StyleWhipped

Daily Devotion: Alba Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash

 It was a big day for us when Whole Foods opened up in our neighborhood over the summer. It meant that we were no longer slaves to delivery times or shopping at the shady supermarket with the old produce and dusty aisles. And it also meant that I had a big new beauty section to shop close to home.

I haven't had tons of luck with organic and natural lines of beauty products. Color choices are limited, skincare can feel tacky and smell rather unpleasant. But thanks to a tip from a friend, I did find a really great natural hair care line in Alba Botanica. My favorite so far is the Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash. Chock full of tropical fruit extracts and kukui nut oil, this shampoo makes my hair soft and shiny. And it smells so yummy! And I know many of us assume that natural and organic items are going to be expensive, but this shampoo is under $10. Alba also has a skincare, bath & body, and sun care lines, and I am ready to try more!

- Cindy

Found a natural or organic beauty line or product that you love? Comment below or Email me.      

Ruffles and Tiers

I love a pretty ruffle-- on a top, on a dress, on a shoe, on a bag...everywhere. It's just a little extra detail that can be worn today without feeling overly fussy or stuffy. But they don't always work for me. In the past several months I've tried on so many ruffled dresses that looked adorable on the hangar but made me look a bit...overstuffed. I've learned that I need to choose my ruffles with care and I'm learning how to strike that right balance so that they embellish and enhance, not weigh-down and overwhelm.

A nice variation of the ruffle theme that is present in many of the spring lines, is the tiered panel. It still gives you that little something extra, but can be a little easier to wear because it doesn't have the volume of the ruffle and hangs closer to the body. And the way some designers work with these tiers- the fabrics, the colors, the construction, the lines...the pieces are truly like works of art. One of my favorite examples is Madison Marcus' Racerback top (left image). I found this gem during a recent trip to the Barneys COOP and am coveting it. I found it to be super flattering on, and the color, watermelon, is lovely.

So if you like the idea of a ruffle, but can't seem to find one that flatters, keep trying! But also check out pieces with tiered panels. There are so many different variations and translations out there that it's just silly to deprive yourself of something you like.

   
(left to right: MK2K Sleeveless Dress, Larsen Gray Tier Tank, Madison Marcus Degrade Dress- all from Shopbop.com) 

- Cindy

Black & White

I've been really drawn to the combination of black & white lately. Not sure why. Maybe it's my need for summertime to be here again so I can wear everything white and my simultaneous secret desire to match the drab weather and wear all black. Either way, there have been pieces in black & white popping up all over the place that I really like...and could wear with so many other color combinations! A gorgeous black & white pair of shoes with dark denim and a bright green top, or a black & white clutch with a purple mini dress. It's almost like having the chance to wear two of the same type of accessories at once!

These are both black & white examples that I really enoy...the platform sandals from Sergio Rossi (available on BergdorfGoodman.com) are sexy but demure, and perfect to wear from late winter into early spring. The Tory Burch clutch (available on Nordstrom.com) is a sophisticated spin on a bohemian print that could easily compliment both casual and formal looks.

~ Alison

Daily Devotion: Sugar Sweet Sunshine

 For various reasons, I have several friends who are feeling a little down in the dumps lately. They've lost their job, business is tough, relationships are rocky...you name it. And while I can't whip out a magic wand and make the badness disappear, I do like to surprise them with a little treat. My favorite- a Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcake. In the past several years, cupcakes have become so popular, with everyone trying to top each other with who can make one that's the most over-the-top. Whether it's a pound of rich buttercream frosting on top that's sure to produce a diabetic fit, or intricate ornamentation that makes your cupcake almost too pretty to eat, I always go back to the cakes at Sugar Sweet Sunshine. They come in a size one person can actually finish, and have just the right cake to frosting ratio. No need for any bells or whistles. But while their appearance is simple, their taste is anything but. I like to describe these as the best cupcakes your mom ever made...only better. So if you too have friends who are feeling a little blue, head over to 126 Rivington St in NYC's Lower East Side and pick up a little sunshine. And don't forget to get one for yourself. Try the pistachio, it's my favorite!!

- Cindy  

Got a favorite treat? Email me.

Running With Heels: Alison's Fashion & Style Column

Need a little Spring trend reporting to get your mind off the possibility of yet another snow storm tonight? Check out "Ruffled," my column this week on RunningWithHeels.com!

~ Alison

Daily Devotion: Chanel Glossimer

Most of my friends know that I am a total lipgloss addict. And as Alison was kind enough to share one of her dear secrets with you, her fabulous bag source in Sharing a Secret, I thought I'd follow suit with one of my own- Chanel Glossimer in Unity. Chanel Glossimer is one of my absolute favorite lip glosses. It is hydrating, long lasting, glossy without looking too "wet", and feels smooth not sticky. And Unity is a shade that looks fantastic on any occasion and on any skin tone. At one point my entire marketing team was wearing it and we included women with dark skin, asian skin, fair skin, and medium skin tones. It's just a miracle neutral that makes your lips look like your natural lips, but all dressed up. And while you can wear this every day, it does layer nicely over lipstick or even another gloss for a more intense color or just a change of pace. It's perfect for travel as it's the only shade I need to bring, and it's the perfect gift since looks good on everyone. So go try it out for yourself and enjoy!

P.S.- Shop it and your other beauty favorites at Bergdorf Goodman or www.bergdorfgoodman.com during their Smart Beauty Event going on now through January 31 (Feb. 1 at 11:59 PM CT if you shop online), and get special offers with your purchase.

- Cindy

Got your own secret find you're willing to share? Email me.

  

Jewelry Profile: Atelier Minyon

About a month ago, I was walking down Spring Street with a friend after a day of shopping. We were having a great time just browsing around when we stumbled across a just-opened jewelry store near West Broadway. Atelier Minyon's window display of ethnic-inspired, gemstone-encrusted yellow gold pieces instantly drew us in, and we decided that even though we both had to get home, we had no choice but to check out the rest of the inviting boutique.

Immediately upon entering, it was as if we were transported to another time and place. Creative Director Alp Sagnak was there to greet us, offer us tea, and tell us all about his fantastical creations lining the walls. Because we only had about 10 minutes to spend in the store, I of course asked Alp if I could come back for a chat and official "tour" of the collection. And this past week, I did just that...

As it turns out, the Soho atelier is the company's 7th store...Alp's family has been in the jewelry business for 43 years and the first 6 stores are in his native Turkey. An industrial engineer by trade, Alp decided to first expand his father's original three stores in Turkey's capital city of Ankara, and then this past December, bring his inpsired line to the U.S. The Soho location is beyond welcoming, and you easily become lost looking at all the magnificent pieces. If you are a frequent StyleWhipped reader, you know how much I adore jewelry, and well, this takes the cake.

Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, various world religions, architecture and Alp's own travels, Atelier Minyon's stunning pieces are created in 14-24kt gold, with the 24kt gold imaginitively used as wire to create discs with circular patterns. There are statement cuffs that are heavy in feeling but look as light as the spiderwebs that inspired them. Designs are alternately beautiful & feminine like yellow gold pendants dripping with emeralds and rubies, and tough & edgy like black diamond skull rings (equally fabulous for cool girls or fashion-forward men!). I got to see some seriously "designed" engagment rings, a vintage 14kt gold mesh bag from about 1900 with cabochon sapphires, and even a gemstone I had never heard of, tzavarite garnet, which is actually emerald green in color. Atelier Minyon put their spin on it by carving the stones into lovely little flowers set in white gold rather than cutting them into facets. And the work that goes into these pieces? Unprecedented. That skull ring is made from 350 tiny diamonds and each stone has its own 5-prong setting...a process that takes the jeweler 5 days to make each one.

After talking with Alp, his amazing U.S. partners and their lovely publicist, I left the store feeling both inspired by his "art" and also as if I made four fabulous new friends. I encourage everyone to visit the store, try on the swoon-inducing pieces and go back again and again for the team's warmth and of course the jewelry...the jewelry that you can wear just as easily with jeans and boots as you can with an evening gown, but would always remember exactly when you bought it.

~ Alison

     

(simply click on each image to enlarge)

Sharing a Secret

Sometimes, even though I co-direct this magazine and write a style column, I keep some of my fabulous fashion finds secret. I sometimes let my styling clients in on them, but more often don't even tell friends. But recently, everyone has been asking me where they can get good-quality, fashion-forward bags for a song. And I always tell them the same thing...Amici Accessories.

This online-only retailer gives shoppers fantastic bags in amazing colors and shapes that are created in faux leather...so fashionistas, animal-lovers and the budget-conscious all end up happy, with bags that get compliment after compliment! I have personally ordered more than one, bought them as gifts, and for a select few, let people in on my Amici Accessories secret.

So what is Amici Accessories offering that's so great?  Among handbags with incredible details and clutches that take you from the office to a party, the two pictured are some of my personal favorites. The larger handbag (this one I really love) in dark teal is an ideal color to take you from winter into spring (not to mention its super modern ruffle detail), and the oversized clutch in faux python is perfectly on-trend among spring's abundance of exotic skins. And for that incredible pricing? How's $38 for the handbag and $36 for the clutch?!

You're welcome.

~ Alison

One Dress...

For today, if I could only have one new dress, this would be it. From Etro (one of my favorite high-fashion designers), it has the most amazing kaleidoscope of colors, a super-flattering fit (in unexpected jersey), a dramatic silhouette, and an all-around "I'm on my way to holiday in St. Tropez" vibe. I want to wear it with huge gold earrings, a stack of the skinniest gold bangles, and my highest gold-mirrored platforms. I want to wear it to a joyous occasion, an important party, and anytime I'm having my picture taken.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman for a wallet-reducing $1,315, it is, for me, that one dress...

~ Alison

Designer Spotlight: Charles David Shoes

A few weeks ago, I bought a fabulous pair of Charles David shoes. They were the first pair I'd bought from the designer in quite some time, and was so excited by their current collection...modern silhouettes, amped-up glamour, high-fashion platforms, metallic finishes and more of my personal favorite details. Because I loved this current collection, I wanted to see what was coming up for Spring and ended up having the amazing opportunity to ask Charles Malka (the "Charles" behind Charles David) some questions, and learn more about the company (and of course check out some amazing new styles!)...

To many women, Charles David has always been a symbol of attainable luxury, and with prices falling mostly in the $200-300 range, these beautifully made shoes are well-worth their pricetags. And with 28 stores across the country (and many styles available in department stores), the Moroccan-born and Paris-educated Malka has made them not only attainable, but readily available to women everywhere. When I asked Charles how he managed to keep his prices at that level, he explained how they have "been working with the same factories in Italy and Spain for over 20 years so our relationships are strong and reliable. We have [also] opened with some new factories in Brazil and China and with our credibility, we have been able to negotiate great prices to consistently provide our customers with high quality shoes at attainable prices."

Of course, beyond the great pricing are the gorgeous shoes! That's what we keep coming back for, right?! So I asked Charles about his inspirations and how he manages to have his brand stand out year after year. His answer? He said that first and foremost, women in general are always his inspiration...that when he sees a woman, he looks "first at the shoes, then the eyes and then the face" and that he really doesn't notice what other brands are doing, but rather relies on his formula of price, craft, and unique and sophisticated design to set himself apart from all the other shoe designers.

I think what I admire most about Charles David shoes is their ability to be more than one thing...they are often fancy and glamorous, but I know I can wear them with jeans, too. They are fashion-forward but never too trendy, and seeing as they were the first serious stilettos I ever bought as a college freshman, they obviously have a timelessness that makes me love them in my '30's. Charles mentioned that a lot of designers "have been pushing the envelope with complicated design and impossible silhouettes. I see a shift to less embellishment [and] not-so-shocking designs that are meant to last for more than a single season." He went on to say (and I competely agree with him!) that "with the current economy...luxury brands are going to have a difficult time. I think women are getting tired of keeping up with the "it" shoe and bag. They are becoming more concerned with excellent customer service and the longevity of their choices." As a stylist, this really hits home...anyone with money can buy the "it" items...it takes more thought to create true style...and this brand helps women do just that.

Ok, finally...onto the SHOES! Pictured are my favorites and Charles' favorites from the Spring collection. Exotic purple and yellow skins meet Caribbean blue and white leather, and platform stilettos debut alongside sexy-but-comfortable wedges. All are lovely, striking, perfectly on-trend (but never trendy!) and actually affordable. To find your favorite pair at a Charles David boutique in your area, call 310.659.7110 or visit Charles David online. Meanwhile, after I extend a special thanks to Charles Malka and Teresa Kanode at Charles David, I'm off to buy another pair...!

~ Alison