about this most worthy cause at www.shop.helpchildren.org. Along with personal stories and background information on the charity, there is a wide array of jewelry, featuring beautiful collections with inspiring names, such as H.E.L.P., Panthera, and What Love Means, along with capsule lines of apparel and travel items, all available for purchase and benefitting (naturally) the charity. The short version of the story here: HELP Malawi is a non-profit organization committed to reducing rural poverty through empowering communities. HELP uses a child-centered and integrated approach to sustainable development and continued education, by addressing Malawi’s teacher shortage via pairing government teachers with local assistant teachers and international volunteer teachers. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, HELP strives to transform primary (elementary) schools into epicenters of social and economic development. The partnership with the socially-conscious tourism agency Wilderness Safaris works to bring HELP’s vision of rural development to the most remote regions in Africa.

Agabhumi

The accessories and jewelry company, whose name translates into the “Best of Bali”, launched its flagship store in 2002 in Stamford, CT. Currently, Agabhumi has four stores across Connecticut, Barbados and California, as well as an online shopping destination www.agabhumi.com.

Owners Michael and Regina Kirshbaum have traveled the world for decades, drawing from the personal and professional inspiration from the many sights and people they have encountered on their many journeys. The couple chose the name "Agabhumi", to not only reflect their design statement, but also because the word relates strongly to "ancient firmament", which strongly represents a reflection of strength and creativity of the artisans with whom the couple collaborate. The Kirshbaums regularly travel to Bali to hand-select designs and products from an array of craftspeople, often taking inspiration from the trends proposed by the couple. The result is a wide array of fabulousness, as evidenced by a broad range of unique jewelry, handbags, apparel, shoes and gifts; all of which are specially designed and chosen to help expose the breadth of the collective talents of the designers, living, working and creating in the exotic island of Bali, Indonesia.

Exotic, Stylish, and Supportive - Agabhumi's Owners Do It All!

All Agabhumi Photos Credited to M. McKenzie

– ADWB, C&C editor-at-large

MY HIT PARADE

The holidays are coming and we all know what that means – presents! 
With that thought in mind I figure that now would be a good time to let you in on some of the terrific items I’d be happy to see under my tree. Some of these I’ve found on my travels to Montreal (yes I was just there, again), while others I took note of were spotted at various press events and store openings.


So here goes, my hit parade of stuff: Since winter is right around the corner (and we’ve already had a snow storm in October) I’m thinking how warm and cozy I’d be in one of HARRICANA’s recycled fur trapper hats or scarves, both of which can be found at Simons on St. Catherine Street as well as Holt Renfrew. If that’s a bit too much for your budget Montreal’s many vintage boutiques have cute faux and real fur copies. Speaking of Montreal’s vintage shops I’d definitely recommend MEMENTO for one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories from the ‘20s to the ‘80s. I picked up a sleek gold tone choker for a song while my significant other tried on a snazzy full length top coat from the 1960s. Check the place out at 3678 Rue St Denis or go online at info@mementovintage.com. Still in the heart of the city is one of the cutest boutiques, GINZA QUEEN, in les Cours Mont-Royal shopping mall at 204A-1445 Peel Street. This is where I snapped up a trompe l’oeil version of the Birkin bag photo printed in red on a canvas tote. Totally tongue-in-chic and fabulous so I had to have it. It comes in loads of colors so feel free to get me one in Hermes orange or blue.  I will use this all year round.


While we’re on the subject of winter, I’d like to call your attention to the new flagship UNIQLO boutique on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The opening party was too much of a zoo to really check out the merch so I headed back the next day and zeroes in on the ultra light premium down jacket. What set it apart was the accompanying pouch no bigger than a folding umbrella that’s designed to hold the jacket. No bulk, no weight. What a concept!  If you can't get to the store, check out the tour.

Uniqlo, Welcome to the Big Leagues!

Photos Credit:  M. McKenzie

Another store opening I’m looking forward to is JOE FRESH. This Canadian retailer has opened a temporary pop up shop on Madison Avenue so I naturally had to drop by and see what all the fuss is about. Here’s the deal, think Forever 21 and H&M price points combined with Zara's fashion forward look and quality and you get Joe Fresh. While there was a smallish selection of mens separates, who cares? The ladies patent ballet flats, faux shearling coat and tweedy dresses caught my eye. By the way I take a size 2 in case you’re asking. The flagship store should be open sometime in January on Fifth Avenue around 44th street.

While I adore vintage jewelry sometimes more contemporary pieces catch my eye. That being said when I recently attended a press reception for LALIQUE’s new fine jewelry collection in crystal and 18k yellow gold. My favorite piece has to be the "Arethuse Revelation" ring from the “Sensual Water” range. The emerald cut with its face clear crystal is centered on a gold band (or if you’re too cheap, I’ll take silver) and is a perfect melding of art deco and modern design and is simply timeless. And while we’re on the subject of gold, Lalique’s new Boudoir range has some gorgeous perfume bottles detailed with two or three maidens detailed in gold. Be still my heart! To see more of everything go to www.lalique.com. 

Some Jewelry Will Admire You Right Back!

Photo Credit:  M. McKenzie

My final pit stop was TALBOTS spring press presentation. Here’s the deal, unless you want to dress like someone from the Jersey Shore reality show you definitely need this boutique. The old cliché, real clothes for real women holds true for Talbots but in an updated, fashion forward way. The bright colors were there but minus the garish day glo effects, the accessories were stylish and affordable (I need the coral leather trimmed wicker handbags) and the perfect white pantsuit with a slightly ‘70s vibe but most of all I want the pretty sleeveless, full skirted dresses and a chic cropped jacket or the stunning structured coat shown over a print dress. As I recall both were in a navy/white combo. You won’t need to break the bank to snap anyone of these items – affordable fashion, what a concept! 

Until next time, C&C

Going To A Go Go

Ah, Spring. What a beautiful, fresh, colorful season; a time for change, re-birth, and a decided shift away from so much of the black, brown and dark tones in clothing and accessories that so many fashionistas – such as C&C’s editor-at-large- have all been so used to seeing, buying and wearing during the cold winter months. So, with all of this being said, now is the time for C&C to bring you the exclusive, up-to-the-minute, hot off the presses, very-first-look at what will be hot, fabulous, and of course, must-haves, from Ann Taylor, for the new Spring 2012 season.

C&C just previewed the super-affordable, totally cool clothing, accessories and capsule wedding collection in New York City at The Rockefeller Center Loft & Garden. The spectacular space, which Ann Taylor specially selected for this event, houses a cavernous, open and airy indoors area, in addition to a charming, outdoors, roof-top garden; the latter complete with multi-colored seating areas, lush greenery and foliage, a wading pool, filled with deep-blue colored water, and wrap-around views of the city skyline. As if all of this were not enough, guests were treated to bubbly cocktails, luscious nibbles, and a signature Ann Taylor gift-bag, containing a fluorescent-colored look book and a special surprise, which for this C&C’s editor, translated into a super-cool, florescent, lime-green “Sunburst” necklace (which I am wearing right now, as I write up this report).

The clothing and accessories collections break out into fashion-notebook-inspired stories, such as “Modern Art”, “Graphic Design”, “The New Pretty”, and “Urban Romantic”. The design team at Ann Taylor seems to be all about debuting a fresh, bold take on color blocking, modern shapes and silhouettes with high contrast, Mod-inspired colors and textures, for what comes across with a chic, wear-now twist.

Ann Taylor revists the classic case of Mods v. Rockers...

and Mod wins!!!

 All Photos By M. McKenzie

Nearly all of the new season’s clothing, artistic and sculptured jewels, shoes, scarves, handbags, and the like, seem to pay homage to modernist American artists. Case in Point: An emphasis on clean, confident sportswear, all mixed and matched up with softer, sensual styling. The story of graphic patterning and the purity of navy, khaki and white, all of which pop out like crazy against a myriad of wild, new color ways, showcasing a good mix of fashion and wear-to-work style. The story of “bringing beautiful back into dressing” is well told, via a well-defined balance between tailored and softened-up, masculine and feminine; soft and delicate. Make-up shades are worn back to Day-Glo brights; expertly cut suits relax in luxe, tech-y fabrics. Modern silhouettes pair up with flirtatious styles. Think about the term “Romantic Froth” and you get the picture. Soft, romantic color meets strong, modern silhouettes, creating an aura that defines the stylized spirit of the city, with the dress - specifically fashioned to be at once architectural and delicate - as hero. Oh-so-pretty prints are au courant with sleek and sexy, black leather accessories. Sleek separates stop traffic when paired back to crazy neon hues. Knits become the cornerstone of style, luxury and comfort. 

On a final note: The well-priced collection of wedding gowns and separates for the bride, mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaids, et al, are available exclusively at www.anntaylor.com; “Weddings & Events” section. Do not miss the long, white, ball-gown skirt, paired with a l950’s style, cream-colored, short-sleeved sweater, which for this C&C editor, is quite a nifty look to be worn at the most opulent wedding, as well as for lots of other day into evening gala events. -- ADWB for C&C

Lacoste’s Cutting Edge Fragrance Launch

If you’re going to launch your very first fragrance collection for men do it in ground breaking style. To that end, Lacoste invited members of the press to see the unveiling of a special interactive installation exhibited at Grand Central Terminal. Called La Machine, it’s stunning (not to mention enormous) design was constructed from hexagon-shaped modules resembling the scaly texture of a crocodile, the brand’s iconic logo.

In addition to the installation, we were treated to drinks, nibbles and a hip hop routine by dancers dressed in signature classic polo shirts. But you don’t really care about all the frills what you really want to know is if the three colognes smell great! Using my arms and those of my significant other guinea pig, I proceeded to test all three: Blanc Edition, a grapefruit, tuberose, ylang ylang,and cedar wood blend, Bleu Edition, with sparkling grapefruit, peppermint and watery fruits and Vert Edition comprised of violet leaf, fig, thyme and bamboo grass. 

Since I loved all three I just might have to keep them for myself. Until next time, C&C