StyleWhipped

Our Apologies...But We'll Be Back Soon!

As you all know, NYC has been catastrophically slammed by Hurricane Sandy. Here at Stylewhipped, we are all (thankfully) safe and fine, but some of us are still without power (and some of us, like me, are horribly worried about our fragile houses at the Jersey shore...).

So in light of that, and seeing that it feels a little wrong to be writing about fashion and shoes and fabulousness while some people are surviving in the worst conditions, we are taking just a few days off. But we will be back by Thursday at the latest, and will even be introducing a super exciting new column! (Oh c'mon, you know I can't tell you about it beforehand...!)

So if you have been affected by the storm, we hope you are ok...and if you were outside of its nasty path, consider yourself very lucky!

~ Alison & the Stylewhipped Team

Introducing Mrs. Timberlake!

Jessica Biel always looks elegant, classy and classic on the red carpet..but I don't  really classify her as a "fashion risk-taker." So when I saw the People Magazine cover of her and Justin on their wedding day in Italy, I was shocked! I have to say, I kind of like her choice to forego the traditional white or ivory dress and go pink! You go, Jessica...I think you pulled it off! From what I can see from the cover, the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown is stunning (the groom isn't bad either...!). Justin is rumored to have worn a Tom Ford tux...and although I don't love his Tom-Cruise-couch-jumping pose, he looks great as always!

The only drawbacks to choosing a gown that isn't white or ivory for your day is that you may get lost in the crowd. In a room full of people, everyone can find the bride by searching for the pretty girl in white....in pink or another color, you run the risk of blending into the room and blending into the background of your own wedding pictures! Also, you have to worry about whether or not another guest is going to be wearing a similar color to you! If you do choose an alternate color wedding gown, stick to traditional and feminine silouhettes that would not be mistaken for a guest's attire. When it comes down to it, though...your wedding day is an expression of you so wear what you want...it's your day!

-Danielle

 

O Canada!

I just got back from hosting ten videos about being a fashion stylist for an amazing online college that's based in Ottawa. So, yes, this little New Yorker spent five days in Canada, learning that it is indeed true that Canadians are super friendly, very proper, and clearly dressed much more appropriately for the weather than I was! Right now, it's about 10 degrees colder in Ottawa than it is in NYC, but it's a significant 10 degrees...and, um, they use the Celsius scale, so I had zero clue how to judge what the weather people on TV were talking about! So while I wasn't exactly freezing to death, I don't think I could stand the winter up there (ok, I know I couldn't...).

So considering I think it's cold once it hits 60 degrees here, this whole week got me thinking about fabulous winter accessories...ones that make you look like a Russian princess instead of a midwestern snowman...ones that could actually be considered "fashion"...ones that you might see in the middle of summer and actually wish winter would hurry up and get here. (Please note, I will never wish for winter. But I understand that some people might. And I was trying to make a point.)

Which brings me to this: the most amazing fox fur headband/scarf from Surell. It comes in four colors, but the lovely "crystal white" is my personal favorite and a super chic shade of the palest taupe with white tips and black shading. Meant as a very dramatic headband (really, verrry dramatic...), it can also be worn around your neck as a super luxe scarf and will add dimension and formality to any coat you pair it with (from a full-length black wool dress coat to a brightly colored puffer!). And while, yes, $225 is a lot for a "scarf," this is a piece that you will have and want to keep forever. And just think, if you ever have to go to Canada in the winter, you'll be all good.

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Cookie Clones

An event should always have personal touches. It's nice to incorporate the guest of honor's interests and what makes them THEM...whether it be a candy bar for their sweet tooth, a theme that centers around a hobby, or a special dessert that they love.

So why not even have cookies made that LOOK like the guest of honor? I don't care if you are 1 year old or 80 years old, these custom caricature cookies will make every guest smile (between bites!). With Parker's Crazy Cookies, you simply email the company a picture of whoever you'd like to feature (you can do multiple people as well for an anniversary, engagement party, or even a family reunion!). You can also email them if you'd like any specifics such as clothing, accessories, or even hobbies (does the guest of honor paint? bowl? dance? wear a favorite team jersey?). The team at Parker's then sends you a sketch proof to make comments on or approve and then...poof! The person in the picture is turned into a cookie! This is just too cute so I am hoping I get to throw someone a party soon so I can make them into a cute little cookie! 

Check out a few of my favorites...the resemblance is uncanny! 

- Danielle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Corcione: Looking back never sounded so magical...

October is always sort of a weird month for me when it comes to music. Between all the Halloween-themed soundtracks and “Rock"tober in full swing…I’m always at a bit of a loss at which musical direction to take. Instead, classic scary movie marathons, coupled with picking up my favorite thriller novels curb my constant need for new music…at least for a moment or two.

I consider October a bit of a lull period before November kicks off another one of my favorites – the American Music Awards…more on that next month. (And oh yes, I’m ready with commentary on my nomination picks before you can finish “and the winner is…”)

But in this lull, I couldn’t leave my trusty readers without some great new music to check out! So I’ve found a re-kindling for my musical excitement with Ben Gibbard’s new solo album, Former Lives.  If you’re not familiar with Ben Gibbard’s work, I’m sure you’ve heard of the bands Death Cab For Cutie (you most likely consider “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” to be one of the greatest indie alternative love songs of all time) and The Postal Service (you’re still trying to figure out all the words to “Such Great Heights,” because it’s perfect). In Former Lives, Gibbard sheds the group dynamic and proves that as a solo artist, he can truly stand out on his own…in songs chock-full of the pursuit of love and the loneliness that lack of love can bring.     

Gibbard creates a sound reminiscent of a mixture of Aimee Mann and James Taylor: clean in instrumentation, yet keeping those signature lyrics we all know and love. For the quintessential tear-jerker, check out “Teardrop Windows,” a melancholy tale in loneliness through life…wishing that there was at least someone to share in those simple moments. And for those who have a larger than life view on love, then “Lily” is the perfect song for you. The way Gibbard describes ‘Lily’ using descriptive and bold metaphors…it made me swoon and dream of Ben Gibbard writing that song for me.

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Gibbard perfectly blends his "past self" with a sound unlike any other. While most of the songs reflect around the singular romantic theme, the music is perfect for the mellowness of fall, with just a touch of pep! Check out Former Lives, now available on iTunes...happy listening!

~Jenn

Danielle Aspromatis: Navy and Lavender

At this stage in my life, most of my friends are either getting married or having a baby. I am asked to a lot of showers and sometimes I struggle with what to give as a gift. Yes, you can take the easy way out and go online shopping on a registry (yup, I do this often!) but that is not your only option for gift giving! If you step outside the guest of honor's registry though, it HAS to be a fabulous, well-thought out gift....which can be exhausting! Who has the time for that?! I recently found an AMAZING online store called Navy & Lavender...all their gifts are unique, affordable, and they offer a lot of "themed" gifts like gifts for the spa lover, gifts for the chef...all it takes is a few clicks to buy these sets and the recipient of your gift will think you slaved away putting this together for her! 

These are a few of my favorites for bridal shower gifts (or for any type of gift for your favorite girl! Please take note, anyone looking to buy me a gift for my upcoming December birthday...!!!):

For the couple that likes to cook together, this set comes with a feminine apron, a grilling apron, matching oven mitt, pot holder, and a super cute dessert pan for $105... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you that crave anything related to a spa, massage or facial (seriously...anyone planning on getting me something sometime soon??), this set called Just Calm Down is great at $100 and includes his-&-her spa slippers, a lavender candle, foaming bath and body cream...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the couple that loves being outdoors, get them a gift that allows them to eat outdoors on the go! This Picnic in the Park set includes everything you need for your meal together, but still is compact and really cute! Not to mention only $70! Put some sandwiches in there or cheese, fruit and wine and you are set!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last set is my favorite and just perfect for me (Do you think my husband is reading this?) For your girlfriend that loves to relax and drink a cup of tea, this Perfect Hostest set, $65, has a clever tea cup and saucer that nestle into the tea pot. In addition, two beautifully embroidered napkins, two tea bag "rests," and a clever little start-funny-conversations card game complete the set. So, so cute and perfect for a bridal shower or birthday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, here is the best part of this post...Navy & Lavender has agreed to give one of our lucky Stylewhipped readers a Perfect Hostest tea set! All you have to do to qualify is "like" our new Facebook page! One of our readers be will chosen at random and will be cozy all winter sipping their tea from this super cute tea set! It will even arrive in Navy & Lavender's gorgeous, chic packaging, ready to be opened like a present...or given as one!

And don't forget to visit www.navyandlavender.com to check out ALL their gift options for bridal and baby!

-Danielle

When I Say 'Everything,' I Mean EVERYTHING...

I have a (very public) theory that everything in our lives can be styled. How you live, how you present yourself, what you surround yourself with...it all affects how you feel, how you work, and how you attract other people and opportunities. I have written about this a lot, and endlessly bugged all of you who know me personally to make your whole lives "prettier." Well, I'm not giving up...

Just the other day, I was in a ladies room when another woman took out her "make-up bag" (and I use the quotes for a reason, which I will get to...) to dig out her lipstick. Now, please note that she was wearing Christian Louboutin shoes, a gorgeous, clearly designer outfit, and pulled out a Chanel lipstick. The kicker here, though, is that she pulled that Chanel lipstick out of a gross big plastic ziplock bag that was tucked inside her oversized clutch. Um, WHAT?! No. No! 

Here's the thing...if you are going to spend $30 on a Chanel lipstick, $800 on Christian Louboutin shoes and $19 for a cocktail at the fabulous club I saw you at, please (pleeeease) stop using ziplocks to hold your make-up. It ruins the entire visage of your perfectly styled look. It makes everything seem a little dirty and a little like you stole your mother's make-up. So here's a suggestion, and a mere $38 one at that. Go buy a actual make-up case that is attractive, on-trend (hello orange & gold!) and makes you look like you actually put some thought into styling your whole life and not just your clothes. This one (it really is only $38!) from Stephanie Johnson is one of my current favorites (it's trapezoid shape makes it sleekly small but still roomy enough to hold all your stuff), but go ahead and feel free to find one you love. 

So long as it doesn't come 100 to a box and could also house a sandwich ;)

~ Alison.

Blaque is the New Black

Sometimes I just want to be girly and pretty and wear something soft and breezy and flow-y. It's got to still have some element of sexiness to it, but I don't feel the need to always be edgy or super fashion-y. Sometimes the last thing I want to do is wear something black and intimidating. So when I saw this blush-hued chiffon mini dress, I was instantly smitten...

From Blaque Label and available on Shopbop.com, this is the absolute perfect combination of flow-y and fitted (those layers of swirling chiffon top a fitted, corseted base dress) and sweet and sexy (the sweetheart neckline with raw edges and high-low hemline excellently compliment each other). That fitted layer underneath is visible enough under through the chiffon so as not let you look slightly shapeless, but it's not like wearing a skintight dress out on its own! And that blush hue (my very favorite color ever...) is surprisingly flattering on so many different skintones...but just in case you are one of the few who looks less-than-stellar in it, the adorable dress also somes in a really bright, saturated magenta and a happy, electric royal blue. Totally making Blaque the new black...

~ Alison.

Letter From the Editor: Golden Door Film Festival

Last week, I told everyone to buy tickets to see the fantastic independent film "Bomber Jackets" premiere at the 2nd Annual Golden Door Film Festival of Jersey City. Well, not only did I get to see that this past Saturday (it was even better on the big screen than it was when I got to see an advance copy in my living room!), but because my brother-in-law, Dino Matis, is one of the stars of "Bomber Jackets," I also got to go to the Friday night red carpet premiere of the headlining "Union Square" starring Mira Sorvino (her father, the great Paul Sorvino, was even there to support the film).

Friday's festivities were held at the incredible Loews Landmark Theater, and the venue was simply spectacular. What I like to think of as "going to the theater" (even if it is a movie), this now-used-as-a-not-for-profit-arts-&-entertainment destination was opulent and ornate and really quite a retro experience. We saw Mira Sorvino's film "Union Square" there that evening (which originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year and was beyond good...), walked the red carpet, and had a great time meeting so many actors and directors involved with the festival's films. And then on Saturday, Art House Productions hosted the "Bomber Jackets" official premiere, shown to a packed house and starring some amazing, should-be-really-proud new actors. 

Check out the photos of Dino and I on the red carpet, as well as some of the stunning Loews Landmark Theater (I think it's a general consensus that we'd all like to just move in there!). And don't forget to look for the next year's 3rd Annual Golden Door Film Festival...you definitely don't want to miss being a part of such a fantastic event!

~ Alison.

$18 of Fabulous

Sometimes, you just need to buy something. Anything. "Retail therapy" works wonders, but often, it needs to actually cost less than a real therapy session would...seeing as finances are sometimes our biggest need for therapy! So in order to fullfill our need to buy ourselves a frivilous, unneccesary present, but also not break the bank (I swear sometimes I can feel my wallet attempting to escape from my bag before I get to the register...), I have the perfect item for you to buy...

Lately, H&M has been doing a fantastic job with their designer collaborations, but they also continue to up their game with their own line of on-trend pieces and accessories. Case in point, this adorable, chic convertible handbag that is a mere $18! In camel and almost-neon coral faux leather with a Chanel-inspired little tassel, this can be a perfect pop-of-color evening clutch by taking off the removable gold chain strap, or a conveniently compact shoulder bag with the chain still attached (perfect when doing some additional retail therapy and needing to be completely hands-free!). Regardless of how you wear it, it will compliment night-on-the-town looks just as well as brunch-with-the-girls looks. Personally I will wear it (um, yes, I am absolutely picking one of these up pronto...) with my darkest indigo skinny jeans, a blush silk top, my black motorcycle jacket, and seriously high platform booties. 

Yup. Best therapy I've ever had.

~ Alison.