Blog posts about Fashion, Fashion Design, Style, Shopping, Beauty, Fashion for women, Fashion Dresses, Fashion Shoes , Fashion Celebrities - by missnova & more - Stylehive

Blog > posts from missnova

Style Feed

Jimmy Choo For H&M Collection Debuts For VIPs, And All Dignity Is Lost

image
On the eve of the official Jimmy Choo for H&M collection debut, I made my way to the retailer's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York for a special pre-launch shopping event. Celebs, fashion professionals, and press made up the invitation list--par for the course at these shindigs. We're generally a jaded lot (or, at least, pretend to be). Anna Wintour walks within two feet of you in the tents during Fashion Week? Don't even blink (internally, though, you're hyperventilating). So imagine my surprise when upon entering the red-carpeted doors, I spotted many of my brethren in a state of downright frenzy, squealing over stilettos and gleefully grabbing as many handbags as they were allowed. The store itself was tricked out with glamorous sapphire draping, an open bar, and gourmet h'or dourves, but all eyes were on the shoe section where even the guests had to wait our turn to have a go. Christian Siriano and Michelle Trachtenberg were just some of the stars spotted in the fray, and as I left the store, there were apparently folks getting ready to line up overnight for the opening on Saturday morning. The H&M designer collections are a phenomenon I love for the fun, boy band crazy-like moments they create, especially when they can bring out the fashion fanatic in many of my seemingly "over it" colleagues, moi included. And next up on H&M's stellar collaboration roster? Sonia Rykiel, whose H&M lingerie collection launches December 5, with a spring collection debut to follow on February 10, 2010. Check out the slideshow for photos of some of your favorite celebs and the scene at the Jimmy Choo for H&M VIP shopping event!

read more more

Tags :   celebrity , christian siriano , fashion , h&m; , jimmy choo , michelle trachtenberg , shoes , shopping , sonia rykiel , style

The Notorious B.E.V.Y.: Bevy Smith Dishes On Budget Entertaining

image
When you're a high-powered publishing executive with a discerning eye for style and a Rolodex that reads like front row at a Marc Jacobs show, what do you do for your second act? For the dynamic Bevy Smith, the answer was to pair her talent as a social conduit with her flair for entertaining and create Dinner With Bevy, a luxury social marketing enterprise that brings together the worlds of fashion, art, music, and media in a delectable, custom salon. Smith, a former Rolling Stone Fashion Ad Director and Vibe Fashion Editor-at-Large, hosts her impeccably curated fetes for celebrities, brands, and tastemakers seeking organic creative connections in a pressure-free environment. On any given evening, you might see Solange Knowles giggling with Paper Magazine Editor-in-Chief Mickey Boardman, or singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton grooving to the sounds of "Late Night" band master and FOB (Friend of Bevy) Questlove with a Vice President from Miu Miu, Giorgio Armani, or Bottega Veneta, all of whom are among the many who have attended Bevy's dinners. "The best part about hosting dinner parties is when my seating chart is a success. To get a call from a guest the next day saying, 'I absolutely LOVED [xxx]!' is the ultimate kudos for me!" Bevy, who is also working on a style show pilot for the Oxygen Network, relies on classic Emily Post, Diana Vreeland's "Why Don't You..." tips, and the swinging gaiety of the 1950s and 60s for style cues. "Whenever I see a movie from that era, or look at a Slim Aarons photograph, I'm instantly inspired by the light-hearted, fun way folks used to entertain! Let's get drunk, smoke, and swap partners--but do so in a chic environment, " she says with a wink and a laugh. "Very 'Breakfast at Tiffany's!'" And who's on Bevy's personal ultimate guest list? "Nelson Mandela, Diana Vreeland, Michael Jackson, Albert Einstein, Truman Capote, and Bono--but even he would have to remove his shades!" Make room, Martha Stewart: Bevy is on a path to be our generation's hostess with the mostest! Check out the slideshow for a glimpse at some of Bevy's exclusive dinners. For more about Bevy, visit www.dinnerwithbevy.com!

read more more

Tags :   bevy , bevy smith , dining , dining room , dinner , dinner party , dinner table , dinner table decor , holiday , holiday decor , holiday decorating , holiday decorations , holiday parties , holiday party , holiday season , holiday style , holiday table , holidays , potluck

Saks Fifth Avenue Hosts Contemporary Accessories Breakfast In NYC

image
Bagels and lox might be many people's preferred morning meal but on Thursday, October 15, the menu was bagels and Botkier as Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a special contemporary accessories breakfast for bloggers at their Fifth Avenue flagship store. New pieces from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chan Luu, Rebecca Minkoff, and Belle by Sigerson Morrison, among others, were just some of the tasty choices on order. Beyond the inspired idea of collectively featuring shoes and handbags to compare and contrast each designer's work, what the event also helped highlight is how very heavily labels are relying on accessories to carry them through a tough fall and winter: the vast majority of the pieces were both well-designed and functional. Take, for example, Kooba: gone are the whimsical, unwieldy shapes of seasons past, and in their place far more structured, wearable silhouettes in subdued yet elegant colors. There were pops of color within the resort pieces, of course (a patent neon orange Rebecca Minkoff was a fave), but even those items retained a classic sensibility that makes it clear this is a time when people are looking for quality investment pieces that will go the distance in their closets. Practical materials such as rubber, thick leather, and viscose abounded yet no one scrimped on style--and everything remained at a reasonable contemporary price point. Take a look at the slideshow for some of the standouts.

read more more

Tags :   accessories , bloggers , botkier , contemporary , fashion , handbags , kooba , marc by marc jacobs , rebecca minkoff , saks fifth avenue , shoes , shopping , style

Betsey Johnson Given the National Arts Club's Highest XOX

image
What do you give a woman who has been a style icon for almost 50 years, can call Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, and the Velvet Underground her intimate friends, and has spawned a fashion empire that remains beloved by women of almost every generation today? If you're the National Arts Club in New York City, you just add to the list of designer Betsey Johnson's superlatives by bestowing on her your highest award, the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement. And so it was that NYC's cultural and fashion glitterati gathered on Tuesday, October 3 to fete one of fashion's timeless dynamos. People from all walks of life filled the room: young/old, white/black, bookish/fashion die-hards. Yet everyone wearing a Betsey frock--or tights, or perfume, or shoes, which people were not shy about disclosing-- possessed the spirit and energy that infuses all of Betsey's creations: fearless, vivacious, and just plain fun. The designer herself bounded around the room greeting old and new friends, and there was more than one request for her to complete one of her signature cartwheels (she declined). With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Johnson a breast cancer survivor, special attention was also paid to her substantial contributions in the fight against the disease. Surrounded by family, colleagues, and tons of admirers, Betsey was clearly floored and over the moon. "It doesn't get better than this," she said. For us, too, Betsey--thank you and xox! Check out the slideshow for flicks from Betsey's award night.

Photo credit: Ben Gabbe

read more more

Tags :   award , awards , betsey , betsey johnson , betsey johnson award , breast cancer , breast cancer awareness , breast cancer awareness month , breast cancer month , dresses , lifetime acheivement award , national arts club , perfume , tights

The Secret Life Of A Fashion & Celebrity Photographer

image
Imagine that your office is a fashion show runway. Your work assignments typically go by one name (RPattz, Gisele, Brangelina), and if disagreements with your colleagues turn physical, well... hardly anyone bats an eye. Sound surreal? If you're a successful celebrity and fashion photographer like Getty Images' Frazer Harrison, it's all in a day's work. The world of celebrity and fashion photography is a rough-and-tumble one -- a Wild West of cameras, competition, and confrontation that is not at all for the weak of will. "Everyday is a challenge," shares Harrison. "You battle everything from Los Angeles traffic to overzealous security to your equipment. You're worried about lighting, your position on the line or the runway. So many things can go wrong and it's up to me alone to make sure that I limit the fail rate." With such a pressure-filled job that hundreds of other photogs are doing anyway, why is it worth the stress? "Any working or amateur photographer will tell you: it's when you see a particular picture published. Front pages are always a satisfying feeling. And really, no two days are the same, which is why after all this time it is still fresh and fun to do." With over 25 years in the business covering fashion week shows, red carpet events, and celebrity news, Harrison would certainly know, and has stories to burn. His most memorable moments include everything from covering Michael Jackson's infamous trial to an impromptu photo session with Paul McCartney to getting unprompted career advice from a certain "Jerry Maguire" star, who punctuated her speech with, "'Oh, by the way, my name's Renee." As far as equipment, Harrison prefers a Nikon D3 camera, and his trick to getting the best shots is: "If you saw it [happen away from the viewfinder], you probably didn't get it. Concentrate, stay focused on what's happening around you, and try to predict what's going to happen before it does. And add to that a bit of luck." And what advice does the seasoned photog have for us everyday point-and-shooters? "Those mug shots of celebrities after they've been arrested? They are what you don€™t want! Generally speaking, there are numerous things you can do to improve your chances of taking a good pic." Read on for tips on how to hone your own camera skills, then check the slideshow to see some examples of Frazer's best work!

read more more

Tags :   brangelina , camera , cameras , celebrity , celebrity photos , fashion week , frazer harrison , getty images , kate winslet , leonardo dicaprio , lighting , nikon , paparazzi , paris hilton , photo , photo shoot , photo tips , photograph , photographer , photographers , photography

MCM Launches New York Collection At New York Fashion Week

image
It was a glittery scene that only a luxury pairing such as MCM and Saks Fifth Avenue could draw when the iconic leather goods brand launched its New York collection at the upscale retailer's Fifth Avenue flagship store during fashion week. Talk about stars upon stars: I spotted everyone from models (Lydia Hearst) to fashion bigwigs (Fern Mallis) to socialites (Ann Dexter-Jones, otherwise known as mom to Charlotte, Mark, and Samantha Ronson) milling about, not to mention the gorgeous handbags from the collection displayed around the room. MCM, which gained a huge following in the label-loving '80s, has re-branded itself somewhat and evolved from its signature, logo-heavy bags to pieces that are more subtle and focused on craftsmanship rather than flash. And they've succeeded: they're made from the softest, "like buttah" leather that already feels broken-in, coupled with simple, quality stitching and understated hardware. When I wasn't gawking over the bags, I spent time chatting up a few folks, like designer (and Kanye West's former fiancee), Alexis Phifer. She dished that she's actually got a new line coming out in early 2010, this one a bit edgier and with more of a rocker-chic feel to it (and will include denim). No name for the label yet but more news to come towards the new year. Definitely one to look out for -- and you heard it here in the Hive first! Check the slideshow for a few of the party pics!

read more more

Tags :   bag , bags , coco rocha , collection , collection debut , fashion week , fern mallis , leather , leather accessories , leather bag , leather handbag , leather handbags , lydia hearst , mcm , mercedes benz fashion week , mercedes-benz fashion week , mercedes-benz new york fashion week , new york , new york fashion week , saks , saks fifth avenue

Lo Bosworth Dishes On Style And The New Season Of The Hills!

image
Lo Bosworth's most memorable quip about fashion may be "I have not found a cute white dress, like, ever. They're all trashy and tacky." This, of course, was spoken right before the screen cuts to a shot of Kristin Cavallari in a clingy sleeveless eggshell number (meow!). Die-hard watchers will remember that infamous scene from Season 1 of "Laguna Beach," where we were first introduced to much of the cast that now makes up "The Hills" milieu. Now, it's been five years... has Lo managed to ever find a decent white dress? "I have!" she laughed during our interview last week. "I just got a great white shift dress from Topshop that's beautifully decorated with little black beads all over it. White doesn't really do great things for me from behind, though." Her candidness and reversal of judgment demonstrate a lot about her. Loyal but level-headed, the Laguna/Hills star may have strong opinions but isn't inflexible about viewing them from another angle. It's that same distinct yet laidback quality that also marks her personal style, which I happen to love -- easy yet elegant. Her wardrobe must-haves? "I like to really combine high-end with low-end stuff, especially things that are more 'evening' with others that are more casual," she shares. "[My style] is a good representation of a lot of LA fashion, and fashion just in Southern California: jeans, an amazing leather jacket, and a great blouse, purse, and heels... it's a good look: casual and just easy." I also asked Lo about stylists (she doesn't use one and puts her looks together mostly on her own), favorite designers (Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Lanvin), and beauty obsessions (her new Shu Uemura sheer orange lip gloss). So will Lo, who's just been given FLING Chocolate's first-ever "Best Fling" honor for "her confidence in being naughty, but not that naughty," be getting up to any trouble on the new season of "The Hills?" "For the next few episodes of the show, you're going to see me moderating between a lot of people. I try not to get too involved in the drama and be the calm between the storms!" Let's see: that's "moderating," "drama," and "storms" all in one description. Yep -- sounds like "The Hills" is back! Tune in to MTV for the season premiere on Tuesday, September 29 at 10pm! Photo Credit: PR Photos

read more more

Tags :   alexander wang , celebrities , celebrity , celebrity fashion , celebrity style , celebrity style tips , drama , dress , kristin cavallari , laguna beach , lanvin , lo bosworth , mtv , phillip lim , premiere , shu uemura , style , stylist , the hills , topshop , tv

Wardrobe Dos And Don'ts With Celeb Stylist Phillip Bloch

image
Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch has no wish to see you in head-to-toe neon. "Please do not wear pop colors as an entire outfit, I beg of you!" he warns, the command made less severe by the winking cheekiness in his tone. "A hot pink gown could be a hot pink mess!" It's his patented way of giving fashion direction with honesty and a dose of sassy sugar that has made Bloch one of the premiere celebrity stylists in Hollywood with a client roster that reads like a Hollywood honor roll. Halle Berry? Check. Jennifer Lopez? Here! Drew Barrymore? Present. And the A-list goes on and on. In my recent interview with Bloch over New York Fashion Week, we also talked about the fashion "dos" every woman wants to have in her closet. His favorites? "I love the big, comfy boyfriend jacket but then it's all about the silhouette--you want something slim and sexy underneath. You do not want to be in something baggy under there." What else? "I think the little bump shoulder is great, definitely the statement necklace, and I much like a high boot. I'm not the biggest fan of the little shoe-boot, especially when you wear it with a skirt and you see that big gap in-between [the ankle and the top of the shoe]--it cuts the leg!"


Phillip also shared with me the best designers we're not wearing: "I'm a big fan of Zac Posen. He gets the hype but not everyone gets to wear him. Also Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Erin Fetherston, Thakoon, Rodarte--and if you can't buy their clothes, look at what they're doing and get inspired by them!" Phillip also gave me the skinny on the concept of "fat-free dressing" using Flexees, Maidenform's affordable shapewear brand (which Phillip dished is what Lady Gaga wears when she performs). "They've made a lot of the pieces so you can actually wear them as outerwear, too, and they come in great fashion colors." And Hivers, if Phillip's left you wanting more personal styling advice, look no further: enter to win a Red Carpet Makeover by Phillip from Flexees and Star Magazine. Check out more on Phillip at his site and remember to stay away from monochromatic neon (you've been warned).

read more more

Tags :   alexander wang , celebrity , design , drew barrymore , erin fetherston , fashion , halle berry , jason wu , jennifer lopez , phillip bloch , rodarte , style , stylist , thakoon , zac posen

Fall Trend Alert: Leather Jewelry!

image
The upcoming fall fashion season will be heavy with rich textures and colors. Metallics, tweeds, and leather in all its forms--including jewelry. Jewelry? Leather accessories are mother's milk for the style-conscious (thinking about how much leather I personally own between shoes, purses, and jackets alone likely places me in PETA's crosshairs). Leather jewelry, however, is a niche in accessories that's not often thought of much. Mostly, I think, because people tend to envision Bondage or Dude Ranch homages whenever you hear "leather choker" (er, not that there's anything wrong with that!). However, there's a lot of gorgeous leather tooling in jewelry going on at the moment, particularly within Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 line, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite accessories brands. I like what leather jewelry does for an outfit: it takes a fabric typically reserved for hard use and turns it into something delicate, not to mention the dimension of texture it immediately adds to any look. Added bonus: price points that are normally reasonable and within reach. Take a look at selections from Oscar de la Renta, Alberta Ferretti, and Anthropologie, among others, in my slideshow!

read more more

Tags :   accessories , accessory , alberta ferretti , anthropologie , bracelet , bracelets , house of harlow , house of harlow 1960 , house of harlow jewelry , jewelry , leather , leather accessories , leather jewelry , necklace , necklaces , nicole richie , oscar de la renta , ring , rings

Khirma Eliazov: The New "It" Bag?

image
I firmly believe that the best fashion finds happen randomly-- especially when you're not looking for them. So it was that I milled around a Vogue fashion week party several months ago and started talking to a stylish woman who carried one of the most beautiful and unique handbags I've seen in a while. When I inquired, Khirma Eliazov replied that she'd designed the bag herself as part of her eponymous line of leather accessories. She then invited me to her fashion week trunk show, where I proceeded to be completely bowled over by further pieces rife with her signature top-quality leather and delightful attention to detail. Erma, as she's known, credits her first job out of college as an accessories assistant at Mademoiselle with what she laughingly calls her "obsession" with accessories. After stints as a stylist, brand manager, and freelance market editor for, among others, Harper's Bazaar, Elle Accessories, and, yes, Vogue, she decided to follow her heart and create a collection that is "beautiful, timeless, different, and, most importantly, functional. Everything about this line surrounds luxury at an attainable price point." Cited as a designer to watch by WWD and toted by fashion 'it' girls like Behati Prinsloo, check out the Khirma Eliazov slideshow to see just why she's one to keep an eye on, and visit her site for more details!

read more more

Tags :   accessories , accessory , bag , bags , designer , designer bag , designer bags , designer fashion , designer handbag , designer handbags , designer purse , designer purses , designer to watch , designers , elle , elle accessories , hand bag , hand bags , harpers bazaar , key accessories
soapnet