StyleWhipped

Letter from the Editor: We Even Used a Whip!

Two weeks ago, I had the incredible pleasure of being photographed by the super talented (and so much fun) photographer Stephen Ciuccoli. Stephen's studio is in Connecticut, so Stylewhipped's Men's Director Joseph Ungoco and I made the drive up for the day. Stephen photographs everything from headshots to fashion week shows to major advertising campaigns, and everything in-between. His welcoming manner and very cool taste in music (!) makes every shoot with him a memorable one.

I am notorious for having something in my eye. It is a running joke with my entire family and most of my friends (hey, I wear enough eye make-up to make a drag queen proud and I have contacts!). So when the amazing, in-demand make-up artist Reiva Cruze (who was on-hand for the big event) suggested fake eyelashes, I instantly went into crisis mode. (I loooooove fake eyelashes, they just don't like me!) But with her insanely steady hand, individual, went-on-for-yards eyelashes were applied. And, um, I kept them on for days. Reiva also introduced me to how fantastic matte navy eyeshadow looks on me. (Cue scene of me running to the make-up counter immediately after the shoot...)

Once I was photo-ready, shooting with Stephen was the most entertaining, easiest time I've ever had in front of a still camera. He made me feel like a supermodel, approved of the fact that I really felt it necessary to wear a ballgown (you know, it was a Tuesday...), and instinctively knew which was my "best side" before he even took one shot. And once we were done shooting my "regular" headshots, we brought in my one little prop...a braided leather whip that Joseph had brought with us (get it? Style-WHIP-ped...!). The photo that ended up being my very favorite (and is now my headshot on here) is one of me with the whip, coyly coiled in my hand. Joseph even jumped in with me, and we had too much fun creating silly -- yet still fabulous, of course -- images with us and that whip.

Check out all the final favorites below. And next time you need a photographer, call Stephen. And next time you need your skin to look thatgood, call Reiva.

~ Alison.

Rebecca Gordon: Yoga with a Side of Comedy

Once or twice each year, I decide I am going to take up yoga.  Given all my running and the general hyper-activity of my life, yoga seems like a good idea for my mind and body.  Also, it meets my criteria for exercise* and I hope to one day have amazing arms like my sister-in-law.   When I say “take up yoga”, what I really mean is I am going to spend a few weeks talking about how I am going to take up yoga and then never follow through on my plans.  So except for the brief period in business school where I took a combo spin/yoga class with my friend Katherine, I have made no effort to actually “take up yoga.”  At least until my friend Sarah asked if I wanted to check out a yoga place she found in our neighborhood.  What follows is the true story of what we experienced on Saturday afternoon.

Everything started off normal enough – the instructor introduced herself to us, people laid out their yoga mats and I started worrying that I was about to humiliate myself in a room full of strangers.  This is where normal ended. Before class officially started, a woman shared a story about how she recently stood in a coffee shop vestibule with Alec Baldwin while they both played on their cell phones. The instructor commented that it was “romantic”. Now I like Alec Baldwin more than the next person, but nothing about standing in a vestibule while not talking to or looking at Alec Baldwin (or any person) sounds romantic and I am not leaving out any part of the story. The whole story was: “Last week I stood in a coffee shop vestibule with Alec Baldwin while we both played on our cell phones.”  And the instructor found this romantic and the storyteller agreed. 

Class started and I was glad the weird chatter was over.  But it turns out the yoga instructor fancies herself a bit of a comedian and the weird chatter continued.  Early on in the class she suggested we try to become Facebook friends with Alec Baldwin’s girlfriend and a few minutes later she told us to either focus on our form or think about Alec Baldwin.  When we had the left leg twisted around the right and were trying to squat while holding our arms above our heads, she told us to pretend we were holding a croissant in our butts – and then she laughed and told us we would get it later. I still don’t get it and I am not sure I want to. 

And the commentary was not the end of the weirdness.  Take the playlist. For a yoga class, our instructor selected Pearl Jam, Train, Simon & Garfunkel, and Swell Season.  What about “she lies and says she still loves him” or “you have broken me all the way down” says inner-peace?  Also, are yoga classes supposed to have playlists?

Now consider the sneak attack massages the instructor gave out at the end of class.  As Drops of Jupiter faded, the lights went out and I was feeling relieved class was almost over. I closed my eyes and started looking forward to being able to laugh about this whole experience with Sarah on the way home.  Suddenly and without warning, my shoulders were being massaged and not gently.  Had this class been relaxing, the massage would have ruined it. Were I a normal person who enjoyed massages, this still would have made me feel uncomfortable (Just ask Sarah. She is normal and was equally uncomfortable.). I am not one to enjoy a massage by a stranger.  My feeling is that if you want to get that close at least buy me a drink first.  At a minimum please give me a warning or ask for my permission before putting your hands on me in the dark. Just a useful tip if the opportunity presents itself to any of you.

Lastly, let’s discuss the instructors closing words before she turned the lights on.  “Think happy thoughts and nice things about yourself because everyone out in the world is judging you.”  Really? Everyone out in the world is judging me? This never occurred to me. I always thought everyone was thinking about themselves or the presidential election or what to make for dinner.  Turns out the world is busy critiquing my choice to run and then do yoga three hours later without showering or changing my clothes. My mistake.

And after all that, I think I might go back next week.  My arms already look better.

~Rebecca

 

*Criteria for exercise:  1. No serious equipment or clothing required. 2. Can be done almost anywhere.

Crossed

After writing about (and reading about) so many dragon references from this week's Chinese New Year coverage, I realized just how much I really do have a "thing" for iconic imagery like the dragon. I have written about my love of snakes, and I especially gravitate toward crosses. Crosses are not part of the religion I was raised with, but I have always been so intrigued by them. To me, they have nothing to do with religion...instead, they represent a dark, moody, gothic style best represented by rock stars and Carine Roitfeld! They are very strong, historically important, usually ornate and beautiful, and have made appearances in my own wardrobe on everything from t-shirts to super sparkly necklaces. (I find it better suited to me personally when this image isn't taken too seriously...add in sequins or oversized rhinestones and the whole concept translates as so much more just "fashion-y"...)

So when I came across (no pun intended...) this t-shirt from Wildfox, with it's incredibly simple design, I somehow actually loved it. A strong, plain black cross on a stark white background, this is the absolute perfect canvas for some jewelry dripping in colored stones. The contrast would be amazing, yet the t-shirt would still stand out as an intergral part of the outfit. Add in either super skinny dark, dark blue jeans or faded-out flares, and you'll instantly create the cool-girl-in-the-room look. And that jewelry? Stack on the bracelets, layer necklaces, pile on a cocktail ring or chandelier earrings. You can dress this up, or keep it really bohemian casual. Either way, it won't make me cross...

~ Alison.

We All Need a Little (Dragon) Luck...

With the Chinese New Year celebration still going on, the Year of the Dragon is already shaping up to be a lucky one! And here at Stylewhipped we think you definitely need to bring some more dragon into your life. Danielle already gave you some gorgeous tips on how to throw an Asian-themed party, so I thought I would source some beautiful (and lucky...and very cool-looking...) accessories that use the "dragon" motif. Personally, along with snakes, dragons are one of my favorite images. They speak to my inner alter-ego who would be have way more than my two little tattoos, and as an iconic visual they feel edgy, empowering, and just masculine enough to balance my super girly-glam look.

Jewelry is definitely a go-to way to incorporate dragons into your existing look. Rather than sporting Da-Nang cargo pants with dragon embroidery (obviously we aren't all Rooney Mara...), why not try something a little more subtle but still noticeable and super fabulous? This bracelet from John Hardy is sterling silver with 18-kt gold accents. It looks phenomenal on its own, but could easily be stacked with other pieces (how about a rose gold watch and a super skinny pave diamond bracelet?). And the earrings from Noir?! They are too amazing for words (and much more affordable than the Hardy number...) with their rose gold and black crystals. I kind of want them right now...

        

And guys, I didn't forget about you (after all, these dragons are pretty tough characters!). Instead of going down the (very, very frightening) Ed Hardy route (please, just say no.), why not give your own accessory collection a little jolt of whimsy and edge with these dragon cufflinks from Tateossian! They are fun, cool, make an excellent gift, and will make you stand out among any crowd of guys in dress shirts!

And if you absolutely aren't ready to wear a dragon anywhere on your body, these stunning beach towels from Natori (available in the three saturated colors shown below) are the perfect way to still have the Year of the Dragon bring you some good luck! Imagine laying these out at the pool or by the ocean...everyone will know who's life is truly 100% styled...

Hmmm...from my point of view, I think maybe every year should be the Year of the Dragon...!

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Everything's Coming up Rose Gold

In 2011, rose gold became huge in the accessories and apparel world (even our own editor-in-chief is constantly talking about - and writing about! - her love of rose gold). Watches, bracelets, necklaces and earrings in rose gold popped up all over as the must-have trend and even translated into some trims and details on furniture, home accessories and even nailpolish (Um, Dino/Santa please bring me the Michael Kors rose gold watch next year!).

I see this metal as only gaining momemtum in 2012 and beyond. Rose gold engagement rings and wedding bands are now increasing in popularity ...and even becoming an important pop of metallic color for wedding colors; It's amazing when paired with blush and ivory, adding a soft vintage feel to your day. If you are looking for another pop of color, a deep plum would go perfectly! There is just something about rose gold that exudes romance and rich timeless elegance.

Personally, I usually prefer silver, white gold or platinum...but I found these rings and even I fell in love with them!

From www.mdcdiamonds.com; LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!! 

 

From www.gemvara.com; Classic and beautiful, any woman would be lucky to own one of these timeless stones and settings...

 

  And this rose gold/platinum mix is currently on Ebay...stunning!

 

 

 

 

 

-Danielle

Joseph Ungoco: Gentlemen Make Way - For a More Stylish YOU!

Editor's Note: Please welcome Joseph Ungoco, Stylewhipped's Men's Director. Joseph brings with him many years of fashion industry and editorial experience, and will be the voice for all of our male readers to follow! Joseph will bring you his expert opinion on men's fashion, accessories and even grooming. To read Joseph's full bio, click here! ~ Alison.

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Setting aside those New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and be more stylish for a moment, let’s address the most pressing issue afflicting well dressed men – limited closet space.  Start off the New Year by clearing out your closet and making room for those stylish spring purchases you’re about - with my expert advice over the coming weeks - to start making. After all, deliveries of spring merchandise to retailers start next week. Those of us who follow the fashion calendar religiously have been in training since long before the holidays so as not to offend the mirror when we try on bathing suits in the dead of winter.

The easiest space maker is getting rid of things that you don’t wear. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, get rid of it. PERIOD!  Let go of those “it has to go to a good home” and “I’m going to fit into it” excuses. What - are you auditioning for the fashion edition of Hoarders: Buried Alive?  I use a three-tier system for disposing of old clothes. Basics go to local charities. Last season’s fashion items go to friends who live in second tier cities or relatives who live in third world countries where the fashion is a season or more behind. One-of-a-kind runway items are earmarked for museums. Come tax time, your accountant - and your bank account - will appreciate your charitable donations!

The dress shirt is the blank canvas upon which you paint a stylish portrait. Get rid of any shirts with stains that your cleaners haven’t been able to remove.  Try your shirts on and button the collar. If you can’t breathe – if you can put two fingers or more in the collar – if the cuffs fall above the bones in your wrists – get rid of it. If the placket doesn’t lie flat and gaps between buttons – either because you’ve overworked your chest at the gym or let your spare tire run wild – get rid of it. If you sport a 40 mm or larger watch and your cuff won’t close around it, see if your tailor - unless you got a merit badge for sewing in Boy Scouts - can move the button. If not – you guessed it – GET RID OF IT!!!

January is a great time to look at your sweater collection which, of course, you keep stored flat in drawers or boxes, folded perfectly as though an invisible GAP employee with a folding board lives in your closet like the cousin of the little man who lives in the refrigerator and turns the light on when you open it.  Inventory your fall and winter sweaters and send the fall ones off for cleaning and storage.  Go ahead and call in your spring sweaters so you know what you have before you start buying the newest spring styles.

Stains, rips and moth holes go to charity.  Dispose of any sweater whose waist rides above the waistband of your favorite jeans. Any sweater that features what fashion editors call “bracelet sleeves” has to go no matter if you’ve been building up your traps or your dry cleaner shrunk it. The whole point of a turtleneck is to feel snug and warm and to look sharp and stylish. Saggy t-necks are for sloppy dressers!  Try misting the neck and cuffs of your favorite sweaters and run them in the dryer to refresh the fit.   If that doesn’t work, it’s time for new ones. 

I keep a strict “one in/one out” rule over my closet. I haven’t bought a hanger in years!  Think of it as the more you give, the more you get to buy. If your closet looks a little empty after you apply my advice, fear not!  I have many suggestions on how to update your look and create a more stylish you in 2012 and I’ll be sharing them in the coming weeks.

-- Joseph

Sherin Botros: Thrill of the Chaise

Very few people fall in love with furniture, but I'm not afraid to confess I get very excited about it! And let it be known my first love was...the chaise lounge.

Yes, a little dramatic I know, but in my eyes, the chaise is the embodiment of luxury, glamour,and even a bit of exotic mystique.

I'm pretty certain somewhere in my Egyptian lineage I'm related to Cleopatra, which compels me to fulfill an aristocratic life....draped over my lounge chair, sipping a glass of champagne and listening to my own personal violinist play soothing music to ease the stresses of my high-society life. Ahhh, a girl can dream...Right?

Reality check: Life is hectic....crazy commutes, stressful jobs, unrealistic deadlines, over-scheduled kids, housework, homework, yard work, whatever your reality is, put it behind you. The chaise lounge makes the perfect way to remove yourself from the hectic outside world and indulge in a good book, take a nap, or unwind with a glass of wine (okay, maybe a bottle for some of you).  

The chaise (sometimes referred to as the 'fainting couch') is quite versatile and can be showcased in any room as a statement piece or an as an accent.  

I found this chic Maxine Chaise Lounge from raymourflanigan.com that would look exquisite if placed underneath a window, or by a fabulous piece of art, next to a floor lamp and a side table or even next to an over-sized floor mirror. 

Ornate, modern, or casual, these loungers come in a variety of materials and styles. They come with side arms or armless, a high back or backless, in leather or microsuede, and can be upholstered with your favorite fabrics. Whatever your unique style, this will be your personal little haven!

-Sherin

Fun Facts: 

- The chaise lounge was first created in ancient Egypt as a comfortable seat upon which only royalty reclined (so really, maybe I am related to Cleopatra?!). But it was really the French art and architecture of the 18th century Rococo period that brought the chaise lounge into the forefront of interior design and made it a focal piece for wealthy aristocrats and royalty.

- The chaise was sometimes called the "fainting couch" thanks to Victorian women of the 19th century who fainted frequently from their tight corsets. A well-appointed home or building would have a fainting couch at the top of every set of stairs for her use.

 

Danielle Aspromatis: 2012-Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year is here! When I was working as a clothing buyer, all Chinese New Year meant was a headache getting my merchandise because all the factories abroad shut down for weeks at a time. Now that I am in the event planning world, it makes me think of a PARTY! So to honor the "year of the dragon," I thought I would share some tips for anyone wanting to throw an Asian-themed party this year.

I love Asain decor, food, and culture...so much so that my bridal shower was at a Chinese restaurant in New Jersey, Cathay 22 (they have a great private party room!), and all details were centered around Asian culture. Each table was named a different Chinese character, and centerpieces featured lucky bamboo. Lanterns, tealights, and parasols adorned the space, and everyone took home sets of chopsticks and red metallic take-out boxes filled with desserts. (Check out my personal photos below!) It's really a great theme to pick for a birthday, shower or engagement party because there are so many small details you can incorporate to wow your guests.

To put your own personalized Asian influence on your next party, visit www.pearlrivermart.com and www.beau-coup.com. Pearl River Mart is amazing; their storefront is in Soho, but you can order everything online from lanterns to favors to ceramics and beyond. Beau-coup.com is an online favorite for every party, and they do have an extensive Asian selection, such as paper and silk hand fans, custom chinese take out boxes, and lovely parasols.

Don't forget that everyone loves to open a fortune cookie ...you can provide custom fortune cookies like the ones below through www.fancyfortunecookies.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ci-ang-show! (enjoy!)

-Danielle

Letter from the Editor: Life, Styled.

From now on, each Monday I will be bringing you a little personal view into the Stylewhipped world...things we have done, outfits we have worn & loved, news about what's new with our team, and more. And instead of giving you an item or trend to check out, I will often give you stylist's tips and ideas to make your entire life a little more "whipped by style"...

This week, we will be welcoming Menswear Director Joseph Ungoco. For the past 10 years, Joseph has been my own personal fashion guru...with runs as an editor at major print magazines, Joseph has also styled and art-directed important editorial campaigns. Look for his articles starting this week...guys, this is your chance to really be privy to a menswear expert's point-of-view. I guarantee you will be more stylish and sure of yourself after reading just one column!

Now, for a little tip. Over the weekend, I went to an archery tournament. (Yes, you read that correctly!) It was actually really fun, totally fascinating, and something I never expected to be a spectator at. Of course, everyone else who was there was wearing some version of baggy jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers (gasp!). Honestly, unless I'm in the gym, you will never find me in sneakers in public. And unless I'm helping a friend paint their apartment, you won't find me in anything resembling a standard t-shirt (and to be really honest, that probably wouldn't even happen...I'd probably wear a flattering wife-beater instead!). So what did I wear to watch bows & arrows being shot? Black leggings, a grey sweater dress (with the cutest puffed sleeves and oversized cowl neck), black knee-high boots and a fur jacket. Granted, I sort of rethought the fur jacket thing as I walked in (fur + anything having to do with "shooting" = I pretty much felt like an instant target!). However, I also felt like I could go out to dinner straight from there (which we did) and like I was an actual grown-up. Was I just as comfortable in my jersey leggings and cozy sweater as everyone else was in their gym pants and sweatshirts? You bet. Did everyone look at me twice? You bet. But I'm going to take it as a compliment. It's the same concept of drinking out of a real glass instead of a soda can...life is short, so it might as well be nice. You don't need to wear high-heeled boots like I did, but you should consider putting some actual thought into what you wear...even if you do it to go sit in a community college gymnasium for 3 hours. It will make you always feel like the one who put some effort into your presence...and in turn, I promise (promise!) that will make you feel good (and maybe even inspire others around you to do the same...).

After all, I did name my company "Life, Styled." - and I intend to always have my entire life feel like it's important enough to have some style.

~ Alison.

p.s., Yes, the above photo is me in a sweatshirt. It is the only one that exists. But it was my "maid-of-honor" sweatshirt from my sister's wedding. Which I wore with serious pride. (Plus, the lettering was gold, which definitely made the whole thing Stylewhipped-approved!)

Rebecca Gordon - For the Love of a View

As I may have mentioned before, I have lived in the same apartment for the past 7 years and, if you are paying attention, you will recall I have a roommate and I am in my 30s.  You may have even seen the picture of the spectacular view from my apartment.* Seeing this view may have helped you understand why a single woman in her 30s would choose to have a roommate.  What you don’t know is that the roommate scene is not actually something I put up with for the sake of the view, the roommate scene is actually a positive, if unusual, aspect of my life**. The dog that comes with the apartment doesn’t hurt either. There are, however, a series of things I have tolerated in order to remain in my apartment.  In no particular order, here they are:

1. My next door neighbor can see into my bedroom from his terrace.  Even for the five years when my next door neighbor was male-model handsome and was the kind of guy to read The Economist in the gym, this was not great.  The only way I made up for this was the day I got off the elevator at the exact time he was opening his apartment door for his girlfriend and he was wearing only his underwear. I ruined that romantic moment for them, but at least I got to see him in his underwear.
2. If I sleep with my bedroom window open and my next door neighbor has a cigarette on his terrace at 3am, the smoke comes into my apartment and wakes me up and I am unable to fall back asleep. There is no making up for this.
3. Two years ago, during a terrible rain storm that also involved a lot of wind, my apartment flooded in the living room and my roommate’s bedroom. The flooding caused a temporary smell of moldy cheese in my apartment and ruined the floors.  The only way the building made up for this was redoing the floors and telling us they fixed the source of the leak (the terrace).
4. In August, during what was supposed to be a hurricane but what was really just a terrible rain storm that also involved a lot of wind (and required the evacuation of my building), my apartment flooded in the living room, dining room and my roommate’s bedroom. The flooding caused a temporary smell of moldy cheese, ruined the floors, and permanently damaged some personal property. The only way the building made up for this was redoing the floors and reimbursing us for a few nights in a hotel.  I am not superstitious, but I am not unconvinced that I did not bring this on myself by saying to a handsome fireman 12 hours before I discovered the flood that he should take my number “in case things get serious and I need his help.”
5. In September, during a terrible rain storm that also involved a lot of wind, my apartment flooded in the living room and my roommate’s bedroom. The flooding caused a temporary smell of moldy cheese in my apartment and ruined the floors.  The only way the building made up for this was redoing the floors and telling us they fixed the source of the leak (the terrace). I may have just cut and paste #3, but these were two different events. I promise.
6. Two weeks ago, during a terrible rain storm that also involved a lot of wind, my apartment flooded in the living room and my roommate’s bedroom. The flooding caused a temporary smell of moldy cheese in my apartment and ruined the floors.   Are you noticing a trend? The only way the building made up for this was redoing the floors and telling us they fixed the source of the leak (the terrace door). This time I believe them.
7. Last week, I started noticing the smell of gas every time I came home and sometimes when I awoke in the middle of the night.  One maintenance guy sort of smelled it as well and he suggested the oven needed a new tube connecting to the gas source.  So he replaced this tube and I slept with my window open just in case the oven wasn’t the source. And then I came home the next night and the apartment still smelled of gas, so the super turned off the gas supply and I went to bed with my window open just in case the gas supply wasn’t the source (he did insist it could not possibly be anything else).  But then the next day I could still smell the gas. I was starting to think maybe I was crazy because other people could not really smell it and the super thought maybe it was just from the floors (see #6).  In what I assume was an effort to reduce the amount of time they were spending in my apartment, the super and the maintenance guy checked my neighbor’s apartment. Turns out my neighbor*** had accidentally left one of the knobs on his stove turned on so that gas was leaking into his apartment and through the vent that connects our bathrooms. And then my neighbor went out of town. The building made up for this by turning off the gas in my neighbor’s apartment and confirming I am not crazy.
8. On Friday morning, I waited until the last possible moment to take a shower and then realized there was not enough pressure to keep the shower on. By the time the super fixed the issue (just ten minutes later), I could not wash my hair and still get to work on time.  So I used some dry shampoo and headed to work. The building made up for this by having the doorman tell me my hair looked clean.

Have I mentioned the amazing view and the dog?

~Rebecca

*If you missed the view, just check the site from two weeks ago. You won’t regret it. Or you will, because you might be jealous of me.

**Wait for that story, it is worth the wait.

***Not the handsome neighbor. He moved out and a new guy moved in. No sightings yet.