Sunday, May 29, 2011

Normal Gets You Nowhere

Kelly Cutrone is the New York Times bestselling author of If You Have To Cry Go Outside.  She just released her second book earlier this month, Normal Gets You Nowhere.  


Cutrone who has successfully run her own Public Relations firm, People's Revolution, challenges the idea of what is normal.  She brings to light the fact that those who made change in history were never considered normal.  They were always people who stood out and didn't usually fit in.  Cutrone is known for telling it like it  is.  She is not afraid to let her voice be heard.  Take a listen to this interview when she stopped by the CBC Radio studios in Toronto and spoke with Jian Gomeshi.  Click HERE to listen to the interview.

Normal Gets You Nowhere by Kelly Cutrone
Available through Harper Collins

http://www.kellycutrone.net/normal-gets-you-nowhere/

USA harpercollins.com

Canada harpercollins.ca

Friday, May 27, 2011

Hot Trend - Wedges


This summer you can't go wrong with a great pair of wedges.  With so many to choose from you are sure to find exactly what you're looking for.

Jade Wedge by Dolce Vita ($180 USD)









Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Monika Schnarre Eyewear




Left to Right: Ivy Prosper, Monika Schnarre




Monika Schnarre was catapulted to fame at the age of 14 when she became the youngest winner of the Ford Supermodel of The World competition.  At age 15, she became the youngest to grace the cover of American Vogue.  Since then Schnarre has had a career as an actress, TV personality and now designer.  Last year she debuted her first clothing line and now she's ventured into eyewear.  I had the pleasure of meeting with her and even trying on a few pieces from the new collection.

http://www.monikaschnarre-eyewear.com/

http://www.thecdaily.com/2011/05/03/monika-schnarre-collection-launch/

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Belt Purses


Jaeger London Spring 2011
It's almost summer and that means travel plans for many of you.  When you're exploring a new city it's always great to lighten your load and avoid those huge slouchy purses.  What better way to do that than with a chic fanny pack?  These new styles are so fashionable you'll want to wear it all summer.

Some are calling these belt purses.  I guess saying belt purse doesn't sound so 'back in the day' but, rather gives this fashion accessory a little more edge.

Left: Hermes, Right: Pucci (photo style.com)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Hot Trend - Floral


Nanette Lepore $648 USD

Floral patterns are a key trend for this summer.  This soft feminine pattern looks great on women of all ages.  It's just a matter of choosing a silhouette that's suitable.  This flowing maxi-dress pictured above is perfect for a summer wedding or even a night on the town with some simple accessories.  Designed by New York based designer and Ohio native, Nanette Lepore, this dress retails at $648 USD.  Don't let this price point scare you because you still can find an equally beautiful dress at lower price points.  Just take a look at this dress below worn by model Gisel Bundchen.  Available at H&M for under $20.


Gisele Bundchen in H&M Floral Dress $19.95 USD

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Plus Size Style

Designer, Jessica Biffi
For all you plus size ladies, designer Jessica Biffi has introduced a new line of clothing styled just for you.  This Project Runway Canada alum, previously did a collection in partnership with Canadian retailer Additon-Elle.  She also has her own accessories collection called Covet by Biffi and launched her own label which debuted at LG Fashion Week in Toronto for Spring 2010.

Now Biffi is back with a new label, MizBiffi by Jessica Biffi, launched May 17, 2011 on The Shopping Channel.  The line promises to complement all shapes and figures.  Biffi says that most women are not the typical 5'9" 110 lb model we are used to seeing in the media.  Most women come in all shapes and sizes.  She promises this exclusive collection to have something for the different body types; hourglass, pear-shaped, apple shaped or busty.  The easy to wear pieces can be mixed into your wardrobe.  You'll find wrap wrap dresses, cropped pants, tunics and cowl neck dresses.

Check out the collection at this link. - MizBiffi

If you'd like to see Jessica's previous work check out this video. It's from her fall 2010 collection.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Spring Picks


Louise Roe, guest editor at Piperlime.com, dishes out her picks for fashion trends of the season.  Maxi-skirts, prints, flared denim and all things seventies.  She even shows the latest in footwear; revival of wedges.  Watch the video as she goes through some trends for spring 2011 .

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Teka the Mobile Beauty Maven




Teka Neufville
  Teka Neufville has been gifted with making hands beautiful since she was a teenager. It’s not surprising she ended up in the beauty industry with a mom who was a model. “My mom taught me the importance of a woman always looking and feeling her best. I learned from an early age that it was important to take care of myself.” Teka said. Not only did she take an early interest in following her mom’s advice but she also developed a passion for doing nails at an early age. She practiced her skills with friends and family. She quickly realized she not only enjoyed it but, she was actually very good. Neufville enrolled in a training program where she mastered the art and soon was earning a commission. By the time she was 18 she was certified to do manicures professionally.

  It is arguable that Neufville is perhaps one of the best at doing nails in Toronto. Not only is she a perfectionist but she actually cares about her customers. I first experienced her work five years ago at a women’s event where she was doing manicures on the spot. She was sincere and truly enjoyed giving every woman a unique experience. Today you’ll find her at Jeanet Spa & Salon, located in the heart of Yorkville in downtown Toronto.  Under the guidance of salon owner, Jeanet Allinson, she's perfected her craft and learned so much every day.

  The instant you sit down with Neufville, she makes you feel at home; but, wait, you probably are at home. She not only works in the salon but also provides a mobile service where she will come to you. Being in such high demand and with her desire to meet every client’s need, she has found that providing this service keeps her ahead of the competition. It allows her the freedom of seeing many clients throughout the city. Because of her mobility, it has opened up opportunities to work on film and television productions too. She’s worked on various projects including the film Assault on Precinct 13 doing manicures for actors Laurence Fishburne and Maria Bello. She also worked on the hands of Drea de Matteo best known for her role on the television series, The Sopranos.

Teka gives me a manicure

  Having been in the nail business for over 15 years, Neufville acknowledges how much competition is out there. These days it seems there are nail salons popping up on every corner offering services for next to nothing. As a customer it’s a challenge to know who’s good and who isn’t. Don’t be fooled by pricing cuts between competitors. As Neufville pointed out you should question what you’re getting for your money. “I’m not saying that lower prices mean they are not good but, I encourage people to do their research on the services. Always ask questions.” Neufville stressed, “Know what to look for. Are the tools cleaned? Are the jets in the basins for pedicures disinfected after each client? What cleaners are they using? At the end of the day it’s your health, your nails and your money. The salon staff should not give you attitude because you want to know more.”

  It’s obvious that she cares about her clients and her desire for them to know more is very important. “Visit my website and you’ll find more information about what can happen with salons that don’t care; Nail damage, fungus and much more.” She went on to say, “I admit it’s a challenge to convert customers who are price sensitive. My services are top quality and my rates reflect what you get; top quality service and top quality products.” One thing she pointed out was sometimes customers really don’t know what they are getting. For example a salon advertising a set of Gel Nails may actually be giving you Acrylic nails with a gel top coat. Remember to research services and products before making your decision.  She also mentioned a story that CTV featured on the dangers of some nail salons.  It's important for consumers to be aware that some products are actually banned and that Health Canada doesn't test the safety of some ingredients used in nail products. (Click here to view)

  It’s always important to stay ahead of the game in any business and she knows that. “I learned through working at Jeanet Salon & Spa that you’re only as good as your last set.” she said, “Because of that I’m constantly building my client base and always learning new and innovative ways to improve my service. It can be challenging building a business especially since the nail industry is all about word of mouth. Over the last few months Neufville has embraced the benefits of social networking tools to promote her services which also now include eyelash extensions. “I always liked doing artificial lashes. Full lashes, half lashes, doubling up, whatever you like.” she smiled.



  Jeanet Allinson, owner of Jeanet Salon & SpaNeufville works with Misencil one of the best quality products for lash extensions. The lashes are designed to stay on as long as the duration of your lash growth. This is usually about three to four weeks. As your lash grows out, the artificial one falls out with it. “It’s amazing because you actually realize how fast your lashes actually grow when you have the extensions on.” She told me.

  When asked how to care for the lashes Neufville advised, “You must avoid waterproof mascara at all costs. Also limit use of heavy oils on the eyes. Make sure to purchase products specifically designed for the extensions because they will not break down the glue used to attach the hairs.”

  To experience the care Teka Neufville puts into her work you can contact her directly through her website to book a service. She will come to you wherever you are and give you an amazing experience. Clients can always catch her at Jeanet Salon & Spa if you’d rather not have a service at home. She admitted that one thing she’s learned in her career is to set aside ego and truly appreciate the value of her customers. “I feel privileged for clients to want to come and see me to have a service done. Without them I couldn't do what I do.”












www.tekaneufville.com
www.jeanetspa.com

Monday, May 9, 2011

Patricia Field Dishes on Style





Patricia Field been in the fashion business for over 40 years but is best known for her work on the television series Sex & The City.  She made Carrie Bradshaw and the other characters come to life through fashion.  She was also nominated for an Oscar for her work on the movie The Devil Wears Prada.  In this video above Field give us the dish on style, her career and talks about the mistakes women make and how to fix it to look your best.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Kate's Dress Knockoffs





It's only days after the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton but designers have already been inspired to make similar dresses for their collections. Before the wedding was even over, many designers were busy sketching copies or inspirations of the now famous dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Stars Shine at MET Ball


Iman in Stella McCartney on the Red Carpet at the MET Ball
The stars were out in real style to celebrate at the annual MET Ball in NYC.  They all celebrated the new exhibit at the Costume Institute, 'Savage Beauty' a tribute to Alexander McQueen.  The timing couldn't be better.  It's just days after the royal wedding where Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge wore an Alexander McQueen gown designed by creative director Sarah Burton.  The house of McQueen has since become a household name and this is just the right time to honor his legacy.  Celebrities came from all over the world to pay tribute to the legendary designer.

madonna met ball 2011 05
Madonna in Stella McCartney
Photo: justjared.buzznet.com
Beyonce in Emilio Pucci


Taylor Swift
Photo: Justjared.buzznet.com

Alicia Keys
Gisele Bundchen
Ashley Olsen


Eva Mendes

Savage Beauty



Photo: John Aquino

This week the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuts the exhibit, 'Savage Beauty' a retrospective of Alexander McQueen.  Already well respected and known within the fashion circles, last week's Royal wedding has catapulted the house of Alexander McQueen into a worldwide household name.  Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, emerged from her Rolls Royce in a dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  It was a perfect balance of simplicity, retro-style and elegance.  It was modest for a McQueen but still exuded the designer's spirit of beauty and love for classic design.

McQueen, who took his life in February 2010, left a legacy of clothing known for a high level of craftsmanship and his ability to challenge the ideas of beauty in fashion.  Known for dramatic runway shows and going against the norm, the exhibit pays homage to some of his most famous moments.  You'll find his work influenced by 19th-century romanticism to his iconic use of fetish materials and silhouettes.  It's been said that Alexander McQueen saw life as a cinematic experience.  He had an obsession and appreciation for the power of extreme weather and often used elements of nature in his shows.  This would explain the elaborate runway shows and how he art directed videos and photo shoots for his collections.

The exhibit runs from May 4 2011-July 31, 2011 at the MET and will feature 100 pieces from his London archives along with some of his work for Givenchy from the Paris archives.

http://www.metmuseum.org
http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/

Photo: John Aquino
Photo John Aquino

Photo: John Aquino


A look back at McQueen Fall 2009 Ready-to-wear

Bride at Night




The world watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton on April 29th and she was simply radiant.   Her wedding gown was designed by Sarah Burton for the House of Alexander McQueen.  It was the perfect blend of classic elegance with a modern touch.  After a glorious day of celebration Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stepped out in another Sarah Burton dress for an evening of celebration at Buckingham Palace.  The second dress was equally beautiful and had more of a modern touch with its simple silhouette.  This one is sure to set global fashion trends.

Princess Catherine wears Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
(Photo: John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)