The Lovely 20's

Josie Natori invites fashion bloggers to preview Natorious Spring 2010

Virginia — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:07:44 +0000

Lately, I have been blessed enough to meet highly accomplished women who have retained their sweetness and humility. The most recent of these amazing encounters have been with Josie Natori, founder and CEO of the Natori company, who invited a group of fashion bloggers to preview her latest Natorious Essentials collection.

The event wasn’t just a fashion preview – it was a look into all of Josie’s “essentials,” an indulgent participation into her glamorous life. In addition to taking us through her line piece by piece, she also introduced us to her family, served us her favorite champagne and dimsum, and gave us a mini-tour of her couture-laden closet.

However, the best part (and everyone’s favorite) of the evening was the private piano concert by Josie on her grand Steinbeck. Josie was actually a child a prodigy who performed concerts starting at the very young age of nine so this was a serious treat. Clip below!

Yes, that is a second grand piano in the foreground. Sorry for the shaky quality and for ending so abruptly. But I wanted to enjoy the performance and not worry about filming!

Now onto the fashion. When I first met Josie, I thought it was perhaps Lanvin she wearing (it was the draping), but I found out shortly after that it was actually one of her own! Natorious Essentials pieces are made of jersey and soft knits so they are not only heavenly to the touch, they are 100% functional, flattering, and travel-friendly. Josie’s designs are extremely forgiving as well so whether you are a 2 or plus-size, Natorious will look great on you. Not many designers can boast that.

Natorious Spring 2010 is now available on Natori.com. Follow Josie Natori on Twitter and Facebook, and definitely show her some blog loving at natoriinside.com – her latest post is about the bloggers event!

Special kudos to Karen Robinovitz of Purple Lab NYC and her fantastic team for a great event xo

Lauren Merkin Spring & Fall 2010 Preview

Virginia — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:06:25 +0000

Last week, I visited the Lauren Merkin showroom in NYC to take a sneak peek into her upcoming Spring and Fall 2010 collections. The gorgeous Lauren Merkin was kind enough to take me through the collections herself.

She shared, “We are not dictated by trends and fixate on trends but we are aware. We always try to stay classic. Trends come and go. But we do make sure colors and designs are current.”

That has always been the appeal of Lauren Merkin bags – they are true investment pieces women can carry season after season.

The first bag Ms. Merkin brought me to was the Iris in black and white chevron, which was a personal favorite. The color blocking gives the Iris a charming mod quality but the hardware brings it some edge.

Tatum is great because of its fantastic texture. It comes is several color options but my favorite is this fun blue and yellow print – a great warm weather clutch!

I love Diana mostly due to her description: “A petite girl with plenty of attitude.” How great is that? I think I love it because I have been described the same way :) Kindred spirits, we are.

Kate Spade & Rebecca Ward Tape Installation

Virginia — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:26:04 +0000

Kate Spade has collaborated with Rebecca Ward to create a stunning and colorful installation for their SoHo flagship store. I attended the opening party during Fashion Week to see the artwork in person.

The installation, which accents Kate Spade’s Spring 2010 collection, covers the entire store entrance in neon pink and yellow gaffer’s tape (yes, gaffer’s tape). Needless to say, I loved it because it was creative, precise and optimistic – three things I certainly strive to be!

The highlight of the event was definitely the tape bar. Rebecca Ward isn’t the only one who can get creative with tape. Party-goers appliqued pink and yellow strips onto their clothes and the blank journals offered to attendees. It was a new and unique kind of fun – a definite hit.

You must, must see how the installation came to life in the video below. The process is quite amazing. Photos after the jump.

Giveaway alert! Kate Spade is holding a “Pop of Color” contest on their Facebook page. Show your best use of color in an outfit and enter for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Maryanne tote custom-taped by Rebecca Ward. Enter now here.

For more information on the Kate Spade and Rebecca Ward collaboration, visit katespade.com.

Lori Goldstein

Virginia — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:08:35 +0000

I recently had the amazing opportunity to interview Lori Goldstein during Fashion Week. Lori has worked with the venerable likes of Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Madonna, and Versace. Most recently during NYFW, she has styled the looks for the Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang shows.

Lori Goldstein took a piece of the runway spotlight herself with her line, LOGO Instant Chic, when she headlined the QVC fashion shows this year. The retailer worked with IMG Fashion to do a live broadcast of their Spring 2010 buy now/wear now collections.

Lori once said that if at least two people don’t like what you’re wearing, you are not making a statement. Her line certainly reflects that view. Personal favorites include slate harem pants and a denim jacket with tiered ruffles. Her accessories are also bold, fun and functional – in fact, many serve as “two-fers.” Two-fers meaning they can act as a clip on a shoe or a pin in your hair.

Lori was down-to-earth as can be when I spoke with her, which was refreshing. The world’s best designers consult Lori for her opinion – many would claim that as their zenith, but Lori remains modest about her successes and has more goals. She achieved one of them with LOGO Instant Chic, but she has aspirations to go high end as well.

To read my interview with Lori and view her entire collection, go to my Fashion News page on Examiner.com.

Love Lori yourself? Become a fan of her on Facebook here!

Photos courtesy of LOGO Instant Chic.

Shoegasm Spring 2010

Virginia — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:49:38 +0000

Temperatures have dipped again and, needless to say, I do not love it. But I can at least pretend it is warm out and entertain myself with spring shoe prospects.

I have been a Shoegasm fan for a while now so I have naturally checked out their Spring 2010 Collection. For those who don’t know Shoegasm, it is a popular NYC shoe boutique that houses some incredibly adorable designs. Check out my post about their fall shoes here. Some of my warm-weather picks:

Seychelles “Lola” $89.95 | Sky-high wedges with idyllic flavors are very S/S 10. Gold, strappy and high, these wedges will serve as a great go-to for a summer date, vacation on a cruise, and…beating the beat on the Jersey Shore (sorry, I had to). I especially love that interlaced detail in the center.

Chelsea Crew “Juliette” $69.99 | J.Crew-esque and charming, these are too cute for words. Just looking at this photo is inspiring so many outfit ideas in my mind right now. They look comfortable as well.

If you are from NYC, visit one of their three parlors in Chelsea, Flatiron and SoHo. You can also order by phone (212) 691-2091. Heads up! Shoegasm will launch e-commerce capability in the next few months – lucky us.

To check out more of their offerings, go to Shoegasm.com and definitely follow them on Twitter @Shoegasm because they are super sweet ladies.

Think warm and think Friday.

Gucci Spring 2010

Virginia — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:58:27 +0000

If it is possible to have a crush on a line, it is definitely Gucci for me this Spring 2010. I love Frida Giannini for it. Before this season, billowy frocks always came to mind whenever I heard her name. But this season, she deviated from previous aesthetics and delivered a line that is more streamlined, athletic and modern.

Says Style.com, “It was a modernist streak she’s avoided in the past, preferring to take her girl into the realms of hippie and disco, but the change of direction gave the show a turbo-charged shot of adrenaline, ranking it as the best Giannini has done yet.”

The collection is glamorous, but it also has a power element to it. It has a bit of coldness as well, which I like. I like it when a look is a bit impersonable. Overall it is sleek, young and very sexy, and the detailing, cuts and accessories incredible. A lot of “wow” moments here. Get ready to scroll.

Photo are courtesy of Style.com

Chloe & reese designer to launch second line

Virginia — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:50:35 +0000

I have for you a qualified gift from the fashion gods because we have all experienced that I-feel-fat-so-I-want-to-live-in-sweatpants-possibly-forever moment.

Annmarie Scotto-Dinan, designer of chloe & reese, will launch the first collection of designer dresses to incorporate shapewear technology. Considering what I saw from preview photos and her current chloe & reese pieces (which have been featured in Marie Claire, Glamour, Teen Vogue, etc), this new line, appropriately called SLEEK, will keep you both slimmed down and fashionable.

SLEEK designs are simple and classic — perfect foundation pieces you can carry through seasons and a great canvas to build on with jackets and accessories.

I had the amazing opportunity to interview Annmarie and learn more about her lines. She also provided some great tips for timeless style. Click here for the interview on Examiner.com.

Annmarie graciously offered words for us 20-somethings as well:

“My advice for 20-somethings who are still discovering a personal sense of style & self — be true to yourself, its ok to make mistakes, and always follow your passion.”

Celebrity Style Love: Camilla Belle

Virginia — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:20:57 +0000

If there is one celebrity whose style I absolutely love, it is Camilla Belle. Her adventurous sense of style always grabs our attention and makes us wonder what she will be wearing next. But despite how daring her ensembles often are, she doesn’t make the mistake of looking like the clothes are wearing her.

Some of my favorites:

At last night’s InStyle Golden Globes afterparty in Giorgio Armani

In Alexander McQueen at the 2012 premiere

Rocking another Alexander McQueen stunner at the Push Premiere

I’d say Camilla Belle has such a fabulous track record because not only can she pick a good dress, she knows exactly what makeup and hairstyle to wear to pull the whole look together. She also tailors her clothes to perfection.

All photo credits go to fabsugar.com.

Style.com – Who’s Wearing Whom?

Virginia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:53:20 +0000

Style.com has a fun post about ‘Who’s Wearing Whom?‘ at the Golden Globes this weekend. As we know, red carpet fashion is all about which designer the A-list stars are wearing so it is interesting to see the picks Style.com made. I would say they hit the nail on the head. Some of my favorites:

Jennifer Aniston in Gucci

“Jennifer Aniston favors clean lines, and she often highlights her yoga-toned shoulders with a halter-style neckline. Our pick for the presenter is Gucci.”

Chloë Sevigny in Narciso Rodriguez

“Two things we know about Chloë Sevigny’s red-carpet style: The actress loves to show off her legs, and she never plays it safe.”

Kate Winslet in Victoria Beckham

“…Victoria Beckham’s stunning column would still be a winning look for Winslet.”

And, of course, I have to showcase picks of my own:

This pale gold Reem Acra dress with the gorgeous neckline would look great on Ginnifer Goodwin.

If there is anyone who can pull off a show-stopper like this from Elie Saab, it is Cate Blanchett.

I must have an affinity for gold tonight.. but, in any case, these two dresses are stunning, are they not? I am very much looking forward to what the stars will really wear this weekend.

Credits: All photos and quotes are from Style.com

Balmain Love

Virginia — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:46:39 +0000

I believe this Balmain dress can speak for itself. Also categorized under “things I would give my left arm for.”

Photo credit: Style.com