VISIT THE BRAND NEW STYLECHILE AT WWW.STYLECHILE.COM!

Dear Readers—As some of you know, I've been radio silent for the past year because I was working with a team of talented designers to launch a new web home for StyleChile. Please visit StyleChile 3.0 at www.stylechile.com for fresh content, including lifestyle oriented topics such as decor, beauty, travel, food, intoxicants, emerging designers, fashion law, entertainment and fun extras. You'll notice that the new StyleChile includes a shop section where you'll be able to shop curated items that are featured in a StyleChile article.

Additionally, the new StyleChile has contributors—nine of them! Check them out here. I'm hopeful that the perspectives of the contributors, new aesthetic and improved functionality, including easy access to social media, will improve your experience. Please note that this blogspot, the second version of StyleChile, will remain live but will no longer be updated. Subscribe to the new site (which resides on the same webpage as the original StyleChile, est. circa 2001) to receive e-mail updates, by clicking here. Check out this article for additional background on this transition. Many thanks to you for your continued support over the years. Our contributors and I look forward to delivering fresh content to you on our new site! xoxo

BEYONCE + H&M

 "I've always liked H&M's focus on fun affordable fashion. I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements - fire, water, earth and wind…" - Beyoncé Photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

It looks like the rumor and speculation regarding Beyoncé’s collaboration with H&M is true! The singer will appear as the face of the Swedish retailer this Summer and, like Madonna before her, gave H&M "personal input on the pieces seen in the campaign"—so sayeth an H&M rep. This begs the question, is Beyoncé, like Madonna before her, and like her counterparts Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, et al, prepping for the launch of her own line of clothing? *  

Click read more below for the rest of the story!

TIBI'S VALENTINE'S DAY CAPSULE COLLECTION

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How're you celebrating Valentine's Day, loves? Indulge in retail therapy Celebrate love today and everyday in one of Tibi's signature tops, emblazoned with an unmistakable reference to love and affection.

"Valentine's Day is about celebrating love, and it doesn't necessarily have to be about a boyfriend or a girlfriend . . . it's your family, it's your friend, it's your dog. The whole world goes so fast; if these holidays can make you slow down and think about things, it's not a bad thing." - Amy Smilovic, Tibi founder.

The collection is available online here. Prices range from $90 and $265. The limited edition capsule collection even includes stationery at $14 for a set of five. Click read more below to see additional pieces from Tibi's Valentine's Day capsule collection. Click on the labels below for vintage Valentine's Day posts!

BEYONCE'S SUPERBOWL OUTFIT BY RUBIN SINGER {VIDEO}

Beyoncé and Michelle both rocked Rubin Singer, while Kelly Rowland wore a custom Emilio Pucci bodysuit.

Loved Beyoncé's Super Bowl costume? I couldn't get enough of the ensemble and thought the strong and feminine piece was the perfect compliment to her strong and unapologetically sexy performance.  The provocative iguana and python one-piece was created by Rubin Singer, the scion of a fashion designing family, who cut his teeth working for Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Kai Milla, among others. Bey's outfit was inspired by Norse mythology, specifically the Valkyries, 1970's Helmut Newton and early 1990's Versace, and if you thought that was a mouthful, throw in a bit of late 1930's Germany.  Meet the man behind the legendary outfit below.

Click the "read more" link below for video of Beyonce's halftime performance. Photo Credit: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

2013 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

1 - Ladurée macarons, order some from their New York shop; 2 - St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, $29.99 on Amazon; 3 - Fleur of England Love boudoir bra by Journelle, on sale for $54; 4 - Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll, £65.00 at Harrod's; 6 - Fashion and Art Collusion: Britain Creates book and poster boxset, $55 on net-a-porter; 7 - Fleur of England Love bow brief by Journelle, on sale for $54; 5 - Bom Bom Jewelry gold confetti garnet & amethyst ring, $205; 8 - Kate Spade Mine & Yours highball set, $50.00 at Macy's; 9 - Diptyque's limited edition Amber Oud mini candle, $32.00 on Beauty Habit

I love love and all things romantic, so it's no surprise that I love the idea of Valentine's day. Whether you're single or attached, it's an opportunity to show yourself, and the ones you love, that you care. Obviously, material items are not necessary to do so, but the occasion presents the perfect excuse to treat yourself, and/or your love, to something nice. Guys, above are a few gifts that are perfect for the fashionable woman in your life. Girls, go on and treat yourself to something nice!

HAPPY NEW YEAR + ALIYA LEEKONG INTERVIEW

2012 was quite the year, wasn't it? How was it for you? I'm excited to start 2013 and am especially excited to build on the foundation that I've laid over the past six (really 12) years by expanding the StyleChile brand! I have a feeling that great things await us in 2013, lots of wonderful opportunities are in store. I'd love to learn about your goals for 2013. I'm a firm believer in speaking things into being, so feel free to share your aspirations for the new year in the comments section.

 

I can think of no better way to kick off 2013 than by sharing one of my inspirations, Aliya LeeKong, with you, in the hopes that the success she has attained in the pursuit of her passion will be encouragement for you to follow your dreams. Check out the video below for a conversation between yours truly and the culinary creative director of the Michelin starred Junoon—who also happens to be my good friend, compadre, road dog and fellow food lover—who can appreciate the finest of the fine in dining, to the local street corner fried chicken spot, to street food from far flung countries across the globe, and everything in between. What inspires you? Follow me on Pinterest to see visual representations of my inspirations!

 

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." - Rumi

Filmed by producer and artistic director extraordinaire, Tanji Gilliam, of Oil House Productions, this interview took place back in July, in advance of Aliya's August 2012 Vogue India debut. I think it's hilarious that Aliya flips the script and starts to interview me. Her questions elicited thoughts on my long-held desire to do what I love! Click read more below to see an excerpt of the Vogue India article featuring Aliya and to see more of Tanji's work: a music video for recording artist Nyticka Hemingway, the internal scenes of which were filmed in my apartment! Be sure to check out Oil House Productions, and consider them for documenting your most significant occasions, like I do.

 

Enjoy & Happy New Year!!!

MANUEL CANOVAS: FABRIC + WALLPAPER

I've long aspired to be an interior decorator, and would like to share this post with you, because fashionistas like yourselves, if anything like me, are sure to have an appreciation for design that extends beyond apparel—and into the home. I love wallpaper, and am a big fan of de Gournay, but have recently become acquainted with Manuel Canovas while perusing wallpaper online. Founded in 1963, Manuel Canovas' eponymous company creates decorative wall coverings and fabrics that evinces the founder's love of botany and his long-held passion for drawing and color. Although the French fabric house was purchased by Colefax & Fowler in 1998*, the design aesthetic is still rooted in the artistic principles and tradition of its founder, and is known for its effusive use of color in its collections. Used primarily for upholstery and wallpaper, the woven, dyed and printed fabrics have come to be associated with excellence of design and luxury.

 

* Manuel Canovas shares the plight of another well known French designer: Hervé Léger, who like Canovas, lost the rights to his name and control of his company in 1998. The Hervé Léger brand is now owned by BCBG Max Azria and Monsieur Léger designs and sells dresses under the name Hervé L. Leroux. Similarly, Monsieur Canovas now designs luxurious fabric under another name, his wife's maiden name: Lorca.

EMERALD GREEN: PANTONE'S 2013 COLOR OF THE YEAR

1- Willy Daro malachite and bronze lamp, 1stdibs.com; 2- Emerald cut cocktail ring, made of green onyx, $128; 3 - BCBG pave stone earrings at BCBG, $58.00; 4- Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Ready-To -Wear; 5- Brazilian green agate coasters, $68 from Rain Collection; 6- 14.35 carat emerald engagement ring flanked by 3.95 carat triangular shaped diamonds, $85,000 at Sotheby's;  7 - 1950s arm chair from 1stdibs.com; 8- Gold and malachite Rolex, 1stdibs.com; 9 - Catherine Malandrino stretch silk-blend jumpsuit available at net-a-porter, $395
It ain't easy being green. . . actually, it wont be hard for you to incorporate 2013's color of the year—the most abundant hue in nature—into your wardrobe and home. The Pantone Color Institute,  a world-renowned authority on color, has released the result of its annual poll of designers and brands secret  meeting of international color standard groups, forecasting that one of my favorite colors, emerald green (Pantone color 17-5641*), will be having a moment next year. I've been recommending malachite accents to friends and family for their homes and almost wore this stunner to my birthday celebration last week (but decided that wearing sequins three years in a row would be doing way too much). I do wear these BCBG earrings often though! This color has positive psychological connotations as well. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Excecutive Director of Pantone, emerald green is "the color of growth, renewal and prosperity — no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity." Here's to rebirth, revitalization, well-being and looking fab in 2013!

* Pantone believes that these colors are their intellectual property and cannot be used freely by others. But that belief is not supported by trademark law. Query how Pantone's position would play out in the courts following the recent decision in Louboutin v. Yves Saint Laurent, a case in which Christian Louboutin, he of the red bottom fame, challenged Yves Saint Laurent's use of the color red on soles of certain shoes. While a 2011 ruling by a Southern District Court found that the law does not support Louboutin, disallowing "recognition of a trademark for the use of a single color for fashion items", the Second Circuit Court of Appeals conferred limited trademark protection to Louboutin in "only those situations where the red lacquered outsoles contrasts in color with the adjourning 'upper' of the shoe".

NEIMAN MARCUS + TARGET + CFDA

Every so often, a legendary partnership blooms, delighting the masses with the sheer awesomeness of their union. Not since Bonnie & Clyde, Aol Time Warner and Spam & Rice, to living legends Bey & Jay, Exxon Mobil and Mac & Cheese, have we seen a coupling quite like this one.* Behold the alliance of Target and Neiman Marcus! That’s right, Christmas came early. Thanks to the CFDA (or the Council of Fashion Designers of America for the uninitiated) for achieving its milestone 50th anniversary so that we can all celebrate in this fashion (pun intended). Check out my favorite picks from this collection in the photo below. Share your favorites in the comments section!

1. Eddie Borgo Accent Box 2. Thom Browne's Women's Blazer 3. Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses 4. Philip Crangi Frame 5. Marc Jacobs Pouches 6. A to-die-for Prabal Gurung Cape 7. Eddie Borgo Letter Opener 8. Altuzarra Tray 9. Brian Atwood Gloves 10. Tracy Reese Dessert Plates

The limited edition collection becomes available tomorrow, December 1, just in time for Holiday shopping! From the looks of it, and the price points confirm that, there’s literally something for everyone and their pets. The partnership will feature more than 50 gifts, including cookie cutters, yoga mats, blazers, skateboards, dresses and dinnerware, starting at $7.99 and capping off at $499.99. The 50 gifts were produced by 24 CFDA designers.

* This statement is not quite accurate, as we just experienced Margiela for H&M a couple of weeks ago . . . but, what’s a good blog post without some hyperbole? 

Click "read more" below to see additional pictures and the list of designers. Head over to Target or Neiman Marcus for more information on, including additional pictures of, this historic collaboration!