Dressbarn and Suited for Success team for donation drive
The start of a new season is the perfect time to clean out your closet and donate clothes you no longer want or wear. If you come across any new or gently worn professional attire, Dressbarn wants it.
Dressbarn is once again teaming with the nonprofit organization Dress for Success to gather more than 60,000 articles of clothing as part of its S.O.S. — Send One Suit Weekend donation drive, March 1-4.
This year’s clothing drive marks the 10th consecutive year Dressbarn and Dress for Success have partnered to help women in need receive professional business attire. All 825 dressbarn stores across the country will serve as drop-off sites for new or gently used professional attire including suits, dress shirts, blazers, pants, dresses and shoes that will be used to benefit women seeking to transition into the workforce.
There are four stores in the Oklahoma City area. For a complete list of stores, go to www.dressbarn.com.
Ease into spring with color and prints
Makeup artist Lilly Stone of Sooo Lilly Cosmetics gave model Claire Linvolle a fresh look for spring with pops of color on the eyes, rosy cheeks and a pretty pnk lipstick. Sooo Lilly is located inside Kokopelli at Northpark Mall.
Don’t let this spring-like weather fool you. March could still deliver a chill. As much as some of us might want to jump into the season wholeheartedly, it’s best to tease spring with a pop of color or a fresh face or a print top. I wrote about easing into spring for The Oklahoman’s Mood section. If you missed it, take a look here.
Tease the season with color and pattern. Lovemark multicolor print top with Red Engine skinny jeans from Kokopelli.Model Claire Linville, makeup by Lilly Stone, Sooo Lilly Cosmetics.Photo by Chris Landsberger.
Platinum jewelry … all over the Oscars red carpet
Octavia Spencer wears platinum and diamond briolette chandelier earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane at the 84th Academy Awards.
Now that the Academy Awards are over and we’ve all selected our hits and misses, let’s turn our attention to jewelry. Platinum ruled the red carpet. That’s the opinion of the Platinum Guild International.
Platinum, a precious metal that never changes color nor fades, circled the necks and wrists and dangled from the ears of some of the evening’s best dressed. Here’s who wore what:
Jennifer Lopez
-Platinum and diamond drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz
-Platinum and diamond rings by Lorraine Schwartz
Angelina Jolie
-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond drop earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane
-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond ring (15 carats) by Neil Lane
-Pair of platinum and diamond pins worn on the back of her waist (25 carats) by Neil Lane
Cameron Diaz
-Platinum and emerald-cut diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co.
-Platinum and bezel-set diamond stud earrings by Tiffany & Co.
-Platinum and round diamond Dome ring by Tiffany & Co.
Rooney Mara
-Platinum and diamond ring with a miniature portrait circa 1910 by Fred Leighton
Penelope Cruz
-Platinum and pear-shape diamond necklace (56 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings (15 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and fancy-shape diamond line bracelet (43 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and emerald-cut diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Natalie Portman
-Platinum and diamond v-shaped cluster necklace by Harry Winston
-Platinum and oval diamond drop earrings (5.76 carats each) by Harry Winston
Brooklyn Decker (Elton John party)
-Platinum and pear-shape diamond drop earrings (9 carats) set in a pave diamond frame by Chopard
-Platinum and oval-shape diamond line bracelet (35 carats) by Chopard
Shailene Woodley
-Platinum and diamond wire drop earrings by Harry Winston
Nina Dobrev (Elton John party)
-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings (13 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and diamond cuff (18 carats) by Chopard
Octavia Spencer
-Platinum and diamond briolette chandelier earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane
Kristen Wiig
-Two wide platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane
-Platinum ring with diamonds, emerald and ruby by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond eternity bands by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings by Neil Lane
Maya Rudolph
-Platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane
Missi Pyle
-Platinum and pear-shaped diamond chandelier earrings (16 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and fancy-shaped diamond necklace featuring over 80 white diamonds (34 carats) by Chopard
-Platinum and five-row diamond ring (9 carats) by Chopard.
Tina Fey
-Platinum earrings with sixteen oval cut blue sapphires (47.36 carats) and sixteen mixed shape emeralds (2.94 carats) by Bulgari
-Platinum ring with sapphire (15.10 carats), emeralds (3.60 carats), and baguette diamonds (0.66 carats) by Bulgari
GQ names best new menswear designers in America
GQ magazine has named its Best New Menswear Designers in America.
The names may not be familiar now, but just wait. As part of the project to bring attention to up-and-coming menswear designers, established in 2007, all the designers will be featured in the April issue of GQ. What’s more, they will be given an opportunity to work with Gap to create a limited-edition collection.
The Best New Menswear Designers in America selected by GQ are:
- BLK DNM – Johan Lindeberg’s new contemporary luxury brand inspired by downtown New York with a focus on denim.
- Ian Velardi – The designer’s new menswear collection can be described in three words: timeless, luxurious, and effortless.
- Mark McNairy New Amsterdam – Known primarily for his trend-inspiring footwear, this designer’s clothing line includes updated Ivy and military staples.
- Ovadia & Sons – Brooklyn-bred twin brothers Shimon and Ariel Ovadia offer updated classics in luxury sportswear, tailored clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Saturdays – This surfing-inspired line, designed by owners Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen, and Colin Tunstall, focuses on a clean aesthetic with high-quality craftsmanship, traditional styling, and authenticity.
- Todd Snyder – Inspired by old-school British style and the relaxed cool of Hollywood icons, this designer’s collection of American classics is marked by an assured attention to detail.
Any capsule collection that is developed would be expected to be available in the fall at select Gap stores as well as online at http://www.gap.com Pieces from the collection would also be featured in the October 2012 issue of GQ.
Style expert predicts statement accessories at the Academy Awards
At the Academy Awards in 2011, Anne Hathaway wore a total of 105 carats of diamonds on her ears and around her neck, all set in platinum.Her jewelry was from Tiffany & Co.
We know there will be some gorgeous gowns at the Academy Awards on Sunday. But what about the accessories?
Will they be subtle or in-you-face? Colorful gems or diamond bling?
Style expert Michael O’Connor will host StyleLab’s styling event for Academy Award nominees, presenters and stylists at a private venue in Los Angeles. He has pulled together a selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from world-renowned designers for celebrities to borrow for the red carpet.
O’Connor sees an overall fascination with statement accessories this year. Here are his predictions:
Bold Colored Gems
Bright and vibrant colored gemstones that were big in past decades including pink, blue, orange and green, will make a resurgence. Gems will be large and accented with diamonds. One stunning suite chosen from the American Gem Trade Association is a 130-carat multicolored spinel necklace with a matching pair of 33-carat earrings from Somewhere In The Rainbow’s collection. And who could resist a pair of 30.07-carat sapphire earrings set in platinum from Shaftel Diamond Co.? Tanzanite and diamond earrings from Takat Jewels will also be a popular choice on the red carpet.
Statement Cuffs
Chunky cuff styles with geometric shapes and vintage designs will be prevalent. Designers Metalsmiths Sterling and Thistle & Bee’s Art Deco and retro styles set in sterling silver definitely draw attention to the wrist when worn alone or stacked.
Mega Drop Earrings
While diamond studs will always remain a staple, we will see a return to oversized drop or chandelier earrings that practically touch the collarbone. Look out for the ultra-long Zambian emerald earrings from the Gemfields Collection.
Diamond Accented Watches
No longer are watches only reserved for men on the red carpet. The latest timepieces for ladies feature pave diamond encrusted dials and delicate leather straps, as designed by Marco Mavilla.
Sustainable Jewelry
Rio Tinto’s Global Design Competition Winner V. Saravanan is showcasing a 100% sustainable necklace manufactured by Tanishq and Foley Designs. “The Creator” necklace is made from aluminum leaf, using ethically mined Silvermist Diamonds.
Cufflinks
Traditional square cufflinks are taking a backseat to styles with interesting patterns in contemporary metals. Designer Edward Mirell’s pieces include woven detailing and black titanium.
Sale alert at Dillard’s: Check out this watch, necklace
I keep trying on every style of watch these days, so I was especially pleased to find another one to add to my collection. And it was on sale. Big time. Then another 40 percent off. Such a deal. At Dillard’s.
This Marc Ecko watch in silver and gold with white links through the band and crystals around the face was originally priced at $175. It was marked down to $61.25. Then I got another 40 percent off bringing the price to $36.75. Whoo-hoo.
It’s a big watch and probably not to everyone’s liking, but I like it so much that I wore it out of the store. Can’t remember the last time I did that.
I also found a drop necklace — long oval gold link chain accented with a turquoise bauble. Simple and colorful. Not sure what the brand is because the tag is covered with a proof of purchase sticker and I didn’t want to rip it off until I pull out a few tops from my closet to see how it looks. Anyway, it was $128 on sale for $76.80. Another 40 percent off made it $46.08.
Score. Not sure how long the sale lasts. I suggest you get there fast.
Actress Missi Pyle to wear eco-friendly gown to Oscars
Missi Pyle of "The Artist" will wear a sustainable gown to the Academy Awards. AP PHOTO
Actress Missi Pyle of “The Artist” will wear a sustainable gown to the 84th Academy Awards.
The design by Valentina Delfino, who was born in Venezuela and lives in Miami, was among hundreds from around the world who submitted a sustainable dress design for the competition.
“The Red Carpet Green Dress contest gives aspiring or established designers a chance to make a beautiful and sustainable gown that will be seen on the single most anticipated red carpet,” said Oklahoma City native Suzy Amis Cameron. “When the talented actress Missi Pyle steps onto the red carpet at the Academy Awards this Sunday, everyone will see why sustainable design can also be stunning design. Valentina Delfino has created an Oscar worthy dress, and I am thrilled Missi has joined us in creating an important fashion moment.”
Suzy Amis Cameron with her husband James Cameron.
Amis Cameron, wife of director James Cameron, Suzy started the Red Carpet Green Dress contest in 2009, during a whirlwind of red carpet appearances while attending “Avatar” premieres, in which she wore countless dresses and began to understand the environmental footprint fashion can have on the planet.
The experience helped her shape the global challenge, now in its third year, in which designers submit red carpet worthy designs made entirely of sustainable materials.
“All the world is watching this red carpet,” said actress Missi Pyle. “And as artists, I believe it is our job to show the world that we not only care about creating incredible art, but that we are mindful of the fact that, in doing so, we can make something beautiful that is also sustainable. It is an incredible honor for me to walk the most glamorous red carpet in the world in such a stunning and meaningful dress.”
Red Carpet Green Dress benefits MUSE School in California and Global MUSE, a non-profit founded by Amis Cameron and her sister Rebecca Amis to provide resources to their partner schools around the world.
Red Carpet Green Dress has received support from well-known partners around the world. Pyle will be wearing shoes designed by Christian Louboutin and accessories from Stella McCartney.
About the winning design
The gown will contain silk peace chiffon, lined with recycled polyester and a sustainable zipper on the left side seam. The silk chiffon will be dyed with a natural mineral dye, which is environmentally friendly.
Peace silk (or cruelty–free silk) is created through a process that permits the full life cycle of the silkworm pupae. The silkworm is able to emerge naturally and only then the cocoons are unwound.
For more information, go online to www.redcarpetgreendress.com.
Men, women rank most desired brands
Men and women rate Southwest Airlines, Google and Dove among their top 10 brands, according to the second annual Most Desired Brands in the U.S. report.
After that, their affection goes in different directions.
Women really connect with Hallmark, Kohl’s, Lexus, Target, Neutrogena and Crest. Men, on the other hand, were most taken with Cadillac, BMW, Apple, Sharp and GE.
The Most Desired Brands in the U.S. report tested more than 220 brands across 10 diverse industries, among a sample of 4,000 people representative of the U.S. population.
| MEN | WOMEN | |
| SOUTHWEST AIRLINES | 1 | SOUTHWEST AIRLINES |
| CADILLAC | 2 | |
| BMW | 3 | HALLMARK |
| DOVE | 4 | DOVE |
| BED BATH & BEYOND | 5 | JETBLUE |
| APPLE | 6 | KOHL’S |
| 7 | LEXUS | |
| SHARP | 8 | TARGET |
| GE | 9 | NEUTROGENA |
| MACY’S | 10 | CREST |
Maidenform presence expected to be felt at the Academy Awards
Plenty of companies are setting up shop at Oscar suites in the days leading up to the big awards event on Sunday. One is Maidenform.
For the second year in a row, Maidenform is showing off its hottest shapewear and intimates styles in a suite in Beverly Hills. Celebrities are just like the rest of us; sometimes they need a little help from a shaper. And Maidenform has its celebrity fans, including actresses Katherine Heigl and Amy Adams.
Just once, I wish one of the Red Carpet talkers would ask the question we really want to know — Who are you wearing under your gown? Spanx? Maidenform?
In advance of the Oscars and in celebration of its 90th anniversary year, Maidenform sent “lingerie trunks” to Hollywood’s most influential stylists so they would have the right intimates and shapewear to choose from for their famous clients’ big night.
The trunks were filled to the brim with bras and shapewear, all of which are being featured at the private Oscar suite. Private fittings will also be provided courtesy of The Bod Squad, Maidenform’s team of fit experts.
One Stop Plus spring magazine is ready
The One Stop Plus spring magazine is ready – check it out online here. You’ll find stories on everything from breakfast food to spring fashion trends to why women love bad boys. Women of all sizes will find something of interest here.
OneStopPlus.com is an online marketplace for hundreds of brands for plus size customers. The site offers apparel and accessories for women, along with a big and tall department for men.
