Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Fenton / Fallon for J.Crew

The story goes something like this. The scene: A fabulous NYC dinner party. J. Crew creative director extraordinaire Jenna Lyons and Fenton-Fallon designer Dana Lorenz find themselves seated together, they can't stop talking, a collaboration is discussed, and a match made in fashion heaven is born.

The result? A seven-piece limited edition collection of fabulous statement necklaces and bracelets that perfectly marry Fenton-Fallon's signature details (think spikes, chains, needles and pyramid studs) with J.Crew's quirky glamour. I'm particularly smitten with the chain and needle necklace. Love!












Tuesday, March 30, 2010

White, Island Inspired Living

Spending the last week in Hawaii has me in serious island-mode. I am dreaming about white linen interiors, beach-inspired rooms and casual elegant styles that I can bring back to New York with me... to make sure the vacation continues!



White linen European sheets by Alenska



Linen upholstered bed, white linen sheets, sea-inspired art... a bedroom to dream about



Lots of white and seashells make this room clean and peaceful



White + warm wood = perfect beach side vibe



Love an all-white bathroom...



and an all-white kitchen



beach meet chic



Even your home office can be tranquil when inspired by the ocean




Aloha!




Friday, March 26, 2010

Born in the U.S.A

I am looking forwarding to returning "home" next month to beautiful California. It's hard to believe it's been well over a year since we have been there, so I'm going to do a little dreaming about some fashion inspired by the American seashore.

Special thanks to our friend and model Shannon Lewis who made our beach day fashion shoot so easy and fun... she's gorgeous!






Scarf by Hermes
On Model: Top by Supre Australia and Glasses by Cassiuseyewear
Necklace by Dannijo
Shoes by Chloe, available at Net A Porter
Ring by Kirnazabete
Coral Necklace by Valentino available at Net A Porter



Aviators by Cutler and Gross
Herve Leger Bandage Dress available at Net A Porter
Alexander Wang Cheetah Tote available at Shopbop
Chanel Red Polish
Rose Cha Bikini available at Shopbop
Clutch by Bottega Veneta available at Net A Porter




Vacation Day

We are on vacation today so enjoy the view! See you next week.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Guest Stylist - Lisa Boylan

Looking at our friend Lisa you'd never know she's a fan of hard-core, gangster rap. You'd also never know she's a cancer survivor. As a proud wife and mother of two boys, our gorgeous, petite, talented friend combines professional makeup artist with aspiring journalist and brings you today's post. Get used to seeing her name because we're trying something new here at The Style Collective... once a month Lisa will be bringing us her makeup and skincare tips. She's a bevy of knowledge so you may want to take notes.


Lisa Boylan - photo by Schiavonn Hasslinger



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Skin changes with the seasons ... just like our wardrobe. It could, in essence, be considered our first layer of clothing. When we are chilled, we layer on cashmere – and when warm, we strip-down to crisp, cool cotton. Our skincare routine should be no different than seasonal clothing choices. While summer brings about heat and *gasp* perspiration, the frigid winter months can render skin parched.

Let's start with the basics... face-wash, eye cream, moisturizer. Morning and evening. It's essential to do these three things to maintain a youthful complexion and prevent fine-lines and wrinkles.

I highly recommend Dr. Perricone MD's Gentle Face Wash for all skin-types. There is no other wash on the market that I have found which leaves skin smooth and clean, without being stripped of moisture. It is free of soap and contains Olive Oil Polyphenols which deliver an abundance of anti-oxidants and also has anti-aging benefits. The wash can be used year-round if appropriate.




Eye cream is a must. Around our eyes is the most delicate, thin skin that we have ... it should be treated as such. Eye creams need not be excessively rich, but must be gentle. For the day, Cle de Peau Beaute's Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle is light-weight, yet velvety – a perfect way to start the day. La Prairie's Cellular Radiance Eye Cream is delectable. Used at night, it moisturizes, renews and illuminates leaving your waking eyes bright and refreshed.




Crème de la Mer is my winter cashmere. If I could bathe in it, head-to-toe, I would. It was originally created for burn victims - so, you can imagine the softness with which it envelops your skin. Your complexion becomes more firm and looks virtually crease-less... even the driest of complexions are healed. This is one cream that can be used morning and night. However, there are many who prefer to not have such an emollient cream during the day and would prefer to use something a bit lighter. In that case, my other favorite is Sisley's Sisleya Global Anti-aging Cream – a gentle moisturizer that fights off the free-radicals our skin is faced with daily.




Remember that you are your skin's gauge. As the seasons change, oftentimes your skin changes with it and it is up to us to clothe it appropriately, preventing future damage and maintaining its' supple, youthfulness as much as we can.


Want to present your skin something special? Then treat it to some of the most luxurious, effective and useful products out there:



Natura Bisse – Inhibit Dermafill... nothing works better than this serum to rid yourself of wrinkles. It truly is botox in a bottle





Fresh – Sugar Face Polish and Rose Face Mask ... a gentle, brightening scrub and a lightweight, hydrating mask



Mario Badescu - Drying Lotion... for the unsightly blemish


Fresh – Sugar Blossom Hand Treatment... extremely rich, it moisturizes to perfection without a sticky feel


Chanel – Purete Ideale Serum/T-Mat Shine Control... lightly controls unwanted shine



Clinique – Pore Minimizer Oil Blotting Sheets... these do not leave a residue




Kiehl's – Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15... lightweight and effective


Chantecaille – Lip Potion... lavender flower and rose oil for moisture



Revive – Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream... prevents sagging and has an SPF 15 for protection (the scent is beautiful, too)



We are never too young or too old to care for the skin we are in.


Sunny Day

Looks like sunny days are here to stay so it's time to stock up on this seasons newest eye wear. Here's all the information you need to know to start building your collection:

1. The aviators and over sized varieties are hotter than ever and dominated the Spring/Summer runways

2. Round frames, D frames and cat eye are go-to styles this season

3. We've had the statement necklace and now we've got statement sunglasses. Not for the faint of heart but pretty damn cool if you can pull them off (look to Rhianna for inspiration)

4. Check out eye wear newcomers Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang - both collections look amazing


Here are a few of our favorites by trend:


Aviators

Gucci
Gucci


Over sized


Chanel

Mui Mui

Round Frames
Proenza Schouler
Marni


D Frames

Alexander Wang

Ray Band

Cat Eye
Chloe

Statement

Louis Vuitton

Tom Ford

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Meet Designer Kevan Hall

This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting designer Kevan Hall. Having dressed celebrities like Vanessa Williams, Katherine Heigl, Tina Fey and Christina Ricci, for events as glamorous as the Emmys and Golden Globes, you'd think he'd be slightly pretentious but that couldn't have been further from the truth. Kevan is a warm and engaging man with a talent as big as his smile. His kind, approachable demeanor is reflected in his line of wearable cocktail and evening wear. It was an honor to meet him. If you aren't familiar with his work let me introduce you to the timeless, refined style of Kevan Hall...








Model and designer Kevan Hall