For the latest on what's worth knowing about in New York, check out the weekly videopodcast The In-List, hosted by Najwa Moses of Styleaholics.com. Whether hobnobbing with stylish celebs at the VMAs, chatting with Jerry Springer, or getting to know Beyonce's dog Munchie, Naj has the scoop. Her recent Month of Music even included an interesting interview with the guy who discovered John Legend. As a special treat, guest host(ess) Daiwu - an American living in Tokyo - will be handling host duties for The In-List for the month of December, getting the inside scoop from Japan.
Be sure to check out the latest In List at Styleaholics.com. From being out & about shooting and generally being fabulous, Najwa takes in the trends with this week's podcast report on what's hot in Gotham:
The Return of Newsboy Cap "I saw them a couple of years ago with appliqués & flowers, but they're back again." (Available at HatsInTheBelfry.com)
Ankle boots "I love the scrunched ones, that have ribbons tied on side. I've seen them with a high heel, a low heel, suede, leather and even painted. They remind me of the 80s, especially the ones in purple." (Available at HSN.com)
Cropped Jackets "This is the season for great jackets. You can find them with asymmetrical closures, with snaps, and in military styles. I saw a really great one from crushed purple velour with a high neck." (Available at UrbanOutfitters.com)
Kimono Dresses "The kimono dress is a really strong trend. And dresses in general are back. I'm glad ladies are going back to dresses." (Karen Zambos kimono dress - ActiveEndeavors.com)
Forget extreme sports & amazing races, keeping your cool - beautywise - in the heat of summer should be eligible for an Olympic medal. However, armed with a few of the right beauty tips & products, summerproof beauty can be yours. Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC.com shares the secrets:
Avoid creams & waxes - they weigh down your face, and skip foundation. Instead dab a little concealer (judiciously) on problem areas.
M.A.C. See Thru Lip Color lip stain or Lip Gelee "It comes in three colors - all beautiful." (Available at MACCosmetics.com)
Lip & cheek stains like Benetint are perfect for the season. (Available at Benefit.com)
Max Factor Mascara Lash Perfection Waterproof. "Makeup artist Pat McGrath redesigned all the products and the textures are amazing." (Available at MaxFactor.com)
M.A.C. Fluidline Gel Liner - "You can also use it as an eyeshadow." Kim recommends trying a one of these bright eyes with a lip gelee, or, alternatively, a dark lip with a light eye and just a touch of mascara. (Available at MACCosmetics.com)
Skip the bronzer unless you want to end up with a tinted paste on your face. "You'll end up looking splotchy, especially around the perimeter of your face.
Color matches: blue eyes do well with browns & bronzes; brown eyes get maximum gorgeousness with aquas, purples, golds & browns; greens should try purple for something fun.
"Woven details, braids & other basket details - you'll be seeing a lot of that going forward," says Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com "Everyone from G-series to Bottega Veneta has it, and some even have a basket weave mishmash of everything, and it looks like you could have done it yourself until you look at it closely. Kooba started this trend, like their Haydon clutch with tassels hanging down, a woven barrel, and lanyard knots that you made as a kid."
Woven Basket-detail Bag Picks from Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com :
Najwa Moses, the exceptional NYC stylista & star of The In List Videopodcast on Styleaholics.com - humorous, cross-cultural, in-your-face edgy'tainment from happening spots around Gotham, and interesting & offbeat interviews with groovy types - noticed these trends recently:
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS "Everyone is taking exotic and extreme vacations. I know someone going to the Phillipines, South Africa, Costa Rica, a sweating farm new age thing, and even someone going to Japan to teach for a year. Everyone's going all over the place and exploring the world." Why this sudden wanderlust? Naj is of the opinion that part of it is youth - being young, single, unattached makes it a good time to head for points unknown. The other reason is a deeper social trend. "It probably started with 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the tsunami - everyone is much more aware of the world as global place. Instead of being closed up, people want to really explore other cultures, foods, and people."
EXTREME BAGS From the teensiest iPod case to giant totes, cool kids are opting for extreme baggage that's anything but moderate. "There are these really really tiny bags for ipods and phones with fun patterns like geometrics, and then there are these really huge, huge bags - in all shapes: hobo, satchel, shoulder, and suitcase pieces. And what's different is that girls are wearing huge bags out at night. You didn't see that before."
LADIES & GENTLEMEN Unisex ain't all that at present. "Now it's about the return of the lady and the gentleman. Women are wearing dresses, heels, and flowers in hair. Men wearing suits, vests, even in the hip hop world. It's in everything from clothing, to how you wear you hair, even to using clean language."
MAKE MINE A PROPER COCKTAIL A chocolate martini? Please. Cosmo? Hell no. "People don't want flavored martinis anyone. They're ordering different types of retro drinks like white wine spritzers, mango smoothies with rum, fun fruity drinks, and older classics but with a new twist like a Jack & coke, but the coke is vanilla coke." She's also noticed people ordering staples of the classic cocktail era such as Sidecars and Highballs. As an offshoot of the return of the lady & gentleman, Naj theorizes that ordering cocktails, and the resurgence of bar culture in general is a sign of a new maturity. "It comes with age, and with it, you want to order something adult & enjoy a cocktail."
THE LATEST IN-LIST Look for the newest episode to drop bright and early on Tuesday, July 11th. The clues for this week's show: tune in to find out what musical performance, artists that haven't yet hit the mainstream, and alternative music have in common. Check it out at Styleaholics.com
After hours spent frolicking in the surf and sand, the most unappealing thing on earth is putting heavy layers onto your sunscreen-slicked, sand-covered body. But if you're going out, there's still the dilemma of looking cute. Go for fun layering pieces that cover up without adding too much heaviness, in bright, happy colors - think citrus brights. Slip on some fun flip flops, eyecatching jewelry and a suitably bright tote & off you go. This is the season of mix-and-match, so go ahead, throw caution to the wind.
Warm weather is synonymous with shedding of clothes, so make sure the skin you're in is ready for its closeup. "It's all about getting that body glow for summer, and showing more skin," explains makeup artist & beauty insider Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC.com. "You need a tan, now, and it's easy with a little bit of help and the right products. Also, it's summer, you sweat more, so you absolutely have to exfoliate."
Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC's Key Ingredients for Golden, Glowy Summer Skin:
BODY SCRUB "My favorite is Sugar. It comes in a big tub and works wonders." In addition to the usual suspects, don't forget to scrub down the less obvious spots like backs of arms & knees, elbows, and hollows of the ankles. Available at Amazon.com
DO IT REGULARLY In addition to exfoliating prior to self tanning, Kim advises a complete exfoliation at least once a week. "Don't forget the delicate areas like the tummy which is good for circulation."
SELF TANNER Kim adores Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self Tan Spray by Decleor. "It's aromatherapeutic & natural." Available at Sephora.com
HYDRATE! Not only is the recommended eight glasses (or more!) a day great for the body's lymph system, but it helps the skin - the biggest organ of the body - eliminate toxins aplenty.
DON'T OVERDO FRAGRANCE Instead, try a scented body oil like one from Sabon. Kim's pick: the Lavender-Patchouli-Vanilla. "It makes me smell like a delicious hippie in summer." Available at SabonNYC.com
GENTLE SOAPS Cut glycerin rose soaps get a big Kim thumbs-up because of how gentle they are, with an inviting rose petal scent.
"Rebecca Minkoff had a clothing line that was extremely popular among fashionistas, and her bag line has done really well," explains Pam. "She also has really great names for her bags, like the Morning After bag."
Rebecca Minkoff Picks by Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com:
Morning After Bag - just roomy enough to fit an extra pair of clothes. Pam's pick: this royal blue hue.
Rider - a clutch from the fall 2006 line that clutches the wearer back.
Just in time for Independence Day - with an extra-early am drop which leaves plenty of time to hit the beach afterward - the latest issue of The In List is up at Styleaholics.com.
Some clues about this week's In List - what do these three things have in common?
Mike Tyson
The movie Chicago
Elegance
On her p.m. escapades in search of what's hot & happening in Gotham, Najwa recently ended up at the launch ofCaravanon Great Jones Street, the newest - and most stationary - outpost of the novel boutique-on-wheels located in a refurbished mobile home. They were serving tasty beverages made from Pink vodka, "a really good, tasteless vodka that doesn't get you screwed up, and let's you keep your figure and your face." Day-glo yellow & pink soups were also on the menu; made from peas & beets, they tasted somewhat bland but, most importantly, looked incredibly cool.
A current trend-let: he who blings the loudest enjoys his 15 minutes of fabulousness!
Commenting on the enterprising soul who managed to stand apart from the rest simply by pinning a mini electronic bulletin board to his hat, Najwa opined: "With the right PR firm, even someone with no talent who hasn't done anything can blow up overnight. This guy put together a hat & a pin - mind you, he made neither the hat nor the pin, but merely put the pin on the hat - and now he's getting a story on a channel. It's all about whoever makes the loudest noise."
Trolling the town for fodder for her fab In List Videopodcast, Najwa Moses was recently at a loft party filled with "tall, beautiful Swedish people with small boobs" in Williamsburg. Suddenly, a seemingly normal looking middle-aged type - albeit with "teeth that looked like they had been bashed in" - sidled up, with the slick opening line: "you're on TV." Once he made it clear he had actually watched the In List, he swooped in for the kill. "He leaned in and before I could do anything, he planted this big, sloppy kiss right on my mouth!" Ah, such is the price of internet fame.
And what trends have registered on Ms. Najwa's finely calibrated trend-o-meter this week?
COLOR, COLOR, COLOR Shedding their stereotypical all-black-at-night, trendy New Yorkers are opting for all shades of the rainbow. "People are wearing creams, oranges, polos in lavender, funky ties in different colors. Women are in different shades of reds and blue...plus lots of sparkle. Also, combinations such as lime green with hot pink."
MAKE LIKE A MODERN DANDY A menswear look that gets big kudos from Ms.In List is taking classically cut apparel, and adding accents of colorful shoelaces, ties, hats & belts.
A WORD OF CAUTION: BE TASTEFUL To avoid ending up as a Glamour Don't, heed this bit of advice from Naj: If you're going to sport myriad colors in the same outfit, don't show too much skin, and keep the cuts/silhouettes classic. "Make it tasteful!"
To find out what Pearl Harbor, the perfect shade of red lipstick, and metrosexuality in grooming have in common, move your Manolos over to Styleaholics.com. And don't forget to check out the podcast (above).
Sunscreen is an absolute must these days, not only for preventing future skin damage, but most importantly: keeping risks of skin cancer to a minimum. If sunscreen tends to make you break out, makeup artist Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC recommends trying a water-based, oil free sunscreen. "And don't forget to reapply - if you're outdoors, that means every hour."
Sunscreen picks from Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC:
Kiehls Ultra Protection Water-Based Sunscreen SPF 25 Available at Kiehls.com
Mustela SPF 50 High Protection Sun Lotion "Mustela actually does what it's supposed to, and it comes in a nice, big tube." Available at KidSurplus.com
"It's that time of year, time to hit the beach," says Pam Pekerman, the bagista behind Bagtrends.com. "However, your bag is going to get dirty and wet, so you don't want to spend a lot of money on it. Also it's got to be really, really big. You're going to the beach, so everything has to fit."
Pam Pekerman's Advice on Getting a Great Beach Bag:
SIZE MATTERS Opt for a really, really big bag. You're off to the beach with towel, lotion, reading material, snacks, tasty beverages, etc., so everything has to fit. (Beaded straw shopper from ASOS.com)
GET COMFY Since you'll be carrying a heavy load, make sure it's got a thick & comfy shoulder strap. "Avoid braided handles, they're just not comfortable." (Beach towel roll - ASOS.com)
BRIGHT & CHEERFUL This is no time for basic black. Instead, have fun with a bright & colorful bag that has some punch. (Striped mesh tote - Target.com)
FABRIC OPTIONS Good choices include canvas (washable), rubber, and straw or raffia. (Straw beaded bag from ASOS.com)
Take a Photo, win a Tee!
Snap a pic of your fave cheap beach bag that's under $25, and we'll feature the coolest one, and send you a Bagtrends Bag-a-licious tee for your efforts! Send your email to contest@fashiontribes.com and in the subject line, write: Beach Bag.
"Every month to 6 weeks, cable, or a big newspaper such as USA Today, says something generic about Gen Y, that 'tweens are ultra casual & lost in a technology oblivion. Well we put some context behind that," explains Josh Weil, the blogger behind GenDigital & CEO of Youth-Trends, which researches and analyzes the behavior of 'Tweens (8-12 years old) to the college crowd (18-24 years old) - collectively known as Generation Y - and decodes this casual, tech savvy, iPod & gadget-obsessed, text message-happy, elusive group for the Fortune 500 set.
IF YOU'RE SPOILED & YOU KNOW IT One of the most important attributes of Gen Y is how pampered - spoiled even - they are. "It stems from home environment - 1 in 3 members of Gen Y are from single-family households. Say it's a mom, she's going to indulge her child whenever she's able. Many people ask why the percentage of college students working is down; they're getting money from mom and dad. There's so much pressure at school, that when they come home from their freshman year at Columbia, they tell mom or dad they need to relax, and the answer is 'yes' - by all means." To some degree, their parents are enablers, which translates into certain actions & behaviors. "It's not that they're rude, they are incredibly indulged at home and used to interacting this way. They actually care about others, volunteering, the environment."
THERE'S CASUAL & THEN THERE'S GEN Y The younger end of the Gen Y group takes casual to new levels. "They don't feel limits to being casual, whether talking to friends or strangers, there is no difference of respect," says Weil, explaining that it often means hanging out online on social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace - from countries all around the world. "In talking to employers who employ interns, the heads of Human Resources tell us stories of these young people coming in in flip flops, and asking to leave at 2 pm to go to a baseball game. This is an audience which is vastly different when it comes to the work/life balance."
CELEB MANIA While society in general is celeb-obsessed, Gen Y is especially so. "There seems to be a fascination with celebrity." From the teeny tee on Angelina Jolie's baby to copying Lauren Conrad and her internship at Teen Vogue, they see - and obey - in hoardes.
PRODUCT LUST The premium denim market, in which a pair of jeans can go for up to $300 a pair, is suddenly much more present on college campuses. "Brands like Seven or True Religion didn't show up before. Now, 15-17% all college females report purchasing these brands; it's up from 2% in 2 years." When Youth-Trends compiles their annual holiday gift wishlist of what kids want from friends and family, Weil notes that the list used to include the usual suspects: computers, ipods, and gadgets, however "now, it's 'I want a Louis Vuitton bag, a Coach bag, Seven jeans...things that 28-34 year old women would aspire to. And if they're not enabled to go get it, they get their own credit card and do it themselves."
HEALTHY LIVING An extension of their life/work balance is that Gen Y'ers aspire to live an active, healthy lifestyle. "Many are making a concerted effort to buy healthier foods and beverages. More teens and college students report working out on weekly basis, and many more teens are going out and joining gyms and health clubs. On big campuses, chain gyms always have ongoing specials for students, and the fastest growing segment of new gym memberships are for under 21s."
A FICKLE BUNCH Weil points out that many marketers are mistaken if they take the loyalties of Gen Y for granted. "They have their planning & power point slides, and think, 'we have this deodorant, and we'll get this kid when he's 12, and then we've got him for the rest of his life.' Brand loyalty for life is overdone - we don't see it. This audience is fickle." From grooming products to cars, marketers need to earn, and re-earn, Gen Y business.
A SURPRISING FLOP Falling squarely into the overhyped next-big-thing category, portable gaming sank with a loud thunk. "Especially among teen boys and college men, the actual number purchasing them was less than projected." Although watching portable movies is popular, portable gaming - not so much. Console gaming is the name of the, er, game. "The xbox 360, 20 % of all college guys say they want one. Console gaming still huge among this audience."
AXE SURPRISED, WHY DONTCHA Over the last few years, Unilever's Axe has managed to singlehandedly inject major excitement into an otherwise stodgy category. "The product is pretty cool & works. Most marketers pay attention to women, and then along comes Unilever with Axe." From a beefy ad budget, to placing ads where their target 18-24 year olds hang out - including online & TV - they created cool packaging, a snazzy logo & a great website. "And good execution. Much to their credit, they did lots of research, investing time and money. They did a brilliant job. You know you're doing a good job when competitors copy everything - down to the short name."
SOCIAL NETWORK FRAGMENTATION Weil predicts that over the next year to 18 months, the huge social networking space dominated by MySpace and Facebook will probably start to fragment into niche networks that are less general - and more relevant - to users. "For instance, 'tweens who play soccer, but not so narrow that you're limiting your audience; rather, you're creating a community within a community."
KEEPING YOUR GEN Y SKILLS SHARP To keep abreast of the latest doings of the Gen Y set, Weil advises hanging out where they do - such as MySpace. Also, for older Gen Ys, college newspapers are a great source of what's important on the 1,800 or so college campuses in the US.
Bronzed beauties with resplendent blue eyeshadow is a look that works really well for editorial shoots...where real life need not apply. However, for a real woman needing to actually leave the house, it's a tricky look that walks the line.
"The St.Tropez look with lots of self-tanner and air-brushed tanning "had a resurgence in '92 with Tom Ford when Madonna wore blue velvet to the MTV awards," notes makeup maven Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC," and then around seven years ago with J.Lo." As the seasons have passed, we've become tanner and blonder, with scary results. "That beachey look that's more and more tan, with hair that's blonder and blonder is turning everyone into tan monoliths...and blue eyeshadow is the only thing that stands out." Yikes!
Some bronzer & blue eyeshadow rules to live (& die) by from Kim Weinstein of IAmPrettyNYC:
Take into consideration the color of your neck, shoulders & hands. Avoid colors that don't resemble what you look like in real life.
When applying bronzer, use a stroking motion, and a light hand.
Did we mention a light hand?
Dab bronzer on the hollows of cheek, temples & anywhere else the sun hits.
Lastly, don't forget to apply blush on cheeks.
Bronzer, Blue Eyeshadow & Lip Options:
Sugar bronzer & blush duo has a great texture & gives a flirty glow. Available at Sephora.com
Nars lipgloss in fits-everyone Orgasm. Available at Sephora.com
Prestige liner in Sand "It's just like Laura Mercier's Chestnut...but for $3." To apply, outline lips & then "push" toward the center of the lips. Available at Walgreens.com.
"I admit I never wore it. When I was small, my grandparents made me wear terrible greasy sunscreen, and I always tried to run away," says Alison Blackman Dunham of AdviceSisters.net. "But everyone, no matter what age they are should wear it. It's really important." Because skin cancer is virtually incurable once it hits, play it safe by making sun protection a daily habit - like teeth brushing & showering. As an alternative to full-on sunscreen, Alison suggests a moisturizer with SPF. "You're going to moisturize anyways, so why not one with sun protection?"
Sunscreen 101 with Advice Sister Alison:
SPF Stands for Sun Protection Factor & measures the amount of time it takes your skin to burn with the product applied, as compared with no protection at all. The rays that are bad for one's looks are UVA & UVB.
SUNBLOCK A physical barrier that blocks UV radiation. Old school blocks were often a thick, white zinc oxide paste - most often seen on the noses of lifeguards and surfers. Todays high tech versions are transparent and matte.
SUNSCREEN Absorbs & deflects the sun's rays
WATER RESISTANT "Be careful, as it doesn't provide a lot of protection when you're swimming. When you come out of the water, definitely reapply."
KEEP IT FRESH If you've had your sunscreen since last year, or even over six months, toss it and get a new bottle. Same applies for any changes in color, consistency or smell. Why? It's lost its potency.
PROPER DOSAGE "It's not just about the SPF factor, but how much you need." Typically, for your full body, 1 oz - which means 25% of a 4 ounce bottle - is appropriate.
HIT THE SPOT Skin cancer can strike anywhere, so while it's important to slather it on the obvious spots: legs, arms, neck, chest & front of body - Alison warns that it's crucial to get those hard-to-reach spots as well. Pay attention to the tops of your ears, inside of knees and arms, and even feet...which is why the new generation of spray sun products are a godsend. "Even if you're not at the beach, but gardening, cycling, or doing any other activities that require bending over for long periods of time, make sure to get the area where your pants line & shirt meet. Also, don't forget about the hairline and the lips."
HALF-HOUR RULE The reason that apply-half-hour-before-sun-exposure rule is valid is that it takes some of the chemicals that long to bind properly with skin.
YOUR SHADOW KNOWS If your shadow is shorter than you are, hit the shade and stay covered - with a hat, long sleeves (if possible) and, of course, sunscreen. Typically, this is when the sun is at its peak strength between 10 am & 4 pm. "Our grandmas wore a sunbonnet, which was great for skin. A hat deflects the sun so you don't age ahead of your time."
DRINK ALREADY! "To avoid sunstroke, you need to hydrate yourself when you're spending time in the sun."
GET SHADY Sunglasses are not only a must-have fashion statement, they protect the delicate skin around the eyes and stave off crows feet - a by-product of squinting. "They're both a fashion 'do' and a safety measure."
GET THOSE MOLES CHECKED If you're prone to moles, especially ones that seem irregularly-shaped or colored, play it safe by having the dermatologist look at them.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT HAIR Keep color fresh & non-fading with shampoos & conditioners specially formulated to counteract the effects of ultraviolet rays.
Sun Protection Options for Every Price Point:
UNDER $20 Neutrogena or Aveeno provide great protection "for the price of sandwich and a coke." Available at Drugstore.com. The Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist Sunblock (SPF 30 & 45) is particularly beloved for its high SPF, non-greasiness, ease of application (it easily reaches those hard-to-reach spots), and cooling.
MID-RANGE Kimberley Sayer of London (around $30 for facial moisturizer) at Stylefly.ca or DermaNew broad spectrum protection with soothing botanicals for around the $40 mark - available at Skinstore.com. Clinique's high SPF $15. DCL Chemfree Superblock SPF 30 $30 - Extremely water resistent with a Z-coat formulation (transparent), and even provides SPF coverage after 80 minutes in the water (or spent perspiring). A great choice if you're active. Available at DCLSkincare.com
PRICEY BUT WORTH IT Kinerase clocks in at a hefty $135, but does more than just protect (SPF 30) - it also reduces fine lines & hydrates.Available at Sephora.com
FUN & SEXY Estee Lauder Sun Performance Body Shimmer Sunscreen in the $20 range with SPF 15 - leaves a sexy, golden sheen. Available at EsteeLauder.co.uk
FOR THE FELLAS Skin Supplies for Men Clinique M Protect SPF 21 - $21. Good for all skin types; also soothes, hydrates and conditions. "It also has fresh light scent and cool packaging." Available at Nordstrom.com
HAIR CARE Redken UV Rescue Recovery Treat protects against further sun damage. Available at Redken.com. Alterna's shampoos protect against UVA & UVB - "You're going to wash your hair anyway, so why not use something to protect?" 4Alterna.com
MAKE-UP Foundations, powders & lip balms with SPF built-in are another good way to keep the sun at bay. Why not try: Jane Iredale, Clinique, Neutrogena mineral sheers, Stila pressed powder, Aveda lip concentrate, Bobbi Brown, Tarte, MAC tinted lip conditioner (with just a sheer, sexy hit of color).
Sports fans paper their walls in sports posters. Trinket collectors showcase their passion in dainty glass cases. Now bagistas can follow suit with bag-themed objets which pay proper homage to their fashionable bags notes Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com. "It's the easiest way to tell a lot about a woman, by what bag she's wearing. You could have five women all in black, but her bag can be as individual as her. It might be funky, it might be from the 60s, the 80s, Hermes - it's very individual and telling."
Some bag memorabilia recommended by Pam Pekerman of Bagtrends.com:
Starting this week, the inimitable celeb styleaholic Najwa Moses of Styleaholics.com - Styleaholics.com - will be giving Fashiontribes the dish each week on what's hot...and what's not!
"Lately, it seems like every event I've been to has been held at the nightclub Bed," notes Naj. "I've been to Bed in Miami – it's beautiful, sort of an alcove with an Arabic drapery thing going on. But the one in New York, it looks like a furniture showroom! There are some beds scattered around a bar, and a ridiculous bottle minimum." Of trends that need to die, a steep bottle minimum - ie. paying for the privilege of sitting at a table - is top of the list.
Additionally, she's noticed that everyone is beach-bound this season. "Everywhere I go, everyone is picking up towels, suntan lotion, tablecloths...everything. They're all going to the beach."
Some other Naj-approved New York streetfashion trends:
Belts & Cinched Waists "I've seen big belts, small ones, croc, straw, and in every color. It's a great look on everyone - you can't go wrong." (One of many cool & extremely cinch'able belts from Bebe.com)
Baseball Hats with Striking Designs While trucker hats are out-out-out, baseball hats with designs couldn't be fresher - especially sported with a pair ofcool shades. Naj is of the mind that it's a great look for guys & gals both, but if you're a more petite fille, she advises opting for a smaller, more fitted version. (cap from edhardyshop.com)
Grecian Sandals "The way they wrap over the foot, and up around the ankle - they add a level class, elegance & feminity." From mini skirts to the new shorts to leggings, and in bright colors or metallics, Grecian sandals get a big fashion thumbs up from Ms. Naj. (Miu Miu gladiator sandal from Net-a-Porter.com)
Tuesday, June 20 at 9 am New York time, the newest The In List drops - Naj's must-see weekly videopodcast. Tune in to find out what a Cosby kid, a band & the word "miles" have in common at Styleaholics.com.
On a recent Vanity Fair cover, the femme fatales from the Desperate Housewives were posed like a posse of 50s bathing beauties in swim "costumes" straight out of a bygone era when glamazons like Esther Williams ruled the pool. Healthy, curvy and stunningly sexy, Ms. Esther gives great beach chic. To follow her example, think showing skin demurely rather than overtly (slight decolletage instead of full-blown Pam Anderson'esque cleavage & low cut legs), ruching in the right places, and, of course, accessories...lots & lots of accessories. And when you go for a dip, don a swim cap just like Esther used to - they not only look completely retro chic, your tresses will thank you in the long run.
Some options for channeling Esther Williams this season:
Beach bunnies always give good coiffure - a Pucci hairscarf at Net-a-Porter.com
Before swimming, comb in some heavy duty conditioner & then slip on a swim cap - like this one completely fab one from Speedo that tips its, er, hat, to the 50s. Available at ParagonSports.com (via AndreaHarner.com)
Everything and everyone looks better in, on, or surrounded by leopard. It's glam quotient is unequalled, and nothing conveys I'm-a -completely-and-utterly-fabulous-creature quick as effectively or quickly. While the head-to-toe wearing thereof can flirt dangerously with fashion felony territory, using judicious accents catapults one to the top of the fashion foodchain.
Fill 'er up with Snow Leopard Vodka - 15% of the profits go to the Snow Leopard Turst, which is dedicated to protecting the future of this endangered feline. via Luxist.com
A fun romp through the fabulous lifestyles of the cruel & despotic - and proof that absolute power corrupts (taste) absolutely. Everyone's fave alarming dictators are included such as Stalin, Hitler, Lenin, Mobutu, Ceaucescu, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein & General Noriega. Available at PowellBooks.com
"I've been seeing lots of color everywhere and lots of people experimenting," notes Pekerman. "We're always wearing black here, so if I see color in New York, I know it's a trend." From obnoxious 80s florescents to fruit hues, the bag word of the day is: COLOR. If saturated colors feel too loud, Pekerman advises opting for a softer pastel. And if that's still too much color, jazz up a basic black or brown bag by tying a jaunty silk scarf a la Pucci on the handle.
Lorelei NYC Kendall eelskin mini clutch - LoreleiNYC.com
What do Beyonce's dog, the movie The Last Dragon, and a Gentlemen's nightclub have in common? Come Tuesday, June 13th at 9 am, the answer will be revealed at Styleaholics.com.
Najwa Moses, celebrity styleaholic behind The Closet - a fun event involving shopping, drinking & partying with music by female DJs - and reporter for NPR's Day-to-Day show, has now turned her attention to lifestyle broadcasting, producing and hosting her own eclectic and quirky lifestyle videoblog. "The In List is a weekly lifestyle videopodcast that's very quirky and fun. I highlight a variety of things, and it's entertaining and cross cultural," explains Moses. "I like to come at things from a different angle, so anyone watching can say, 'I just learned something.' I'll do something like ask a boutique owner if they had a business plan. It's "edge'rtainmnet" that's definitely to the left, but is all about finding out from entrepreneurs and artists why they choose to do what they do."
While The In List is entertaining, it also has a larger social mission. "It's about providing a platform for people who wouldn't otherwise get a platform. It's about being able to look different," says Moses, who definitely defies the typical bland homogenity seen on-camera - as a curvy, African American, toweringly bee-hived fashionista. "There's a new type of brand, an eclectic lifestyle brand which is a little bit all over the place. Our generation, we can't be pigeonholed, and we're getting more and more ecletic."
Make sure to visit Styleaholics.com to check out The In List, starting Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 9 am (EST).
The Return of Newsboy Cap "I saw them a couple of years ago with appliqués & flowers, but they're back again." (Available at HatsInTheBelfry.com)
Ankle boots "I love the scrunched ones, that have ribbons tied on side. I've seen them with a high heel, a low heel, suede, leather and even painted. They remind me of the 80s, especially the ones in purple." (Available at HSN.com)
Cropped Jackets "This is the season for great jackets. You can find them with asymmetrical closures, with snaps, and in military styles. I saw a really great one from crushed purple velour with a high neck." (Available at UrbanOutfitters.com)
Kimono Dresses "The kimono dress is a really strong trend. And dresses in general are back. I'm glad ladies are going back to dresses." (Karen Zambos kimono dress - ActiveEndeavors.com)
