Bundle Up For New Year's Eve

  New Year's Eve is a night of celebrating the new.  Another year is behind us and we look forward to new beginnings.  Most major cities celebrate with and outdoor event with concerts, celebrities and local talent.  Chicago, Las Vegas, Toronto, Sydney, London but the most famous outdoor party is in Times Square, New York.  But, a great party can be spoiled with the cold winter weather.  When you'll be outdoors for several hours, you will need to dress for the winter chill.  This is one night you may have to sacrifice style for function.

 
  Make sure to layer your clothing.  The more layers you wear, the more comfortable you will be outside.  Keep a scarf wrapped around your neck to keep cold drafts out.  Don't forget about your ears too.  They can get frostbitten if you don't keep them covered in the sub zero temps.

Warm hands will mean a warm heart.  Keep your fingers from frostbite by wearing mittens.  They keep your fingers warmer.  But if you opt for gloves make sure they are wool or lined with materials designed to insulate for added warmth.

No matter what city you are in, this time of year temperatures are sure to be colder than normal.   

Stay warm and Happy New Year!

Ivy for Style & Culture

DKNY Scarf

Earmuffs to keep you warm.

Wear a Hat to stay Warm

Keeping Warm even in Las Vegas

New Years Eve Style

From Fox Oregon:



From Kansas City:


From Philadelphia:

Is FUR Eco-Conscious?

Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Catrall in real fur

Fur has been a heated debate in the world of fashion for many years.  It's the fight for animal rights (PETA) versus those who have no affinity towards animals.  Historically, wearing fur was always about function and warmth.  The native peoples often killed animals both for the food and fur hides to keep warm. 

The Russian and North American fur trades were big businesses beginning in the 16th century going forward to the 19th century.  In recent history the increase in animal rights has brought huge controversy when it comes to wearing real fur.  Faux fur has been a popular fashion alternative to the real thing.

This winter the fur trend made a big comeback seen on fashion runways in Europe and America.  Designers including, Michael Kors and Derek Lam showed real fur while, Chanel used faux fur in it's winter 2010 collection.   Karl Lagerfeld called it real fake.

But can you believe that choosing fur has recently been referred to as Eco-Chic?  

What? Really? How can fur be called environmentally conscious?

Basically if the fur comes from an animal that is referred to as an invasive species that is already destroying the wetlands it's deemed to be ok. Currently one of the most used is the Nutria, which is about half the size of a Beaver.  Some governments, including the state of Louisiana, are paying to trap and kill these rodents.

Photo: Righteous Fur

Environmentally-conscious New Orleans designer Cree McCree said, "if they're being killed anyway, then why not make something beautiful out of them?"  Last month there was a "Righteous Fur" fashion show
where 20 designers showed their so-called 'green' designs using fur.  The event aims to raise awareness about saving the wetlands through utilizing the fur from animals killed to save the destruction of the wetlands.

What are your thoughts?

 

Ultra

Ultra (Photo: Ecoterre)

Ultra is a small label from Malaysia & China that is set to debut at Paris Fashion week with its Fall 2011 collection.  They are in the midst of raising funds in order to have a successful launch.  They are using the website Kickstart to fuel their campaign.  Ultra needs to raise $8000 by January 6, 2011 to make it into Paris Fashion Week.  The designers of this eco-label refer to themselves as 'the Ultras': Tengku Jamidah, Jonathan Liang, Syahmi and Anita Hawkins.
 
All the materials are sourced in Malaysia and its neighboring countries.  Using recycled materials including leather they are staying true to their mission of being an eco-conscious label.  They have also worked with tencel from wood pulp and salmon skin instead of leather.  Eco fashion is here to stay and labels like Ultra are paving the way with their innovative designs while staying true to being socially conscious. 


Check out the video below!

Ultra

Ultra

Studded Pump

Louboutin Studded Pump Resort 2011

Fanny Packs

Remember that Fanny Pack?  That pouch you would only see on tourists strolling through the streets looking lost and in awe of everything is sight.  Yes, the fanny pack.  This old school 80's item is set to make a comeback on the world of fashion.  One of the most stylish is by Dolce & Gabbana and was featured in a fashion spread in Elle magazine's March issue.  Look out for more of these come this spring. 

Dolce & Gabbana fanny pack

There is an entire website dedicated to the fanny pack.  Fannypackonline.com  is the site where you can find stylish fanny packs for every taste.  They are made under strict fair trade standards.  The company is also in support of humanitarian efforts including supporting orphans.  The Orphanage Project, an orphanage outside New Delhi, receives 10% of profits from all Fanny Packs sold by Fanny Pack Online.

Spano Fannypack available at fannypackonline.com

How Facebook Spoiled that Great Party Dress

Written by Ivy Prosper

Let’s go back in time.  It’s 1990 and you’re getting dressed for that first party to jumpstart the Christmas season.  You have a knockout dress you just spent a fortune on and you’ll be able to wear it to a few different events.  Your work party will only have your colleagues and their spouses so you won’t have to worry about being seen by any of them when you attend the party your cousin is having next week.  Then there’s the fundraiser you’ll be going to in Toronto.  That dress will be perfect for that event too.  By the time you’ve done all the rounds of holiday celebrations you will be jumping on a plane and headed for the sun and sand of Barbados where no doubt, you can wear that dress again in the land where you know absolutely no-one.

Remember those days?

Fast forward to present day.  It’s almost impossible to get away with the same scenario isn’t it ladies?  Now the moment you step into a party someone already has their iPhone, Blackberry or some other digital device snapping photos and uploading them to that wonderful land of Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.  Before you know it, everyone has seen you in that dress.  You feel doomed. Can you even wear it again now that all your friends and their friends have seen you ‘tagged’ in photos.  Ugh.  Now what?

Long before Facebook, the dilemma of women being seen in the same dress has been an ongoing issue.  Social networking sites like FB just make it more challenging.  The sad thing is a man can wear the same black suit to every party, meeting or event and nobody will even notice.  So what’s a girl to do? 

Not everyone can afford to spend money buying new outfits for every event.  This is when being creative is very important.

Here are some tips on how to look great even if you have to wear the same dress.

• Step 1.   Purchase a dress that is simple.  Think of the shift dresses often worn by First Lady Michelle Obama.
• Step 2.  Stick to neutral tones like black, grey, beige or brown.
• Step 3.  Pick up accessories that are bold like layers of necklaces to make the simple not so simple.
• Step 4.  Use the 3 B’s - Belts, bows and brooches.  Adding a funky belt or even a plain one in a contrasting color is enough to make a difference in a simple dress.  Choosing bows that can be pinned on at the shoulder, neck or waistline can also add extra drama.  Brooches are often thought of as old and traditional but they are a modern way of adding a little charm to your outfit.  
• Step 5. Layer up with a velvet blazer or sparkly cardigans.  Velvet is a rich looking fabric that is great for the holidays.  Cardigans with sequins, or sparkles are also perfect for dressing up a minimal dress. 
• Step 6. The S&P.  I’m not talking about the stock market here but, the ultimate accessories for women; Shoes and Purses.

Follow these simple steps and you will be on your way to looking great even if you have to wear the same dress twice.  

But there is always one more thing you can do; dodge all cameras.  

Great Last Minute Gift Ideas

Time is ticking and Christmas is less than 36 hours away and while some of you may already have your shopping done, there are plenty who have yet to finish.  Some who haven't even started.  

Here are some gift ideas for the last minute shopper that won't disappoint.


Gifts for Him:
For the sports fan, get him tickets to see his favourite team.  Most of these can be purchased online these days so there's no need to worry about getting to the box office.

If he's a die-hard gamer you may want to check the website http://store.steampowered.com/ as a source for downloading games that are both compatible with the PC and MAC platform.

Navigation systems are a great item to give your guy.  It seems they never want to admit when they are lost so having one of these will make him really feel like he never lost his way. GPS systems are very reasonably priced these days as low as $100 at most retailers.

Anything Apple.  iPod, iPad, iTunes.  If you want to really make an impressions get him a MacBook.

Gifts for Her:

Gift Certificates to her favourite spa or salon are a great idea that you know she'll use.

Stylish mobile phone cases are always a hit.  You know she uses her phone every day and this will be a reminder of something special you gave her.

Movies and music are always a good choice.  Pick a boxed DVD or Blue-Ray set of her favourite TV series or movie.

Scarves are a trend item that will work for any woman.  Especially during the cold winter months.  Find a scarf with texture or an interesting pattern that will be a great accent to any outfit.  She can stay warm while looking great.

Victoria Secret gift certificates.

Jewelry.  Plain and simple you can never go wrong by picking some jewelry for any woman.  Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and if you're serious get that ring.

Gifts for yourself:

I know that sometimes when I go shopping I can't resist a great deal.  The mission might be to shop for someone else but, you get caught up and end up getting gifts....for yourself!  Here are great ways to treat you!

• Spa Treatments
• Cozy blankets
• Accessories
• Make a charitable donation 

I LIKE:

Frederica by
Sofft

Interesting Fashion Trends of 2010

WEDDING DRESSES WITH POCKETS

Photo: Manolobrides 

Photo: Manolobrides

BEDAZZLED HEELS

Louboutin Fall 2010

NERDY GLASSES

PLUMBER'S BUTT CRACK COVERS

Backtacular Gluteal Cleft Shield by Kimberly Brewe

Kimberly Brewe

Vegan Shoes

Elizabeth Olsen, designer for Olsenhaus, has been an advocate against the use of animals in food, clothing and footwear for many years.  She's been a vegetarian for 19 years and a Vegan for 2 years.  Her experience in the fashion industry includes designing for Calvin Klein, Nine West, and Creative Director at Tommy Hilfiger. 

To learn more about her philosophies and products by visiting her website:  www.olsenhaus.com

Holiday Deals Under $30

Michelle Obama's Vintage Style

Photo (AP)

First lady Michelle Obama was seen wearing a vintage dress to a public event this past week.  She is believed to be the only first lady to be seen wearing a second hand dress in public.  The dress is a one-of-a-kind by the late American designer, Norman Norell.  The dress is a lace black overlay, tea length style that although is from the 1950's has a contemporary fee..  A vintage look with a take on the current lace trend seen in fashion.
Obama purchased the dress from New York Vintage located at 117 West 25th Street in New York City.

http://newyorkvintage.com/
212-647-1107

British Fashion Council Awards

  The British Fashion Council recently honoured Naomi Campbell for her contribution to the fashion industry over the last 25 years.  The event also included a tribute to the late designer Alexander McQueen, who took his life in February of this year.  Victoria Beckham spoke about how honored she was to be included in the nominations and Phoebe Philo, who is Creative Director at Celine, was named Designer of the Year.

Dalia MacPhee Holiday Style

It's not too late to get that perfect holiday dress. Check out Dalia MacPhee for your holiday best. You'll feel like a Hollywood star when you step out in one of her beautifully designed gowns. Her dresses have been seen on celebrities including Carrie Ann Inaba, of Dancing with the Stars, and Glee's Amber Riley.

Dalia MacPhee
http://www.daliaonline.com/index.html

Check her out of facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/daliamacphee

Follow Dalia on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/DaliaMacPhee

Follow her blog at:
http://daliamacphee.blogspot.com/

daliaonline.com

daliaonline.com

Caius Olowu and Tears of Bleu

Ivy Prosper and Caius Olowu backstage at BC Fashion Week

I had the pleasure of meeting Caius Olowu during B.C. Fashion Week for spring 2007 collections in Vancouver. His designs were one of the highlights of the week. Already having success in the industry his women's wear had already been available in the U.K, Paris and parts of the U.S and Tokyo. He now creates a premium denim collection 020608 Tears of Bleu.
Caius Olowu is one of the most talented designers in the fashion industry. With over 15 years in the business it’s hard to believe his background was as a Civil Engineer. His touch can be seen in many of the world’s best known labels including True Religion Jeans in both the USA and Japan, New Balance (Japan) and Levi’s (Europe). After a successful career in the UK, his relocation to Tokyo led him to become the head designer of Diamond Geezer for Island Co. Ltd. As the denim market became more lucrative, he saw a niche that needed to be filled.

Caius Olowu,Women's collection

Olowu decided to create a product line that he felt was true to his beliefs and created denim as a lifestyle brand. Olowu says that denim lovers are looking for good fit, styling and comfort. He is a very talented tailor and translates his skill into how he designs his premium denim line. Because of his craft he is able to produce a collection that is not only good design but, excellent tailoring. There’s nothing better than a great fitting pair of jeans. Olowu believes he is bringing something new to the Premium Denim market through his label 020608 Tears of Bleu.

http://020608tearsofbleu.com/

The 020608 Tears of Blue Core line is created in Japan for both men and women. The Black Line is created in the USA had has more of an American appeal with its rugged, classic denim edge.

Olowu’s work has been seen in fashion magazines including Elle, Vogue and Harper’s & Queen. The Caius Olowu women’s collection showed his strong ability to create to fit a woman’s body giving her a fashion forward appeal with an edge. The collection was sold in the UK, Paris, USA and Tokyo. It’s appeal led to his showing at BC Fashion Week in Vancouver B.C. where I had the pleasure of meeting him and having a chat. Check out the interview below:
http://caiusolowu.com/

http://020608tearsofbleu.com/

 
 

Tears of Bleu

http://caiusolowu.com/

http://020608tearsofbleu.com/

Full Figured Holiday Style - IGIGI

Some holiday style inspiration for the full figured woman as shown during full-figured fashion week.

Ivy - Style & Culture

Burberry Makes Ground in India

Burberry India

Burberry took another leap into its global expansion by opening 4 stores in India:

• Palladium Mall, Mumbai
• Emporio Mall, New Delhi
• UB City Mall, Bangalore
• Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad

The company plans on opening a fifth location at Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi also.  The Indian market is one that has seen a strong increase in luxury and lifestyle brands.  Company executives are excited about the prospects of this new venture.

Burberry celebrated with an event like no other.  The celebration brought together India's well known actors, musicians and socialites.  The video above highlights the exciting party.

Winter White

Cool Winterwear

Bogner coat

 

Paisley Bogner jacket (Neiman Marcus)

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you should limit your style.  I know it's hard to look like your regular fashionista when the temperatures are sub-zero.  Take a look at some of these cool winter coats that keep you warm while still packing in some style power.  Bogner is a company out of Germany that not only specializes in ski-wear but has some very interesting outerwear and clothing for both men and women.  Designed to keep you in style while keeping the warmth you can't go wrong with these coats.

www.bogner.com

  When it comes to keeping your feet warm some of the sexy styles just don't have the staying power to keep your toes from getting a little frost-bitten.  It's a good idea to invest in a good pair that will not only look good but, will keep your tender tootsies warm.
  UGG is famously known for it's Classic Short pull on sheepskin, foam soled boot style that everyone and their grandmother have been sporting for the last 10 years.  But most don't realize that UGG has several designs that are not only functionally warm, but also very stylish.  UGG's claim is that it's use of Sheepskin is the secret.  Many people swear by them and even say they can go without socks when wearing a pair of UGG boots.
This year UGG partnered with Jimmy Choo to create some unique, funky designs for the fashion forward customer.
Oprah even chose the UGG boot as one of her favourite things this year.  But she picked the Classic Short Sparkle boot which has plenty of dazzle!

Oprah's Favourite - UGG Short Sparkle 

UGG and Jimmy Choo

UGG and Jimmy Choo

UGG Matilda

UGG Lonnie

UGG Cassidy 

http://www.uggaustralia.com

UGG gets Football Star Tom Brady

NFL Superstar Tom Brady has signed a deal to be part of the UGG's first men's marketing campaign.  Hardly a brand that I would associate the sports star with.  Brady is going to be featured in the global ads starting in fall 2011. 

This isn't the first product offering in men's for the brand but it is the first goal to capture the market through marketing.  The men's product line includes weather boots, casual shoes, and outerwear. 

Not only we he be the face of the brand but, Brady will also be consulting on styles and products for the collections. 

Brady exudes a sense of style and confidence that is the perfect fit for taking the men's line global.





UGG Brantling Slip On Boot






UGG Classic Men's boot



Limited Edition T-Shirt for World Aids Day

Photo: Piperlime.com

Project Runway's Mondo Guerra has partnered with Piperlime to sell his limited edition t-shirt to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research.  The designer revealed his HIV status while competing as a designer on Project Runway's latest season.  The t-shirt is available on piperlime.com