April 22, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
After a brutally long winter, my fellow Manhattanites, and, for the most part, East Coasters as well are reveling in the sunshine. Finally, puffer jackets can be shed and lightweight layers can make their much-deserved debut in the latest silhouettes, colors, and patterns for spring/summer 2013. What better to help me kick off my favorite fashion season than with a piece from Mara Hoffman, the designer who makes the most gorgeously engineered prints in ethnic-inspired motifs?
Courtesy of The Orchid Boutique, the amazing online and brick-and-mortar destination for swimwear and all things warm-weather related, I stepped out in this incredible confection, the Mara Hoffman Basket Weave Maxi Dress, this weekend. I let the dress do most of talking, balancing it out with some matching hues found in my essie polish in “beach bum blue” and color block wedge sandals.
The trick to wearing a maxi dress on a petite frame is managing the proportions so that it doesn’t appear to be too dramatic of a triangle shape, i.e. tight on top and loosely flowing on the bottom. With a racer back cut that lengthens and a streamlined, body hugging silhouette, I’m not engulfed in fabric nor is my height dwarfed or frame hidden underneath with this particular maxi dress.
I look forward to more warm days ahead, and maximizing my usage of the Mara Hoffman Basket Weave Maxi Dress for spring/summer 2013.
What’s your favorite maxi dress that you LOVE to wear in the summer?
April 20, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
From our friends at thefind.com:
Although fashionistas tend to embrace spring fashion for its carefree, fun-in-the-sun, boho vibe, some spring trends can be deceptively difficult to pull off. A little too many pastels here, one too many layers there, and too many contrasting patterns and textures can easily make or break an outfit, or turn a chic spring trend into a total nightmare. Take crochet, for instance. When done right, the effect is pretty, feminine, and even downright sexy with its subtle sheerness… but it can easily take a wrong turn into Frump City. After all, I don’t care what sort of “vintage” finds you picked up at your neighborhood thrift shop – no one likes to look like they were dressed by their grandmother (bless her heart). So to avoid looking like something that fell out of your Easter basket, make sure to choose a style that flatters your figure and has just the right dash of sex appeal. Not sure where to start? Check out some of my favorites in the links below!
From left right: Thakoon Addition Crochet Short Sleeve Dress, Ali Ro Crocheted Sleeveless Dress, French Connection ‘Loving Crochet’ Fit & Flare Dress, and T Bags Strapless Crochet Ruffle Dress with Necklace.
– Alexandra Gambardella
April 18, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
It is a shame that you have to wait a few months to shop the amazing accessories from Henri Bendel (roll-outs begin in June, July, and August), but once in your hand, the anticipation and build up for the item(s) will certainly be worth it! As the first full collection under the careful tutelage of Henri Bendel Creative Director Pina Ferlisi, who prior, had worked for McQ, Coach, Gap, and Generra amongst others, you can expect the most amazing on-trend, yet enduring styles that include thoughtful details, buttery soft leather, gorgeous hardware, and covetable color options.
Ferlisi walked me through the collection, pulling out her favorite pieces and demo-ing the details, which I’ve outlined via the slide show above. As always, Bendels has at the ready some wonderful jewelry and small leather goods, including lace leather gloves, wallets, luggage, and tech accessories. I am obsessed with the Deluxe Girlfriend Beaded Wrap Bracelet, available in new color options for fall, along with the pyramid stud mini wallet in blue!
Which piece from the slideshow do you want for fall 2013?
April 17, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
Fresh scents for the season go perfectly well with the warmer spring weather and new fashion offerings, so I was thrilled to test out the newest from L’Occitane, a luxury fragrance collection comprised of these four fine options: Jasmin & Bergamote, Magnolia & Müre (blackberry),Vanille & Narcisee, and Thé Vert & Bigarade (Japanese green tea and bitter orange). Created by L’Occitane master performer Katrine Dubreuil, the scents pay homage to the renowned Grasse region of France, the perfume capital of the world, and bring together some of the rarest, finest natural essences to create these unusual yet highly appealing fragrance combinations.
I thought that before smelling them, I knew what my favorites would be, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that the fragrance found from each of the elegant bottles resulted in a four-way tie! Even with scents I usually am not drawn to (patchouli, for instance), I found a sensory mesmeric quality and harmony amongst the combinations that I had hardly expected. With precious extracts including magnolia from the Far East, blackberry from the south of France, green tea from Japan, jasmine from Grasse and Egypt, bergamot from Italy, vanilla from Madagascar, and narcissus from France, it truly is a challenge to choose a most-loved coupling of the ingredients. Personally, I’ve been wearing Jasmin & Bergamote every day, which balances a deep, sensual aroma with a lighter, floral freshness perfect for day or evening.
The eau de toilette La Collection de Grasse creations arrive in stores and online at USA.Loccitane.com today, April 17th ($75 for the 75ml bottle), just in time to pick up for yourself or as the perfect mother’s day present! There are also two exclusive gift sets available (pictured above), which include an Eau de Toilette with a Body Milk and Shower Gel ($95) and a Mini Eau de Toilette Set of the four fragrances ($30).
Which fragrance from La Collection de Grasse do you think will be your favorite?
