Stylehive Blog

Hot In The Hive: Alexis Bittar Skinny Lucite Bangle!

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:23:40 PDT

We all know what lucite is, although many of us don't yet own anything made from this material. Lucite is an acrylic, fiber-glass, plastic type that gained popularity through furniture designers trying to capture a more modern, space-age feel in their home designs. Poor lucite has always been seen as the cheap and easy cousin to other more sophisticated substances and causes most of us to immediately picture acrylic nails and the generously clunky and high heels of exotic dancers. However, lucite is actually a material that can be manipulated easily into something beautiful and unique. Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar puts a new spin on this misunderstood material and takes it from visions of trashy to visions of classy. His lucite bangles come in a range of translucent colors and varying widths, simple and chic or embellished with gorgeous glittering accents, and can all be seen at the Alexis Bittar website!

Price: $225
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Alexis Bittar Skinny Lucite Bangle to the Hive.

Project Runway Alum Jerell Scott Launches His Fall Collection With Macy Gray!

xgalexy@stylehive.com (Alex Gambardella) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:45:40 PDT

Don't you just love seeing Project Runway castoffs rise from the ashes and really do something with their talent? We've seen plenty of Christian Siriano in the fashion week circuit, and even some strange Santino Rice cameos on various reality shows.. but now it's Jerell Scott's turn. The season 5 veteran launched his Fall 2009 collection at One Take Studio in downtown LA this past weekend over drinks and hors d'oeuvres... and an opening performance by Macy Gray! The intimate venue provided guests with an up-close look at the collection, including an accompanying photo exhibit by E Leon Myers and even an exclusive sneak preview at his upcoming Spring 2010 line. Inspired by indigenous people all over the world, the collection boasted flowing fabrics, bold prints and an undeniable tribal energy that foreshadowed many innovative and promising things to come from the designer! Take a look at the slideshow for some pictures of the event and his collection!

Bike Themed Bags And Home Accessories!

DIYthing@stylehive.com (DIY thing) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:25:40 PDT

The city heat is finally behind you and now you can gear up to go biking in the cool fall weather. And what better way to enjoy a day biking in the city than with some stylish bike bags? When you think of bike bags, do you think messenger? Well, we found a variety of other stylish bags perfect for your bike as well. From funky, urban style by Balkan Tango to chic, stylish by Po Campo, handcrafted bike accessories are the way to go. We even found some great bike-themed home decor to bring some of the fun inside. And all of these great finds are available at a great online store Supermarket. Check out our slideshow to see all of our bike-themed finds!

Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness With A Tee!

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:25:40 PDT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but this is an issue that should be brought to light at all times. In an effort to spread the word, designers have been coming out with some simple and flattering t-shirt designs that can be worn way past the month of October to remind all of us of this worthy cause. Many of the t-shirt designs still show the recognizable pink ribbon and use the bubble-gum pink color that we've all come to associate with Breast Cancer Awareness, but in an effort to reach a larger audience, designers are also introducing looks that include more versatile colors, trendy details and cute graphics that still sound as a voice for the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, allowing you to wear these tees for numerous occasions. Not only would the message for awareness be seen more often, but a large percentage (50% to 100%) of the proceeds are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, helping spread the word for prevention and funding the search for a cure. Even celebrities like Nicky Hilton, Sophia Bush and others are jumping on the Breast Cancer awareness bandwagon and have designed shirts to help spread the word. Check out the slideshow to shop our favorite tees and help raise awareness in the process.

Lighten Up! With Illuminated Furniture For Every Room

kelojif@stylehive.com (Amber Fijolek) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:24:40 PDT

Need to brighten up a room? Better than a lamp may just be a piece of illuminated furniture! As there are plenty of sconces, table lamps, ceiling and floor lamps to wade through in your quest for the perfect one, perhaps thinking outside the conventional lighting department could help. No, don't rip down your curtains. Try instead a table with the glow of a lamp inside, but be warned-- tracking down these fancy furnishings isn't easy as they're certainly a not on top of everyone's list. They are, however, if you're looking to transform your place into a posh pad. Illuminated furniture creates an ambiance unlike that of any spotlight. And, if your lighting concept involves your tabletops, the things that adorn them will see a new light of day. Click through the slideshow for a sample of some shiny surfaces!

Luxe Minimalism For Your Home On A Minimal Budget!

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:20:40 PDT

Simplicity in design is a hard thing to achieve. To show good taste and sophistication through minimalism and to have practical and beautiful styles that are sleek and not overwhelming are all characteristics of good design. Every time I see displays of furniture showrooms, or flip through home decor magazines, I always find myself drawn to the most simple and clutter-free layouts. There's something modern, chic and comforting about the sleek lines and clean, spacious feel of a room designed in a minimalist manner. However, the prices for these pieces usually are so minimal. A house should be a home and you should decorate it the way you want, but not if that means buying the furniture is going to take the roof over your head away! I've found multiple pieces and home accessories that will give your living space the sleek, minimalist look you want, without your bank account falling into minimalist territory as well! Check out the slideshow for ideas!

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer: Rag & Bone

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:24:40 PDT

Marcus Wainwright and David Neville have been described as "an English hip, young Ralph Lauren" by no less an authority than Vogue's Anna Wintour. Their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010 collection for their label, Rag & Bone, was shown last Friday to an audience full of appreciative fans. Structured jackets took pride of place in Friday's show, and they were shown in all lengths and styles, from military influenced to frock coats. The color palette of the collection was decidedly muted, with creams, olives, and chambray-like blues. Other than the jackets, the pieces included a heavy dose of skinny jeans and leggings with the occasional summer-weight long johns and work shirt worn as a (very short) dress. A flesh-toned silk jumpsuit was one of the biggest hits of the show, as was a navy dress topped with a light blue field coat.

See more of Rag & Bone at New York Fashion Week at Couture In The City!

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Badgley Mischka

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:20:40 PDT

Badgley Mischka is well known for their classic lines, luxurious fabrics and to-die-for detailing that makes the wearer feel like a statuesque goddess. Their Spring/ Summer 2010 runway collection at New York Fashion Week lived up to this high reputation. Simple, clean lines served as a feminine and flattering basic backdrop for silky rich materials and a luxuriously chic color palette of black, white and grey, punched up with deep reds and saturated hot pinks. Tiered ruffled skirts, meticulous pleating and contrasting colors gave sophisticated classics a modern twist, while floor length bias-cuts and sensual draping oozed elegant sexuality. Silhouettes were subtly Asian-inspired and metallic golds and silvers were used to add a little edge. Check out the slideshow to get a glimpse of this gorgeous collection for yourself!

Trends: ruffles, unique silhouettes, metallics, draping
Celeb Sightings: Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Fran Drescher, Amanda Beard, Nastia Liukin, Heather Graham

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Hot In The Hive: Umbra Biblioteca Bookshelf

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:23:40 PDT

Sometimes, you never know when a serious case of design inspiration will hit you. Umbra Design Director Matt Carr is a great example of finding inspiration in an unlikely way. He found two vintage coffee tables, sawed them in half and stacked them on top of each other to make a bookshelf for his home. Luckily for us, we don't have to break out the band saw and carve through grandma's antique furniture to get the same look. (Well, you technically could, but the thought of possibly losing a limb is too terrifying). The Biblioteca Bookshelf reminds me a bit of something Salvador Dali would like. Though it is whimsical, it definitely has its uses. Now all your fashion books, guilty pleasure novels, and other knickknacks can all live in one place!

Price: $520
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the Umbra Biblioteca Bookshelf to the Hive.

Clean Up Those Crumbs In A Snap With A Cute Mini Vacuum!

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:29:40 PDT

It's a small world and we have to be as efficient with our space as possible. Whether we're in a small studio in the city or a nice little house in the suburbs, we could all use a little more space. One thing that I find completely unsightly and bulky is the vacuum cleaner. They're huge, noisy machines that are heavy and awkward to move around. Pushing the vacuum around the home is literally back-breaking work and often times, I find it's too much effort just to clean a small patch of dust. Plus, it's strangely shaped, and even occupies too much space in the back of the closet! It's almost 2010. Why can't they be smaller? And cuter? And why can't vacuuming be a fun activity? Well, Perpetual Kid sells a Mini Popcorn Crumb Vacuum that helps tidy up tiny messes of crumbs and dust. And when they say mini, they aren't kidding around. This vacuum is not only fun too look at and entertaining to use-- it only measures 4x3 inches! Plus, it's only $11.99, so go ahead, eat some cookies and forget the plate. You'll love busting this fun, cute, mini vacuum out just to see it in action! Not a fan of popcorn? There's a whole variety of fun, mini vacuums to choose from to help brighten up your living space and clean up your day. Just check out the slideshow!