Fashiontribes.com Fashion Blog - Style, Beauty, Luxury Lifestyle & Shopping

Home Decor: "BKLYN DESIGNS 2005" Contemporary Furnishings Extravaganza in NYC's DUMBO, Brooklyn, May 6-8 - PODCAST

Podcast About BKLYN DESIGNS 2005 3-Day Contemporary Furnishings Extravaganza in Brooklyn's DUMBO, May 6-8 - MP3 File

Does your pad need a new Spring wardrobe? Thought so.  The BKLYN DESIGNS 2005 furnishings "extravaganza" will make your crib very, very happy!

From May 6-8, the Fashiontribes 'hood of DUMBO, in Brooklyn, will be hosting one of the most-talked about design events for showcasing new talent. It will be three happy, shopping-filled days of all-new furnishings, lighting, rugs & decorative accessories to give your home, office or garden a much-needed style shot in the arm...or in this case - living room.

Designers include:

• Argington - Designs for cool tots
• Erin Wilson Quilts - Not your grandma's quilt
• Amy Helfand - Fanciful fine art for the floor
• Pratt Institute of Art - The design world's future stars
• Eric Manigian - Future "heirlooms" made with unique woods
• HereThere Designs - Innovative lighting that is 100% recyclable
• DESU purekitchen & Material Process Systems - kitchen of the future

In addition - how cool is this! - included in the price of admission, there will be free design seminars & demonstrations, all hosted by industry bigwigs:

• Design Breakthroughs by Metropolis Editor-in-Chief Susan Szenasy
• An insider's guide to Brooklyn design retailers/showrooms
• A presentation by celeb sculptor Tom Otterness
• Mother's Day Cooking Demo & Tasting by Celebrity Chef, Katy Sparks; custom portraits of parents & kids by the founding artist of NYSketches, Rebecca Miller - all sponsored by TimeOut NY Kids & BSH

BKLYN DESIGNS 2005, St. Ann's Warehouse, 38 Water Street & Brooklyn Designs Gallery, 37 Main St., DUMBO, Brooklyn. Admission $10 per person per day. www.brooklyndesigns.net.

• Friday, May 6, 10 am - 8 pm
• Saturday, May 7, 10 am - 7 pm
• Sunday, May 8, 10 am - 5 pm

Justin Tranter - New York's Pop Prince - Lights up the Stage with M.C. Quackers, the Rapping Duck in NYC on Sat, April 30 - PODCAST

PODCAST About an "Art Party" Starring NYC's Drama Pop Prince Justin Tranter and M.C. Quackers, the Rapping Duck - MP3 File

For a true pop music treat, NYC's Justin Tranter is your go-to diva.  Fabulous & funny, his blend of pop with an edge is what pop should be - which is why he's a Fashiontribes fave.

Catch him this Saturday, April 30th at fettY's Art Party in NYC. Also making a special appearance will be the one, the only...M.C. Quackers - The Rapping Duck...now, now... remember what yo' mama told you about judging things before you've even given them a chance....Besides, what's not to love with a rapping duck?!

In addition to a photography exhibit & a fashion show entitled This Old Thing? there promises to be plenty of paparazzi, theatre kids, fashionistas, musicians, performance artists, unsure New Yorkers, glamourous 16 year old boys, stunning 57 year old women, and everything in between. The drinks will be cheap (always a good thing!) and a group coloring will be taking place on the roof, complete with crayons.

Now doesn't that sound a hell of a lot more interesting than your typical dinner-and-a-movie routine?

fettY presents An Art Party Starring Drama Pop Prince (Time Out NY) Justin Tranter, Saturday, April 30th @ The Sky Loft, 519 W.36th St. (between 10th & 11th). Doors open at 8; Performances & Fashion Show begin at 9. Cover: $12 (give them a business card or contact info & get $2 off). All ages welcome. JustinTranter.com

At Moda-Mia, a New Online Boutique, Have Your Fashion, Your Style, Your Way - New Designer Threads Shipped Right to Your Door - PODCAST

Podcast about Moda-Mia, an Online Boutique Specializing in New Designers for Men, Women & Kids - MP3 File

Everyone loves the idea of supporting new designers, but sometimes that's just easier said than done. For one thing, many "new" designers that get press & distribution are actually racking in sales of $$$ millions annually. If that's new, then what do you call that huge pool of enormously talented hopefuls - earnestly clutching their designs as they wait in an endless line at some ungodly early hour of the morning - at Barneys in NYC each month, standing for hours just for the chance to show one of the store's buyers their wares...in the hopes of maybe being picked up by the fashion emporium?

Well, a new online boutique that actually sells new designers - in the Barneys-hopefuls-in-line sense - is Moda-mia. A triple-entendre, in Italian no less, for my fashion, my style, my way. (I like that...it's my fashion way or the highway, baby!) Drawn by the creativity and fresh ideas of up-and-coming talent, owner Deirdre Von Rock-Ricci stocks only the stuff she loves-loves-loves for chicks, guys and, soon, kids. As new designers hit the scene and her current faves become established, she plans to change the group of artisans she selects.

We loved the cute boyshorts with Prep School on the butt, as well as the natural white freshwater pearl cuff.  At $3,200, the Zaria 1 bag in yummy choc croc and detachable, mix 'n match detachable gemstone handle may have you eating tinned tuna for a few months...but that's okay because it's all in the name of fashion.  And give yo' fella an attitude adjustment - for under $200! - in the white Moto-jacket with rockin' gold zipper (maybe I need one of these attitude adjustments!)

Fashiontribes New Podcast Schedule - Everyday at 12 & 4 NY time - PODCAST

Podcast about the new schedule of Fashiontribes Podcasts & Blogs: MP3 File

Yikes - we're getting so organized and official round these parts...we're actually going to start podcasting on a schedule starting in May! How grown up.

My main podcasts & blogs will be going up everyday @ 12 pm (NY time):

• Monday: The Pet Podcast - anything fun & fashionable for the four-legged
• Tuesday: Fashion, Fashion, Fashion - all about - surprise - fashion!
• Wednesday: Primp Your Pad - the best in Home Decor
• Thursday: Sex Sells - the latest in sexy trends
• Friday: Glamourous Gizmos - interviews & reviews of fab gadgets
• Saturday: Travel Bug - talking the latest in must-visit destinations
• Sunday: Pop Culture Pin Up - a roundup of what's buggin' the Zeitgeist

The other podcast will be of the Fashiontribes Files, a quick & hopefully helpful hit of the coolest fashion, beauty & lifestyle stuff you want to know about - every day at 4 pm (NY time):

• Monday: Fab Fashion Finds
• Tuesday: Beauty Beat
• Wednesday: Wine Wednesdays
• Thursday: Party Prep - fun drink receipes & other TGIF stuff
• Friday: Movie Mania - what's worth going to see
• Saturday: A Jones for Jewels
• Sunday: Bookworm Alley - which books you'll want to be caught reading

Fashiontribes FIles- Shop EVA in New York's NoLita and score some lovely Acne Jeans

Okay, so they didn't realize what the name meant in America....MP3 File

I love me a good jean.  I especially love me a good jean that makes me feel like Joey Ramone's cool and attractive little sister.  And good jeans, my minions, are hard to find.  So I put on my supersleuth gear and ran all over Manhattan until I found a gem of a boutique named EVA.  Clean and packed with stuff, but avoiding clutter, EVA gave me more than great jeans.  The salesgirl was infinitely knowledgeable (an expert on all from L.A.M.B. to Undercover) and so pleasant to talk to.  And, of course, she lead me to the holy grail of jeanage: Acne Action Jeans.  Yes, the name is disconcerting.  No, having the word acne emblazoned on your derriere is probably not something you would consider-were these jeans ordinary.  Alas, they are not.  Acne jeans are for your inner rock'n'roll machine.  Or, if you me, your plain old self (my rock'n'roll machinage is on daily display) .  Slither into the devine jeans, and find your legs looking long and lean, your butt looking tiny, and your Joey Ramone destiny staring back at you from the mirror.  My pick is the HUG-antifit and delightfully camoflaging through the thighs, tight and rockstar like in the calves.  On top of being jean-iouses (couldn't resist), Acne makes a range of sweaters, jackets, t-shirts and shoes that are that perfect Scandinavian brand of cool (they are based in Sweden).  Eva is the ideal shopping venue, because they obviously care for their customers.  Head over to Mulberry street in Manhattan and check both out!

-Rachel

Jean Colonna Finally Surfaces Again as Guest Designer for Ramosport - FASHION PODCAST

Podcast about Jean Colonna Guest Designing for Ramosport - That's Some Tasty Fashion Dish! MP3 File

How we love Jean Colonna here at Fashiontribes. Love. Did I mention love?

Now, he's surfaced as a guest designer for Ramosport. This funky, fourth generation family-owned company is out of Paris - they were founded in 1905 in Russia when their crafty ancestor Sarah had the bright idea of importing rubberized fabric from England to make tough jackets for the Tsar's army.  Today, they still specialize in groovy lookin' outerwear, trenches & coats. Each season, they collaborate with a special guest designer - someone cutting edge - and this season, did they choose wisely!

Colonna will be doing a capsule collection of trenches and bombers in pleather, weather-ready black satin, nylon and poly-somethingorother - prices range from US$550 - $850. He majorly sexed up Ramosport's signature trench and gave it some street cred with a hot motorcycle vibe. Must get....muuuuuust geeeet.......muuuuuuuuussssstt geeeeeetttt......

The line will be available at the following places:

• New York: at Takashimaya
• Montreal: at Lily Simon
• London: Joseph
• Paris: Colette

Trench photo by Thomas Iannaconne.

At Babesta.com (based in NYC) It's Easy to Find Cool Baby Style & Fashion for Your Wee Fashionista-in-Training - PODCAST

Podcast About NYC-based Babesta.com - the only place to go for Cool Baby Gifts & Paraphernalia - MP3 File

What's up with all the baby showers of late? Were the moons in make-a-baby....NOW!!! mode 9 or 10 months ago?

Aaaanyway, you still need to get cool presents....quickly....and for so many future additions to the local population. I just can't bring myself to give goofy and/or excessively cutesy baby gifts and threads. I have my pride. Fortunately, there's Babesta.com.

As a new mom, the founder of babesta.com - a proud fashionista - quickly discovered an alarming fashion void in the market for baby stuff. Was there no such thing as baby fashion? Baby style? A can-do kinda mom, she started a wesite for non "wedding-cake-topper type" tykes. A girl after our own slave-to-fashion hearts here at Fashiontribes.

They carry  the cutest stuff, that even a male doesn't have to be embarrassed to buy. BADD, or Babies Against Dirty Diapers, is designed by a former designer for Tommy Hilfiger & Martha Stewart Living. Definitely go for the onesies with Che Guevara, a Buddha or groovy 70s style Angela Davis-worthy 'fro Brotha & Sista baby tanks.    Angelic Genius is a Parisian-American partnership, located in L.A., devoted to cool baby fashions & come complete with a fun "DOs & DONTs" hangtag. Love their J'Adore Milk onesies.   Foco Loco is made by a Brooklyn-based designer & you can't miss with the I'm With the Band onesies, tees & bib. Baby Anarchy (the best label name ever) came about after two best friends had their fill of teddy bear print tees and other dopey tyke apparel. 

Clueless about what the hell to get? How 'bout one of each?! Their Onesie of the Month Club option rocks - for  $205, you buy the new mom a monthly "subscription" of a cool new onesie each month for a year (bi-monthly & quarterly subscriptions also available). 

Also, if you're in town for New York's Tribeca film fest, Babesta will participating in the Tribeca Family Festival on Saturday, April 30th - in the crafts tent.

NOTE: If you're as baby-stuff ignorant as I blissfully used to be before baby shower season, here's a quick primer on what the hell a "onesie" actually is. ONESIE:a diaper cover with t-shirt, combined into one convenient baby outfit that snaps at the crotch, so you don't have to undress the baby to change it.

Theater: "Shockheaded Peter" Rocks the New York Stage; also worthy - "Brooklyn: The Musical", Broadway's Karen Mason, "Good Vibrations", Dame Edna, and "Slava's Snowshow" - all in the April Fashiontribes.com - THEATRE PODCAST

PODCAST About the Dementedly Fun "Shockheaded Peter" & other great stuff on Broadway: Karen Mason, "Brooklyn: The Musical", "Good Vibrations", "Dame Edna" & "Slava's Snowshow" - MP3 File

The New York theatre productions that hog the limelight give everything else a bad name, what with their hi-tech hydraulics, stupidly romantic stories, and boring happy endings.

Thank god for productions like Shockheaded Peter. Based on the German "Struwwelpeter" it uses Victorian-style theatrical illusion, puppets, and darkly humorous songs to tell cautionary tales of what happens to children who behave badly -- everything from fidgeting at the table to sucking their thumbs...and they all come to a bad, bad ending. In the ROCK PUNK magazine: Once Upon a Time There Was a Bad, Bad Child...Delightfully Sinister Children's Tale Shockheaded Peter Returns to the New York Stage, Eschewing Hi-Tech Antics in Favor of Victorian Style Theatrical Illusion.

Get acquainted with the grimy side of Hip Hop's fave borough - think Jay Z, Biggie Smalls, 'Lil Kim, Foxy Brown - BK.  In the AFRO LOVE magazine, we feature The NYC Borough Worth Singing About: In BROOKLYN, THE MUSICAL, Boho Belters on Broadway Don't Talk Trash - They Wear It. The set emulates a run-down street under a ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge, and comes complete with graffiti, homeless people, and trash. What's not to love?

For some summer lovin', grab Bar-bar-bra-Ann, your little deuce coop, and go surfin' USA. Good Vibrations: The New Musical Featuring Beach Boys Tunes Will Have You Longing to Fire Up the Convertible, Pack a Cooler, and Hang Ten in the musical featuring summer romance, a good looking cast and great tunage. In the FANCY FLIRT magazine. NOTE: due to low attendance, it's scheduled to close May 1, so act fast.

For an up close 'n personal look at a Broadway insider's insider - meet Karen Mason in the DOWNTOWN DOLL magazine. This vocal lioness is also charming, friendly and almost unfairly gifted, and, according to TheatreMania magazine, able to "sing the roof off of St. Patrick's Cathedral!" Broadway's Sweet Treat: From the Beatles to Showtunes, Karen Mason Uses Charm and Her Amazing Pipes to Bring Down the House.

Dame Edna Everage, the faaabulous alter ego of Barry Humphries in trademark pink coiffure and cat-eye eyewear, is back on Broadway, affectionately dispensing wisdom and endearments - but with an edge - to her possums in the audience on everything from household chores to the state of Broadway to world politics. Dame Edna, A Chic Chick Returns to Broadway: From Housewife to Glittering Megastar, Australia's Dame Edna Proves that Being Fabulous is the Best Revenge. In the GLOBAL CHIC Magazine.

There are clowns, and there are clowns. My version of clowns is in the hilarious Shakes the Clown (one of my fave movies ever) and I've yet to be convinced that (a) clowns are actually good for kids, and (b) exposure to clowns at too young an age won't scar them for life. However, in Slava's Snowshow, a Russian master clown and his clown posse use non-spoken vignettes to look at love, loss, and even totalitarianism. Who knew? Stormy Weather: In Slava's Snowshow, Master Clown Slava Pollunin Cleverly Uses Metaphysics & Non-Spoken Vignettes to Take on the Big Questions. In the TECHNOID SUBCULTURE magazine.

The Fashiontribes theatre editor is none other than Ken Kleiber of That's Kentertainment! Be sure to catch his always-fun show & interviews with the theatre glitterati at www.thatskentertainment.com 

Beauty Giveaway from Fashiontribes.com of TTE Skincare, Robert Craig Salon Products, Fluff Shop, Environ Skincare, Skin Spa Therapies - Just For Answering an Easy Question Correctly - PODCAST

Podcast About the Fashiontribes Beauty Giveaway of Robert Craig Salon Products "No More Bad Hair Days" Kit; Cute Stuff from Fluff Shop; Awesome Kit from TTE Skincare; Eye Gel from Environ Skincare; Cellu-Ice from Skin Spa Therapies: MP3 File

In honor of Earth Day -- and because we like to think we're a pretty cool magazine here at Fashiontribes.com (we keep telling ourselves that at least) -- we bring you good tidings...and free stuff too!

To win some awesome booty, simply be the first to send the correct answer to contest@fashiontribes.com. Don't forget to include your mailing address in the email, and in the subject line, put the name of the product you are trying to win. To find the correct answer, simply surf over to each product's website.

Bad hair days suck. So banish them from your life with the No More Bad Hair Days Kit from Robert Craig Salon Products. It will analyze the type of water you are washing your hair with, and tell you which of the shampoos provided will give you rockin' tresses.  Q: How many different shades are there in the Color by Robert Craig hair color line?  Find the answer at: www.robertcraig.com/.

Need a new bag? Who doesn't. Fluff Shop has the goods: the mini totes from Mimi Loves Pierre and Fiona are adorable, as well as the Fiona makeup case, and Mimi Loves Pierre card case. To win one, you need to know: What were the first products ever developed for the line? Check out http://fluffshop.com/.

Truly amazing skincare can be found at TTE Skincare, as the before and after pictures show. Win a kit worth about $94 which contains the following:

• Purifying Cleanser
• Hydrating Moisture Cream
• Natural Daylight Cream
• Gentle Daily Exfoliant
• Alpha Hydroxy Peel
• Vitamin Oil Complex

To win, answer the following: What is the base ingredient for each product in the TTE line? Find the answer at http://tigerseyeskincare.com/intro.htm

South Africans know about the dangers of sun exposure. The Environ Skincare line was developed specifially to treat sun damaged skin. Win some of their cutting edge eye gel if you correctly answer: What plastic surgeon invented the Environ line? Answer located at: http://www.environ.co.za/

Cellulite needs to be banished from all our lives. It just does. Fortunately, Skin Spa Therapies gets our pain. Their new Cellu-Ice puts the freeze on unsightly dimpling. And not a moment too soon. Win some by correctly answering: What Patent Pending Technology Does Skin Spa Therapies use in Cellu-Ice to decrease dimpling? Find out at: http://www.skinspatherapies.com/

Fashiontribes Files-Item of the Week-Wear these shorts as you like them, Any tribe can do it-PODCAST

Fashiontribes says anyone can wear THESE shorts-MP3

Fashiontribes works hard to help fulfill your fashion needs.  We want you to know we are thinking about your look each and every day.  To that end, we are initiating this new little column-to show you that 1 item-yes ONE!!!-can be adjusted to fit your life style, your look, and your shopping tendencies. And almost everything here is available in convenient one-stop-shopping: www.NeimanMarcus.com

Our item of the week this week is:  These lovely BANANA REPUBLIC Walking shorts.  They are perfect for summer, because they are really light, and they can be cuffed as you like it.  Plus, Banana offers luxury at a reasonable price.

AFRO LOVE

All of you Haute Hippies can personalize these shorts to get a tres boho effect.  Try getting them so they are a little baggy-volume is a perfect look for this summer.  MARNI has a great jacket that can be belted over a lovely button up, and they also have a terrific little brown peasant-y top that would create a delicious summer look.  Punch up the look with some tres chic beads from my fave, DINOSAUR DESIGNS, which has necklaces to suit any desire.  Again, MARNI has terrific wooden heels that have a crafty feel.  The colors are really easy to match, and they are super comfy.  As for the bag-because every girl needs a bag-FENDI, FENDI, FENDI!!!  Their summer collection showed great slouchy styles with delicate hand woven trim!! PERFECTION!!!!

DOWNTOWN DOLLS

I think you should  try these shorts a little slouchy, and cuffed a few times.  My suggestion-cummerbund the waistband instead of a belt to give the shorts a vintage flair.  I love them with MARC JACOBS' button down mini-check shirt and his large check cardigan.  Not for you?  UNITED BAMBOO has an vintage-y button-up with a neck tie, which would look great with a little boys seersucker jacket from BROOKS BROTHERS .  Shorts with a cummerbund, a tucked in button down and a little jacket is a great little combo.  I also love this CHLOE sequined tank, which is ultra glamorous for day or night.  CHLOE , which has a great on line boutique at NET-A-PORTER , also provided the perfect summer bag, with it's slouchy Paddington.  Throw on some dainty SIGERSON MORRISON wedges and a few EXHIBITIONIST chains, and voila! Out the door with you!

FANCY FLIRT

To make these shorts sweeter, buy them fitted, and cuff them 'til their short!!!  We love a cute BCBG tank with them-especially when it's pink and crocheted! Add a JUICY COUTURE hoodie and charm necklace (may we add that Neiman Marcus on line has a terrific Juicy selection) and you have a great day look.  Switch out the Hood for a cardigan at night.  A DIOR  logo bag is the perfect accessory to compliment the outfit, and with more DIOR in the form of studded sunglasses, you will be almost ready to roll.  Our last bit of advice-strappy, gold LOUBOUTIN heels, which easily carry from day to night.

GLOBAL CHIC

Classic is your look-and these shorts are well suited to that.  BANANA REPUBLIC has a crisp blazer that matches the shorts, which offers an air of no-brainer elegance.  To match the ease of the suit, CAROLINA HERRERA  has a really great button up shirt in blue with a coral print.  Want to keep it simple colorwise?  J. MENDEL has a number of chic white options.  Shoe-wise, the PRADA sandals of the season are terrific.  You can get them high or low- heeled, in croc or leather, and in color or brown.  Finish your look with a classic MARC JACOBS bag or the timeless BIRKIN bag from Hermes.

TECHNOID SUBCULTURE

Jewelry, Jewelry, Jewelry is the key to making these shorts your own. To top them off, try a bustier or corset.  We love the shapliness of one from FASHION FRINGE.  The simple colours mean you have to add tons of personality-ALEXANDER MCQUEEN has an amazing tattoo helmet that looks great with his platform boots.  If it is colour you seek-CHRISTIAN DIOR is the thing.  Pile on stacks of bracelets, adorn with fruity necklaces and earrings, and grab a brightly hued bag.  To finish you bright ensemble, try a pair of his knitted boots.  Complete with pom-poms, no one will miss you.

ROCK PUNK

Ah, fellow rock punkers.  I must confess I myself own these shorts.  Slouchy and sublime, belt them up with a STUDDED BELT which is perfect for that rock and roll machine thing.  Top it off with a  BOUDICCA shirt and vest combo and a tiny BROOKS BROTHERS jacket.  THe fit is divine-just like you stole it from your little bro.  Not in the mood to look all buttoned up-try a vintage concert t with BOUDICCA's amazing short-sleeve white leather jacket.  BALENCIAGA offers the perfect accesories- strapy wedges and a rasta flavoured bag.  Not into the colours?  Try their white oversize moto bag.  Anyone who can carry off an oversize bag is very fashionable.  Ice the look with the only jewelry that could make me drool-a diamond encrusted GARRARD wing ring.  When the slogan is rock hard, how can you not?

Vera Wang Fine Jewelry, in Partnership with Rosiblu, Makes the Perfect Mother's Day Gift - PODCAST

Podcast about What to Get Mom For Mother's Day on May 8th - Why Fine Sparkly Jewels From Vera Wang Fine Jewelry of Course - MP3 File

Hmmm...how do you show mom you really, really care? With all the grief you gave her, it better be good.

Why not buy her love the old fashioned way, with good old fashioned ice from Vera Wang Fine Jewelry? Made in partnership with Rosiblu Fine Jewelry, it's fancy, fun, and guaranteed to upgrade mom's sparkly quotient.

The Fashiontribes faves for mom:

Million Dollar Bracelet - Close to 5 carats & the perfect way to let her know she's worth a million (without having to spend that much).

Heart Charm Bracelet - nothing says "love" more than 18kt white gold & diamonds. Comes in two different sizes & can be engraved.

Milestone Rings - for the new mom! Blue sapphire for a son & pink for a girl.

7 Days I Love You Bangle Bracelets - each with different detailing & one for every day of the week.

Art & Fashion: Fabulous "Glamour: New York Style" Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York has Vintage Halston, Vionnet, Worth, Lagerfeld for Chloe, Chanel, Mainbocher, Norell & Bling, Bling, Bling - PODCAST & VIDEOBLOG

Podcast about the "Glamour: New York Style" at the Museum of the City of New York until July 4, 2005 - MP3 File

"Glamour: New York Style" Exhibit has the best in Glamourous NYC Dresses & Accessories from Charles Frederick Worth to Halston to Norell - Part 1 (VIDEO)

Fashiontribes interviews curator of "Glamour: New York Style" about the Three Components of Glamour & Checks out an Amazing Madeleine Vionnet dress - Part 2 (VIDEO)

See the Velvet & Mink Halston that What Candace Bergen wore to Truman Capote's "Black & White Ball" in 1966 in the "Glamour: New York Style" Exhibit - Part 3 (VIDEO)

Check out Some Original Bling with "Norell's Tissue of Diamonds" Dress Worn by Lauren Bacall in the "Glamour: New York Style" Exhibit - Part 4 (VIDEO)

A fun way to get yer'self some culture'ing - with a heavy dose of glamour thrown in - is at a cool new exhibit at The Museum of the City of New York  Glamour: New York Style.

From gowns by 19th Century American Couturier Charles Frederick Worth, to Norman Norell's Tissue of Diamonds gown, sported by no less than Lauren Bacall, to the sexy strapless black velvet and mink-trimmed Halston, worn with matching white mink mask & Playboy-bunny inspired ears by then-starlet Candace Bergen to Truman Capote's 1966 Black & White Ball -- these are some seriously glam-bam-thankyou-maam frocks.

The frontispiece is an absolutely stunning one-shoulder ivory bias-draped silk number designed by Madeleine Vionnet (who was simply beyond). That was one chick who knew how to make a gown that turned the wearer into a goddess. Also incredibly worthy was the leather creation made for Alicia Keys by Jordan Bettan of Lost Art, a genius with custom leather for the rockstar set.

From outrageous headpieces worn to the Black & White Ball, and designed by likes of Bill Cunningham (as in the photog who shoots all those cool streetfashion shots for the New York Times "Style" section each Sunday) and Tiffany's Jean Muir, to bling-y costume jewelry from Coco Chanel, this exhibit is a serious look at glamour.

Charming brainiac Phyllis Magidson, the Curator of Costumes & Textiles for the museum gave Fashiontribes the personal tour, and believe me, we could have stayed all day -- she is incredibly knowledgeable and fascinating. She explained that they based the exhibit on three components of glamour:

1. Glamour is where you go.
2. Glamour is who you are.
3. Glamour is what you buy.

How interesting is that, the idea that glamour involves the brands you associate yourself with, and buy -- ie. glamour by appropriation, and association, is still glamour nonetheless. Although our society is obsessed with glamour, devoting countless hours of programming and splashy page after page to the subject, the scope of this exhibit made me realize that our current obsession dates back much further. 

In discussing an exquisite Vionnet worn by Mrs. Harrison Williams, uber-socialite of her time with residences everywhere fabulous and an unrivaled closet of couture, Magidson revealed that Williams was a permanent fixture on Eleanor Lambert's "Best Dressed List" which was started in the 30s. For such a list to even exist, I think you need these three factors:

1. People willing to spend on being glamorous with the financial resources to invest.
2. A group of viewers - after all, what's the point if no one's watching.
3. A medium for spreading the word about glamour.

Once these factors converged, the roots for our glamour and image-obsessed culture were sewn.

Glamour: New York Style at The Museum of the City of New York, 5th Avenue between 103rd & 104th St., until July 4, 2005 (http://www.mcny.org/).

Photos & Video by Jaxon Hsu for Fashiontribes.

Fashion Accessories: "Ecoist" Eco-Friendly Handbags Made from Recycled Candy Wrappers & Snack Bags - PODCAST

Podcast about "Ecoist" Line of Hot, New Eco-Friendly Handbags Made from Recycled Candy Wrappers- MP3 File

A girl can simply never have enough bags. Never.

Now you can do your bit for the environment while you get a bag fix: we're in love these hot-lookin' recycled numbers from Ecoist (http://www.ecoist.com/) at Fashiontribes. These one-of-a-kind bags are crafted from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soft drink labels, and materials discarded due to printing defects or discontinued products. Choose from a cute-cute-cute coin purse or a clutch with matching wrist-strap or even a tote bag you could schlep your couch in (which has been known to happen here in NYC).

This Miami-based company also walks the walk - for every bag they sell, a tree is planted as part of their partnership with American Forests.

Food & Cuisine: Get 'yer Clambake on With the Authentic, All-In-One Clambake-in-a-Pail from Hamptons Caterer "Claws on Wheels" - PODCAST

Podcast About "Claws on Wheels" - the Hamptons Caterer that Delivers Authentic Clambake Fixins' Right to Your Door - MP3 File

According to Newell Turner, Editor-In-Chief of Hamptons Cottages and Gardens, (who I interviewed about his new book Hamptons Havens for the new issue of Fashiontribes, up May 10) one of his fave Hamptons activities is a clambake. A clambake is basically a BBQ at the beach, involving clams, lobsters, and corn-on-the-cob cooked in a pail over an open fire.

The New England Travel Planner suggests this authentic clambake receipe:

• Fill a large pot with clean seawater, and place on the fire to boil.
• First put live lobsters in the bottom, followed by a layer of seaweed.
• Follow with fresh corn-on-the-cob & then more seaweed.
• Lastly, add the soft-shell clams or "steamers"
• When the clamshells pop open, it's time to eat!

Indulge in a dozen of the steamers. Then slather the corn with butter and salt, and follow with the lobster course. Can you say summer lovin'?

Of course, with the beauty of mail order, you can get one pre-made from the Hamptons caterer Claws on Wheels, and they will deliver an authentic, Clambake-to-Go right to your door. It comes in a pail, filled with Clams, Mussels, Corn, New Potatoes, and Steamed Lobster. All you have to provide is the booze, fire...and some friends!

Photo by Joe Szurszewski at joesz.com

Home Decor: Jill Herbers, author of the New Book "Great Adaptations" Shows People How to Successfully Transform Unusual Structures like Barns, Power Stations, Towers, Churches, Banks & even a Pigsty into a Beautiful Custom Home - PODCAST

Podcast about the Fashiontribes Interview with the Author of "Great Adaptations", a new Book profiling Interesting Conversions of Structures like old Firehouses, Barns, Churches, Banks, Towers & Even a Pigsty into Homes - MP3 File

If you've ever gone househunting, you know it's a sport for the strong. Even the most determined would-be homeowner can get depressed looking at the mindnumbingly same home after home, all sorely lacking in charm, and all sporting an insulting, high-six-figure price tag.

In her new book, Great Adaptations: Making Older Buildings Into Dynamic Home for Today (Harper Collins, June 2005), Jill Herbers (http://jillarts.com/) profiles people who decided to take matters into their own hands. I interviewed Herber for a Home Decor feature that will appear in the Technoid Subculture magazine in the new issue of  Fashiontribes.com, up May 10th.

The homes in Great Adaptations represent a stunning collection of converted barns, towers, power stations, churches, schoolhouses, and even a former pigsty in Italy. In many cases, these old, often historic buildings can be picked up quite economically (it's not unheard of to find a carriage house for under $20,000) but expect to spend between $200,000 - $300,000, and the same amount again on the renovation. Remember though: for around $500,000 you'll have something really special & unique, rather than the typical McHomes selling for $800,000+.

According to Herbers, for a building to be a good candidate for conversion, the age doesn't matter. What matters is a) how well it was built, and b) how well it was cared for. For these reasons, structures built for industrial purposes tend to be shoddily constructed & not well cared for, making them a less desirable pick. Barns, on the other hand, represented a farmer's entire investment -- protecting his hay, animals, equipment -- and were surprisingly well built. As for churches, they were often lovingly cared for by diligent members of the congregation, so they are also good candidates for turning into a home.

In many cases, these buildings are historical landmarks, which makes it easier to get yo' hands on Federal funds, grants, and loans from local banks. The best-best-best place to start is with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This website will tell you everything from how to have a structure historically assessed, to how to get a mortgage to buy one, to how to lay hands on government money set aside for these sort of buildings.

And lastly, Herbers advises that converting one of these spaces is not a job for the less-than-fanatic -- ie. don't do it because it seems like a sort of cool idea to live in a barn. One of the barns was filled with bird doodoo and 30 tons of hay at least half a century old; in other cases, the roof was completely gone (usually, when the roof goes, so does the building). Even the less dilapidated examples still need basic insulation to make them liveable; the people in the Tower - built in England during Napoleonic times to spot ships -- had to figure out how to hang things on round walls. "It's like fallling in love with a person, you just have to feel that thing," says Herbers, who explained that all of the people profiled in Great Adaptations had that in common. "When people fell in love, they fell in love with it, and they never regretted it. Go with your heart because people never regret it, they just love it more everyday."

New Weekly Wednesday "Bang!" Party Kicking off at No.1C (Number One Chinese) in NYC's East Village on April 20th with Cat from Fannypack & Svedka Vodka Open Bar! - PODCAST

Podcast about the New Weekly Bang! Party on Wednesdays, Starting April 20th, at No.1 C (Number One Chinese), 50 Avenue B @ E.4th Street in NYC: MP3 File

A fun new weekly Wednesday party called Bang! is kicking off this Wednesday, April 20th at No.1C (Number One Chinese) in the East Village (50 Avenue B @ E.4th Street - to get on the mailing list, email info@woomble.com). Jimmy + Chris are the hipsters behind this new weekly grooviness.

Cat from the group Fannypack will be there to help kick off the festivities, and yes, there will be free booze - a Svedka Vodka open bar form 10-12.

From "I Heart Huckabees" to "What the Bleep Do We Know!?", Existentialism is a Hot Pop Culture Topic - PODCAST

Podcast about the Fashiontribes article "I Heart Existentialism" Which Looks at the Current Trend in Entertainment & Pop Culture Questioning the Nature of Reality: MP3 File

Following 9/11, many people seemed to have a crisis about a) the importance of what they were doing with their lives, and b) the point of it all. In my case, it was months before I could bring myself to look at my chosen career in fashion and lifestyle journalism as anything other than a complete joke.

Hollywood has tapped into this feeling with movies like David O. Russell's I Heart Huckabees, (IHeartHuckabees.com)and it was word-of-mouth that created a cult hit out of Will Arntz's What the Bleep Do We Know!? which is now out on DVD (WhatTheBleep.com). In a recent issue of Fashiontribes.com, we looked at this trend of existentialism in entertainment in "I Heart Existentialism: As Hollywood Tackles the Subjects of Existence and Identity, Pop Culture Embraces Previously Esoteric Notions from the Worlds of Philosophy and Quantum Physics."

When you consider the fact that solids are not really solid, thoughts can change reality, group meditation has been proven to lower crime rates, and atoms are not things but tendencies, it's no surprise that the nature of reality is being put under a microscope. In I Heart Huckabees, existential detectives Lily Tomlin and Dustin Hoffman help their clients find the hidden reasons for the recurring coincidences in their lives. "I became intrigued by the idea of a detective following someone around not for any criminal or personal intrigue, but rather as part of a very serious investigation about existence itself," says Russell.

To make Huckabees, Russell not only drew on several different strains of philosophy, but he also consulted leading physicists to further understand quantum reality. According to quantum physics -- the theme of What the Bleep!? -- not only are we not made of anything solid, but at the sub-atomic level, we may actually exist in several places simultaneously. Huh?!  According to the creator of What the Bleep!?, Will Arntz: "To think that one little planet in the whole Milky Way or one group of people has the whole franchise to heaven starts sounding like the Middle Ages when the Earth was thought to be in the center of the universe."

It almost seems like the more that physicists find out about the nature of reality, the less we know. Small wonder that movies like What the Bleep!? have touched such a nerve: in addition to online Bleep discussion groups, a Bleep cottage industry appears to have sprung up, including a book of Bleep notes and Bleep Buddy icons.

Fashiontribes Files-Our own Rachel is Coming to Los Angeles. Is California ready? Trade tips on Shopping, Eating, and being Fun (and I already know I have to go to FRED SEGAL)!!-PODCAST

Can you say Culture Clash?-MP3 File

Loyal Minions:
Despite the fact that I think I know everything, I sadly do not.  Let's begin with my impending trip to LA.  I have never been to California, and having grown up in the "elite" north east, I have been told many a time that California, and Californians for that matter, would not enjoy my presence in their state.  I am quite appalled at the fact that I have been warned that I will have to DRIVE everywhere.   I was stunned when, in trying to make a hotel reservation, the very LAID BACK clerk left me on hold for 10 minutes.  Nonetheless, I am eager to begin my love affair with Los Angeles.  I am overwhelmed with the options at hand:restaurants, shops, places to get cosmetic surgery...the list goes on and on.  HERE IS WHERE YOU COME IN!!!  Tell me what I should be doing.  Or, better yet, give me incentive.  Ask me questions that I can only answer once I arrive at my destination. 
Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated.
I think this could be a long term relationship.....
-Rachel

Toni Senecal Interviews Fashiontribes.com's Editor-in-Chief Lesley Scott About Spring Fashions for the Whole Family for the WB11 Evening News - to air Tuesday, April 19th - PODCAST

Podcast about Lesley Scott's Shoot with Toni Senecal about Spring Fashions for the Whole Family for the WB11 Evening News to air Tuesday, April 19th - MP3 File

Ignore the weather....the fashion calender says it's Spring, so dammit, I'm going to dress the part.

However, as a single NYC fashionista doin' my damndest to be faaaabulous, I can indulge in expensive fashion splurges and uncomfortable shoes. For us Sex & the City wanna-be's, a Jimmy Choo stiletto or white designer denim is a perfectly sensible option, but probably not for the practical new mom. But just because you now have a toddler, it doesn't mean you have to wear khakis, bob your hair, and generally turn off your sex appeal. (Same applies for new dads...except for the Jimmy Choos...and the bob).

Here's the sneak peek at the family-friendly Spring fashions that I will be discussing with Toni Senecal -- who, by the way is adorable & Fashiontribes's new fave lifestyle reporter! -- on the WB11 Evening News on Tuesday, April 19th:

Why not mesh style with comfort? Betsey Johnson makes an adorable full skirt, with a fun, flirty print & ethnic feel. Warning: if you wear a full skirt, make sure to pair it with a fitted tank or wifebeater -- otherwise it's Michelin Man time. Yikes!  Pair with some bronze metallic flats from Steve Madden, a rope of Versani crystal-beaded necklaces and linear earrings, and a Yasmena wrist-purse (the Edie Falco fave) -- and you're cute, very Downtown Doll, and, yes, sexy.

For the dad with panache, Alexander Julian makes groovy stripey shirts (Note guys: stripes are huge for spring) that are great with your fave pair of jeans. Terra Plana makes a really comfy, stylish driving moccasin that screams "style" and "money" (you may have to fend off hot lookin' golddiggers wearing these kicks). Yasmena also has more masculine wrist-wallets (the man-wrist-wallet?!) in black with yellow reflective racing stripes.  If dad's pulling diaper duty, Skip Hop makes a brown messenger-y Expo diaper bag that looks like Manhattan Portage, and is roomy enough to stash the enormous amount of stuff that babies require (diapers, sippy cups, etc. etc.) And the truly happin' hip dad can sport accessories like the Versani chunky ID style bracelet with wood inlay.

Can't give up all black? An easy way to introduce some color into your wardrobe -- really, this is a Spring fashion MUST -- is with a brightly hued bag. Skip Hop makes its Dash bag in peony pink; while it's a diaper bag, it's so sporty and fun looking you'd never know it. That's why stylish celeb moms like Courtney Cox Arquette and Heidi Klum both own and love them. They also easily transfer from shoulder to stroller, and can hang handily from any stroller.

For toddlers around 14 months old, Petit Patapon's got your back. We loved cute boy's rugby shirt in bold colors, and the polka dot dress for when she's having a princess moment -- they're made from canvas so they're durable, machine washable, and affordable. For adorable sneaks, check out the froggy kicks from Showoffboutique.com.

If your little ones are a little older - say around five - KicoKids makes groovy knit polo shirts, knee-length surfer shorts, and a mini-me version of the swing skirt with matching tank and cardigan.  C'est chic.

Fashiontribes.com's Own Lesley Scott to Appear on Toni Senecal's Segment on the WB11 Evening News on Tuesday, April 19th! - PODCAST

Podcast about Lesley Scott, Editor-in-Chief of Fashiontribes.com on WB11 on Tuesday, April 19th as a Fashion Expert: MP3 File

Extra! Extra! I'll be the resident fashion expert for a segment on the WB11 Evening News on Tuesday, April 19th about Spring Fashions for Moms and Dads and their Stylish Kids, reported by Lifestyle and Entertainment Reporter, Toni Senecal.

It should be fun, so tune in if you have a chance!