StyleWhipped

Letter From the Editor: Get Out of the Dark

As New Yorkers, we are pre-programmed to wear a ton of black for the "city-chic" factor. As humans, we are pre-programmed to wear a ton of black for the "slimming" factor. Well, I'm here to try and put a little dent in your all-black closets. While I am a true Manhattanite (as of two months ago, I've been here for 10 years. And I'm pretty sure that's when we earn our card...), in person I look like I should live in LA or Miami...I am always tan, I have massive blonde curls, I only wear yellow gold, and my addiction to brightly-colored, "happy" prints is well-documented. And even though I do respect that whole fashion-editor, super-chic, nerves-of-steel all-black look (and admit that my the "black section" in my own closet is definitely sizable), I think that fashion should be fun and what we wear should brighten our day and make us happier. And sometimes, you need a little infusion of color to achieve that!

I'm not asking anyone to go so far out of their comfort zone (again, fashion should brighten your day, not make you feel like an imposter in your own body!). But I am asking you to step up the effort just a tiny bit. Because here's the thing...black isn't always so chic. It can be boring, make you look unapproachable, and can also be hard to pull of if every single piece isn't the same shade of black. It's also not necessarily slimming...go ahead, wear all black, stand against a white wall and take your own picture. You will look just as slim in other dark colors...and not like you are trying to hide your body behind all that black!

So here are some suggestions. If you are a serious all-black girl or guy...try other dark "neutrals" every once in awhile (wearing so much black also kind of makes you look like you're wearing the same outfit every day. Not cute...). Some of my favorites are navy blue, charcoal grey, deep plum, and chocolate brown. If you are someone who already manages to mix in those dark shades, go one step further and try some lighter colors as well: ice blue, yellow, silver or pale grey, kelly green, and red or coral. And when you're ready, go for a print. Guys, try a great plaid or colorful stripe. Or even an over-all print...just keep it tiny to begin with until you get more comfortable rocking a bigger print! Ladies, try an animal print (most of them have black in them!): leopard, zebra, and python are easy to wear and are sort of neutrals in their own right. And when you're ready, try an abstract floral or one of this season's color-blocking-inspired graphic prints. 

And if you just can't bring yourself to change up your "uniform," at least give color a chance in your accessories...use those more exciting hues in your shoes, bags, ties, scarves, even watches and jewelry. The closer to your face you get them, the better...you will automatically be brightened up, look happier, and feel better. I PROMISE.

~ Alison.

Rebecca Gordon: The Hazzards of Having an Attractive Neighbor

People who live in New York often say they do not know (or even see) their neighbors, not to mention actually talking to the people who live on the other side of their walls. I am apparently not “people” because I have been friends with more than a handful of my neighbors over the years. I mean no offense to the rest of my neighbor/friends, but the highlight for me was the few years when Todd and I became friends* with two other apartments on our floor. When Todd, Lynne, Paul, Morgan, Lynanne, Patrick and I got together, we talked about the usual things friends talk about when they are together…but we had a few other things in common that most friends do not share. We had the other neighbors on our floor to talk about. There was the woman who refused, no matter how hard we tried, to say hello to any of us and then there were the two dogs who barked nonstop if we were home (and their owners were not). The neighbor who got most of the airtime was Hot Paul. We call him this because we needed to differentiate him from the other Paul on the floor and, well, he is hot by most standards (seriously, even the doorman would comment on his appearance). Hot Paul sightings were pretty rare – and when you did see him he was running off to catch a flight to Europe, driving in a fancy sports car through the neighborhood or in the gym pretending to work out but really reading The Economist, only making him that much more attractive.

I have one Hot Paul sighting that I wish I could take back. On a particularly nice night a few summers ago, I got ready for bed – washed my face, brushed my teeth and put on my nightgown which by my standards is small and immodest, but by normal people standards is something close to what your grandmother sleeps in. This nightgown is not the kind of thing I would feel entirely comfortable wearing in front of my friends, so you can imagine it is not the kind of thing I would want Hot Paul seeing me don. Well, that is just what happened. The genius who designed my apartment building made it so that my next door neighbor (in this case, Hot Paul) can see into my bedroom from his terrace without actually trying to look into my bedroom. So when I went to the window to open it just a crack, I was basically standing inches away from Hot Paul in my slinky (but not actually slinky) nightgown. Horrified, I gasped, ran from the window, shut off the light and cried myself to sleep** hoping I would never run into Hot Paul again.

I can’t remember how many more times I ran into Hot Paul, because one particular run-in erased the embarrassment of the window opening incident. On a Friday afternoon after work, I was coming up in the elevator looking straight ahead, thinking about nothing in particular. For the sake of helping you visualize what is about to happen next, please note the genius who designed the Peeping Tom terrace also made it so that the middle elevator opens directly opposite Hot Paul’s apartment. On this Friday, the elevator doors opened at the exact moment when Hot Paul’s girlfriend was standing at his door with her arm up to knock one more time. But the final knock was not needed because at the second the doors opened and Mrs Hot Paul was about to knock again, Hot Paul was opening the door wearing only his underwear trying for some romantic (?) moment with his lady friend. Only this moment was ruined because I was standing directly behind her and also directly in front of him. And he was wearing underwear the size of the bathing suit I imagine Hot Paul might wear on his trips to the beaches of Europe. This time Paul looked horrified. So who’ embarrassed now? To be honest, I still am.

~Rebecca

*I know what you are thinking. I am one of those people who tosses around the term “friend” loosely. Not so – these are good enough friends that I am going to the wedding of one couple next month. So reserve your judgment for someone else.

**Kidding. I didn’t cry over that.

Danielle Aspromatis: Jazz Hands

I've always held onto a pair of my Grandma Rochelle's fabulous long white gloves from the 40's in one of my drawers...not that it's my style necessarily to ever wear them, but just because they are SO cool and remind me of a glamorous time that I wish I got to live in. I love the roaring 20's, the fabulous 40's and would give anything to have been a teenager in the 50's or 60's! Anyone who feels like I do, and values a time when dressing up was a little more glamorous should consider wearing gloves for at least part of your wedding day...even if it's just for pictures! I love this look for a vintage wedding, garden wedding, or glam and glitz wedding. It's so different and unexpected for 2012 and such a great touch for a bride or bridesmaids. Such a great accessory for photos!

For purchasing, don't underestimate the importance of Ebay! I would recommend scouring the website for real vintage gloves to give your look that authentic feel.

If you are in the tri state area, take a trip to M & J Bridal Salon, www.mjbridalsalon.com, for all the newest and latest styles!

Here is some inspiration photos for you...enjoy!

-Danielle

Pretty in Pink

I am a tried-and-true dark-purplish-almost-black nailpolish girl. I used cherry red once for a costume party and had quite the compulsion to take it off as soon as it dried. I had surgery years ago and was only allowed to have pale polish during it...which was replaced pretty much the second I came to! So I'm not going to pretend that I would personally ever wear the polish I'm about to feature here (my manicurist still hasn't recovered from her shock when two weeks ago I decided to switch to a slightly less harsh shade of purplish-dark-grey...). But I do think that for anyone who loves a good, fashion-forward shade of pink, this is your newest must-have!

From the go-to Essie brand's latest collection called "Poppy-Razzi," this shade named "Lights" (the others in the group are "Camera," a warm coral, "Action," a bright, dark yellow, and "Bazooka," a tangerine orange) is almost neon but not quite. It is, however, the perfect color for when you need to be reminded that the approaching summer season is all about fun, happiness and electric brights that you normally wouldn't wear. It's warm hue is flattering when you haven't gotten your tan yet, and simply amazing once you've had a chance to work on it. Katy Perry music should definitely be playing in the background when you walk into the room looking like such a pretty piece of pink candy in this polish...

~ Alison.

Jewelry Spotlight: Touchstone Crystal

For the past week or so, I've had a little too much fun wearing some amazing pieces of jewelry from a new line called Touchstone Crystal. Touchstone is the "home party" line from Swarovski jewelry, meaning it is available online and at private parties through one of their style consultants (just like the super popular Stella & Dot). Now, Swarovski jewelry has been a longtime favorite of mine and I've featured many of their pieces here on Stylewhipped. The only problem is that their collections tend to count as "important" purchases for most people (their pricetags are definitely not so tiny...). But Touchstone Crystal solves all that...with most pieces well under $100 (and everything under $250), their five collections bring you everything from bohemian-chic style to feminine & elegant to sleek & modern.                                                                                                                                                          

Luckily, these amazing price points also come with serious quality. The pieces are weighty and beautifully made, with gorgeous Swarovski crystals in saturated colors. The stones are perfectly faceted, making the pieces really sparkle...and look like they cost about ten times more than they did! Two of my favorite pieces that I've been wearing (probably a little too often...!) are the "Capri" ring and the "Golden Ice" bracelet. The ring, with its extraordinarily bright blue oversized crystal stone and clear crystal accents, is set in goldtone (you know me, I'm a yellow girl kind of girl) and has a perfect scale - not too dainty at all, but also not so large that it looks silly. And at a shocking $79, this makes a perfect gift...or the absolute ideal pick-me-up for yourself! And that bracelet? Well, I've been layering it with an oversized yellow gold watch and my ever-present whisper-thin diamond bar bracelet. Its warm yellow stones are a sophicated, unexpected shade and somehow manage to flatter every skintone. Oh, and it's $125. (While looking like it should be $525!)                                                                                         

The collections are a perfect combination of gold- and silver-tone pieces, of casual, easy looks and formal, dressed-up pieces. Whether you want to pair pearls with your suit for work or layer on stunning chains whose blue & green stones conjure up visions of the Mediterrean, I have a feeling you won't be able to buy just one piece (or even just four...!). There are also clever little bits included in every line: bracelets that adjust in length (very much appreciated by this mini!), stud earrings that attach to a variety of dangling charms to make four-pairs-in-one, and a lovely balance of chunky, oversized jewelry alongside incredibly dainty (but still statement-making) pieces. In my opinion, Touchstone Crystal is a one-stop shop to create the perfect jewelry wardrobe...and the perfect way to have some fun at a party with your girlfriends while you're at it!                                                                                                                 

So if you'd like to do some online shopping or organize a party with friend-of-Stylewhipped's Dina Meli, simply visit Dina's page here!                                                                                                               

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Rain or Shine

It's always a gamble to make the bold move to plan an outdoor party...you could luck out and get sunny weather, but you also run the risk of getting rain. So you have to always be prepared!

Tents can be expensive, but if you are going to make the insurance investment in renting one, they are also a great way to enhance the look of your party. Bright color accents, draping, lighting, fun chandaliers and hanging decor will give you the wow factor that you are looking for with your outdoor party! Not to mention shield you from rain, wind, and temperatures outside that are too cold or too hot for your guests. Get really fun and personalized with draping in stripes, coordinating pillows and lounge areas...even a disco ball! (The disco ball is for Alison, our Editor-In-Chief, who would gladly install a disco ball in her home) I love chinese lanterns hanging in tents...go neutral and classic or make your area pop with brights. However you choose to decorate and enhance your tented area, go for it!

 

-Danielle

Letter From the Editor: Patron of the Arts (at least for one weekend...)

I have always been, and will always be, a huge supporter of the arts. As a former ballet dancer, I think everyone should occassionally go to the ballet, the theater, a museum, a film they wouldn't normally see. However (and perhaps the reason I never would have really "made it" in the dance world), while I need my every-once-in-awhile arts fix, it's not something I need to do or experience every day. And I think that's what trips people up...they think that in order to appreciate the arts, they need to submerge themselves. And that couldn't be farther from the truth. But every so often, you do need a little culture, no matter where you live and no matter what your other interests are. Big sports fan? Go see the new Larry Bird/Magic Johnson show on Broadway. Fashion lover? Go check out the new Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Don't want to commit to an entire afternoon of looking at "important" paintings? Find a small gallery that has pieces that somehow appeal to you. 

This past weekend, Stylewhipped got on the arts bandwagon in a big way. On Friday evening, Men's Director Joseph Ungoco and I were so excited to attend the NYC premiere of the multiple-award-winning movie "Going Down in La-La Land," starring our lovely and talented friend Matthew Ludwinsky. We had our picture taken, watched the (really good!) film, listened to the Q & A with the actors...and also went to the super fabulous after-party (see, arts and a vodka sponsor at a nightclub...who said culture isn't fun?!). Following that, Stylewhipped's Sherin Botros invited me to see "The City Club" on Saturday night, an off-Broadway musical at the famed Minetta Lane Theater in NYC's West Village. While it was pretty
clear why the production was off-Broadway, it was still enjoyable to see some very good performances and feel like we supported up-and-coming musical theater talent...and not feel like we just went out to eat and for cocktails (our typical Saturday night in Manhattan...).

It is so important to be what I consider a well-rounded personality...you could drop me in any social setting and I can talk about fashion or have an opinion on art, but also know that both the NY Rangers and the NJ Devils hockey teams both lost important play-off games this weekend. I recently went to see (and LOVED) "Memphis: The Musical" on Broadway...but I also couldn't wait to watch the most recent episode of "The Ultimate Fighter" on TV. Don't pigeon-hole yourself by limiting your exposure to different experiences (and don't use living outside of NYC as an excuse...see a traveling production of a Broadway show, go to a local musuem, see an independent film at any movie theater, etc). Starting that exposure with some form of the arts is easy, surprisingly interesting and so important in a time when funding is being cut and our educational system often doesn't have the money to expose our children to anything besides getting through math class... 

So go get a little culture. I promise it won't hurt. 

~ Alison.

Rebecca Gordon: A Statistics Lesson

Lately, it seems I have been running into a lot of people I have not seen in a long time and was not expecting to see. If I am above 14^th Street, a former colleague taps on the window while I am having lunch with a client, a childhood friend is at the table next to me at the Harvard Club or an old neighbor is walking into the same Chelsea restaurant as I am. If I find myself in Brooklyn, then I see
former college classmates and chances are I haven’t showered and am wearing running clothes – the exact look one hopes to have when seeing people for the first time in a decade. If I am at the airport, then I run into Ben Bernanke, but I am not sure he counts since I don’t technically know him.

The strangest run-in occurred when I was on my way home from my dinner with friends*. While I previously declared I was going to cut back on cab rides, I did find myself in a cab on Friday night. After dropping my friend at her apartment, I told the driver where I live and we were on our way. And then he said to me “I drove you home last night.”** Since cab drivers have previously said some strange things to me (“you smell amazing”, “I know a shortcut to JFK”, “driving cabs is not my main job”), I didn’t immediately believe him. By the time he told me where he had picked me up on Thursday, I remembered being in his cab the night before and being slightly annoyed that he was almost yelling on his phone (such a rare occurrence, how could I have momentarily forgotten him?). Like Bernanke, I am not sure he counts since I don’t technically know him, but it was still strange. So if you live in New York and have been wondering about the chances of having the same cab driver twice, now you have your answer: High if you are in the middle of a trend.

~Rebecca

*LDZ – you asked how you can get a mention. Apparently, all you had to
do was go to dinner with me on Friday and share a cab home.

**You caught me. I have not cut down all that much.

Like a Little Present

You know that old adage about wrapping a red string around your finger to remember something? I always thought it was a little silly (especially in this day and age when my Blackberry tells me when to do everything!), but the concept is pretty cute. And considering I love anything with an abstract, not-too-literal bow on it, I'm surprised that any jewelry designer beat me to this idea...

From By Boe, we get this absolutely adorable (yet almost edgy) take on the tie-a-red-ribbon thing. Called the "Reminder Ring," these rings come in black, pewter, purple, bronze, and metallic red leather, and are in the shape of a very simple little bow. If not for their gold-plated hardware and overall ironic-downtown-hipness, they would almost look handmade. (But they don't...the look like fabulous little pieces of serious jewelry!) My favorite is the pewter (pictured here) because I've been on a huge grey-and-gold kick lately, but all of them are pretty amazing. And with super affordable $38 price tags, you can go crazy and buy all of them if you want! Perfect as gifts for bridesmaids, your best friend's birthday or any other girly occasion, I want one first for myself. Instead of remembering to buy bread and milk, you'll remember a festive event, an important life moment, or just how easy it is to give someone something special. 

Like a little present all in themselves, this is one bow that I promise won't make you look like a 5-year-old. But I do have a feeling you might be just as excited as a 5-year-old when yours arrives in the mail...

~ Alison.

Sunshine in a Dress

There is something about a yellow dress in Spring. It screams happiness, excitement, innocence, sunshine...all the things that are good about climbing temperatures and more and more bare skin. But you also don't want to look like a little girl in her Easter dress...nor do you want to look scary when the shade of yellow clashes with your lack-of-spray-tan skintone! 

This dress from Tucker by Gaby, solves almost any problem that could come with wearing a totally-necessary-in-your-wardrobe yellow dress. In a warm, sunny shade of the hue, it is flattering on virtually every skin color. And while it is a mini dress, it also has 3/4 length sleeves, so you are pretty covered up on top...making this appropriate for work, a date, shopping on a Saturday, you name it. The abstract floral/leafy print is sophisticated and "adult" (ridding you of the possibility of looking like a 5-year-old searching for painted eggs in the backyard...). The self-belt gives it an easy, slouchy shape and an overall gorgeous bohemian vibe. Pair it with LOTS of gold...gold flats or gold-and-wood platforms, a tangle of super-skinny chains and a great bag in brown, gold or white. 

Happy spring, sunshine. Or...happy spring sunshine. Either way, go get this dress.

~ Alison.