Green Says Go!

Being eco-friendly and stylish doesn’t always go hand in hand, but now you can go ahead and indulge in a complete eco-makeover without having to think twice. These little green luxuries are both economical and good for you. Can you think of anything better?

Designer Spotlight: Antoinette Lee Designs

There’s something about Antoinette Lee’s fabulous handbags. A little bit retro and a little bit vintage, these fun and flirty bags are the perfect statement piece for this summer. Having started designing at the age of fifteen, not only is Lee a talented designer, but an authority in what women want. Her versatile bags—with a touch of New York City glamour—suit any personality and occasion.

Lee uses quality leathers, suede and hardware that make her designs durable and unique. With a neutral/muted color palette and the debut of her Luxe line, Lee’s Spring 2009 collection was received extremely well—particularly among young Hollywood fashion royalty such as Blake Lively, Lauren Conrad, Hillary Duff, Nicole Richie and Hayden Panettiere to name a few.

Lee’s vision of making each handbag to be the main focus of an outfit doesn’t seem to be much of an issue—check out the designer’s Stella and Besa totes as an everyday bag and the gorgeous Lua and Mia to accompany you on a night out on the town.  You’ll be the envy of every girl no matter where you go!

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Stylish Scarves

 

 

Elizabeth Gillett Designs

 

It might be sunny in other parts of the world but unfortunately it’s still a bit chilly in good old NYC.  If you are looking for an alternative to your spring jacket say hello to Elizabeth Gillett scarves — a stylish and versatile option that can be worn with any outfit in any weather. Spring’s hottest accessory, Elizabeth Gillett scarves, wraps and shrugs are made out of beautiful chiffons, velvets, and Chantilly laces with delicate detailing.

Elizabeth Gillett who started designing after losing her favorite scarf is an accomplished designer, artist and printmaker. She has recieved a number of accolades for her innovative design techniques including a United States patent for a specially designed scarf featuring an operational flower closure. Want to get your hands on some of her fabulous designs? Shop now  and choose over a variety of styles and colors. There’s even a dainty wrap for special occassions such as weddings and proms. Your one stop shop for stylish scarves and cover-ups — Elizabeth Gillett designs are all you need to give your outfit that extra “oomph” and you will no longer be giving anyone the cold shoulder. 

 

Elizabeth Gillett Designs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trend Spotlight: Colorful, Flirty Spring Shoes at Every Price

Spring is officially here! Time to get those feet pampered and into some beautiful spring styles that show off your playful elegance. Don’t forget— no outfit is ever complete without the right pair of shoes. And thanks to these gorgeous styles your feet won’t be the only happy thing this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snog Happy…

 

 

The first ever pocket size lip balm a.k.a. Snog Balm is finally here. Available in four fun flavors (Strawberry Tease, Cheeky Mint, Naked and Virgin Cherry) and dressed up in hip packaging, the Snog Balm is just perfect for our busy lifestyle. No matter where you go, what outfit you wear or what bag you carry, you will always have room for the Snog Balm. Packed with nutrients such as Vitamin E, the Snog Balm will keep your lips moist and ready for all that summer lovin’ and it’s only $2.49 each. I guess, good things do come in small packages after all. So what are you waiting for? Snog away!

 

 

Fashion Spotlight Interview with Christelle Traoré of Zo-Landing

It’s an exciting and very busy time for Christelle Traoré right now— as the founder and designer of Zo-Landing, a sassy new accessories line from Paris, Christelle’s got her hands quite full, to say the least. Zo-Landing, a raw but beautiful, a rugged yet romantic line of male and female jewelry is generating rave reviews from the fashion elite in Paris and all over Europe. With that certain  je ne sais qua, Christelle Traoré is here to tell Fashion Spotlight her plans for taking over your closet with Zo-Landing, one of the most unique accessory lines to date.

 

 

Fashion Spotlight: How and when did you first start designing?

 

Christelle Traoré: My first real professional design project was the jewelry collection I designed for Zo-Landing. But in fact, I started designing since my childhood and I could say that design has accompanied all stages of my life; as a child I dressed my dolls with my special creations. And as a teenager, I realized that the uniform I had to wear for school was a challenge to my imagination, so I always found a way to make it different by customizing it. Today, design is the way I found my place as a creative woman in the business world.

 

FS: What is it like to design and run your own fashion business especially in Paris, the fashion capital?

 

CT: Starting my fashion business in Paris was obvious for me because I grew up here. But things aren’t so easy— there are so many designers fighting to exist here that being a Parisian woman is not enough. And even though Paris has a very strong connection to the fashion world (other designers, buyers, customers, magazines, fashion leaders, muses…) there is a risk of being locked in this bubble. This is why I decided to implant Zo-Landing in another European city besides Paris. As I found boutiques to sell my collection through out Paris, I also expanded my connections by selling my jewelry in Berlin.

 

Being the Parisian woman that I am, the Zo-Landing collection will always have that certain style and that “Made in Paris” flare about it. Still, I needed to break out of that mold and experience other big cities. For now, Paris-Berlin seems to be a very rich dialogue.

 

FS: How is this challenging economy affecting you as a designer and business owner?

 

CT: My business is young and quite small. So I’m not very affected by this crisis. As a one year old business, I’m still growing and a lot of aspects are still in development. Maybe the growth is a bit slower than it could have been due to the economy. But the Zo-Landing brand has high potential and I am definitely up for the challenge. As a native, I also try to take responsibility and work with talented local French “artisans” to help the economy here.

 

 

FS: How did you establish your brand and choose the name Zo-Landing?

 

CT: I was thinking about this project forever and one day I just decided that I was ready, it was time. Zo-Landing has no lexical meaning but it is an evocation; it’s a kind of oxymoron: feminine and masculine, sensual and rugged, animality and cosmopolitanism.

 

FS: Your designs are made from a variety of quality leathers: where do you get your materials from and why did you choose them?

 

CT: I chose to work with rare and high quality leathers for the nearly fetish pleasure they provide. I needed to concentrate on this material as the basis of the brand identity.

Because of their high quality, large variety and the infinite possibility of treatment, rare leathers as crocodile leather, carp leather, python, shagreen… are marvelous.

 

FS: Do you ever run into any problems with animal rights groups such as PETA because of the type of materials you use for your designs?

 

CT: I don’t to use fur or leathers from warm-blooded animals, even cows that everybody wears without questioning. I only use leathers from cold-blooded animals who are also eaten for food. I’m also part of the CITES Washington convention that obliges to follow the animal treatment that guarantees no pain and no hunting.  I don’t use leather from hunted animals to avoid the species extinction but the leathers come from farms that also raise them for food. Exactly like cows but with only cold-blooded animals as crocodile that come from New Guinean and Australian farms where they use them for food. I also use shagreen and carp fish that are fish leathers. So as you can imagine, I don’t have any problems with PETA or other animal defense groups because my work is ethical, well controled, and conventional (I sell with certificates). This also means that you’ll never find cow or other warm-blooded animals leathers used as materials by Zo-Landing

 

FS: What is your inspiration behind the three collections?

 

CT: The three collections are more like three points of view from the same collection: female point of view, male point of view and the point of view “for two.” For this collection, I was inspired by the leathers and precious metals. I was inspired by the sensual combination of these two materials trying to make each of them existing by themselves. I tried to reverse the values in putting the leather as the heart of the jewel, not just ornamentation. The reverse of values is also that I esthetically “injured” the beautiful material in chiseling the gold metal or sewing the leather lie scars.

 

 

 

 

FS: I absolutely love the necklaces with the bows in the Female Collection. What inspires you to design?

 

CT: Thank you! I’m very delighted. Well… I cannot say what inspired me to design that particular necklace but I can say how much it represents the Zo-Landing style. It’s something trivial that I tried to sublimate giving identity. The Zo-Landing identity is that the necklace concentrates on the leather as the jewel. The leather is either sewn or cut sharply. You can play with it like a fetish or wrap it around the neck like a real feminine / masculine bow tie. You even can wear it on your hips. It’s an inspiration for the person who wears it.

  

FS: What fashion trends do you see in Paris/Europe right now that hasn’t yet made its way to the USA?

 

CT: Zo-Landing of course!

 

FS: If you can collaborate with one designer, who would it be?

 

CT: I design jewels and accessories but I don’t propose my creations as classical jewelry but more as fashion accessories. So I would naturally work with a fashion designer as Vivienne Westwood, A.F. Vandevorst, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, Christian Lacroix…there’s too many to choose from. But I would also love to collaborate with furniture and home designers as well as with artists.

 

FS: Who do you admire?

 

CT: My boyfriend. He is an art gallerist. I’m very passionate about art and I know how much heart, commitment and intelligence you need to have in order to be a good gallerist.

Also Pierre Bergé for the extraordinary and strong bridge he built between the fashion and art worlds.

 

FS: What is your must-have accessory?

 

CT: A handbag. What ever the design or the gender I can’t go out without a handbag. I would feel lost! And I don’t like to put things in my pockets. I’m fascinated by the place it takes in the every day life. A handbag collection is coming soon at Zo-Landing.

 

FS: What trends in accessories do you predict for the future?

 

CT: I think accessories will take a bigger place in our wardrobes. Until the day they will supplant the clothing. In the future, people may wear handbags as clothes.

 

FS: What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

 

CT: Learn to manage the business aspect of things. This means that you should learn to correspond with your lawyers, businessmen and accountants. Make everything yours— it will make you more responsible and you will be able to learn more about your business and grow. But forget any artistic advice!

 

 

FS: What do you see in the future for your brand? Any upcoming collections? Do you plan to expand your brand beyond jewelry?

 

CT: Zo-Landing is jewelry and accessories brand. For the launch, I decided to focus on jewelry, which the identity of the line. I also plan to design small accessories like padlocks, door-keys or handbags that are an extension of the jewelry collection.

The next step is the handbag collection, in its own so keep an eye out for it!

 

 

FS: Zo-landing is available predominantly in Europe. When will your designs be available in the US?

 

CT: Through the Internet Zo-Landing collection is available worldwide. We ship orders to the US too. For the physical boutiques, we’re working on opening ones in the US and Japan, so it should happen soon.

 

 

 

 

Designer Spotlight: Betty’s Baubles

Whatever your personal style philosophy—“a touch of sparkle” or “bling it on”— Betty’s Baubles has a range of whimsical trend pieces that’s bound to get your attention. A self-taught, 23-year old New Yorker, Kelly Amber Eng’s line of accessories is hand made with a lot of love and dedicated to her mom Betty.

 

Currently sold on Etsy, it’s hard to believe the ilovebetty store has been around for only a month. The beautiful designs are creating quite a buzz and it’s no surprise—take a look at some of these stunning pieces and you’ll know why.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designed with the “luxe for less” mentality in mind, Betty’s Baubles is affordable (all pieces are under $30!), and appropriate for all. The vintage like pieces are dainty but striking and it’s easy to pair them up with any outfit.  However you wear them, these accessories will compliment and instantly glam up your outfit.  Betty’s Baubles is a versatile line of accessories perfect for the ultimate recessionista—it’s a way to make the right statement that is perfect for you and your wallet. 

 

I couldn’t help but seize the opportunity to talk to designer Kelly Amber Eng (between her day job as a Marketing Assistant at a leading independent film studio and brainstorming ideas for her gorgeous jewelry line), to find out about her background, her style and her talent for stalking cutesy dogs in NYC.   

 

 

 

 

(For more on this talented young designer, log on to http://bettysbaubles.blogspot.com/  to follow her progress and design adventures.)

 

 

Design Philosophy:

 

My designs are whimsical and feminine. I try to make pieces that can be worn by anyone anywhere to any occasion. Keeping the jewelry simple, fun and extremely affordable are also key components of my design process.

 

 Inspiration:

 

My mother. Anyone who’s met her will understand why and will see her influence and personality in all of my pieces.

 

 Quirky Fact:

 

I’m left-handed and therefore right-brained, which is my excuse for why I’m not very good at desk jobs and always need to be doing something with my hands.

 

 Ultimate Goal:

 

To be able to support myself and my family (and my 800 future dogs) with my jewelry. It would be a dream come true if I could open my own little shop in the West Village where I could interact with my customers all day while making jewelry in a little workshop in the back. I’d serve coffee, tea, and homemade treats! I’d also live upstairs with my french bulldog and boyfriend, Chris.

 

 Interests/Hobbies:

 

Besides Jewelry Making, which tends to take up most of my free time, I love listening to music, going to concerts, wandering the city/stalking dogs,  reading home design blogs and magazines  (wahh domino!), trying red wines under $10, watching YANKEES baseball and scary movies, and vegging out to SVU marathons.

 

 Life Philosophy:

 

I’m not too good at defining my philosophies, so I’ll let the following poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, which I’ve always loved, do it for me:

 

First Fig

My candle burns at both ends;

It will not last the night;

But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—

It gives a lovely light!

 

 

Naughty or Nice:

 

I try to be nice when it matters…I’m not always successful

 

 Guiltiest Pleasure:

 

Huge handbags…fried chicken…Oreo milkshakes (sometimes with Absolut Vanilla)…Bloody Marys around the clock…really horrible scary movies…American Idol….

 

 Dream Client: 

 

YOU! Honestly, I love designing for anyone who wants something! It’s a dream come true to be able to make someone else happy with my jewelry, I’d just get nervous designing for a celebrity. But it would still be an amazing opportunity.

 

Must-have Accessory:

 

BIG EARRINGS. If you don’t own at least one pair of large earrings you are really missing out. Most people don’t realize that large doesn’t always equal gaudy, they add a pop to any outfit and are better than makeup at making you look luminous.

 

 Favorite piece of your collection:

I can’t choose! They’re my babies! I will say this, right now I’m loving the BOWie ring for a number a reasons –

1. It’s inspired by the ring my boyfriend gave me
2. It’s classic and elegant, but also reminiscent of childhood and playing dress-up
3. It’s made to order! I feel like I’m tying a forget-me-knot on each and every person who orders it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan Chic with Matt & Nat

Serious times call for serious accessories, and Matt & Nat, a collection of fashion-forward organic handbags is just that. Fashionistas everywhere are constantly looking to upgrade their already last season handbags and this time they have a much better choice. This line of trendy men’s and women’s accessories is 100% vegan (no use of any leather), and depending on the size, uses 15-55 recycled plastic bottles as part of the material used to manufacture all their bags. Not too shabby, eh?

 

 

It’s not easy to produce a true eco-friendly product but designer Inder Bedi and his talented team pulled it off (way before it was just cool to be green). What started as a challenge — to forgo all animal products for thirty days, back in 1995 is now a lifestyle for the Matt & Nat team. They clearly prove that it’s not hard to be stylish and environmentally responsible at the same time — don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Now you no longer have to make that dreaded choice between being fashionable and environmentally conscious — Matt & Nat bags are a great step in the right direction. They come in a variety of colors and sizes for both men and women (shoulder bags, clutches, weekend bags, computer bags, brief cases and diaper bags), and are also incredibly affordable: the price for bigger bags range between $300-$400 and smaller items are between $65-$200.

 

The future for Matt & Nat proves to be even brighter as its design team plans to phase out PVC by end of this year and use PU (polyurethane) based materials instead. Matt & Nat products are all “child labor free” and designer Inder Bedi and his dedicated team visit all their factories four times a year to inspect conditions and make sure these quality work standards continue. The Matt & Nat team is also involved with a number of other charity programs: they help feed the homeless four times a year in their hometown of Montreal, they help customers recycle their older bags by giving them to the charity Dress for Success and help single mothers who pursue full-time post-secondary education find affordable housing via their collaboration with Project Chance Resident. It’s clear that the team behind Matt & Nat mean business and they are genuinely committed to making the world a better place. One gorgeous bag at a time.

 

 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to invest in products that are not just fashionable but also futuristic and worthy of your money. If I haven’t convinced you yet, Matt & Nat are currently having a massive sale of up to 60% off on all their gorgeous bags. So hurry up and visit mattandnat.com to get your very own eco-chic bag. You can also find their accessories at cool boutiques like Fred Segal and Holt Renfrew, and in department stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bloomingdale’s.

 

Matt & Nat aren’t perfect but their pretty darn close. Their philosophy is that people will continue to buy bags — so it’s better to provide a more healthier, eco-friendly choice than to not have one at all.  It’s a no-brainer to invest in this quality line of handbags and now, you won’t have to feel guilty for spending your hard earned dough, even in this economy.

 

 

 

Fashion Spotlight Interview: Nivia Prescod

Love it or hate it, the life of a publicist— especially in fashion— is never dull. Nivia Prescod, a publicist at THINK PR, a boutique PR agency in NYC, definitely agrees. Having worked in PR and Media Relations for over 5 years, Nivia has collaborated with stylists from prominent TV shows such as Gossip Girl, Entourage, One Tree Hill, So You Think You Can Dance and celebrities such as iCarly’s Jennette McCurdy, Akeelah and the Bee’s Keke Palmer and Raven-Symone to name a few. She has also teamed up with tween movie hits: High School Musical 3 and the Hannah Montana Movie to work her PR magic. How cool is that! Think you want her job? Nivia gives Fashion Spotlight the 411 on what the real life “lipstick jungle” is like. 

 

Fashion Spotlight: What made you want to work in PR? 

Nivia Prescod: I started out working in Fashion Marketing and as you already know PR goes hand in hand with Marketing.  So, after I was exposed to the whole meet and greet of PR life, I was hooked.

 

FS: What skills would you need to be successful in this field?

NP: You would need to be persistent and resourceful, as well as focused with a lot of hustle.

 

FS: Do you have any advice for aspiring publicists?  

NP: Be creative and think out the box.  There is a tremendous amount of competition in this field so you have to really set yourself apart from the rest. 

 

FS: What is your personal style?

NP: Oh my… I am very versatile so it is pretty much whatever I’m feeling that day.  But, I always wear one piece that has a little boho-chic or eclectic rock in it.

 

FS: You never leave home without _________.  

NP: My blackberry and my lip-gloss.  Don’t laugh.

 

FS: What do you like most about working at THINK PR?

NP: I like the ability to represent various clients.  Right now I have a fashion and a food client.  This gives me a chance to show that my expertise is not limited to one type of PR.

 

 

Designer Spotlight: Neunique

Sophie Blake is not just another name. It is the only name behind Neunique one of the hottest new jewelry lines to make a mark in the industry. With a budget friendly price point of $35 – $250, these handmade designs are an earthy mix of semi precious and organic stones with a silver and gold fill. Inspired by Mother Nature, Blake’s designs are often created in shades of browns, blacks and greens making her pieces a must-have to achieve that posh bohemian look.

 

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Blake moved to New York City (like every other fashion wannabe), to pursue her dreams of becoming a jewelry designer.  Unlike many of her colleagues however, Blake didn’t have to spend time mastering the craft. As a self-taught artist Blake’s designs were already in high demand first, from family and friends and then from a slew of trendy downtown boutiques in NYC. Neunique currently has five collections: Cluster Collection, English Garden, Japanese Garden, Simply Smokey and Pearl Drop. All of which clearly depict her artistry and talent for producing beautiful pieces that are lightweight and affordable, even in this challenging economy. My favorites are the Contessa Earrings ($88), the Pearl Drop Necklace ($165) and the Cluster Rings in purple and brown ($75). If you want to get yourself some of these very lovely pieces try your luck at Roni and Add Accessories boutiques in NYC. After all there’s only one-way to truly be “nequnique” and this is it.