StyleWhipped

Pink Lady

In case you had forgotten, Valentine's Day is on Tuesday. (And if you want to forget about it, you might want to read this anyway...sometimes the best gifts we give are those we give ourselves...) Valentine's Day holds different meanings for everyone, but I think that whether you are single or married, in a relationship or heading out on a first date, any day that reminds you to tell the people in your life that you love them is important. And that's what Valentine's Day represents to me...a day to take one extra second and tell your best friend/aunt/child/mentor that you love them and that they are important to you.

But...you know what? It's also a really good day to get gorgeous gifts. As I mentioned, it doesn't matter who gives you that gift...could be your boyfriend, girlfriend, or even your father. But it could also be the perfect time to buy something pretty and girly and frivolous for yourself. And what better than a fabulous ring made completely of pink sapphires (one of my new favorites when it comes to precious stones...the pink is really warm and rich and looks like a delicious little bit of strawberry ice cream...). You can find large pink sapphires (set like a solitare or as a cocktail ring), but what I'm coveting right now is "eternity" bands of yellow or rose gold, paved with tiny pink sapphires. It's a statement on it's own, a little cheeky, and looks amazing stacked with white or black diamonds.

I found two to share with you that I'm a little too excited about. The first, from Majolie, is a super think rose gold band with the pink sapphires in a pave setting. It could double as an unusual, unique wedding ring, or you could wear it as an everyday, "signature" piece on your index finger (that's what I would do!). It is even relatively affordable at just under $500. I'd buy this for myself, but also be really (really, really...) excited if someone bought it for me (ahem...hint, hint...). The other is from designer Jennifer Meyer, and is an 18-kt yellow gold (which makes it a bit darker) zigzag setting also with pave-ed pink sapphires. This is striking but still small, and has a very different, "cool girl" factor that is hard to find in such simple "fine jewelry." It also has a much bigger price tag (at $2,750), but Valentine's Day does only come once a year, right? Right?!

So be a fabulous pink lady. And go tell all the other fabulous people in your life how much you love them. (Which, by the way, you really don't have to wait till the 14th to do...)

~ Alison.

Cold Shoulder

When it comes to one-shouldered silhouettes, most women are firmly in one camp or the other - they either love this look or they hate it. Personally, this is one of my very favorite shapes...it is a way to be sexy and covered up at the same time, makes for easy day-to-night dressing, and looks both modern and retro at the same time. There is something very 2012 about a one-shouldered dress...but also something totally 1970's about it (which to me is pretty much perfection...!). I am particularly a fan of the one-shouldered dress when it is actually one-sleeved - whether that sleeve is long, draped, dolman or anything else...it comes across as less "nightclub" and more just stylish.

This mini-dress from Trina Turk (conveniently also one of my favorite designers) is a great example of how versatile a one-sleeved dress can be. In a muted mosaic print with contrasting-print borders, this silk jersey is flattering and easy to wear (it doesn't wrinkle and can be day-appropriate but also look hot at night!). Try it with black opaque tights, chic little platform ankle booties & a long black wool coat for a fabulous daytime luncheon, or wear it with bare legs, metallic stilettos and a cropped furry jacket for a night out on the town. And because this fabric is so easy and unstructured, you could even throw a black or grey boyfriend blazer over it for the office (simply take it off to go to happy hour later!).

Just don't actually give anyone the cold shoulder...kind of takes away from how cute you'll look...

~ Alison.

"Time to Do Some Good" Continues...

Yesterday, my "Letter From the Editor" explained our awareness of "Random Acts of Kindness Week" and our continuing spotlight on charities we support throughout this week. Today's is compliments of our Bridal & Party Planning columnist Danielle Aspromatis. Danielle has chosen the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, NJ to highlight. Danielle has personally volunteered at this ahead-of-its-time organization, and wanted to share with you one of their important missions:

Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, NJ: This organization has a "healthy choices...healthy lives" program that is geared toward providing food for people in need that have dietary concerns such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Through monetary donations and donations from retailers such as Whole Foods, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain products are given out. This organization stresses that nutritious food, and not just food in general, is important for those in need. Please visit www.cskmorristown.org.

Thank you for checking it out!

~ Alison & Danielle

Vendor Spotlight: Imagine Entertainment

Editor's Note: Today, Danielle and I bring you a special profile on Imagine Entertainment, a wedding entertainment company based in New Jersey. Because I know these great guys personally, Danielle was kind enough to let me collaborate on her column! So keep reading for a little from both of us...

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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Cavaleri, the owner of Imagine Entertainment, a wedding entertainment group, and Cris Crapello, one of Nick's emcee/DJ's, while I was in Atlantic City. Cris and I got to talking about how Imagine had won WeddingWire.com's prestigious "Bride's Choice Award" as well as numerous mentions from TheKnot.com, and I knew I wanted to bring Imagine to Stylewhipped's readers.

Based in Ocean County, NJ (where I happen to have a house on Long Beach Island), Imagine has been around for eleven years (and Nick has emcee'd events in 28 states!). The first ten of those years were based in Red Bank, NJ, but after doing multiple hundreds of wedding just last year alone, I think Nick has definitely defined an impressive reputation for himself in the new locale (not to mention that he and Cris were so much fun in person, I could only imagine what they're like at "work"!). So I got on the phone with Nick to learn a little more...

An emcee/DJ for over 13 years, Nick started Imagine because he wanted there to be more quality (as opposed to just quantity) in the wedding entertainment business. He was determined to make the bride & groom the center of attention, eradicate the "cheesy" factor of a stereotypical wedding DJ, and make the music and entertainment of the event really reflect the bride & groom's personalities. With his 25 employees (DJ's, music mixers...basically everything you need for a full-service entertainment group) currently on staff, not only is Imagine able to perform at 5 weddings on any given day, but Nick is able to act as a bit of a matchmaker...pairing couples with an emcee whose personality perfectly matches theirs, who will make their wedding show them off in the best possible way. In effect, Imagine becomes true day-of coordinators, ensuring that the entire party projects exactly what the client wants.

All of Nick's employees have diverse experiences, tastes and personalities, so they can basically handle any bride & groom...or other type of client! Because while Imagine focuses primarily on weddings, they also cover corporate events (and have worked with big-name companies like Sirius and NBC...), holiday parties, fashion shows, you name it. And each of those employees also have some kind of experience as actors or working musicians...and this is for a very specific reason: Nick believes in a tried-and-true acting method (which is also used by singers on stage) called "transfer of enthusiasm." Instead of being that stereotypical emcee yelling "everybody get on the dance floor!," Nick and his guys never need to do that...they are truly having so much fun that the guests just automatically follow suit. Sounds like a perfect party, if you ask me...

Now, Danielle also had some specific questions for Nick, which he happily answered...

Danielle Aspromatis: What are some songs on your go-to playlist for guests who are reluctant to get on the dance floor?

Nick Cavaleri: Walking into an event with a playlist is truly commiting "entertainment suicide." Every event is unique so it really depends on the group of people. It's all about watching and observing. We are always making crucial decisions every 3 to 4 minutes on what to play next.

                                               

DA: Say you have a bride & groom who don't have "their song"...what are some that you suggest?

                        

NC: It really depends. When we sit down at what we call our "creativity session," we take our clients through an interview process, [and discuss] which artists or bands they personally are interested in. We then start the exploration process. Picking first dances from suggested lists of songs off the Internet is boring, mundane, and does not ever hold any personal validity to the who the bride and groom really are. It's all about them, and spending the time to make sure it fits who they are.

                                    

DA: What are some of the biggest trends you've noticed in wedding entertainment right now? (I had a customized red carpet & backdrop at my own recent wedding!)

                               

NC: I will quote a lyric from a song here..."It's not so bad being trendy, everyone who looks like me is my friend, please don't hate me because I'm trendy, they are not gonna laugh at me again." The biggest trend in the past 5 years has been uplighting, hands down. It transforms any room into a new and unique place. BUT...do you want to transform a room that has tons of character to it into a different place? That's one of the reasons we book a facility, because of the way it looks. Don't get me wrong, some rooms need it...but not one that's overlooking the ocean or the Manhattan skyline. I have [also] done a couple of waterwalls lately, and they are pretty cool...projecting images on a stream of water has a very grounded, earthy feeling to me. I also did a disco ball once...throwbacks are always really cool!

And there you have it...a ringing Stylewhipped endorsement of our new favorite DJ's. So if you're planning a wedding or important event (in the NJ area or anywhere else for that matter - I'm sure Nick will happily add a few more states to his roster!), definitely keep Imagine Entertainment in mind. Because I have a feeling you won't find warmer, more dedicated, more experienced entertainers for your special day.

~ Alison

Letter From the Editor: Time to Do Some Good

In my world, pretty much the only thing anyone is talking about right now is the upcoming start to New York Fashion Week. While this is exciting, it isn't exactly going to save the world, cure cancer, or find homes for stray puppies. In fact, most of us get way too caught up in whether we have a front-row seat at the fashion shows, how we're going to wear our amazing new 6" heels to eight shows in a row without keeling over, or how we're going to survive on miniature "fashion food" for over a week. But serendipitously, coinciding with part of NYFW (from February 13th-19th) is "Random Acts of Kindness Week." Now this actually encourages us to help save the world, cure cancer, find homes for those stray puppies, or just make one small difference in someone's life...

Here at Stylewhipped, while we love all things fancy, fabulous and exciting, we are also involved in our communities, trying to make a difference, and love hearing about new non-profit organizations that truly help those in need. We volunteer, have been known to produce charity events for free, and want everyone to be touched in some way by our help. Personally, I specifically support any organziations that encourage arts education, give reformed prisoners a second chance, find loving homes for animals, and offer much-needed assistance to our wounded veterans returning from Iraq & Afghanistan. Everyone on the Stylewhipped team supports a wide variety of charities and organizations, but we have one thing in common: we want to share them with our readers so that we can all "do some good"...and what better time to share them with you than in preparation for "Random Acts of Kindness Week"?

Today, I'd like to share columnist Rebecca Gordon's charity of choice with you, as well as my own. And each day for the rest of the week, another of our team's favorite organziations will be highlighted. Whether you decide to visit their websites or are just inspired to help a charity of your own choosing, we will be happy...

Rebecca Gordon, Stylewhipped's "Girl About Town" columnist:

The Doe Fund: The Doe Fund's mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism. All of The Doe Fund's programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency. Please visit www.doe.org.

And me, Alison Stewart, Stylewhipped's Editor-in-Chief:

The Wounded Warriors Project: The Wounded Warriors Project exists to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred service-connected injuries on or after September 11, 2001. With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of service members are surviving severe wounds or injuries. With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP offers a variety of programs and services, and is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury – from the physical to the invisible wounds of war. Please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org for more information, or help me personally by supporting my husband's participation in an upcoming Tough Mudder race, which directly benefits The Wounded Warrior Project. A former Marine himself and the brother of a current active duty Marine who served in Afghanistan, his personal fundraising page can be found at https://www.raceit.com/fundraising/donate.aspx?event=7380&fundraiser=r2247359.

Thank you!

~ Alison.

 

Day-to-Night You

Stylewhipped columnist Rebecca Gordon and I have had endless conversations about our mutual love for "Day-to-Night Barbie"...she came with a business suit that somehow morphed into a fabulous little dress. She could go to work and be a power executive, and then with a quick flip of a skirt, she could go out on the town looking like a bombshell for Ken. While we wish we had some sort of superpower that allowed our make-up to stay just-applied-fresh all day, and our hair to look freshly-blown-out-bouncy through our commutes, it's really not ever going to happen. But since we don't live in that mythical land, I can at least find you pieces for your wardrobe that will let you - even if for a moment - feel a little like that Day-to-Night Barbie... 

This top from Elizabeth & James (I have waxed poetic in the past about my love for this line and it's chic, cool-girl vibe with the perfect amount of downtown bohemian thrown in...) is the modern-girl's go-to piece for that day-to-night transformation. Wear it to work with a pencil skirt of pair of wide-leg crepe pants (and serious heels so you don't have to change them later...even if you work at the most conservative financial services firm, you can usually still get away with hot shoes!). Add in a camisole to hide its sheerness, and a brightly colored handbag to give it a little boost. But when it's time to head out to your dinner date that night, don't bother going home to change...simply get rid of the camisole (a black bra showing through a sheer ivory top is always sexy...but with the covered-up cut of this blouse, it is also still subtle), swap out your office-appropriate pants for a pair of leather leggings, and pull your gold sequined clutch out of that big handbag.

Voila! Day-to-Night Fill-in-Your-Name-Here.

~ Alison.

Zebra, the "other Leopard"...

It is a well-known, well-documented, and well-accepted fact that I have an unhealthy addiction to leopard print. I don't know if it's the Jersey girl in me, the '60's girl in me, or that I just have an affinity for animal prints, especially my beloved leopard. But sometimes, even I get a little over-leopard-ed and need a different animal print (shhh...don't tell anyone...).

For some reason, cheetah print comes across and as a little cheap to me, I think giraffe print looks like it should be wallpaper in a child's room...you get the idea. But I do love a good zebra print. The black & white print is clean, graphic, generally a good size (you don't usually see super tiny or super oversized zebra...), and works well with any other color you want to add into your outfit. My favorite place to add in zebra print is in a top (headscarves are also a really glam way to incorporate this print). Pleeease stay away from zebra on pants (way too much), on shoes (if the print is going the wrong way, your feet will look immense), or on extra large handbags (clutches, however, are fine...I actually own two!).

This top, from Michael Michael Kors, is a perfect, perfect (perfect!) example of how luxe zebra print can come across. In a breezy, sheer silk-georgette, it floats comfortably away from the body, lending itself to be the perfect addition to super skinny jeans or leggings. The print and fabrication combined equals exotic glamour and is a perfect evening piece. If you want to use it during the day, it will work just as beautifully with white jeans and flats, or even as a ultra-fancy bikini cover-up...just add in some gold wedges and a pretty drink...

~ Alison.

Beauty Spotlight: beecause Lip Balm

Admittedly, I am not such a beauty product junkie. I am not the girl who will try every new color trend (neon green eyelids? no thanks...), and I have a minor heart attack if the drugstore is out of the same Mabelline Great Lash Mascara I've used for the past eight years (saying that I am a creature of habit is an understatement). But therefore, when I find a product I like, I stick with it. Forever. (Or until it is discontinued...at which point I have a major heart attack.)

One product I can't live without is good lip balm. I'm not such a lipstick person (I wear a ton of eye make-up and need to keep my lips pretty simple), but all year-round, I am always on the hunt for the perfect lip balm for a little protection (from the cold in the winter and the sun in the summer) and a little kissable shine. I prefer a tube (I'm not such a fan of those messy pots), and am very picky about flavor (anything chemical-ly or overly sweet is out immediately). So when the brand-new beecause lip balm arrived at the Stylewhipped offices, I was instantly in love...

Not only does this one come in a perfectly sized little tube with pretty packaging, but it is 100% natural, made from a beeswax base (get it? "beecause"...), and has a certified organic status. It contains zero parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or phthalates, and is "CCIC Leaping Bunny Certified," meaning none of our beloved little animals are used in testing it. Even that pretty packaging is recyclable and completely earth-friendly. But the even more important thing here (c'mon, we love the do-good-er stuff, but we really also want a quality product!) is that this is some seriously amazing lip balm! It is peppermint flavored (with a subtle hint of honey from the actual beeswax it's made from), it goes on super easily, doesn't leave that icky film, and makes your lips soft, smooth and make-up (or kissing) ready.

Your lips (and maybe someone else's) will thank you for this one. I know mine are.

~ Alison.

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.

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.