Fall's Hot Beauty Trends: Interview with NewYorkBeauty.com's Carolyn Brundage About the Ladylike Trend - Red Lips, Flushed Cheek, Matte; Blunders like Frizzy Hair; Fave Products & Treatments; Her Fab Beauty Websites - FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY PODCAST & BLOG

Fall's Hot Beauty Trends: Interview with NewYorkBeauty.com's Carolyn Brundage About the Ladylike Trend - Red Lips, Flushed Cheek, Matte; Blunders like Frizzy Hair; Fave Products & Treatments; Her Fab Beauty Websites - FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY PODCAST & BLOG - MP3 File

Forget the tea leaves. In this case, the Barbie makeup head was definitely a sign of things to come.

“I spent my entire childhood with one of those…if that wasn’t predicting the future, I don’t know what was. I took the hobby that we all had – trying on makeup and playing with lotion – to the next level,” explains Carolyn Brundage about her personal obsession which she successfully parlayed into a profession.

A self professed “beauty connoisseur and consumer expert,” Brundage pens weekly columns for The Chicago Sun Times and The St. Petersberg Times, and owns a string of wildly successful beauty websites – TampaBayBeauty.com, ChicagoBeauty.com and now NewYorkBeauty.com – which are visited (and trusted) by millions of women each year.  For everything on the best new spas and salons (yes, they actually visit each & every one of them), to where to get a Brazilian wax, what it’s like to get Botox, the season’s must-haves, trend lists, and a helpful weekly newsletter, NewYorkBeauty.com has the goods. “I think when it comes to beauty, everyone needs something different. We go in there, we tell you what it looks like. Whether you want to go to a spa where everyone’s frou frou and you have to get dressed up to go there or you’re the type of person who wants a laid back spa where you can walk in in your sweats – we’ll tell you that that’s the kind of spa this place is. We really give people an inside scoop.”

WIN SOME FREE STUFF
They also traffic in free-stuff – which we here at Fashiontribes are all about! Not only do they give away $10,000 worth of beauty loot monthly, each month 50 lucky readers also win a visit to a spa to be pampered from head-to-toe, plied with martinis, massaged, and sent off with goodie bags worth hundreds of dollars – all free of charge. (Simply click on the pink-clad martini-quaffing “Spa Girl Parties” icon to enter the lottery.) “When we first launched ChicagoBeauty, we invited all these fellow journalists and media members to come to the spa and get complimentary treatments, and be treated like celebrities – in an attempt to launch our site. And that went great,” explains Brundage.  “But afterward, I thought to myself: why should only the press or only the people that we’re trying to impress be treated this way? They’re so much fun, and we literally treat people like they’re royalty. Everyone has such a great time.”

THE HOT BEAUTY TRENDS ACCORDING TO CAROLYN BRUNDAGE:

• ACT LIKE A LADY “Beauty always mimics fashion. We’re seeing a lot less skin, so we’re also seeing that trend in makeup. For Fall, the ladylike trend is really continuing. We’re getting away from glitz, we’re getting away from sparkle. We’re getting more subdued and sophisticated.” (Louis Vuitton from Style.com)
• HAVE IT YOUR WAY  From lipsticks to eyeshadows, girls are customizing their makeup. “I think a really big, burgeoning trend in beauty is custom mixing, where even the average girl is taking shades and really mixing them together to really find out what’s best for them from lipsticks to eyeshadows…I like to think that we’re starting to see the beginning of a trend, where the trends are going to stop being dictated totally by the Britney Spears of the world. I would say that we’re starting to get our own sense of individuality and some confidence that we don’t need to be dictated to by pop stars and actresses which I think is really great because I’ve gotten really tired of whatever this person wears is the next big trend. It’s not even always good.”
• THE EYELASHES HAVE IT From a natural daytime look to over-the-top drama, girls from all walks of life are beefing up their lashes. “I’m surprised that the eyelash trend has gotten as big as it has. People are really enhancing their eyelashes and applying false eyelashes even for a night on the town.” And with good reason – well applied lashes make eyes ginormous. “Celebrities all look like their eyes are so big. It’s because they’ve got these fake eyelashes on.”
• STRAIGHTEN OUT Thermal reconditioning, aka Japanese straightening, shows no signs of slowing down, despite its relatively steep pricetag of around $1000 and up. “What surprises me more than anything is that we really will stop at nothing to feel good about the way we look.”
• GLOSS MANIA "A few years ago, I would never have guessed that lip gloss was going to become what it was, and I love gloss now. I think that trend is kind of beginning to die down. Again, the thing that’s important to me is: Does it work for you or not?"
• A FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH “I love what’s happening with skincare because I think that we’re getting away from an era where we see women in their 50s and 60s who have kind of – not been forced – but had no choice other than to have a facelift if they wanted to look younger. And I think what’s nice is that we’ve got so many options that you can start young taking care of your skin, doing things for the way you look, and hope to age gracefully in a way that maybe our mothers wished that they could have because they didn’t have all the advances that we have.”

YOUR FALL BEAUTY BLUEPRINT:

• MATTE SKIN & FLUSHED CHEEKS

That bronze-y J.Lo glow is now “a look gone by.” Fall’s face is matte, with a rosy pink or reddish cheek. “And what’s really nice about that is it’s very flattering,” explains Brundage. “If you’re in your thirties and you’re worried about looking younger, it makes you look younger. If you’re young you can pull it off.” The key to making this look work is choosing the right shade of blush. (Photo M.A.C. Cosmetics at MacCosmetics.com)

• RED LIPS  A femme-fatale’ish pout is surprisingly easy as long as you follow get the shade right and follow these three rules: 1) Wear lipliner. 2) Wear lipliner. 3) Wear lipliner. Either use one that matches the color exactly or go for an invisible liner DuWop makes a great one - BeautyHabit.com). Brundage's secret for long-lasting lipstick? Dab a little eyeshadow on top of your lipstick – a gold or bronze if you’re warm toned; silver if your complexion is cool. Not only will your lipstick have some majoy staying power, it adds a sexy, pouty look.
• BIG LASHES With the new focus on lips, tone down the eyes. Black mascara, big lashes and a natural shadow are all you need.
• DARK NAILS As part of the ladylike trend, dark nails are back. However….(there’s always a however!) Brundage warns that this trend isn’t for everyone. Unless you have “a certain kind of hand and nails” dark polish can actually be quite unflattering.

DO IT LIKE A PRO: CAROLYN’S FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS & TREATMENTS:

• DUWOP LIP VENOM “ I love-love-love-love DuWop’s Lip Venom. It’s amazing. DuWop is one of those products where a lot of people I talk to are like, ‘I love it! It’s fabulous! It’s wonderful!’ I think it’s great. “
• LANCOME LIGHT DIFFUSING POWDER  “It does wonders for the imperfections that we all have.”
• MICRODERMABRASION “In terms of treatments, I’m a big, huge fan of microdermabrasion. I think it’s amazing, it’s amazing for skin. It’s one of my favorite treatments.”
• FIRE-CUPPING It's what gave Gwyneth that bruised back. The practitioner uses cups and heat to (somewhat painfully) pull toxins out of the system. “I’ve been really impressed with the results. I saw a reduction in the dark circles under my eyes, which can be hereditary, but can also be from a build-up of toxins. But I saw and immediate and significant difference and that was something that really impressed me.” (Based on the sheer number of inquiries she gets at her websites, Brundage estimates that up to 9 out of 10 women struggle to some degree with dark circles under their eyes.)
  

COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL: HOW TO PICK HUES THAT FLATTER

• WARM OR COOL? Beautywise, everything starts with your skintone. A quick ‘n easy way to find out if you’ve got warm or cool skin tones is with a white shirt and a cream colored shirt. If the white one looks better on you, you’re cool. If the cream color flatters, you need warm shades. Even the most sketchily educated makeup artist at the makeup counter will be able to help you out; plus, they can show you their makeup line's warm or cool toned products for the season.
• GET HELP We beauty junkies like to think we’re experts, but with the sheer amount of product out there, sometimes you need to throw in the towel and bring in some backup. “There’s so much help out there when it comes to makeup – we’ve got makeup counters we can go to, we’ve got people that are constantly willing to give us help – but I think we shy away from that. We don’t want to say, “hey, I need help finding the right red.” Or, “I’m not really sure how to do my eyes,” and eyes tend to be a huge problem for people. First of all, go get the help that you can get that’s free at any major department store. There’s no shame in that. Try things on.” REMEMBER: Beauty websites like BeautyHabit.com or Sephora are great for stocking up on that perfect shade of red lipstick, but not to pick it out initally.

TRENDS THAT NEED TO GO AWAY

• ICE THE FROST "I’d like to see the end of the frosty trend. I think frost, as a rule, should be avoided. So if you’ve got a frosty pink gloss or a frosty nail polish – not that there’s not an exception to the rule once in a while – but in general they aren’t flattering and they’re kind of dated looking to me. I don’t think it’s modern."
• FRUMPY FRIZZIES Girls always want what they haven’t got, especially when it comes to hair. Brundage has noticed a trend of girls spending hours in the chair to achieve towering, frizzy tresses. “It’s a surprising trend that I’m not wild about.”
• ROLLERS?! “I got a phone call not too long ago from a New York paper wanting me to comment on the trend of people wearing rollers in their hair. And I was like, ‘are you kidding?!’ They told me Reese Witherspoon was recently pictured with rollers in her hair, and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I just can’t go there.’” Smart woman.
•   DARK LIPLINER “I wrote a column recently on the biggest beauty blunders and one of them was girls who wear dark, dark lipliner,” remarks Brundage. “Or, girls that draw in these really overdone lips where we all know that those are not their real lips.” Yikes.

THE REAL SECRET TO BEING FABULOUS

Having witnessed one too many beauty blunders, Brundage has observed that the truly chic and stunningly stylish woman understand something crucial: they only embrace trends that actually work for them. “What differentiates the “stylish” from the people who just try and never really succeed,” explains Brundage, “is that you want to embrace what works for you. So take a trend if you see a trend, and let’s say it’s dark nail polish, let’s say it’s red lips, whatever it is, if it doesn’t work for you, it’s not a good trend for you to embrace. Wait until the next season when something that will suit you better appears.  You always kind of want to pick and choose based on what works for you. The most important thing is that you never want to embrace any kind of a trend that isn’t making you look fabulous – that  isn’t embracing you back.”

Channel Sally Ride, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin with space kitsch for your pad-Weekly Fashiontribes Home Decor Podcast

Make your pad a Space Delight with NASA's cool space gear-from glowing stars to thermal blankets-Weekly Fashontribes Primp Your Pad Podcast-MP3 File

 

In honor of our most recent voyage into the beyond, Fashiontribes feels you should primp your pad in extra-terrestrial style.  From toys and games that are beyond this world, to lighting and pantry supplies that are to the moon, NASA has it all.  Cozy down in a blanket fit for an astronaut, make your rooms glow with stick-on stars, indulge in astronaut ice cream or fly your own saucer.  Feeling extra special?  Make a guest house out of the replica space station you can purchase from NASA-as long as you have a spare 7 figures lying around!

GALACTIC GAMES

For out of this world fun, try flying a saucer or playing space themed monopoly or chess.  Your guests will love your commitment to a theme.

• -Remote Control Flying Saucer-
• -Night Sky Monopoly-
• -Space Chess-

INTER-STELLAR INFLATABLES
An inflatable can serve as a decoration whether hanging from the ceiling or stocked on a bookshelf.  The best is the Space Shuttle, which can serve as a toy or a seat.

• -Inflatable Stellar Globe-
• -Astronaut Inflatable Toy-
• -Space Shuttle Inflatable with Boosters-
• -Jr. Space Explorer Inflatable Space Shuttle-

LUNAR LIGHTING
No space-age home would be complete without glowing orbs and spacey cubes, all beaming the light into your home, Scottie.

• -Galaxy Light-
• -Floating Earth Lamp-
• -Space Light Ice Cube-

GLOWING GALAXIES
Stick these planets and stars anywhere lacking your stellar theme.  Besides creating a universe on the ceiling, you can create a glowing path of travel throughout your own personal galactic dwelling.

• -Glow in the Dark Solar System Stickers-
• -Jar Of Stars-

"EXTRA"-TERRESTRIALS
How else would an astronaut write home?  The Space Pen claims it works even when immersed in grease and water-finally, a pen that won't run dry!

• -Fisher Space Pen-
  
• -Astronaut Pen-

PLANET PANTRY
From glowing place mats to the Astronaut Ice Cream to eat off of them, stock your pantry with all the space-ly essentials.  A mug, a shot glass-even an astronaut cake pan!

• -Constellations Read-A-Mat-
• -Return To Flight Coffee Mug-
  -NASA Vector Shot Glass-
  -Astronaut Cake Pan-
  -Astronaut Ice Cream-
  -Authentic Astronaut Food-
  -Astronaut Strawberries-

DWELLING SPACE
Decorate your most close quarters with blankets that keep out all those galactic shivers.

• -NASA Vector Thermal Knit Blanket-
  -Space Blanket-

TO THE MOON!
If you are truly a devoted earthling, try decking you self in an astronomically cool bike jersey.  Truly looking for the ultimate space experience?  The replica Space Station is the ultimate visitors pod for those who are looking for some earthly adventure.

• -Mission Control Team Cycling Jersey-
• -International Space Station Destiny Module Replica-

-Rachel

Ageism-We're Guilty-A Brief Rant about Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth-Podcast

In case you can't read that, yes that is Kim Gordon, and yes the cover story is called "Eternal Youth."  I totally understand the temptation to play off the name of her band (Sonic Youth), but her face is light years away from what I would describe as Eternal Youth.  Kim Gordon is only slightly younger than my mother.  No doubt she looks good for her age/profession, but give me a break-- this woman is no spring chicken.

-Rachel

Monte Carlo - Chic Summer Fun in Monaco's capital city with Prince Albert- FASHIONTRIBES TRAVEL PODCAST & BLOG

Monaco's capital-Monte Carlo-is the hotspot playground for the rich and famous- FASHIONTRIBES TRAVEL PODCAST MP3 File

Ready for some gambling, shopping and flirting with Prince Albert? Monaco is worth a trip. Deck yourself out in your flashiest designer wear and bejewel your fingers, wrists and neck. Whether it be by helicopter, car, or luxury yacht it's time to check out Monte-Carlo, a capital city bursting at the seams with what appears to be more royalty, supermodels and celebrities than a Hollywood awards show.

The Principality, known for its lack of taxes, high rolling gambling and unabashed wealth, is rich with hospitality and excitement all year round.

Here is our Lucky Seven in a city where you can live footloose and IRS free!

1. Amber Lounge:
OK, it’s not fair of me to mention it a few months after the Grand Prix. But, I contend you have to put it on you calendar – as there’s no better time to plan for next year. Available to those of you in Monte-Carlo for the race, Amber Lounge is the ultimate in exclusivity. Sonia Irvine, sister of racecar driver Eddie Irvine, opened this lounge, club and restaurant last year. It’s closed 362 days a year (363 this year), but come May, the lounge is hopping with celebs and personalities like Prince Albert, Bono, The Edge, Wesley Snipes, Ronaldo, Heidi Klum and Helena Christensen. Located in Grimaldi Forum, the sea-front lounge is 200 meters from the entrance to the tunnel on the F-1 Circuit, and is a favorite among drivers like Irvine and Schumacher. Veuve Cliquot tables are available for 3850 Euros per night, while an evening at one of the Cristal tables is 7500 Euros. There is also a Moroccan VIP terrace looking over the ocean that serves canapés and drinks. Open 10:30pm-5:00am dur¬ing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Grand Prix weekend. Amber-lounge.com.

2. Le point rouge
Opened in November 2002, this concept restaurant, bar and club immediately attracted the jet-setting tanned and fabulous, including celebrity party-goers P. Diddy, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Schumacher. Run by Frank Fiorito, who has been on the forefront of ‘hot’ for 15 years (having worked at Jimmy’z, Caves du Roy in St. Tropez and Olivia Valere in Marbella), the discothèque couldn’t help but make a splash with the nightlife-loving society. He has brought together all of the elements to make a unique, sophisticated yet über-chic evening. Le Point Rouge’s elegant and cozy lounge space is a great place to chill out with a bottle of Krug, Dom or Cristal, and the slate-walled and torch lit dance floor is fabulous if international music is going to move you. You can also enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant — perhaps the scampi fritters or lobster salad. Open Wednesday to Saturday; Restaurant 7:30 a.m. -1:00 a.m.; Club 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 am. Lepointrouge.mc.

3. Jimmy’z
This is classic Monaco at its finest. Jimmy’z is one of the most famous bars in the world, known for beautiful clientele like Naomi Campbell, Bono and Lionel Richie, and an outdoor dance floor with extraordinary views of Monte-Carlo and the Mediterranean Sea. Created by French entertainer Régine, the nightclub is still going strong after 30 years and boasts a new interior design including an authentic “Gold Mine,” a private parlor and new bar. For reservations, call after 11 p.m. +377 92 16 22 77; 24 . Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte-Carlo.

4. Columbus Hotel:
Monaco has several hotels one could call “trés Louis” but just one that reflects “Riviera chic,” all about the modern lifestyle of young jet-setters. The Columbus was opened in 2001 by Scottish hotelier Ken McCulloch and Formula One driver David Coulthard. Sleekly decorated by Amanda Rosa (who is also McCulloch’s wife — creating a formidable team), the Columbus’ interior is accented with leather, marble, wood, and stone, in soft lavender, gray and beige. The elegant yet contemporary hotel offers views of the Mediterranean, mountains, and the Princess Grace Rose Gardens. It has a chic restaurant and bar, which celebs Naomi Campbell, David and Victoria Beckham and Princess Stephanie have been known to enjoy. Rooms feature all of the high tech and high style comforts of home: Italian furni¬ture, interactive TV, PlayStation, Video on Demand, and an online concierge. You can “keep busy” at the Columbus by lounging at the swimming pool or on the private beach, or by playing tennis or golf. The hotel is also happy to assist in arranging a private helicop¬ter or luxury boat charter to allow you a new perspective on the Principality. 23 Avenue des
Papalins, Monaco. Columbus-hotels.com.

5. Le Louis XV:
Life at its most opulent is lived in the Hôtel de Paris. And food at its finest is served at Le Louis XV. Alain Ducasse’s prestigious Mediterranean restaurant located in the hotel has been awarded 3 Michelin stars (within 4 years of being open, no less). Ducasse’s ‘sun-kissed’ cuisine features the seasonal flavors of the region, and is simple and traditional at its essence. The springtime fare includes asparagus, morels and artichokes, and come summer spicy and aromatic tomatoes are featured. The dining room in the exclusive hotel is befitting of a royal court with its rich fabrics, woods, mirrors and marble, all gilded a la Louis. At the end of a meal, diners can enjoy a choice of 15 tobaccos or a cigar. The whole experience should be reserved for those who still revel in the bygone days where life that felt good was to be embraced and celebrated. Alain-ducasse.com

6. Zebra Square
The brasserie style food at swanky Zebra Square is not to be missed when in Monte-Carlo. The bar/restaurant attracts models and celebrities as well
as foodies who know its sister restaurant in the 16th arrondissement in Paris. Although decorated a la safari (Zebra prints abound, as well as leather and velvet in hues of chocolate and sable), the restaurant does not offer African cuisine, but rather French fare, everything from tartars to tarts. Zebra Square’s menu is refined, inventive and modern. You can enjoy an intimate dinner inside or can sit outside overlooking the sea, taking in the panoramic views of luxury yachts while sipping on what we hear is a delicious vodka cocktail. Located on the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, 10 Ave. Princesse Grace

7. Les Thermes Marins
Sometimes when you are immersed in all the wealth and luxury Monte-Carlo has to offer, you lose the inner you. Time to step back into yourself, relax and find the harmony and balance that can get lost after too many nights dancing and drinking the night away at the city’s famous hotspots. Les Thermes Marins is all about reuniting body and soul and bridging Oriental wisdom with life in the 21st century. It’s about rejuvenation, relaxation and harmony. Splurge on the Sea Luxury Treatment. This spa service uses a range of La Prairie body care products, rich in marine extracts. You can close your eyes and detoxify your body and soul as you are being slathered with a caviar cream. Sea Luxury Treatment: 188 Euros for 90 minutes. +377 92 16 49 46; montecarloresort.com

That was rolling the dice in Monaco and the weekly Travel podcast with Jennifer Cattaui for Fashiontribes.com.

Summertime Sangria - Fun Recipes From the Basic to the Elaborate; The Right Accoutrements: Pitcher, Glasses, Plates & Themed Napkins - FASHIONTRIBES WINE & ENTERTAINING PODCAST & BLOG

Summertime Sangria - Fun Recipes From the Basic to the Elaborate; The Right Accoutrements: Pitcher, Glasses, Plates & Themed Napkins - FASHIONTRIBES WINE & ENTERTAINING PODCAST & BLOG - MP3 File

Balmy, lazy summer evenings eating & lounging outdoors...there's only one beverage option: Sangria!

Created in Spain and first made popular on these shores at the 1964 World's Fair, sangria is based on the traditional red wine punch - made from claret, a French Bordeaux wine - that has been popular in Europe for eons, with some fruit and brandy added for flava. "Sangria is the perfect party punch that just about everybody loves," says Lisa Shea, editor of the fab WineIntro.com.

Shea explains that although traditional sangria is made from red wine, brandy and fruit, it can be made in an almost limitless variety of ways - probably as many as there are sangria freaks with opinions on the topic. "It's one of the most individualistic drinks on the market. Don't just buy a mix at the store," she advises, "have fun and create your own!" The fun of sangria is taking your fave red wine and fruit and then experimenting.

SANGRIA TIPS: In the don't-say-we-didn't-give-you-a-heads-up category, please, for the love of god, don't be tempted to cheap out and use anything other than good quality red wine. You & your posse will thank-thank-thank us in the morning. Although Rioja gives the most authentic Spanish flavor, any good red will suffice. Also, always chill overnight whenever possible as it vastly improves matters.

Before we get into some actual sangria recipes - first things first: the necessary accoutrements to enhance your sangria-quaffing enjoyment:

• SERVE IT IN STYLE: It's been scientifically proven that sangria tastes better served in a fancy pitcher. This handpainted number is cleverly designed so your ice cubes won't tumble into your glass & it holds up to six big-ass servings. Salut! PrevailingWinds.com
• DRINK UP WITHOUT BREAKAGE: A festive bev deserves an equally festive glass. These "Dot Dot Dot" glasses from CrateAndBarrel.com add a splash of color, and because they're acrylic, you won't have to worry about some inevitable drunken butterfingers breaking any of them.
• DON'T FORGET TO EAT: Stave off the munchies - and avoid getting trashed too early in the evening - with these cute and clever condiment trays from UncommonGoods.com.
• SUNNY SUMMER PLATES: Forgo the predictable paper plate-age with these happy, colorful plates. Your fashion friends will approve. PlumParty.com
• PUT THE ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS AWAY & NO ONE GETS HURT: Rather - go for these supa' festive & fruit-themed napkins for a much-deserved dose of frivolity. IslandMadness.com

And now, courtesy of WineIntro.com, some Fun sangria recipes:

FRUIT PUNCH FOR ADULTS: BASIC SANGRIA RECIPE

• 1 bottle Rioja or other red wine
• 1 shotglass of lime juice
• 2 shots of Bacardi
• various seasonal fruit, chopped up

Mix everything together, stir well & refridgerate overnight. Serve with ice cubes.

MEDITERRANEAN FLAIR: ITALIAN RESTAURANT SANGRIA

• 2 bottles fruity red wine
• 15 ounces of cranberry juice
• 10 ounces of Grenadine
• 8 ounces Sweet Vermouth

This tastes better if you make it ahead of time: Mix all ingredients together & stir well. Throw in some cherries & orange circles & refridgerate overnight. Serve over ice. Enjoy.

LUCK O' THE IRISH: IRISH WHISKEY SANGRIA

• 1 bottle Roija or other red wine
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Sprite
• 4 cups Irish whiskey
• 4 plums, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 can (12 oz) lemonade concentrate

Mix everything together & refridgerate overnight. Pout into a pitcher & serve over ice.

HELP! I'M-THROWING-A-HUGE-BASH: JAY'S PARTY SANGRIA RECIPE

• 4 bottles Cabernet Sauvignon, warm
• 1 bottle White Zinfandel, warm
• 3/4 quart orange juice
• 2 small cans pineapple juice
• 1 can Sprite
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
• 3 oranges - cut into wheels
• 3 limes - quartered
• 6 strawberries - halved

Combine ingredients in a vat and let sit for 2 hours. Then refridgerate overnight. Serve over ice, and add fresh fruit.

WHITE IS ALRIGHT: WHITE SANGRIA

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 short cinnamon sticks
• 1 bottle white wine - use something dry & not full of oak eg. French or Spanish
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 oranges - cut into wedges
• 10 cherries
• 2 apples - cut into pieces

Heat the water, sugar & cinnamon sticks and simmer for 5 minutes - then let cool back to room temperature. Remove the cinnamon sticks & mix in the rest of the ingredients. Refridgerate overnight & serve with ice cubes.

sangria pitcher: http://www.tienda.com/ceramics/pop/cm-07.html

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK: FIVE FRUIT SANGRIA

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 triple sec
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 bottle (6 ounces) club soda
• 1 of each of the following: orange, lemon, lime, red apple, peach - cut into wedges

Put fruit wedges into a pitcher & add in the rest of the ingredients. Let sit for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice.

BUT WHAT ABOUT ALL THAT SUGAR?!! MELON LOW SUGAR SANGRIA

• 2 bottle Melon/Mango Sparkling Ice (a flavored water available in different fruit flavors)
• 1 bottle White Zinfandel wine (for sweeter sangria) or Rose (to make it more dry)
• 1 cup strawberries - sliced

Not just low sugar, it's ridiculously easy to make: Mix the Sparkling Ice & wine. Add strawberries. Chill & serve with ice.

STAY SKINNY WHILE YOU GET DRUNK: ATKINS FRIENDLY SANGRIA

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 bottle diet orange soda

WineIntro.com's Shea recommends Almaden Cabernet Sauvignon because "it's really inexpensive per glass that way, and the wine is actually pretty tasty." Stick to diet soda sweetened with Splenda rather than Aspartame, such as the Waist Watchers brand.

Want more-more-more? Shea has tons more recipes on her WineIntro.com site. Experiment away!

Currently playing on the Fashiontribes iPod

For the Musically inclined, here's what's on our On-The-Go list:


“You got a Killer Scene There, Man…”-Queens Of the Stone Age, Lullabies to Paralyze

Just Like Heaven-Dinosaur Jr.-  You’re Living All Over Me

All The Young Dudes- Mott the Hoople, All the Young Dudes

She’s Lost Control- Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures

Love Buzz- Nirvana, Bleach

Summer Babe- Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted

Village Green Preservation Society- The Kinks, The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society

Sally Maclennane-The Pogues, Rum Sodomy and The Lash

Could Well Be In- The Streets, A Grand Don’t Come For Free

Take Me To the River- Talking Heads, More Songs About Buildings and Food

Son of a Gun-The Vaselines, The Way of The Vaselines:A Complete History

Cool It Down- The Velvet Underground, Loaded

The Beast and Dragon, Adored- Spoon, Gimme Fiction

The Road Leads Where It’s Led- Secret Machines, Now Here is Nowhere

What Kate Did- The Libertines, The Libertines

-Rachel

Tattoo Mania: From "Inked" on A&E to "Miami Ink" to John Irving's "Until I Find You", Tattoos are Actually A Widespread Ancient Form of Artistic Self Expression & Recording Memories of the World Around Us - FASHIONTRIBES POP CULTURE PODCAST & BLOG

Tattoo Mania: From "Inked" on A&E to "Miami Ink" to John Irving's "Until I Find You", Tattoos are Actually A Widespread Ancient Form of Artistic Self Expression & Recording Memories of the World Around Us - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES POP CULTURE PODCAST - MP3 File

Inked on A&E, Miami Ink on TLC, John Irving's latest effort Until I Find You - about a tattoo-artist dragging her son across northern Europe looking for his runaway father, an "ink addict"- and the fact that an estimated one in seven adults has a tattoo. There's suddenly a lot of ink in prime time. What's up with that?

GETTING INK IS NOTHING NEW:

According to the Australian Museum, Austmus.gov.au, our desire to decorate our bodies is nothing new: It's as old as we are and a characteristic we're born with. "The impetus to decorate and adorn is essentially a human characteristic and is something that people have always done." Fifty-three hundred year old mummies covered in tattoo show that we've liked our ink for some time now. According to Steve Gilbert, author of Tattoed Mummies in the super-comprehensive everything-ink-related Tattoos.com, from the extensive amount of evidence of elaborate and intricate tattoos found on both sexes, tattooing was not only widespread throughout the ancient world, it was beautifully rendered artwork.

TATTOOS REFLECT THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN:

A large part of the reason people have always gotten tattoos is to mark significant events in their lives, family history, and even social status. "The Polynesians used tattoos as a historical device. Each one told a story about who you were or what your position in society would be," explains tattoo artist Bob Munden of the Fiery Dragon Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio, in a piece in the Kentucky Kernel. "Tattoos told their family history, like the Indians used to write it out on buffalo hides. Each Polynesian had a different tattoo that told a different story." (And until the first electric tattoo machine was invented in 1891 by Samuel O'Riley, tattoos were done by hand - really slow & really painful.) 

In the same way that Polynesians inked their personal resumes onto their bodies, old school sailors got tattoos of what was important in their world: booze, mothers, gambling & "fast" women - so that's what they recorded on their bodies. Those iconic Sailor Jerry tattoos which seemed so shocking in their time now seem almost quaint and cartoon-y, with a mellow nostalgic appeal. Why? Times have changed & those images no longer resonate. Instead, today's tattoo enthusiast opts for imagery that reflects his or her world. (illustrations from KentuckyKernel.com & DesignBoom.com)

AS THE WORLD GOES ONLINE, PHYSICAL MEMORABILIA IS DISAPPEARING: 

In an increasingly electronic, paperless world, more and more of our history is stored on computers and on websites, and there are fewer tangible reminders of important past events. Even those once ubiquitious "secret" diaries, in which kids would record their youthful dreams and aspirations, are being replaced by blogs. More memories are being stored as computer code, and most of us have had a computer crash & leave behind no trace of whatever it was you were working on, so predictably, everyone is looking for a more tangible way to store memories and mark important events. Also, our early twenties is the time when many of us undergo the most dramatic changes in our lives, so it's not surprising that that's the time when many get a "sleeve" ( tattoos which cover the entire arm) as a way to record important events which mark the passage from childhood to independence - to being an adult.  (Interestingly, it is around this time in life - the early twenties - when many science geniuses such as mathematicians like John Nash - the subject of A Beautiful Mind - complete their most groundbreaking work, so this is indeed a time of great personal change and discovery). (photo at ConsciousChoice.com)

TATTOOS AS THE NEW SOCIAL RITE OF PASSAGE:

On a deeper level, we live in an age of disintegrating nuclear families, makeshift social ties, and pervasive Gen-X-slacker ironic sneering at anything "important". At present, our society has few, if any, social institutions and rites of passage: Marriage has become virtually disposable, the church is enveloped in scandal, and children routinely continue to live with their parents well into their twenties (and beyond). Traditional rites of passage have disappeared, so people need to make up their own rituals - especially teens on the cusp of adulthood. Tattoos are a time-honored way to create rites and rituals that are meaningful. According to Traci Carroll, author of Consumer Tribes in ConsciousChoice.com, in her interview with tattoo artist Benn Wallenborn about this so-called New Tribalism, he noted "The tendency of just-turned-18-year-olds to come into the shop in groups in order to get tattoos in a sort of rite of passage. Wallenborn's observation, as well as the disproportionate popularity of body art among teenagers and young adults, perhaps attest to our culture's lack of meaningful initiation rites that "mark" our entrance into adulthood," says Carroll. "Regardless of the political or social message one attempts to broadcast by getting a tattoo, in many cases tattoos do seem to fulfill a need to claim group membership, whether that group is the nuclear family, Generation X, or the social and economic unit of the street gang."

THE SAME MOTIFS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR:

The same tattoo designs that are popular today were also popular back in the day:

1. Tattoos in ancient Egypt related to the sensual, emotional and erotic - like many a modern tatt
2. Inca ink was characterized by the bold, more abstract tribal designs that are currently so popular.
3. Pazyryks (Iron age horseman & warriors who inhabited the Eastern European & Western Asian steppes from the sixth to second centuries BC) favored animals - both real and imaginary - as did many other cultures. Animals have always been popular because they "are traditionally associated with magic, totemism, and the desire of the tattooed person to become identified with the spirit of the animal."

TATTOOS THROUGHOUT HISTORY:

Although similar designs appear across the various cultures, they can have significantly different meanings. The Australian Museum has a helpful history of tattoos throughout history and time:

• OTZI the ICE MAN The 5,300 year old body, discovered in 1991 in the Austrian Alps, has 57 tattoos - the oldest tattooed body known. Apparently, some of the tattoos on his ankles, knees and lower back appear to be for the treatment of arthritis of the joints. (picture from IrishHealth.com)
• PAZYRYK MUMMIES Mummies dating back 2400 years from the High Altai Mountains of western and Southern Siberia have griffin and monster tattoos, some of which have magical significance, while others are purely decorative. The tattoos as a whole are thought to represent an individual's status. (illustrations of mummy's ink from Tattoos.com)
• MUMMY OF AMUNET Like all tattooed mummies from Egypt, this priestess of the goddess of love, Hathor, was female. Because they were located on her lower abdomen, it's thought that they are linked to fertility. (This one dates from the XI dynasty around 4000 years ago). (EclipsePhoenix.Homestead.com)
• THE PACIFIC A 3000 year old pottery shard is the earliest evidence of tattooing in the Lapita culture of the Pacific, showing pricked markings onthe nose, cheeks and forehead that suggest tattooing technique. (Photos at DesignBoom.com; Lapita Pottery from Users.on.net)
• JAPAN 3000 year old "dogu" figurines display similar markings to the indigenous Ainu people's tattooed mouths. (Ainu photo from NationMaster.com; Dogu pic at e-yakimono.net)
• ANCIENT GREECE & ROME Greeks like Plato, Aristophanes, Julius Ceasar & Herodotus all mention tattoos, which they learned from the Persians and used to mark slaves and punish criminals. Romans adopted tattooing from the Greeks, until the first Christian emperor of Rome banned facial tattooing of slaves and prisoners in the 4th century. By 787, Pope Hadrian banned all forms of tattooing. (barcode tattoo at BarCodeArt.com)
• CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA 11th century tattooed Inca mummies from Peru have been found, while 16th century Spanish accounts of Mayan tattooing in Mexico & Central America describe tattoos as a form of courage. (ClubTattoo.com)
• NORTH AMERICA & EUROPE Tattooing was a widespread practice among Native Americans according to early Jesuit accounts. The Chicasaw indians recognized outstanding warriors with tattoos, while elaborate tattooes reflected high status among the Ontario Iroquoians. Inuit women in northwest America indicated marital status with tattoos on their chins.(SkinAndInk.com)
• EUROPE 18th century French sailors returned from the South Pacific with intricate tattoos until the French navy and army banned tattooing following a 19th century study by a French naval surgeon outlining some of the medical complications from the procedure. English sailors also took to tattoos, where it became a tradition within the British navy in the 19th century. In 1862, the Prince of Wales got a Jerusalem cross tattoo after visiting the Holy Land, while in 1882, his sons (one of which later ascended to the throne as King George V) got tattoos from the Japanese master tattooist Hori Chiyo
• MAORI TATTOOS - TA MOKO Worn by both men and women, Maori Ta Moko was applied to men's faces and buttocks, and to the womens' chins, lips and shoulders. Only when someone close to them had died would the women put a small marking on the face. Considered to be a huge honor, Ta Moko "was like a history of a person's achievements and represented their status in their tribe. It's was like a resume. It also served as a reminder to people about their responsibility in life." There were no set patterns in Ta Moko - its meaning depended on where it was placed - on the left side, it related to the father's history; on the right side, to the mother's.
• SAMOAN "TA TAU" In the Samoan language, tatau - tattoo - means appropriate, balanced and fitting. Both men and women were tattood as a sign of having reached adulthood and being ready for life and to serve the community. Women received a "malu" - purely ornamental & without any specific patterns, except for a diamond-shaped design on the back of the knee. Men received a "pe'a" which covered the whole area from the waist to the knees. It was always applied in the same order: the lumbar area of the back first and the navel last. Without the naval design - the "pute" - the tattoo was considered unfinished & the wearer ashamed of being unable to complete the ceremony.

  Still can't get enough? For tons more info about all things tattoo-related, check out VanishingTattoo.com. From photographs, to historical & anthropological sites, to cool designs, this site has it all. For books on body art & then some - tatts, piercing, modification, implants, scarification, branding - AnathemaBooks.com has pretty much any and all books on the topic.

John Rush's Spiritual Tattoo, a fascinating study of "body mods", traces it back 1.5 million years. Wow. Amazon.com.

Summer Shorts guide: Avoid being mocked by friends and Fashiontribes editors. Wear your shorts appropriately-Podcast & Blog

Fashiontribes guide to enjoying the summer dressing trend of shorts-MP3 File

Not to sound like a complete raving lunatic, but I feel there is obviously still a necessity for a tutorial on shorts.  Somehow, somewhere someone isn't getting the message.  At all.  Shorts offenses are the number one summer fashion crime (followed closely by belly shirts and people who feel the street is their beach and walk around in bikini tops).  Shorts done well is a great summer look.  Unfortunately, shorts done well is a phrase I rarely get to use.

Not everyone is 6 feet tall and catwalk ready, but mere mortals can do shorts-and well!  The trick is to take cues from the runway and from magazines, and blend it with your style, and of course, a sense of appropriateness.  I can't see one more pair of too-short, tacky-ass ugly shorts and possibly not stop the offender.  Instead of issuing tickets on the street, I have put together some short-wearing guidelines, and some tips on adapting the look for cooler weather.

• Length The length of the short should be based on a few factors.  Unfortunately, shorts are a look that is completely dictated by body type. If you are short with thicker legs, you can't go as short as someone with long, colt-like legs.  Short-shorts are reserved only for those with doll-like proportions.  If you have a body-type resembling the Olsen twins or a Japanese girl, you can tastefully wear short shorts.  If you aren't as bird-like in figure, try knee-length .  Fall somewhere in between?  Cuff a knee-length pair to just-below mid-thigh.  Also notice-anyone who rocks shorts well goes for a looser fit.  Skin tight is just stomach turning.
  
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• Material-Material is also contingent on body type.  While a very doll-like MK or a tiny Nicole Richie can pull of silk/satin shorts with prints, us civilians should most likely stick to denim, twill or even suiting material.  Seersucker and Madras are cute options, but both need to be longer.  Short seersucker shorts will look like a diaper.  The safest bet for a shorter short is a denim or twill.  Cuffing can only occur is the act of walking won't be impeded.
  
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• Footwear seems to be the number on thing people don't get when they put on shorts.  Because shorts already imply a casual nature, flip-flops, Birkenstock, sneakers and the like should be ruled out as footwear options.  As I see it, there are 4 ways to go.  A boot can look cute, but the shorts have to be on the shorter side, and you have to have some height and be trim.  Go for a cowboy boot or a slouchy pirate-style boot, and save the boots for your denim shorts.  Snappy sandals work, but only if they have an element of dressiness.  Something strappy and metallic can look fine.  A small heel is cute, but make sure not to go to high-no one aims to look slutty.  The best look, I feel, is a pair of cute flats.  Whether it be in the form of a ballet slipper or a pointy toe, they are chic and still comfortable.
  
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• On top- Almost anything can look cute with shorts, but you have to look put together.  If the shorts are slim and on the shorter side, a flow-y belted shirt is cute.    A longer, looser shirt also looks cuts sans belt.  Button downs-fitted, tucked in or not, gives a naughty secretary air to the outfit.  If the shorts are bold (printed or colorful) a plain, fitted tank should do the trick.  Dressier shorts that need to be brought down a notch look adorable with a vintage t.  Try a cardigan for a cooler night.  Dressing up shorts works with a cute, fitted jacket.
  
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• Accessories help make the look dressy.  Don't go for broke-because shorts definitely already call attention to your outfit, remain tasteful with only a few items.  I long simple strand of beads looks very cute.  A big bag seems to be de riguer with shorter shorts.  If you are a jewel junkie, try a bold set of beads and a couple of bangles.
  
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• For Winter?  Why not?  To winterize your favorite item, there are a few options.  For the warmer bit of fall, tall boots with a heel (see Chloe) are appropriate.  Shorts should be a thicker material and must be around knee length.  Once the chill starts, a plain pair of tights (no crazy colour, no pattern)  looks very cute, especially for a party.  Kudos to anyone who rocks the shorts and cape look below!
  
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-Rachel

Fashion Insider Constance White - In-Depth Interview with eBay.com's Style Director: Online Fashion; Fall Fashion Collections & Trends (Victorian, Black, Suits, Sports, Folkloric, Menswear); Fall Wardrobe Must-Haves - FASHIONTRIBES FASHION PODCAST & BLOG

Fashion Insider Constance White - In-Depth Interview with eBay.com's Style Director: Online Fashion; Fall Fashion Collections & Trends (Victorian, Black, Suits, Sports, Folkloric, Menswear); Fall Wardrobe Must-Haves - WEEKLY FASHIONTRIBES FASHION PODCAST - MP3 File

Quick: whose fashion business is worth $3.1 billion – yes billion! – annually, is the number one fashion site online, and is growing like a weed? The Gap? Levis? Neiman Marcus. No, no & no again….drumroll please…eBay.com.

With an online fashion presence this big, we knew it was time to have another chat with the auction giant’s charming and witty style director and fashion spokesperson Constance White for her insights on online fashion, the trends, the Fall collections to pay attention to, and which items should absolutely find their way into  your wardrobe this season.

WHAT A COOL JOB!
A former television fashion pundit and style writer for The New York Times, White’s job was created specially for her when eBay executives in California realized they needed a fashion insider, based in New York, who could provide a link to what was being done in San Jose. They sought a fashion editorial point of view because not only do they have a mindbogglingly broad demographic – from girls in their early teens to fashionistas over the age of 60 scattered across the US and the world – but contrary to popular misconception, the majority of their merchandise is brand new…or NWT, “New With Tags” in eBay-speak. “There was a thought as to how to continue this momentum, and make it even better, and one of the areas they needed help in was a more editorial point of view, a merchandising point of view, which really came from within the fashion industry, as opposed to outside of it. And to understand and translate the industry from the point of view of a fashion insider.”

In addition to her role as spokesperson, White’s duties also include advising eBay on how to improve their fashion business and increase fashion shopping on the site. She has developed special shopping auction events by partnering with hot designers like Narciso Rodriguez and Proenza Schouler, and the Seventh on Sixth “Seventh on Sale” sample sale – billed as the world’s largest – which will take place later this fall to benefit the AIDS/HIV initiative. Over 100 of the top designers, from Dolce & Gabbana, to Versace, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez and more will have thousands of items of womenswear, menswear, home and beauty on sale at rock-bottom prices. Unlike the last Seventh on Sale ten years ago, this one is available to eBay shoppers all over the world.

The open and available nature of online fashion is one of the key characteristics of eBay that White finds exciting, and empowering, to women. “I think it’s that we’ve put the power in her hands, for the most part, while giving her some guidance. By putting the power in her hands, she can go online, so therefore she can shop anytime and any place,” says White. “ Also, the breadth and depth of what’s available is huge.” The downside, of course, to too much choice is confusion, which is why she edits a highly helpful, verbose-free eZine, eBay.com/PersonalStyle, to help a hapless shopper get the 411. “She can go to the eZine, and say, “okay, these are five trends that have been isolated. Now I get it, and I can just click and buy one or two of these pieces.” It’s a mini-eZine, it’s not overwhelming. It caters very much to the web audience, so there’s not a lot of verbiage.”

THE ONLINE FASHION EXPLOSION

With numbers that dwarf the earnings of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, eBay’s exploding online fashion business mirrors the growth of shopping on the internet, which forecasters estimate will increase by more than 20% this year. Why? Both demographic and behavioral factors. “First of all, you have what I call a Sex and The City phenomenon where we’ll all be sitting around watching TV, and saying, “I want that, I want that, it looks incredible” but, before eBay, what do you do if you’re in a city, as so many people are, which doesn’t have a Neiman Marcus, which doesn’t have a Saks Fifth Avenue, and the closest one is an hour’s drive away.” Now, Carrie’s to-die-for shoes or Miranda’s adorable dress are but a click away, regardless of where you live. White points out that most of us don’t live in large cities, but in small towns and more rural areas bereft of a convenient high fashion emporium. “People have become so much more interested, and part of the whole Sex and the City influence is that people have become a lot more sophisticated about fashion, therefore with eBay – which is very much about having your own experience – they’re able to access that and be comfortable shopping that way: “Let me see what I like. Let me bid on this or that.””

WHERE IS THE NEXT BIG THING? A JUMBLE OF TRENDS & NO OVERARCHING THEMES

From high-necked, long-skirted Victorian primness to folkloric and Russian themes to the 60s, the fall runways were filled with a head-spinning array of subjects. But where do they converge? “I don’t see any overarching themes,” agrees White. “And I think it’s a good thing when it’s a jumble, as long as women are more sophisticated about fashion.” She notes that fashion journalists (like herself & yours truly) help to translate the runway for non-insiders and instead of enslaving them to a single trend, give women fashion freedom. “A woman can choose what suits her body, what suits her mood, rather than how it was 20 years ago: okay, here are the two trends. If they don’t work for you, you better wear The Gap. And we’re talking about when The Gap was a t-shirt and a pair of jeans,” she explains. “I would say it’s going to be a great fall season because there are a lot of options and because everything is new. It’s a new look coming out from summer and what we’ve been revelling in for the past couple of years, and that’s exciting. And the season has several different trends to appeal to different kinds of fashion personalities…From Victorian, to the Eastern European influence, folkloric influence, menswear influence, black and white – I think it’s going to be interesting to see which of these trends women pick up on.” (pics from left to right: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture, Christian Dior Couture, Chanel Couture)

THE TRENDS:

• BLACK IS BACK “We’re about to bury pink, finally, as a fashion trend. Some of the biggest news for fall is the return of darker colors, like black in particular. For fall, we expect a lot of black, and black & white. In addition, jewel colors like teal and ruby, wine.” (Louis Vuitton)
• VICTORIAN “COVERED-UP” SEXY "The Victorian silhouette is going to be another big trend – what I call “covered up” sexy,” says White. From high necklines to velvets and dressmaker details, this silhouette “exudes womanliness and sexiness. It’s an 80s influence, as epitomized by the controversial (and hugely influential) Marc Jacobs collection.” She explains that while the straight-off-the-runway look will not enjoy widespread appeal, elements of this influential collection will. “When you break it apart, there are several pieces and ideas which were great and interesting and intriguing, and they also are quite wearable. Worn with a pair of jeans, for instance, not from head-to-toe. We’re going to see the influence of these dark colors, and he had these great capelets, and the whole idea of the long skirt, the whole point he made about the low heel and the flat shoe, bows and dark flowers. These are all going to be picked up and incorporated into wearable, more accessible clothes.”  (Rochas; the rest: Marc Jacobs)
• FASHION GOES FOLKLORIC  From the Russian-theme so prevalent in many collections, to folklorically-inspired garments, to Gaultier Couture’s recent ode to Ukrainian garb, fashion’s Boho-Hippie has gone ethnic. “As a vivid example, this might be translated into a velvet smock, and you might wear that as a dress with boots, but you can also wear it over a long skirt.” (Dries Van Noten)
• SKIRT (SUIT) THE ISSUE “For Fall, I would probably say the return of little skirt suit has not been talked about that much, and should be."   (YSL Rive Gauche)
• MENSWEAR There’s never been a better time to channel your inner Garbo. (John Galliano)
• SPORTY SPICE “Another trend for fall not to be overlooked is the whole sports influence. We’ve have it for years, so it’s easy to overlook it, but the sports influence continues unabated,” says White, explaining that the subject of sports has become an integral part of everday life. “Whether you’re talking about obesity, it’s inevitable you’re going to talk about exercise. If you’re talking about women and if 50 is the new 40, it’s inevitable you’re going to talk about exercise and sports. If you’re talking about who our super-celebrities are, it’s inevitable that you’re going to mention everyone from Tiger Woods to Venus Williams – it’s just so much a part of who we are.” From sneakers to stiletto heels influenced by sneakers, or gowns with a racerback style workout bra in the bodice, sports will continue to influence fashion heavily. “In addition, I think the reason sports continues, and will continue to be so influential, is our lifestyles – we’re influencing fashion with our lifestyles and women are saying, “I want to be more comfortable.” And most of the ideas for making comfortable but fashionable clothes – a lot of them come from sports.”  (John Galliano; Narciso Rodriguez; Anna Sui)

DOING YOUR FASHION HOMEWORK – FOR YOUR FALL WARDROBE, WHITE RECOMMENDS TAKING YOUR CUE FROM THESE COLLECTIONS: 

• CALVIN KLEIN This collection “really summed up many of the great trends of the season" and was "very accessible.”
• PRADA “Really defined the season.”
• MARC JACOBS ”For a woman who wants to see a more creative direction and see fashion in its extreme, but done provocatively.”
• LANVIN For beautiful ladylike - but interesting - romantic clothes
• BALENCIAGA
• YSL RIVE GAUCHE From little jackets with pants, to skirt suits, Stefano Pilati nailed it this season, capturing the “new chic” – along with Lanvin, “and to a lesser extent, Louis Vuitton.”
• MICHAEL KORS
• NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 
• ROCHAS White dubs this collection “provocatively beautiful” and “very interesting.” She notes that, like Marc Jacobs, the collection is so cerebral (fashionspeak for unwearable...unless you’re Isabella Blow) he would “do well to knock himself off, because then you can dilute it and break it apart, and everyone copies  it, takes it forward and makes it very interesting and wearable.”
• TRACY REESE
• CHLOE
• DEREK LAM  Even though this less well-known designer was criticized by some for drawing too much on Phoebe Philo’s work (the designer of Chloe), White found this collection very interesting. "For the woman looking for direction, and for something that was important to the season, Derek Lam is a good one.”
• ANDREW GN (pronouned “gen” – with a hard "g") “Of the designers that are too often overlooked, Andrew Gn did some incredible coats, just exquisite.” Unlike Balenciaga’s “severe, architectural, and sublime” coats, Gn’s were “feminine and fussy and beautifully done.”

ONCE YOU’VE STUDIED THE COLLECTIONS, IT’S TIME TO GO SHOPPING: THE MUST-HAVE ITEMS:

• BOOT OR FLAT SHOE (Marc Jacobs)
• LITTLE SUIT Whether you pair the jacket with a dress or pants, it’s really important to have a little jacket. “It really epitomizes the new look.” White speculates that the little jacket reappeared as a counterweight to all “the casual, the sweater, the cardigan, the dress without the jacket, the anything-without-the-jacket  there’s been so much of for almost two years or more.” Also, you can throw on a jacket and look effortlessly chic. “The jacket for the baby boomer woman is a great wardrobe piece. She immediately feels pulled together, without having to hold her gut in or without having to lose weight.” For recent college grads, until now, the jacket has never really been an important part of her wardrobe. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say she’s never worn a jacket, but she’s never really revelled in it or it’s never really been important. She probably came into things when sweater sets were running amok.” (Carolina Herrera)
• DRESSES Dresses will be huge this fall, so buy lots. (Lanvin)
• NECKLACES Long necklaces will continue to replace the chandelier earrings as “a focal point.” (A.F. Vandevorst; Missoni)
• BRACELETS Don't put yours back into storage just yet.(NeimanMarcus.com)
• METALLICS/SHINE as well as clothing that’s jeweled. (D&G; Missoni)
• FUR Lay hands on some fur. "It might be a fur jacket, or it might be a fur handbag.” (She likes the sheared ones.) (Anna Sui; Versace)
• SOMETHING VELVET Try a velvet ribbon, bow or smock. (Derek Lam; Louis Vuitton)
• BLACK The triumphant return of this slimming, no-brainer color. (Doo.Ri)
• BURGUNDY OR RUBY “For something that’s more exciting emotionally (than black), I would go for something like a burgundy, burgundy/ruby.” (Christian Lacroix)
• A FABULOUS COAT “This isn’t a must-have, but this is the season to feel free to really make a fashion statement with a coat, because coats were huge.”  (Balenciaga)

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHITE SETTLES THE GREAT HIGH-WAISTED PANT DEBATE:
As an admitted short-waisted fashionista, White has the good sense to give high waisted pants - currently creeping back into fashion - a miss. “You can pass on them,” she acknowledges. “Let the person who’s like 5’11” and is all waist.” She also adds that to pull off high waisted pants, heels are absolutely mandatory, especially platforms, so you would “miss the fun of going into flats.” 

NOTE: All runway pics from Style.com.

Fashion Police: Head to toe Camo, Too-Short Shorts, Innapropriate footwear, I Heart Ashton hats and other travesties of summer city dressing-Fashiontribes Fashion Podcast & Blog

The not so good, the terrible and the downright ugly-Summer Fashion Faux Pas-MP3 File

We understand the implications of the current summer heat wave.  When the mercury hits the 90 degree range, it is tempting to walk around in as few items of clothing as possible.  However, some of the things people come up with are, how do you say, DISGUSTING!  When getting dressed, keep in mind that others do have to look at you, and that it should be at least considered decent to the remainder of the human population.  Come on people, work with us here.

Criminal Clothing Offenses:

• Booty Shorts-Extremely short shorts are a hard thing to pull off.  Especially if your legs aren't twigs.  Did I mention by hard, i meant impossible?
• Rolled Up T-shirts-Belly shirts look good on NO ONE!  Please don't purchase a regular shirt and convert it.  If it was meant to be 2 inches long, it would have a seam on the bottom.
• Too-tight tank-tops-Yes, it's hot.  Still, isn't the goal to camouflage the back fat, not rejoice in it?
• Head to toe Camo-Last I checked, the war wasn't being fought by civilians in NYC.  Please, please, please no more camo.
• Slogans that don't apply-If you are 40 and living in Chinatown and male, your hat shouldn't say I Heart Ashton.  If you are wearing a band t-shirt because it's cool, not because you know who the band is, please, please refrain.
• Bad Short/Footwear combos-Shorts are difficult enough to pull off.  They are so casual, they require a little sprucing up.  Nix the sneakers or sandals, and go for a cool flat or a low heel.
• Too much Boho clothing at once-It's tempting to purchase the entire stock of Urban Outfitters.  I know.  But seriously, droopy tops, hippie skirts beads and big belts is a toxic combo.

-Rachel