Archive for September, 2010
Philosophy: Hope in a Jar
13 years ago
One of the best preventive weapons we have against premature aging and fine lines is moisturize the skin, as well as protect it from the sun. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been using a great moisturizer that comes in a plain looking package, but there is nothing plain about the product. It’s called Hope in a Jar by Philosophy with the motto
philosophy: where there is hope there can be faith, where there is faith, miracles can occur.
The moisturizer is very light weight that provides antioxidant protection, helps improve skin texture and tone, you barely feel it on your skin but at the same time the skin feels great. I am using the original formula for all skin types, but if you go to the Philosophy website, you can take skin care quiz which will suggest which products are best for you depending on your skin concerns.
And I really can’t stress enough how important it is to moisturize with quality products, even if you spend less money on cosmetics. I’m closer to 40 than to 30 and I’m very proud on how my skin still looks youthful. I know I won’t be confused with a 20 year old, but looking at the pictures from my late 20’s and early 30’s, I still look the same without the use of Botox or chemicals. Not that I’m against it, when the time comes, I’ll be getting my injections for sure, but I can wait several years for that. But I digress.
Philosophy has created its own cult following with products such as Amazing Grace a perfurmed hot salt scrub, perfumed hand & body lotions, fragrances, shower gels and so much more. Makes pampering yourself an experience. Each product contains a different motto, like in the hot salt scrub which says:
philosophy: if you only had one day to live, how would you spend it? would you smile or frown? watch the sunrise or watch t.v.? take a walk or take a nap? say i love you or show you don’t care? consider this…you aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so treasure this day as of it’s not your last but the best day you will ever own
You can find Philosophy products at Sephora or directly at the Philosophy website. Hope in a Jar retails from $15.00 to $105.00 depending on size, a true investment in your skin.
Interview with Justyna Wilson of Moda Epidemic
13 years ago
I met Justyna back in May at a San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance event, and we’ve stayed in close contact ever since. She’s been writing a great blog, called Moda Epidemic all by herself for several months now, and the work she’s put into it is quite impressive. I asked Justyna to take a couple of minutes out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for Style Bust, here goes.
Style Bust: How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as contemporary with a little bit of edge. I like comfortable, wearable clothes but I like them to look effortless. I wear a lot of dresses and tunics and I actually rarely wear jeans. I don’t find jeans to be comfortable and I refuse to wear stiff, thick jeans with no stretch. If I wear a simple, classic dress I like to spice it up with a leather jacket or tougher looking platform shoes or boots but comfort is always the key, I walk a lot.
Style Bust: I might need to follow your lead and stop wearing denim. Right now I wear denim almost daily, and it’s becoming a little blue-collar for me. If you know what I mean.
Style Bust: How did you decide to get started in fashion blogging?
I always loved fashion and I wanted to find a way to express myself and talk about it. At first I just wanted to do it for fun, almost just for myself as a hobby. I read a lot of blogs on different topics: fashion, marketing, technology, travel and I wanted to become a part of blogging community. I wanted to write about something that I was absolutely passionate about so I could stay true to myself. I also love technology, the power of social media, virtual communities. It fascinates me how companies shift their brand marketing efforts to the web and how bloggers play a huge role in that process. Sadly print is dying and I wanted to play a role in what’s happening online.
Style Bust: How do you come up with ideas for posts?
I try to find inspiration around me, from fashion magazines, from other bloggers and from fashions walking down the street. I also appreciate beautiful surroundings, the city, architecture, photography.
Style Bust: Aside from your own blog, what other fashion blogs do you recommend?
Style Bust is of course one of them. If you are looking for more personal style you should have a look at Nickie Noel’s blog, Karla’s Closet is a really popular one but it’s just so good! I love her style. Cocorosa, Eclectic a la Mode…I probably look at 50 different blogs everyday It’s so hard to pick. I also love reading PR Couture and Sense of Fashion for blogging, web, pr information. There’s always plenty to learn from those blogs.
Style Bust: Does the blogging community influence your personal style?
Yes, it definitely does. I like to stay unique and true to myself but I do get lots of ideas from other blogs. They’re very inspirational.
Style Bust: What’s the item in your closet you can’t live without?
That is a tough one but I think it’s leggings. I wear them all the time. They look great with almost anything, dresses, tunics, boots, flats. San Francisco is rather cool and we don’t really get hot summers here so I find it hard to wear a tunic with bare legs and I’m not a big fan of wearing tights in July or August so leggings are a perfect solution. Warm and trendy all the time.
Style Bust: What fashion tip are you giving your friends for Fall?
Definitely get some lace up boots. They are sexy and they are so hot right now. I even featured some on Moda Epidemic not too long ago. They are just a great, versatile addition to your wardrobe. Also, big chunky sweaters. I am in search for one for myself now. I want to replace my winter coat with a thick, cozy sweater.
Style Bust: What item do you wish more people were wearing?
Ladies, wear more dresses please!
Style Bust: What item do you wish people would stop wearing?
I want girls stop wearing pinstriped Banana Republic trouser pants to work. There are just so many other chic and professional looking options out there. Sometimes It feels like every working girl has the same outfit on. It’s just boring.
Style Bust: Agreed. And for the record, when I don’t feel inspired int the morning, or I’m running late to work, I am one of those boring Banana Republic wearing girls. It sucks, but it’s the reality I live with.
Style Bust: What is your favorite local boutique? Online Boutique?
I have to say 90% of my shopping is done online. I have very little time to actually go shopping unless I run to Zara on my lunch break. I shop a lot on ebay but also I always check out Nasty Gal, 80’s Purple, Urban Outfitters. Again, it’s hard to pick a favorite one but online shopping really works for me.
Style Bust: How can people get in touch with you?
On my blog, Moda Epidemic and @ModaEpidemic on twitter!
Walls are Canvases: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
13 years ago
We people in Kansas City may be far away from IKEAs, but we do have the awesome-dee-dawsome Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I went last Sunday, along with my philistine Asian scientist dad (who periodically made amusing comments of disapproval during the trip), to check out the collections of Western art. Previously, I had only seen the second floor of their impressive Asian collections, but this time–as a newly-awakened design enthusiast–I wanted to carefully soak in the different eras of European and American work that provided the artistic context of furniture design. As I browsed, looking at all the aesthetics with large, enamored eyes, I realized that there were tons of inspirations that people could take back to their living spaces. Art is always an inspiration for living spaces, and museums are like huge catalogs for your home. What stood out to me, however, was the amazing use of color in the exhibitions.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The building on the left is the Bloch Building and appropriately houses the modern and contemporary art. (Photo Credit: Flickr-Rock Chalk Jayhawk Cartographer/John Roever)
If you’re thinking about putting up art on your barren walls and painting them for a dramatic flair, and you’re not sure how to pair artwork with paint colors to evoke the proper mood, there is no better place to look for inspiration than an art museum. Exhibition designers at the Nelson-Atkins expertly set dramatic Baroques to darker, moody reds while putting pastoral, peaceful works to a darker teals. See how the bold lighting, shadows, and colors are accentuated by the wall color and dark gold frame. In your own home, this makes for great combination for a romantic bedroom or dining room.
Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Caravaggio (Photo Credit: Flickr ocad123)
Or if you prefer something calmer, pick a more pastoral piece with a cool, dark backdrop and frame.
Still Life by Pieter Claesz (Photo Credit: Flickr-ocad123)
This blue below is great for adding a royal flair to more traditional, colonial rooms. Paintings here have lighter, more playful tones, which work well with the lighter frames and lighter paint. Just look at how the blue walls, golden frames, and polished, wooden high boy with the gold handles all harmonize splendidly together. Delish!
18th-19th Century American Exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins
Art and wall color. Peanut butter and jelly. Come visit Kansas City and our art museums!-Beryl
The Denim Shirt
13 years ago
Let’s be honest: when does denim ever lose its charm? From jean shorts to jean jackets to jean skirts to the classic pair of jeans, one cannot go wrong with denim. Denim has become a staple in every closet, and no matter what, it will forever hold its place in the fashion industry. In particular, it’s the denim shirt that has most recently hit the fashion scene, and it’s versatility is undeniable. It has the perfect touch of both masculinity and femininity, and while this staple is by no means progressive, there’s something fresh about the way it’s being worn. One can wear it in so many ways! Firstly, try it in its looser form as a jacket with either a thin cardigan underneath or a simple tank. Or sport it a tad tighter, wearing it as a shirt either tucked into some tailored pants or tied at the waist with a form-fitting black skirt. Or even, follow Fall’s fashion trend of denim on denim, wearing it with a pair of straight leg, boyfriend, or flared jeans. Whichever you prefer, the denim shirt is a must-have!
Diane Kruger
Ashley Olsen
Street Style
Kate Bosworth via Denim Blog
Whether you’re looking for a more economical denim shirt or you’re up for spending some money on a designer label, see the list below of where to find the perfect denim shirt.
1. Elizabeth and James Cohen Cotton Buttoned-Back Shirt: $225
2. J Crew Selvege Chambray Shirt: $98
3. Current/Elliot The Perfect Shirt: $295
4. Banana Republic Chambray Work Shirt: $69.50
5. Forever 21 Studded Chambray Shirt: $10.99
6. byCORPUS Chambray Button-Down: $58
Interview with Pamela Sukeforth of Fashionistette.com
13 years ago
I learned about Fashionistette months ago through the powers of Twitter (Twitter recommended I follow @fashionistettes, so I did, and lucky for me, Pamela followed @FashionBust back!). What is Fashionistette.com you ask? Well, the short answer is it’s one of the strongest online women’s boutiques based in the Bay Area. The site featured a range of sought after, yet difficult to find fashion labels.
I met Pamela Sukeforth (pictured to the left), founder of the eCommerce site a couple of weeks ago through Justyna of Moda Epidemic. Not knowing too much more than I’ve already told your about Fashionistette or Fashion in eCommerce, I set out with a list of questions to ask Pamela to learn more about what she’s up to. Here are Pamela’s answers!
Style Bust: What was the first item you purchased online?
I bought Zooey Tee from ShopLAStyle.com about 5 years ago.
Style Bust: What were you doing before you started Fashionistette?
My career has been in Corporate Retail Planning and Buying for big companies like Macy’s and Guess? Jeans. I have always wanted to start and run my on business and decided to go for it two years ago.
Style Bust: Can you describe the circumstances and your thinking that led to the decision of creating an eCommerce site?
I am new to eCommerce and really enjoy the creativity to building and maintaining an online business. I decided to go online because retail has been soft in SF and wanted to reach more customers.
Style Bust: Describe the work behind creating the site.
I wanted to build the website myself but didn’t know HTML so I had to learn and develop at the same time. The process has been rewarding and challenging.
Style Bust: Wow, that’s very impressive!
Style Bust: What separates Fashionisette from its competitors?
I offer current merchandise from contemporary fashion brands. Customers like the special discounts, pop-up sales and giveaways I do with partner blogs. They have said they like the merchandise, product photography on a model and my blog.
Style Bust: What type of brands do you sell?
I sell women’s contemporary brands like Black Halo, Twelfth Street, Nation Ltd and Genetic Denim (the images below give you a taste of what I sell).
Style Bust: I’m a huge fan of the white shorts by Black Halo. They look absolutely perfect!
Style Bust: How do you go about selecting and buying items for the site?
I go to LA Fashion Market quarterly and buy existing brands selecting the best pieces to ship each month. Also, I look at new brands to add to the assortment different price points.
Style Bust: Does your personal style play into your buying role a lot?
Yes Fashionistette is a reflection of my personal style, which is casual chic and easy to wear day to evening.
Style Bust: If you could pass along one piece of advice to someone considering creating an eCommerce site, what would it be?
SEO is very important for web traffic.
Style Bust: Final question. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
yes, I will be a vendor at the Sassy City Chicks shopping event at Fort Mason on September 16th, 2010. This will give shoppers a chance to see and try on merchandise up to 80% off retail. Flyer:
BEAUTY REPEAT!!!
13 years ago
As they say in the music game, “put that on repeat”, once you try these beauties – you will repeat application time &; time again…
SCOTT BARNES BODY BLING – famous for giving J Lo her “glow”. Scott Barnes products are OOOOH so flossy! Let’s get real, “every boss loves to floss”. Once you slather this richness on your body you will see why it’s #1 to celeb’s, beauty editors, makeup artist and cosmetic junkies alike. I have this in my arsenal to add a sexy glow to my clients year round – not just summer months. The packaging alone gets their attention, OMigosh… what a beaute, all sleek, metallic-like. Think of this as a tinted moisturizer with a gold pop for your body, hence the name “BODY BLING”. If you have OCD like me, you might be bothered by the residue that’s left on your hands but hey instead of washing it off [waste not want not] rub it on your decollete or where ever you want to see a healthy glow.
Honey, this is a new fave, pick it up to see why!
BLINC – the “it” mascara, period. For many of us, we dwell in the mecca of Silicon Valley if not near it; we all think we’re tech savvy right? Well don’t sleep or better yet “blink” on this tech savvy brand; BLINC cosmetics has a mascara that will get heads turning. Its’ not conventional, no no this baby wraps each lash. Once applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and will not – I repeat – will not run, smudge, clump or flake. It’s a must have for anyone, especially for the “emotional wedding entourage”. Like I said…you will be putting this on repeatedly.
RMS Beauty “un” cover-up is also worth repeating. You might just faint the first time you dab it, slide it, smooth it …but hey, at least if you faint you’ll look good! We all know how hard it is to find a creamy yet solid concealer that won’t run or breakdown on you in 30-minutes after application. RMS Beauty has figured it out, they give you an organic product that can effectively covers blemishes and camouflage to perfection.
It retails for $36 but remember —–you get what you pay for!!
