On Trend: Clutches

Some say clutches are for special occassions only. I strongly disagree. They are such a great addition to an outfit and an absolute conversation piece. Everything for wooden handles to convertible clutches that fold over from a larger bag.  Check out these styles made of everything from patterned fabric to leather.

 Women’s Wooden-Handle Canvas Clutch, Old Navy, $13.65

 Cotton, Green Convertible Fabric Clutch, Old Navy, $10.00

 L.A.M.B Signature Carlisle Convertible Clutch Tote, $425

 Bahia Green Clutch by PERFECT CLUTCH, $ by request

 Pattern Swirl Clutch by Alexander McQueen, $630

 Hexagonal Panel Box Bag, Topshop, $50

For more ideas on how to use clutches and other bags to complete an outfit check one of my favorite sites, Net-A-Porter.com for their Bag Guide here.

I Love Trashy Make-up!

One of my favorite labels, Heatherette has a new makeup line debuting this week from M. A.C. (Love it!)  If you don’t know the “it” boys, Traver Rains and Richie Rich who design Heatherette, get to know them! Their look is so downtown NY and truly trashy. I love the pink compact in the promotional picture above. I hope M.A.C. continues what they have built themselves up to be by providing colors and makeup options for all.

I recently went to the M.A.C. counter at Macy’s in Herald Square and saw the latest team up between M.A.C. and someone from the art/design world.  Fafi, a French graffiti artist currently has makeup products with M.A.C.  All of the consultants were wearing the makeup in true Fafi fashion. And, let me tell you this, they all looked CRAZY! Hearts drawn on the cheeks and long dark lines of eyeliner. All types of Wrong! (But I do like Fafi’s art, just not the makeup.) I wouldn’t wear it, but maybe some of you would.  Let’s just hope the boys come a little better!!  I know Richie Rich, the DIVA will not let me down!

I love Heatherette for many reasons, but mostly because they consistently use models of all colors to strut down the catwalk. Check out this video and see how different they are.

So, Cazals are back in? Word?!

When I was in high-school in the late 80’s people dressed like The Fat Boys and Run-DMC.  Just like now, everything was name brand. Le Coc Sportif  jogging suits and Travel Fox sneakers were the shit!! You were wack if you didn’t have a Coca-Cola shirt or an 8-ball jacket.  All the girls had on the huge trunk jewelry; “doorknockers” is what we called them. (And to all you Sex and the City fans, that “Carrie” necklace was nothing new!!) 

The outfit was complete when you added the huge glasses otherwise known as Cazals. Glasses have always been a fashion statement and sun glasses can complete a look. (Didn’t Jackie O look glamorous with her huge black shades on?) So why should we be surprised that those large, librarian type glasses are back in? Fashion trends always come back around.

When everyone started wearing Cazals back then, I thought they looked absolutely horrendous. I should have brought a pair and kept them for 20 years because now, the sexy librarian look is what’s hot. Scarlett’s wearing them, Erykah’s wearing them, and maybe you should be wearing them too. Check out this look on the runway during the Michael Kors 2008 Fall/Winter  show. 

(Ooooo, found a few vintage pairs here.)

This post makes me remember the 80s, check out The Fat Boys below.

So You Want to Attend the Sex and the City Premiere Party…

Well, believe it or not you can!!!  Here are the facts:

1. The party is May 27 in New York City
2. Kristen Davis, “Charlotte” is auctioning off 2 tickets for Oxfam America.
3. You get to walk the red carpet!!!
4. A paid visit to Manhattan’s Prive Salon
5. Auction begins at 7pm (PT – that’s 10pm in NY), March 12 and runs through 7pm, March 22.

Click here to bid. Good Luck!

A Few Good Bloggers

While I have not been blogging that long I am really trying to make something out of what I’ve started. That being said, I am looking for 3 to 4 writers to blog about fashion and beauty where they live. I would love to have an in person account of Boots in London or an interview with an interesting shoe maker in Milan.  I even want to know what color Wellies people are wearing in Seattle. Personal essays, informational pieces, and where to shop guides are perfect! I think it would be a great feature to this blog to have a perspective from those who love fashion from different parts of the world. I only have a few requirements:

1. You must have a great command of the English language
2. You must be able to blog at least once a month
3. You must have a confirmed email address with Paypal (signing up with wordpress will help as well)
4. You must have a computer with round-the-clock internet access
5. You must have connections in and around the fashion and/or beauty industry

This is a pay per post situation. If interested, please contact me at jlp550@optonline.net with a resume and a short introduction.

Beautify Me: They Segregating Hair Products, Y’all!!

Having hair that goes against the norm (not straight), I am always in search of the best hair products for my style. That isn’t always easy, but I’m willing to try almost anything. Recently my mother asked me if I had ever thought about using mayonaise, “you know… for the shine,” she says. That statement brought back a terrible memory of grade school when my mother thought putting cold coffee and coffee grounds on my hair was a good idea. Smelling like Folgers Crystals didn’t go over so well with the private school set. I quickly told her that I hated mayo with all of its purported uses and that black hair in its natural state doesn’t reflect light. Plus, Mom, my hair is matted into beautiful locs. They definitely won’t be shining any time soon. Oh, Mom… Gotta love her.

I am wililng to go to anywhere for a great shampoo and moisturizer. I’ve been to street fairs, hair salons, hair shows, and yes, the “‘hood” beauty supply store. I tend to try new products every week, one for moisture, a shampoo, an oil maybe, and even setting lotion when I want tight ringlets.  But nothing is more annoying than having to go into the local drugstore to fill a perscription or get a roll of toilet paper and find yourself running around the store trying to find the “black/ethnic hair” section. Where the hell is the Luster’s Pink Lotion? And, why the fuck is it in the back of the store by the markdown products??? 

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

The day after the Grammy’s I kept watching Kanye’s performance of Stronger featuring Daft Punk. I thought his outfit was sick!! I loved the glasses. In fact, I told everyone at work that if I could find them I’d wear them out at a club. Well, it took me about a month, but I found the glasses. They are called “The Kanye West Shutter Shades” and they are available in bright colors in addition to a glow-in-the-dark pair, somewhat like what he wore during his performance. (However, I do think Kanye’s were lit with a power source.)  You can purchase the multicolored shutter shades here and the glow-in-the-dark ones here.Now, I’m not usually one to latch on to fads that cost an ignorant amount of money and are only in for a minute. (Fads I did latch on to: Von Dutch trucker hats, Ed Hardy tees, and Uggs.)  While these glasses might be part of that nonsense,  I still think I just might get a pair because they look sooooo crazy!

As for the jacket, that took more time to find. I really like the use of electronic LEDs with fashion. And, since Kanye performed with Daft Punk who are known for their robotic outfits, the jacket fit in perfectly. The jacket along with the LED panels were created by Moritz Waldemeyer. Apparently the light panel mimiced the synthesizers used during the performance. Shit! That’s hot!  Check out his blog, Mortiz Waldemeyern has some other interesting things married with light such as this cool dress.

If you didn’t see the performance, check the youtube video before it’s taken down again.

Things I Like: Havaianas

In preparation for spring, summer, and my trip with my friends Linda and Diana (Kimmie too!) to The Bahamas, I thought I’d do a post on one of my favorite things, Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas) flip flops.  Havaianas is Portugues for Hawaiian and were created as a tribute to the Hawaiian islands. Made in Brazil, they are truly the best flip flop and if you wear them all spring and summer like I do, you’ll love the 46 year old super secret rubber formula that makes them so comfy. (Did you know Brazil makes the best rubber products?)

According to their website, everyone loves these flip flops in Brazil where there is a huge beach culture. Americans are now wearing them too.

“In Brazil, Havaianas are beloved and worn by all personalities from the average citizen to dignataries and celebrities. Since being introduced to the United States seven years ago, Havaianas have created an unprecedented cult following. Now referred to as the “best rubber sandal in the world,” Havaianas can be seen gracing the pages of the hottest fashion and sport magazines, strutting down the runways at New York Fashion Week and featured at red carpet events. Stylish Americans, including top athletes, rock stars and celebrities demanded the butter-soft comfort of these inexpensive flip flops, making Havaianas available at the most chic retailers and surf boutiques nationwide.”

They come in men and women’s styles and have many interesting patterns on them.  Check out these cool pair:

 Summer Dots, $20 (I know that’s a little more, but you won’t have to replace them!!!

They are made with European sizing so make sure you check the sizing chart! I have bought a few from this site, but as I mentioned before, I have a larger foot. Don’t fret if you do too, I have also purchased Havaianas from one of their authorized retailers, Barefoottess.com.

Once you try these flip flops you will never ever go to Old Navy to spend $3 for flip flops that don’t last the summer.

(FYI, they are one of Oprah’s favorite things as well!)

I Told You Erykah Was The Shit!

So, Vogue UK is reporting that Erykah Badu will be the new face of the yet-to-be named Tom Ford fragrance. Didn’t I tell you Erykah was a style icon? Well, it looks like Tom Ford thinks so too. I cannot wait to see the spreads in the magazines here in America. (Will Miss Anna allow Erykah into her precious Vogue? LOL!) I’m excited to see the photos and I would think they would be fashion forward and edgy. (But secretly, why do I hope Erykah brings her own stylist with her to the photo shoots?) Mr. Ford, Erykah has a lot of adoring fans… do her justice, please!

Check out Najwa Moses of Styleholics.com interviewing Erykah about becoming the new face of the Tom Ford Fragrance.

Fashion TV: Sex and the City: The clothes, the shoes, and the bags!

OMG!!! This is my dream job:  Working the wardrobe closet on the Sex and the City movie with Patricia Field. Patricia Field, the costume designer is truly a genius.  Watch the video, check out all the bags and become a disciple! Damn… I need to make more money. Sigh…