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.

Danielle Aspromatis: Run, Don't Walk!

Besides being head over heels in love with Vera Wang, I also have a total love affair with the personal satisfaction of buying something gorgeous that is priced right. I hate walking out of a store and feeling that pit in my stomach that I've spent too much.

So when I saw how completely AMAZING the "White by Vera Wang" line for David's Bridal is, I got so excited!! I am definitely swinging by there soon and picking up a pair of the black platform shoes with grosgrain bow for only $88!!!!!! The line encompasses bridal gowns that are just beautiful, fun accessories, INSANE shoes for everyone (not just brides!) and drop-dead gorgeous bridesmaid dresses that really are not exclusively bridesmaid dresses, but just gorgeous dresses for any party or occassion. I just posted about the Gossip Girl wedding and all the gorgeous Vera Wang dresses that were featured...I was almost jumping up and down to find out that the bridesmaid dresses from the episode are Vera Wang for David's Bridal!!!! They are unbelievable and only $198!!!! I think I may have to pick up this net dress with illusion neckline for the upcoming spring and summer wedding season (it's only $168!!).

Ok, I'm a LITTLE excited, but the quality, design and price of this line is just perfect! Visit www.davidsbridal.com to look at the full line.

-Danielle

 
 

 

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.

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.

Playing Without Regrets: An Interview with Violinist Ray Chen

Imagine this life: playing sold-out concerts around the globe, winning prestigious awards, and sitting front row at Fashion Week in Milan, all by the age of twenty-two. For most, this is a dream. For Ray Chen, a world-class violinist, this is reality. Born in Taiwan, but raised in Australia, Ray began showing an affinity for music at an early age. At three years old, Ray placed a toy guitar under his chin and began to play it with a chopstick, causing his parents to upgrade him to a violin. Within four years of picking up his instrument, he played as a soloist with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan.

So naturally, I was a bit intimidated before my phone call with Ray Chen this past week. He was very down to earth and genuine. As if he needed another skill to add to his laundry list, Ray was a charming conversationalist.

Ray told me his trip to the Olympics is what “propelled [his] desire to become an international concert violinist,” proving that passion can develop at any age.  Because Ray is a personable and motivated performer, he has attracted a young fan base. When I asked him about his younger fans, he graciously said, “I’m happy there’s young people coming to my concerts. I think the audience represents the performer.”

While I was talking with Ray, I found my opinions of classical music changing. His unique sound is attributed to his many interests, as he has been dubbed the “Downtown Virtuoso.” Ray has previously commented on his sound, saying, “Classical music is often put on a pedestal and admired from afar. I love bringing it downtown, mixing it with fashion, digital technology, urban lifestyle, and – gasp! pop culture. I love seeing my fan’s faces and making them smile.” If that doesn’t qualify him as a heartthrob, I don’t know what does.

In 2009, Ray won the Queen Elizabeth Violin Competition, which he calls the “Violin Olympics.” He claims that this skyrocketed his career, providing him with “confidence, a recording contract, and all these engagements,” which have taken him around the world to share his music. When I asked him about his favorite destinations, he admitted that for him, “it’s the people that make the place.” He noted Berlin, Munich, and Paris as personal favorites. In order to make the most of each city, Ray admits to adding on “an extra day to enjoy myself and catch the sights of the city.”

Like so many of us, Ray likes to enjoy his downtime. He says this allows him to “enjoy the music, which can be difficult when you are running around and you’re so busy. The everyday stuff kind of wears you down.” He unwinds by exercising and enjoying good food. “I love to go on cruises, go to the beach, hang out with friends, and just have a good time,” he added.   

Aside from travelling, his interests also include fashion, as he recently attended the Giorgio Armani show at Italian Fashion Week. He likens fashion to music, stating “there’s no right or wrong, so to speak. But there’s definitely different styles, as well as good and bad taste.” Fashion and style have been a growing interest for him, as he exuberantly revealed, “It’s really related to music. It’s an art.”

What better way to further his interest in fashion and artistry than to come to New York City? On February 7^th, Ray Chen is performing at Le Poisson Rouge to promote his new album. When I asked him about New York, he raved, “So many musicians and artists live in New York. It’s such a central place. Sometimes I wonder why I’m not living there.” This coming week might just convince him, as he’ll be sharing his talents at a concert that is kicking off New York Fashion Week, bringing two forms of artistry together.

Still not sure because it’s classical music? Come out and see him perform. You’ll be seeing a performer living for the moment, with “no regrets,” he claims. From my interaction with Ray, it’s clear that he plays his music the way he lives his life: with joy and vivacity.

-- Guest Writer Carol Lena for Stylewhipped.com 

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Editor's Note: Ray's album is now available for pre-sale here...don't waste one minute getting your copy! ~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Wrap it Up!

Everytime I leave the house this time of year, I bundle myself up. Trying to be warm and still fashionable is no easy feat! So what do you do when you're a bride, bridesmaid or a guest at a winter wedding? Buy an elegant faux fur wrap or jacket! 

If you are a bride the obvious classic white or ivory is a beautiful choice; you can't go wrong. If you are looking for something a bit unexpected though, try grey, deep red, navy (your something blue!) or even black....the contrast will look amazing in photos. Is your wedding more rustic and vintage than classic? A rich brown will complement the feel to your day.

Choosing white or ivory as a bride for your wrap? Get your bridesmaids faux fur wraps to complement yours as their gift in black, brown or grey and they will look fabulous and be warm for any outside pictures! If you have a flower girl, don't leave her out! Many companies make faux fur wraps and jackets for children...everyone will be talking about how cute she looks!

As a guest, a grey, black or brown faux fur will enhance your look and you can wear your piece again and again. Faux fur is not going anywhere, but if you don't want to spend a lot in an investment piece, I've chosen a few great ones at every price point below (click on the pictures for a direct link to purchase!).

Here are some inspiration brides that I thought were elegant and beautiful...

Here are some that should be on a BUY NOW list that are a bargain and gorgeous! 

For the flower girl, $29.99...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For good coverage and warmth, $69.99...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elegant ivory, $49.99...

For the bride, bridesmaid or guest, only $35.99!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can never go wrong with black, $79.99...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are two on the splurge wish list...so gorgeous! 

Marabou shrug from Nordstrom, $245...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J Mendel sequin and sheer sleeve bolero from Neiman Marcus, $2395 (I WISH!)

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Danielle

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.

Danielle Aspromatis Special Post: The Gossip Girl Wedding...XOXO!

Whether you are a Gossip Girl fan or not, Blair Waldorf's wedding was worth watching last night just to watch the fashion! SPOILER--Looks like Blair's marriage with the Prince is not going to make it, but at least we got some amazing dresses to look at! I love the color blush, and I love Vera Wang, so I couldn't take my eyes off my DVR this morning...stunning! Chic, feminine, romantic and just PERFECT! Serena's Vera Wang Maid of Honor dress is actually a wedding dress on Vera's line. I LOVED it! I was shocked that Blair wore her hair down but so glad she did...Leighton Meester and the whole cast looked stunning in last nights episode! I'm still hoping Blair goes back to Chuck Bass...

XOXO,

Danielle

 

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.