That’s what Banana Republic‘s homepage reads, announcing the kick off of the Mad Men capsule collection, a collaboration with BR’s creative director Simon Kneen and Janie Bryant – Mad Men’s costumer designer. I was fortunate enough to preview the new collection yesterday morning at the Rockefeller Center store, trying on (and falling in love with) a cream lace dress, but you can view and shop the entire Mad Men collection, starting TODAY online or in-stores. Check out the behind-the-scenes video, above, and tell us which style is your favorite (you already know mine!).
PLUS: join the Mad Style Cocktail party TONIGHT, August 11th, 2011, 6pm, at a Banana Republic near you!!!
[Julia in her new Banana Republic Mad Men Dress. Photo via Instagram by Felicia Sullivan]
I got the opportunity last week to check out the latest fall collections of intimate apparel and shapewear for Wacoal and its younger, contemporary line, b.tempt’d. I took in ultra thin shapewear (the iPant), tasteful corsetry by b.tempt’d, and just generally beautiful and incredibly tactile bras and undies by both labels. I was lucky to walk away with a bra of my choice, and discovered very much to my surprise that I was not anywhere near the bra size that I thought, and have been buying for year! Below, some of my favorites from the line, available at Wacoal-America.com or BareNecessities.com, AND some tips from Wacoal’s bra expert- Liz Smith! Continue reading…
I found out first-hand when talented FIT student Carlee Gustin set out to custom design an original piece for me. I asked for two things – that it feel soft and feminine – which was quite the challenge, given the industrial look of the material that sponsor Palladium provided as part of a FIT partnership program. Palladium is a naturally white precious metal that belongs to the platinum family, and is known for its strength, light weight and rich color.
A feather bracelet cuff is what Gustin cleverly created, with delicate detailing that brought the requested sense of softness and femininity to the piece, as well as a strong Native American influence. The FIT student shares more about the design journey below, as well as what it’s like to study and pursue jewelry design.
Grace Gold: Where did you find the inspiration for your feather cuff, and what do you feel were the most important aspects of the design?
Carlee Gustin: I am very inspired by old Native American jewelry. To me the feather represents flight and being free, something that should be a trait of all women. I love how the texture of the feather came out, it is exactly what I originally envisioned.
GG: What is the most challenging aspect of designing jewelry?
CG: I think the most challenging aspect of designing jewelry is figuring out how to make the piece work mechanically. You can have an amazing idea, but if its not wearable or comfortable, it probably won’t sell.
GG: What personal piece of jewelry is your most beloved, and why? Continue reading…
When it’s hot and sticky out, no one wants to wear more than the bare minimum when it comes to clothing and it seems as though the free-flowing braless trend is on the rise this summer. Want to ditch the tight, pinching, underwire contraption that’s ruled your life ever since puberty and let the girls breathe for a day? Just be sure to stick to these tips and you should be just fine.
1) Don’t Bend Over
Dropped a tissue on the ground at the train station or something? Leave it. Someone (whether it’s come creep with a camera phone or some girl your age mumbling “oh my god, wear a bra” under her breath) will notice.
2) DON’T Wear a White Shirt
Darker colors will cover up better than pastels, but wearing any color is better than wearing white… especially if there’s a 50% chance of rain.
