StyleChile (available at www.stylechile.com) is a shoppable online publisher of aspirational fashion and lifestyle content for the modern consumer. Founded by Nakia P. Thomas, corporate lawyer and fashion + lifestyle professional.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
BLACK MAGIC!
Friday, December 28, 2007
STYLEBITS
The ladies of Seasoned to Perfection, purveyors of luxe vintage wares, are launching The Uptown Emerging Designers Market(UEDM) -- a monthly market that will take place at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem starting in February 2008. For more information about vending opportunities or to be added to the UEDM mailing list send an email to UptownEDM@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the launch of Seasoned to Perfection's website!
Click on the link below for vintage StyleBits posts!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
STYLESTAR: MIMEKI
Left: "Kamalia" Clutch $485.00; Right: "Lola" Crocco Hobo $325.00
...Mimeki bags were the official Celebrity Retreat Bag at the 2007 ALMA Awards, where they received rave reviews backstage from celebrities like Eva Mendes, Jessica Alba, and Eva Longoria. Rochelle and Mimeki have also been featured in many magazines including November 2007's Black Enterprise and Latina magazines! Keep reading for my interview with Rochelle!
StyleChile: When did you become interested in designing?
Rochelle Thwaites: I have been "designing" so to speak since way back when....I loved putting ideas on paper for everything! From designing my room as a little girl to having pieces of clothing made from my designs.
StyleChile: How do you manage to stay fashionable?
Rochelle Thwaites: I don't think of myself as "fashionable". However I think the key for me is to maintain my classic staple style and add a touch of trend to outfits I put together.
StyleChile: Do you have any tips or words of advice for today's fun, fashionable, females?
Rochelle Thwaites: Be individualistic! Maintain your own personal style while incorporating some of the amazing fashion trends of the season. Try not to look like a fashion victim by stepping way out of your box and looking uncomfortable.
StyleChile: Of what (fashion oriented) achievement are you most proud?
Rochelle Thwaites: The only fashion-oriented achievement I am proud of and will ever be proud of is to see a random woman wearing a Mimeki!
StyleChile: How do you stay inspired?
Rochelle Thwaites: I observe women's attire and attitude. I design for the "Confident" woman and women who clearly do not want to look like everyone else. Mimeki is all about individuality.
StyleChile: Tell us how to best obtain Mimeki.
Rochelle Thwaites: Mimeki handbags and accessories are exclusive limited edition products and are available at mimeki.com.
StyleChile: Please tell us about your latest projects!
Rochelle Thwaites: 2008 is going to be an amazing year as we are launching Mimeki Kustom!
StyleChile: What are some of your favorite trends this season?
Rochelle Thwaites: I think this season has brought a little glamour to our lives and I like that. A little gold and glitz for the season goes a long way. Shine On!!!
StyleChile: If you could only keep one item in your closet right now what would it be? why?
Rochelle Thwaites: It would be my very first pair of UGGS. They look extremely worn but nothing beats the comfort!
StyleChile: Who do you think has great style?
Rochelle Thwaites: My mother! She is one classy lady and I love that about her.
Click on the label below for vintage StyleStar posts!
Monday, December 17, 2007
DESIGNERS FOR DARFUR
"These t-shirts are so much more than a simple shirt - - -These are billboards which announce to the world-at-large that we are all united in bringing the genocide currently taking place in Darfur to an end."
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
NYC SAMPLE SALES!
What: Colette Malouf
Why: Headbands, scarves, ponytail holders, and cuffs from 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-941-9588).
What: Proenza Schouler
Why: Tops, bottoms, dresses, and shoes were $325-$3,500, now $80-$875.
When: Dec. 13 & 14. Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 120 Walker St., b/t Centre & Baxter Sts., 6th flr.
What: Lola Hats
Why: Caps (and more) priced $45-$140. Cash only. When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 535 Eighth Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 20th flr. (212-279-9093).
What: Vera Wang Bridal Collection
Why: Brides to be, sharpen your claws. Those glam gowns are 30-70 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 15. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave., b/t 34th & 35th Sts. (212-575-6400).
What: Mulberry
Why: Up to 70 percent off original prices on the coveted bags and clothing.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr.
What: Diane von Furstenberg
Why: Iconic dresses, coats, gowns, sweaters, and other stuff at up to 75 percent off.
When: Dec. 10-15. Mon., noon-6 p.m.; Tues., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-5400).
What: Cass Guy and Burwell
Why: Fifty to 75 percent off coats, jackets, dresses, and knits. Little boys’ coats, vests, and tees (3 months to 8 years) at sample sale prices.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 265 W. 37th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 21st flr.
What: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Adampluseve
Why: Up to 80 percent off of-the-moment coats, tops, dresses, skirts, and sweaters.
When: Dec. 13-15. Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 145 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. (212-388-0339).
What: Castle Starr
Why: Current collection including dresses and blouses at 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 275 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 10th flr.
What: Elijah
Why: The collection is up to 50 percent off wholesale. James Coviello, too. Shop and drink to that.
When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 213 W. 35th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 903.
What: Yaya Aflalo and Love Yaya
Why: Trendy blouses, pants, sweaters, and other threads priced below wholesale.
When: Thru Dec. 14. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 80 W. 40th St., at Sixth Ave., 7th flr. (212-391-4400).
What: Showroom Seven
Why: Robin, Sue Stemp, Tony Cohen, Issa London, and then some at wholesale and below.
When: Dec. 10-15 & 17-21. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 498 Seventh Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 24th flr. (212-643-4810).
What: Eberjey Lingerie
Why: Camis, briefs, bathing suits, and more are 50-75 percent off.
When: Dec. 11 & 12. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 183 Madison Ave., at 34th St., ste. 610. (212-696-5393).
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
MADEWELL + GIVEAWAY
Keira Knightley photographed with the Masai in June 2007's Vogue is wearing a Madewell shirt jacket. The parachute skirt was specifically created by Thakoon, upon the request of Vogue creative director, Grace Coddington, who wanted to complement the Madewell shirt jacket!
Established in 1937*, Madewell is hip and modern, while retaining many of the vintage elements of the original brand. The line is a favorite of celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Michelle Williams, Winona Ryder, Uma Thurman, and Reese Witherspoon...
...and until now, Madewell’s unique garment-dyed denim had been available in very limited quantities at Scoop and at the secret shop event mentioned above. But have no fear, a Madewell store will be opening in a permanent location in Soho at the corner of Broome and Broadway by early 2008! Visit the temporary location a few blocks away at 532 Broadway, pictured above, to scoop great holiday gifts!
Get a yummy Madewell shirt for free, by submitting a picture of yourself at or inside Madewell, or by one of the bill postings around town! Brooklyn-based DJs Kiss and Tell will be in store on December 8 and DJ Cat is hitting the turntables at Madewell on December 16. Send an e-mail** to stylechil@gmail.com including name and mailing address!
* In 1937 a great high quality workwear company was founded in New Bedford, MA named--you guessed it-- Madewell! J. Crew's CEO Millard "Mickey" Drexler discovered the name back in 2003 (before he joined the retailer) and acquired it.
** Information submitted will only be used in connection with StyleChile's giveaway and will not be distributed to any third parties. Size: medium.
Friday, November 30, 2007
ERIN FETHERSTON FOR TARGET
Check out the collection here. I love and hate the pic above. It's a bit disturbing (I mean, I like frills and bows as much as the next girl, but coupled with the baby expression and those mary janes...it's more than a little Lolitaish) but cute nonetheless, no? At the very least, it captures the girlish essence of the line. A heart shaped bag? Seriously? But maybe I need to loosen up a bit--that very bag is all sold out---gosh.
Style Tip: Wear the pieces, but not like that! Ground the look with dark tights and a bob (bun or low ponytail for longer hair) and a serious leather handbag. Please don't walk around with that expression on your face and definitely don't stand around like that...unless, of course, you're into that sort of thing!
P.S. I missed the Cavalli for H&M launch (but Claire's got it documented over at the Fashion Bomb), as I was en route to my native Jamaica for the wedding of dear friends (the bride was stunning in Monique Lhuillier and the groom was smashing in a custom made Ralph Lauren) ...but, guess what? Last week, as I was standing around on line at H&M at 59th and Lex, minding my business...steady justifying the many absolutely unneccessary items that I was about to purchase, luck would have it that someone was returning 6 or 7 pieces from the line! She must have been there for a reason, right? That's no mere coincidence! I was supposed to get my hands on them...I bought them all, but I'm not that greedy. I brought some home for my sister-in-law...and offered a few pieces to others, and returned the rest
Click on the link below for vintage Style Collaborations posts! On deck: Libertine for Target.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
BRIGHT TIGHTS
I really like the selection of color palette tights at Anthropologie. Urban Outfitters has great color options (see their sparkle & fade opaque tights). Check out the models and celebrities in the slide below for inspiration!
Style Tip: wear with colorful shoes; metallics also look great. Black, as always, works well too!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
UP IN SMOKE!
Difficulty: Easy!
Time Required: 5 Minutes
Here’s How:
1. Prep the lids. Prime lids with foundation. This serves as a base for the eyeshadow. This can be done when you apply foundation to your face before applying makeup.
2. Apply light base color. The key to a smoky eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue*. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your browbone, focusing on the inner points (by your nose).
3. Apply a darker (yet complimenting) color to outer lid, starting from the middle of the lid and sweeping across to the outer lid. Use a brush to lightly blend the lighter color with the darker color where they meet in the middle of the lid.
Duwop "Gray Eyes", available at Sephora, $32.00.
4. Apply eyeliner. Apply liner above the upper lash line, drawing a thicker line in the middle. Don’t forget to apply eyeliner to the bottom lash line for a true smokey look. The key is to smudge it in to give a fuller look and less of straight line. You can also apply more dark shadow (instead of smudging) to get a full smudge look.
5. Apply Mascara to both top and bottom lashes. Apply false eyelashes for added drama!
6. You are ready to hit the town!
* Use browns, blacks, dark greens or grays to suit your taste.
Tim Duncan Tip: For a bolder look, apply more shadow. Whether bold or light, apply mascara liberally! I like the gray hues found in the palette above.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
STYLESTAR: BAGS BY CHILLI
These bags are super cute; I've already started collecting my favorite pics of niece and nephews. Keep reading for my interview with Chilli!
StyleChile: What are your fashion influences?
Chilli: I am most impressed with custom made items, like the bags that I make and I also love shoes. One of my favorite shoe designers is Giuseppe Zanotti.
StyleChile: How do you manage to stay so fashionable?
Chilli: By watching Stacey and Clinton on What Not To Wear :)
StyleChile: Tell us how we can buy Bags by Chilli!
Chilli: You can visit www.bagsbychilli.com to select the bags you want, different design options for each bag and directly upload your photo to us. Also, when you create an account you can start a wishlist so that you can give your family and friends ideas about what you would like for gifts. Christmas is right around the corner you know ...
StyleChile: How did you come up with the idea for Bags by Chilli?
Chilli: I was given bags with my son's pictures on them as a gift a few years back. I wanted more bags, with different pictures and in different sizes. Plus, people were ALWAYS asking me where I get my bag from and I got tired of not having an answer to give them. Finally I said, okay not having an answer is not cool--let me do this, let me do my own thing.
StyleChile: What types of bags do you offer?
Chilli: We have everyday bags, lunch boxes, laptop bags, small hand bags for when you are on- the-go and large handbags (when you need to carry your whole life with you) and the list goes on and on.StyleChile: What is your target market?
Chilli: We don't really target one group. We have a large collection, something for everybody INCLUDING MEN. We have a messenger bag and an awesome toiletry bag for men. A really cute backpack and small purses for young girls/teenagers. We have a beach bag for your cruise goers, a workout bag for your health enthusiasts, a baby bag for new mommies, lunch boxes for kids and so on. We really tried to be inclusive.
Chilli: We are going to expand our collection to offer a larger selection of shapes, materials, and design options. We are still in the development stage with those, but they are coming!!
StyleChile: Thanks Chilli!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
TIE ONE ON!
StyleTip: These shirts look great with high waisted pencil skirts and opaque tights.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
MAYBE I WAS ONTO SOMETHING...
"Blake Lively is proving to be just as much of a fashionista as her on-screen alter-ego, Serena van der Woodsen. Hitting the talk show circuit, the young star impressed the host and audience not just with her charm and poise. . .but with her fancy heels from te casan! Kelly Ripa professed her undying love for the fabulous heels and even got Blake to let her try one on! And she’s not the only one — we were beseiged by readers begging us to track them down. You don’t need to be a Gossip Girl to get your hands on your own pair of Gaetano Perrone “Diana” jeweled pumps, $375, by calling their New York City boutique, 212-584-8000 or check out their website at tecasan.com "-People Magazine
Yum! Gaetano Perrone is allegedly leaving Te Casan to join Dior (can someone please confirm or deny?). These shoes are on sale (in store) at Te Casan, for $189.00. Tell 'em I sent 'ya!
Update: These shoes are no longer on sale! Crazy what a 'lil publicity will do... Update: And like that, they're gone! Sold out.
My new favorite shoe, and Blake Lively's too? Diana jewelled ballerina pumps, designed by Gaetano Perrone for Te Casan.
Thanks for the heads up Veronica! Click on the link below for vintage Style Trends posts.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
BIG RED
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
NYC SAMPLE SALES!!!
What: Rachel Roy
Why: Up to 75 percent off leather jackets, one-shoulder dresses, wide-leg trousers, and blouses.
Why: Decoupage glassware, letterpress cards, silk-screened gift wrap, scarves, and other items are at least 50 percent off.
When: Oct. 24-27. Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 187 Chrystie St., b/t Stanton & Rivington Sts. (212-260-8300).
Where: 17 Battery Pl. S., b/t West Side Hwy. & Washington St., 5th flr. (212-413-4421).
Why: kids need good deals, too. Baby overalls are $52; dresses are $76; boy shirts are $45.
When: Oct. 23-26. Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 317 W. 33rd St., b/t Eighth & Ninth
Aves. (718-747-1656).
Why: Men’s and women’s leather jackets, were $798-$1,398, now $349-$399; sweaters, were $248-$548, now $79-$99.
When: Oct. 23-27. Tues.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 510 Fifth Ave., at 43rd St., ground flr. (212-398-2622).
Why: Luxe winter coats, were $700, now $275; pants, were $250, now $100; sweaters, were $498, now $150.
When: Oct. 23-26. Tues., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 261 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 2nd flr. (212-947-8748).