StyleWhipped

Event Recap: Matt Bernson & (ri)1

Last night was a great evening of multiple parties (more to come later...), and the first was a "Perfect Pairings" event from (ri)1 (a fabulous new Rye from Jim Beam) and Matt Bernson Shoes. Now, here at Stylewhipped, we are huge Matt Bernson fans. I have profiled his collection in the past, and can't wait to bring you a preview of what's coming up for Fall. We are such huge fans, in fact, that even I love his darlings-of-the-press flats (and my anti-flat campaign has been very well documented!).

But more on the party. On hand were the super-talented Matt, his amazingly funny sales director Bruce, their adorable publicist Malorie Kaye, and a smattering of fashion-industry insiders, press, and Rye lovers. The folks at (ri)1 did a phenomenal job presenting the new spirit in its super fashionable & sleek bottle, and even had delicious cocktails designed just for this event. And of course on display were some of Matt's covetable new designs (personally, I must get my hands on a pair of those grommeted patent boots!). Editors and stylists alike were ooh-ing and aah-ing over the striking heels and gorgeous neon-tipped ballet flats. And delightfully, we were all generously sent home with a full-size bottle of the delicious Rye (which will absolutely be put to good use at our next cocktail party!).

So make sure you check out both members of this "perfect pairing" online...Matt Bernson shoes can be seen at www.mattbernson.com and you can learn more about (ri)1 at www.ri1whiskey.com!

~ Alison

 

Fun in the Sun

Summer is the absolute best time of year to wear colors, prints and silhouettes that you would never wear during other seasons. You'd never wear rainbow stripes in the winter, just as serious black clothes look out of place in August. And what better way to try out bright colors, outrageous prints and teeny-tiny amounts of material than with a bikini?!

Now, as a stylist and fashion writer, I have had the pleasure of wearing everything from $500 designer bathing suits to $20 numbers from Old Navy. I've worn sleek, my-other-car-is-a-yacht crystal-encrusted bandeau bikinis and the tiniest I'm-proud-I'm-from-Jersey triangle top bikinis in super loud prints. And both are equally fun...because that's what summer is all about...getting a little tan, frolicking in the ocean, and wearing bold, bright, look-at-me bikinis!

And my new favorite? The current swim line from Roxy (a venerable surf wear company...and the "sister" line to Quiksilver for the guys...) is fantastic! With those perfect only-in-summer prints (think multi-animal prints on a neon rainbow background) and amazing stay-on-while-you-surf fits, these suits will bring even more fun to your day at the beach. I mean, how can you not have a good time in candy-colored florals with flattering side-tie bottoms and sophisticated dangling charms? Made with seriously fast-drying fabric, these are the suits you will look forward to wearing season after season. And with each piece clocking in at about $38, you can afford to buy way more than one! Not to mention that with everything from checks, stripes, paisleys, and surf scene prints, there is definitely something for everyone...

~ Alison

Running With Heels: Alison's Fashion & Style Column

Oops...I am two days late sharing my latest Running With Heels column with you - many apologies! In any case, definitely check it out..."It's A Plaid World" gives you lots of great examples of the fun plaids you should absolutely incorporate into your wardrobe for the rest of summer and into fall!

~ Alison

Daily Devotion: Cynthia Steffe Zuzanna Dress

Every season there are trends that I love. The thing is, I never really want to look overtly trendy. That's why I love pieces like Cynthia Steffe's Zuzanna Dress. It's got BOTH leather details and exposed zippers...and looks nothing like a biker jacket! The accents of black leather and multiple zippers work perfectly to modernize an otherwise plain tailored dress. Pair with heels for the office, pair with even higher heels for a fabulous night out!

- Cindy

  

Daily Devotion: Alexis Bittar Crystal Drop Earrings

Because I have long, dark hair and usually wear it down, I tend to gravitate towards earrings that will stand out. This could mean they're long, dangly, big, sparkly, shiny, colorful, etc. But after a while, everything starts looking the same. Every chandelier earring, every hoop, and so on, and so on. When I'm feeling uninspired, I love checking out Alexis Bittar. His (yes, he's a mister) ultra-modern designs make for jewelry that's unique, exciting, and just plain cool.

While he's mostly known for his lucite pieces, which I adore, what caught my eye most recently was his Crystal Drop Earrings. A subtle 3" curve of gold or gunmetal encrusted with grey metal beads and crystals, they're the perfect balance of elegant simplicity and rock-star edge. My only problem with them is having to decide which metal to get them in!  

- Cindy    

Event Reminder: h2 empower Fundraiser is this Thursday!

Don't forget...I am so excited to be a sponsor of this amazing fundraiser! h2 empower will be building a library in Ethiopia...and you get to go to a fabulous wine tasting for only $35! All the info is below...

An unusual and fabulous wine-tasting on Thursday, July 30th (and hosted by the amazing Katie Russo) will benefit "h2 empower" a non-profit organization dedicated to building a library in Hosanna, Ethiopia and empowering people through education and sustainable development.

Being held at Moore Brothers Wine Co. at 33 East 20th Street between Broadway and Park, and also sponsored by Foundtrack, Brooklynite Gallery and Riot Games, I know this is going to be a really fantastic evening! With the proceeds going to such a worthy cause and tickets only costing $35 each (but hurry - space is limited, and if you don't buy them in advance, they'll be $45 at the door!), this is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and be treated to some amazing wines!

I hope you'll join me to help promote the good that "h2 empower" is doing - and for a fun night! Simply click here to buy your tickets: https://www.karma411.com/Markslist/campaign/display/profile.do?campaignId=2691. To see the full-size invitation, click on the image above.

Hope to see you there!

~ Alison

Daily Devotion: Tuleh Tiger-Print Gown

I love animal prints, but wearing animal prints comes with a lot of rules for me. How you balance it out with the rest of your ensemble, how you accessorize, even how you wear your hair or makeup when wearing an animal print--so many factors can push you over that fine line from stylish to tacky. Your safer bets are to wear animal prints in accessories and shoes (not together), or pieces of clothing that are otherwise very clean and simple. That said, every once in a blue moon, I am totally blown away by something that has absolutely no respect for my do's and don'ts.

Tuleh's Tiger-Print Gown is amazing. It's gold and black to-the-floor tiger print, with an asymmetric neckline, ruched bodice, and a side train! It sounds like it should be garish, but it's gorgeous! The way this dress is cut and constructed...it just flows with the body like liquid gold. It's sleek, it's sophisticated, and yes, I am drooling. Sometimes rules are made to be broken, and in this case, I couldn't be happier!

- Cindy

Jeremy Argyle Weekend Sale!

A couple of weeks ago, I gave you a profile of my favorite new men's store, Jeremy Argyle. Normally, Jeremy Argyle's gorgeous, modern and super-wearable men's dress shirts are really reasonably priced at $128-$142. But this weekend, you'll be able to get them at an unbelievable discount of up to 50% off! That's right...this weekend only (Friday, July 24th - Sunday, July 26th), select styles in their inviting Soho shop will be up to 50% off. I highly (highly, highly!) recommend you check this one out!

The Jeremy Argyle store is located at 160 Spring Street, just east of West Broadway in the heart of Soho. You can also check out the brand online at www.jeremyargyle.com.

~ Alison

Daily Devotion: Steve Madden Clubbin Studded Ankle Boot

Ok, I know you're all starting to get emails with Fall Previews, and sweaters and coats are starting to sneak into What's New stories on your favorite fashion sites. It's making you cringe right?  Trust me, I'm right there with you. I'm so not ready to start thinking about Fall yet, especially since Summer weather took its sweet time to appear. But that said, I cannot  deny that there have been a few Fall items that have really grabbed my attention and made me just a little excited for our upcoming season.

Of the trends that are continuing to power on this Fall, I'm really happy that the bootie is stronger than ever. This versatile shoe is really starting to come into its own, giving us tons of options in styles, materials, embellishments, heel-heights, and more. The other day I came across Steve Madden's Clubbin Studded Ankle Boot, and boy did I get excited! In black leather, with a 4 1/4" heel, a 3/4" covered platform, and a gold studded heel...it's so much fun! It'll give an edge to everything you wear it with, and is cut just right to go with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts with tights, everything. And the best part? They're only $159.95 at Endless.com! So while I can't deny that I'm nowhere near ready to start packing away my summer dresses and sandals, I couldn't resist sharing this fabulous little bootie with you all. Now that I've shared, feel free to go back to enjoying your sun, sand, and summer.

- Cindy    

The Beach Goes Glam

I spend every summer weekend at my beach house, so I definitely consider swimwear to be a major category of fashion. Sometimes I want to continue my glam NYC look on the beach, sometimes I want to go out on a limb and wear a bikini in a print or color I wouldn't ever wear otherwise, and sometimes I want to rock an amazing coverup and need a simple, solid suit to go with it. But my usual is the glam...bikinis covered in white sequins or with gold or beaded embellishments. And my new favorite swimwear comes from none other than Trina Turk...

With the same amazing Palm-Springs-in-the-'60's prints as Trina's clothing collections, these suits are beyond gorgeous. In super-saturated colors (think cobalt blue, poppy red, bubblegum pink, turquoise, and sunshine yellow...) and seriously flattering cuts, these have quickly become my go-to source for every weekend. True to size and in the softest swim material out there, I am in love with the very lightly padded triangle tops and adjustable side-tie bottoms. Each suit also has some sort of fabulous embellishment...from tiny dangling gold bamboo charms to interlocking gold links. And there are silhouettes for everyone...besides the triangle tops, there are sturdier halter tops and sexy bandeaus, and if side-ties aren't your thing, there are fuller-coverage scoop bottoms with their own fancy details. Even maillots get glamorous with bright, swirling prints and deep-v necklines.

So whether you're laying on the roof-deck of your building or going somewhere exotic, let Trina Turk's swimwear elevate your summer wardrobe to it's fullest glam potential!

~ Alison