Sweet treat for the feet
Looking for a sweet gift for Valentine’s Day? Sweet as in cute, not loaded with calories.
Here’s an idea. KN Karen Neuburger offers calorie-free concoctions that are so cute. KN Karen Neuburger Feet Treats include a pair of comfy lounge socks wrapped in a cupcake form, topped off with a red cherry and tied up with clear wrap and a matching bow.
The socks are available in champagne, pink, blue, green and lavendar. KN Karen Neuburger Feet Treats are available online at http://karenneuburger.com and at Dillard’s. The cost: $15.
Get real — this croc tote is $11,300
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m thinking this extravagant insider pick from Saks.com just doesn’t fit with the economic situation in the United States. The world, actually.
Terron Schaefer, senior vice president of creative and marketing, selected a Zagliani crocodile tote as a favorite pick for Valentine’s Day. No doubt, this is a beautiful tote. It’s described as a stunning, generously sized tote in exotic crocodile with a luxe matte finish and lots of inside pockets. Designed by dermatologist Mauro Orrietti-Carella, the exotic skins have been injected with silicone for a buttery soft, luxurious feel.
The cost: $11,300. Now that’s big-time money even when the economy is great. But now? It just seems ridiculous, especially when it’s listed as a Valentine’s Day pick.
Michelle Obama chooses white, frothy inaugural gown
Young designer Jason Wu’s fashion stock just went up big time. He designed Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball gown, a one-shouldered white, fluffy confection that oozed romance and femininity.
One-shoulder looks were all the runways for spring, and now with Obama’s pick, it’s likely they will become even more popular. Obama’s fashion choices have been well received by the fashion industry, and American women, but this is the first time she’s taken such a feminine turn. The chiffon gown featured appliques and beading, and she accented it with sparkle aplenty at the ears, fingers and wrists.
Jason Wu is a rising talent in fashion circles, but he’s not widely known. Neither is Isabel Toledo, who designed Obama’s yellow dress and matching coat ensemble for Tuesday’s inauguration. The fashion industry already is beaming from coast to coast that she’s savvy enough to recognize the talents of Wu and Toledo.
I thought the gown was beautiful, but not particularly flattering on her, especially at the waist. It was also a tad long and she was constantly fussing with it.
So, what did you think about her gown? Love it or not so much?
Is it a good fit? Weigh in on Michelle Obama’s inauguration outfit
No more speculating. Michelle Obama wore a yellow dress and matching coat for her first appearance on inauguration day.
The outfit was by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo, one of her favorite designers. Speculation had been that she would steer clear of anything bling, given this country’s economic doldrums, but this ensemble had a bit of sparkle at the neckline. Finishing details were green Jimmy Choo shoes and green gloves from J. Crew.
Hamish Bowles, Vogue magazine’s European editor at large who curated the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute exhibit on Jackie Kennedy in 2001, told the Associated Press that said he sees a resemblance in the inaugural styles between the two first ladies. “She’s off to an auspicious start,” Bowles said of Obama.
“Mrs. Obama’s choice today was appropriate, dignified and elegant but it also had a considerable element of fashion panache,” he added.
The fashion industry hopes Obama will lift the industry out of its sad state. Not only do American women relate to Obama’s more contemporary fashion choices, they like that she’s as likely to wear off-the-rack as designer. It will be interesting to see if that changes with a move into the White House.
Bowles said Obama has shown an ability to root out exciting and innovative styles in her backyard and there’s been no need for her to look at European designers. “She’s finding great American talent.”
Obama continues to mix up her looks, often choosing lesser-known designers. The fashion industry loves her bold choices.
Not everyone raved about the inauguration day ensemble, though. Stylist Robert Verdi called the color “ishy,” as in creamish, yellowish, goldish, and said it photographed sallow. Constance White, eBay’s fashion direction, liked that she’s putting American talent out front for the world to see. For the inauguration, she would have preferred to see Obama in the Narciso Rodriguez ensemble from Sunday because it was more elegant, polished and sophisticated.
So, do you like her outfit?
Brides are rethinking their wedding budgets this year
In a perfect world, every bride would be able to have her dream wedding regardless of cost. In the real world, that doesn’t happen often. Budget almost always figures into the picture and it plays an even bigger role when the economy is lousy.
Here’s some information from a David’s Bridal survey. It’s a bit long, but if you’re planning a wedding, read on:
With nearly a quarter of couples becoming engaged between Thanksgiving and New Years, the beginning of the year marks the period known as “Bridal Christmas.” Many women may be starting 2009 with a ring on their finger, but less cash in their wallets. While the uncertain economy will not stop couples determined to tie the knot, it is causing them to rethink their spending habits – especially when it comes to wedding planning.According to the annual “What’s on Brides’ Minds” survey, conducted by Infosurv, Inc. for David’s Bridal, three-quarters (75%) of brides-to-be admit that they will have to make adjustments to their wedding budget as a result of the economic climate. About one quarter plan to cut their budget in half and one in ten said their budget had dropped more than 75%. Over half (53%) of respondents do not plan to spend more than $25,000 on their big day, while a little over one third (34%) said they plan to spend $10,000 or less. As a sign of the times, aside from their wedding, paying off debts (77%) was noted as couples’ top economic priority.“Brides always strive to create the perfect wedding day without spending a fortune; it is simply more pronounced due to the state of the economy,” said Robert Huth, president and CEO of David’s Bridal.
For brides-to-be getting ready to take the plunge in 2009, David’s Bridal offers these tips to help them personalize and plan their wedding day without breaking the bank:
Engage in Chiconomics: Be a Smart Shopper
In these challenging economic times, brides should create a spending plan to identify where they want to splurge and where they feel they can spend more cautiously. The survey revealed that the first area that brides-to-be would be willing to adjust is the number of guests (45%), followed by the wedding cuisine (45%). When asked what items they refuse to compromise on, the top responses were wedding bands (45%) and, not surprisingly, their wedding dress (37%).
While the perfect wedding dress may be where future brides are willing to put their money, if there is less of it, spending wisely is key. Fifty-five percent of brides surveyed said they plan to spend no more than $600 on the bridal gown of their dreams. To stay within budget, it’s a good idea to shop at a bridal store that offers wedding attire and accessories for the bride and entire bridal party to save both time and money. Brides-to-be should also look for bridal stores that offer discounts on additional products and services, including financing options, layaway programs or proprietary credit cards that have same as cash terms.
Consider Going Green: Eco-Friendly Weddings Can Be Wallet-Friendly, Too
This year’s survey revealed that many future brides have a “green” side and are concerned with preserving the environment. While 45% of those surveyed said they are making an effort to be environmentally conscious, many do not realize that eco-friendly practices are also great ways to save cash. Brides can plan an earth-friendly wedding and help keep costs down for friends and family by selecting bridesmaid dresses that can actually be worn again (re-use is a cornerstone of going green) –whether for another function or with ballerina flats and a cardigan for a date night– or encourage their bridesmaids to choose a flattering dress in the wedding color scheme. Almost two-thirds of respondents (59%) said they were planning on one of these options, to ensure that bridesmaids are happy with –and reuse– their dresses. For wedding invitations, if a bride-to-be wants a traditional style to mail, she may want to look for green options, including those made of 100% recycled paper or natural cotton fibers filled with wildflower seeds.
Don’t Compromise Personal Style for Budget: It’s All About You
Buying a wedding dress is a big decision, and with limited funds brides-to-be need to make the smartest choice. The key is to find a gown that fits the budget and the bride’s style preference. Brides should look for a bridal retailer that offers gowns that are fashion-forward and affordable because they can have both. Beyond the dress, it’s important for brides to create their own unique style for their big day, which is easy with the right bridal accessories. From colorful sashes to distinctive crystal brooches and delicate veils, brides have an array of options from which to choose when tailoring their look to complement their personal style. A beautiful piece of family jewelry can also be passed down through the generations as a meaningful heirloom.
Buyer Beware: Look for a Partner You Can Trust
With the declining economy, an added concern has recently surfaced among the newly engaged – trusting that a bridal shop and designer they choose will be able to deliver. Nearly half of brides surveyed (46%) are concerned that their bridal boutique may go out of business. In light of this, brides should choose a reputable partner that has a solid record. When smaller bridal shops close their doors due to the economy, they often leave brides stranded without their deposit or gown – a significant blow to a wedding budget. To further ease concerns, brides may want to choose a bridal store that allows you to try on a dress in their size and take it home the same day.
When it comes to selecting “The One,” while friends and family tend to most frequently dish wedding advice, brides should not forget to take advantage of the resources at the store where they purchase their gown. Bridal consultants are a great source of information, providing knowledgeable insight into the quality, fit and design of all gowns. They are also most familiar with the inventory and may suggest a gown that a bride may not have considered.
Explore the Internet: Surf, Shop & Share Online
The Internet can serve as a very useful tool for wedding planning, so couples should compare costs and look for sales in this tough economy. There are several online bridal retailers that offer valuable services to help brides create a seamless wedding day, so couples should do their homework ahead of time. The web also makes it a cinch to get the opinions of loved ones. Surprisingly, only 23% of brides-to-be reported using social networking sites to poll their friends and family about wedding day elements, but as expected, sites like MySpace and Facebook were the most popular.
Savor the Moment: A Wedding is a Once in a Lifetime Occasion
While planning a wedding in today’s economy can be challenging, a little research and smart shopping goes a long way. Brides should try not to get too caught up in the planning process and remember that a wedding is a joyous occasion to celebrate. When it comes down to it, no matter what the budget, once a bride has met her match, she’s already rich in love!
Got milk? Christie Brinkley does
Former supermodel Christie Brinkley never changes. She’s still just as beautiful and fit as she was a decade ago. Take a look at her here with a milk mustache. We should all look so good!
Brinkley was one of the first famous faces to wear a milk mustache in 1995 when the campaign premiered. Now she’s making a third appearance to help reintroduce Americans to milk.
Aloha — check out these Hawaiian bath and body products
I’m a sucker for anything tropical — and Hawaiian. So I was delighted to find this Web site for Ola Hawai’i, www.hawaiianbodyproducts.com.
Shop for cane sugar body scrubs, fragrance sticks, Kukui candles, tropical bath salts and so much more. The products come in several scents and are infused with organic ingredients from Hawaii.
I’m eager to try the Passion Fruit Citrus Body Wash. It’s a bit pricey, $20, but I’m thinking the scent will soothe my psyche and it’s oh so much cheaper than a trip to Oahu. I’ll probably pick up the Mango Tropical Lip Balm, too. It’s $6. As long as I’m ordering, maybe I’ll treat myself to the Kukui candles made from natural coconut wax, Hawaiian beeswax and kukui nut oil.
Aloha.
Tim Gunn talks Obamas, inauguration fashion and Washington style
Tim Gunn, America’s favorite fashion mentor and chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne, chatted about fashion as it relates to the Obmas, the inauguration and Washington on The NewsHour with Jim Lerher. Check it out here.
Show some heart with this T-shirt
If you’re not one to wear cutsey hearts on your clothes but you like to at least acknowledge Valentine’s Day, check out this T-shirt from Chewylou Designs. It has HEART on the front and Hope, Empathy, Appreciation, Resilence, Trust on back.
The shirt is the perfect nod to Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month. Alyssa Dinowitz, founder of Chewylou Designs and Athletes Yoga, started making T-shirts when she created the LIVE shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness – in honor of her mother who is fighting the disease for the third time.
A portion of the proceeds from her T-shirt sales support breast cancer research via the GreaterGood Network. Her women’s T-shirt line inspires women with its catchy acronyms and motivational words. See for yourself here.
Vivienne Westwood’s new shoe style
Vivienne Westwood’s new shoe style for melissa is a cute peep-toe slingback featuring the designer’s signature heart.
Lady Dragon is the third model of the collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and melissa.
The slingback is $140 and comes in five colors — peach or lemon with blackhearts, and pearly white, pastel blue or dove gray, all with red hearts.
Founded in 1971, melissa is one of the world’s largest footwear manufacturers and holds the exclusive technology for injected thermoplastic.
Vivienne Westwood’s spring/summer 2009 show in Berlin
