Party On-The-Go: Rebecca Minkoff for Stellé Audio Clutch

☰☰☰

In an exclusive and limited-edition collaboration with Stellé Audio Couture, Rebecca Minkoff ‘s Audio Clutch brings the “party on-the-go.” From the outside, these clutches look like a typical Minkoff, however, open to find a built-in portable speaker system housed inside. Hook up your cell phone or music device wirelessly via Bluetooth, and play your music or even hold a conversation directly from the same pocket as your lipstick. With a 50 ft range and 15 hour battery-life, these clutches are literally bring the party wherever you go.

The brand debuted the Audio Clutch at NYFW and is now available to the public HERE.

Rebecca Minkoff x Stellé Audio Couture:

I am truly excited to design this collection with Stellé Audio Couture. Their vision for building beautiful, premium consumer electronics aimed at fashionable females is so refreshing and innovative. It’s the perfect collaboration for me to expand my label into electronics without sacrificing my signature design aesthetic in any way and I look forward to seeing our audio Clutch on the runway.

Current Obsession: Blank Denim White Vegan Leather Skinny Pants

✠✠✠

Current Obsession: White Leather.

I am drawn to the crisp texture and clean lines.

First Purchase: Blank Denim’s White Vegan Leather Skinny Pants.

The quality is amazing and unexpected – “pleather” sure has come a long way. The fit is tight, comfortable and surprisingly flattering.

Big chunky sweaters in the Fall/Winter and simple cotton tanks and tees in the Spring/Summer.

If they survive? (white drinks only)

Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites

⏣⏣⏣

KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s

Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!

Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.

BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.

Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.

EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.

Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.

DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).

Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.

TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl

Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.

Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.

HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf

Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color – Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.

Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-‘n’-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.

Springtime in Paris: TOCCA Violette

◮◮◮

The latest edition to the TOCCA family of fragrances is “Violette”. A romantic and whimsical floral scent perfect for spring and summer.

TOCCA DESCRIPTION:

Violette evokes the whirlwind romance between a young soldier on leave and a young girl at the fragrance counter of Le Bon Marche in 1940s Paris. It is Springtime in Paris, vibrant blooms along the Champs-Elysees awaken the youthful spirit of first love.

Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Ginger Oil, Coriander Seed Oil
Middle Notes: African Violet, Bulgarian Rose, Black Currants
Bottom Notes: Creamy Cedarwood, Cashmere Musk, Benzoin

TOCCA’s Violette emulates springtime in Paris. Sexy yet utterly romantic, it reeks of sophistication. Plus, the “old world” glass bottle looks incredibly chic on the vanity. TOCCA fragrances are long-lasting and never overpowering. Also lovely to spritz on freshly washed bed linens and towels. Comparison: If you like or have sampled Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde, you will love Violette.

THE STORY OF TOCCA:

TOCCA launched in 1994 by a group of friends with a vision for beautiful yet affordable clothes. Their early collection consisted of candy-colored terry cloth tube dresses to sari-inspired embroidered mini dresses. In Italian “TOCCA” is the word for “touch” – named after it’s intricate embroideries and luxurious fabrics. The launch of TOCCA Beauty  came in 1997, with three unique and unusual products: a solid perfume, a dry oil skin smoother and a laundry delicate for fine washables. The first fragrance was a gardenia-based potion called “Touch”. TOCCA Beauty continues to be renowned worldwide as a fragrance house of distinctive and exquisite scents. TOCCA’s coveted fragrances can be found in our luxury candle collection, fine fragrances and bath and body products and are sold in the finest boutiques worldwide.

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

☀☀☀

A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

Tribal Trend: Accessories

ΩΩΩ

Tribal-inspired jewelry is on trend this season. Available in chunky bib necklaces, stacked resin bangles, angular earrings and bold rings, these pieces look effortlessly exotic. Experiment with mixed materials and textures including: wood, feathers, metals and fabrics. Play with color and natural elements then just layer them all together. Perfect for upcoming music festivals this look exemplifies a bohemian spirit.

Free People ~ Bay Avenue Engraved Geo Bracelet: $28.00

Piperlime ~ Sabine Tribal Pendant Necklace: $22.00

RevolveClothing ~ House of Harlow 1960 – Totem Pole Earrings: $65.00

Endless ~ Fiona Paxton Tribal Goddess Midnight Arrowhead Ring: $175.00

Forever 21 ~ Textured Bracelet Trio: $7.80

Classic Wedge: STEVEN by Steve Madden Banndo

❈❈❈

STEVEN by Steven Madden Banndo is the perfect wedge to have in your collection. This shoe will pair perfectly with any color, pattern or style it is coupled with. The sandy suede texture has a soft, comfortable feel while the lightweight synthetic wedge adds support.

Pair these shoes with Spring florals and pastels. They are the perfect height for flared denim as well as a flattering shape for cropped. Available in leather or suede, black or tan, this classic wedge will wear perfectly all spring and summer long.

SALE ALERT: Vince – Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat

✯✯✯

Vince Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat

A trenchcoat can be worn all-year-round and never go out of style. Popular for centuries, this classic coat continues to evolve in both style and design.

This Waxed Cotton Trenchcoat by Vince is simple and clean. Typical in trenchcoat design, the cuff straps on the raglan sleeves add detail as well as protection from wind and rain.  The double-breasted silhouette remains classic as well as the belt that cinches at the waist. This trench is made of waxed cotton that will ensure durability on cold and wet days.

Saks Fifth Avenue online sale is compiled of fantastic spring and summer items. This Vince Trenchcoat is on sale for $197.99 from $495.00. Get it while it lasts!