SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Peter Pilotto For Kipling Handbag Collection -- In A Galaxy Not So Far Away

 

In just a few years, designers Peter Pilotto and Chirstopher De Vos, the duo behind the London-based Peter Pilotto fashion label, have charmed audiences with their wearable garments, which combine skilled drapery and a knack for fascinating, original prints. Now, the duo behind Peter Pilotto has teamed up with handbag and luggage brand Kipling to create a limited-edition collection of handbags with futuristic prints.

Inspired by the notion of a wanderlust-stricken traveler navigating through outer space (a la The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy), the Peter Pilotto for Kipling collection consists of 11 bags in two prints: galaxy and machinery. Pictured above are two handbag styles in the galaxy print: an Adara-esque, roomy nylon tote measuring 18" in width and 13 1/4" in height and featuring adjustable shoulder straps, and a Kassie-like backpack with a top flap and two diagonal zippers along the front. The print on these bags, meanwhile, features a backdrop of pitch-black intergalactic space, riddled with stars of varying luminosities and featuring vibrant nebulae in electrifying blue and red hues.

Get ready to enter Pilotto's other dimension when the Peter Pilotto for Kipling collection hits stores next week!

Guerlain Summer 2010 Collection -- Luminous And Lovely

While this summer's color cosmetics landscape was inundated with chirpy corals, punk-y fuchsias, sexy purples and creamy metallic turquoises, Guerlain opted for a more reserved, classic scheme, adopting a demure, less-is-more stance. The Guerlain Summer 2010 collection, then, emphasizes soft, slightly pearlescent shades that make every woman's skin appear more luminous and dewy.

One of the collection's highlights, then, is the Météorites Perles face color, a tin full of Trix cereal-sized spheres in six different colors: from corrective hues such as pale green, which conceals redness, to creamy yellow and beige hues that even out skin tones, light pink and coral that add a flushed effect, and shimmering white that create a radiant glow. As you sweep a powder brush over these tiny spheres, you'll be mixing together neutralizing, reflective, and harmonious colors to make your complexion appear spotless.

Another highlight is the Ombre Eclat 4 Shades in Ombres Perlées 409, an eyeshadow palette consisting of four understated neutral hues. As with most Guerlain palettes, the compact itself is worth seeing, featuring embossed,  sun ray-like strips bursting diagonally along each eyeshadow shade. Most notably, the creamy white color embossed on the eye shadows on the left-hand side work together to create the picture of a white rosette, known as the symbol of the Météorites.

The four subtle neutral shades in the palette boast  a tender, baby powder-like texture, so that they feel truly soft and velvety on lids. The pigments, meanwhile, consist of: a chalky, near-white eggshell hue with pink undertones; a fleshy pink with earthy undertones; a milky, sandy taupe; and a shimmering, grayish taupe.

More photos and swatches after the jump!

What's Old Is New Again With Cinzia Designs' Redeux Collection

"Rapture" Shades:

"Year Of The Cat" Shades:

Three years ago, Houston, Texas-bred fashion stylist Lindsey Reisack landed a job as a receptionist at Phoenix, Arizona-based eyewear and accessories company Cinzia Designs. Having recently wrapped a film styling gig, she needed a temporary position to bring in some income and was naturally drawn to a company in the fashion industry. Her styling expertise and business acumen allowed her to quickly rise through the ranks: Reisack is currently the Public Relations Coordinator and In-house Stylist at Cinzia Designs. Even better, she managed to channel her talents in her new professional home, helping customers find the right frames to fit their face shapes and style sensibilities and even venturing into product design. She soon formed a friendship with co-worker Megan Brown, a Los Angeles native who had moved to Phoenix two years prior to Reisack and joined the Cinzia Designs' product development team. Brown and Reisack soon discovered they shared a love of vintage sunglasses, and they thought they could introduce a line that reflected this passion into the Cinzia Designs roster.

"We both have been collecting vintage sunglasses for years, and we thought it would be interesting to introduce a younger, edgier line of sunglasses to Cinzia," says Reisack. "We wanted to design a modern line of vintage-inspired sunglasses. It was a gamble, but our boss gave us her full support and let us do our thing!" Thus, only a year into her tenure at Cinzia, Reisack began designing the Redeux Collection of sunglasses alongside Megan Brown.

The quirky, colorful collection — quite possibly the best Cinzia collection to date —includes five key styles that draw from '70s and '80s influences, while adding contemporary touches.

The Rapture frames (pictured at top) feature an angular, bold top rim that feels like a mix between vintage horn-rimmed glasses and cat's eye shades, with lenses in an almost trapeze-like shape. By juxtaposing interesting colors and materials, Reisack and Brown managed to infuse a dose of modernity into the shades. We're particularly smitten with the Brown/Pearl Rapture shades, which feature a marble-like white pearl frame with a brown snakeskin-like trim along the arms and top rims.

Another standout style in the collection is the Year ot the Cat (pictured third and fourth from top), which subvert the traditional cat eye sunglasses shape, softening the hard lines with rounder, more bulbous lenses and vibrant pops of color. The Tortoise/Olive color combination is particularly swoon-worthy.

Pictured below, you'll also find the fun-loving Abracadabra sunglasses, with their multi-color striped details and thin, oversize frames, as well as the two-toned Cult Classic shades and the bold, geometric Venus Flytrap shades. Check them out after the jump!

Best Of The 2010 Emmy Awards -- Top 5 Dresses

From a fashion perspective, the 2010 Emmy Awards were tepid at best, with few stars moving beyond safe, wearable garments in muted colors. But in this sea of vanilla pudding gowns, there were a few creme brulée moments, instances that sated our appetite for glamour.

Pictured here, are our Top 5 red carpet looks:

 

1. ANNA PAQUIN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

This is bound to be a controversial selection for the top spot since fashion commentators tend to opt for safer designs (tiered ruffles, tons of beading, and anything traditionally pretty) but, in my opinion, True Blood star (and newlywed) Anna Paquin stole the show with her opulent Alexander McQueen gown. The dress manages to blur the line between hard and soft, tender and tough, with a slightly draped black satin skirt, with a flowing train juxtaposed against an intricately beaded gold bust and epaulet-style shoulders for a warrior effect at the top of the gown. Since Paquin herself loves pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally considered feminine, the dress is the perfect option to channel her daring spirit.

 

2. DIANNA AGRON IN CAROLINA HERRERA

Best known as former Cheerios head Quinn Fabray on Glee, Dianna Agron managed to harmonize better than all her co-stars on the red carpet (including Lea Michele, whose new skin-and-bones figure seemed to drown under hear heavy Oscar de La Renta gown). In a coquettish, romantic, strapless lace Carolina Herrera gown, with a voluminous ruffled skirt and ribbon sash, Agron was a vision — she literally looked like a life-sized version of the gorgeous doll you'd find twirling inside a jewelry box.

Padma Lakshmi's 2010 Emmy Awards Necklace

If you were among the millions tuning into the 2010 Emmy Awards last night, you probably saw the gorgeous Padma Lakshmi sauntering on stage alongside superstar chef Tom Colicchio and the Top Chef producers to accept the revered cooking show's award in the Best Reality Competition category — a long overdue nod after The Amazing Race's seven-year-long monopoly on the award.

And if you're a fashion hound, your eyes probably zoomed in on Padma's statement necklace, a chest plate-like piece with layers of bead-like pyrite stones and a strip of garnet stones arranged so as to create a thin strip running vertically along the necklace. Two longer chain strands dangle along the sides of the Masai necklace, each culminating in an ethnic-flavored charm: one, a golden leaf with tiger's eye, hessonite, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, emerald, ruby, diamond, pearl and coral stones arranged in a floral pattern; and the other, a golden horn shape.

The Masai necklace is part of the Padma by Padma Lakshmi Fall 2010 collection and is available at PadmaLakshmi.com and at Bergdorf Goodman.

 

Smith's Rosebuld Salve -- Now In A Tube!

My grandmother, may she rest in peace, believed that Vicks VapoRub could cure absolutely anything — in addition to using it as a cold remedy, she applied it to cuts, scrapes, chapped elbows and, on one bewildering occasion, even attempted to dab some onto an aching molar. Apparently, this need for a miraculous cure-all substance ran in the family: one of my aunts later came to believe DayQuil could remedy everything from migraines to mumps. Now, I can't say I harbor any such beliefs (or, rather, delusions) when it comes to over-the-counter medicines, but there are a few beauty products I firmly believe can multitask better than an ace secretary on speed. One of these would, of course, be Smith's Rosebud Salve, which moisturizes lips, cuticles, elbows, and knees, and which I also believe helps to heal cuts, burns, scrapes and wounds.

A favorite among beauty junkies, makeup artists and magazine editors alike, the Rosebud Salve has typically come in a round tin, which hasn't always been the most convenient packaging — after all, constantly dabbing your fingers (which are bound to be less than crispy clean from time to time) inside this tin seems like an easy way to spread germs all around. So imagine how much I rejoiced when I strolled through Sephora recently and spotted Smith's Rosebud Salve in a Tube. Yes, a tube!

The paraben-, sulfate-, phtalate-, and petrochemical-free salve features an emollient petroleum base, as well as cotton seed oi and other nourishing and hydrating essential oils. And now, you can simply tuck it in your pocket for quick touch-ups. It's getting more and more miraculous by the minute, I tell you!

 

Smith's Rosebud Salve in a Tube, $6. Available at Sephora.com

Style Surfing -- Summer 2010's Tribute To Jeff Spicoli Types

Remember Sean Penn's bleached blond, beach bumming, surf-obsessed character in Fast Times At Ridgemont High? His bright palm-print covered shirts, Vans slip-on sneakers, and neon board shorts made Jeff Spicoli as much of a pop culture icon as his feather-brained antics and incessant pot smoking. For Summer 2010, designers drew inspiration from surfer fashions (think Jeff Spicoli meets Blue Crush), using tie-dye prints in handbags, apparel and footwear, punching up their color palettes, tailoring dresses to create skin-tight scuba-esque silhouettes, and tipping their hats to the South Pacific landscape with oversize floral prints worthy of a Hawaii Five-O episode.

So before Mother Nature drops the curtain on summer, score a ten with a "Hang 10"-worthy look!

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff Tie Dye Shopper, $550. Available at Nordstrom.com

Though Minkoff's designs epitomize New York cool, she took a walk in the California sunshine with this lively tie dye shoulder bag. Still, the zipper detailing, metal hardware, snap embellishments, and stud details add the right touch of urban toughness.

 

KensieGirl Lenor Sandals, $19.60 . Available at 6PM.com

With their pyramid heels, thick toe straps, and punchy yellow color, these sandals capture the vibrant energy of summer,but it's their elastic, criss-crossed ankle straps that take them into scuba voyage-worthy territory.

Ettika Neon Chain And Color Blend Satin Cord 2x Wrap Bracelet, $50. Available at Ettika.com

Summer and neons go together like summer and ice cream trucks. This Ettika bracelet features atin cords braided together and twisted with brass chains for a surfer-meets-carnival feel.

 

Dirtee Hollywood "Love To Surf" and "Sunset Love" T-Shirts, $44 each. Available at Atrium in NY, Lester in NY and Ron Robinson in LA.

These ultra comfy T-shirts feature retro, slightly faded graphic designs that complete the worn, lived-in effect. Our personal fave: "Love to Surf The Web," which could practically work as a blogger's mantra.

Katrin Reifeiss Indigo Spiderweb Scarf, on sale for $47.50 (normally $95). Available at KatrinReifeiss.com

This hand-dyed, 100% silk scarf, measuring 35" x 84", features a spiderweb motif inspired by the webs designer Katrin Reifeiss saw during a voyage in Cambodia.

Summer Hair Savers -- 12 Products To Replenish Sun-Exposed Locks

Just because the lifeguards at the beach are counting the days until the end of the summer season, that doesn't mean you can stop guarding your precious locks from the effects of sun exposure. It's more than likely that, even once the temperatures lower and the foliage starts to change colors, you'll still be nursing your hair back to health. So how to begin your post-summer treatment? Start with these products -- they're just what the hair doctor ordered!

 

 

MOISTURIZING SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS

 

1. Cutler Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner With Olive Oil

This was only my second experience with a shampoo-free, double-duty cleanser and conditioner (the WEN by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner being the first), and I may never turn back. Sure, the routine required me to be open-minded about a new experience: a creamy, foam-free cleanser that also conditions your mane. One of the most unusual aspects of this new haircare ritual was the sheer amount of product I needed to use: about 10 pumps along the crown, 12 pumps along the back of the head, and 8 pumps along the mid-shafts and ends of my strands. Once acclimated with the new routine, however, all I was left to do was marvel at how soft and healthy my hair looked and felt.

If you've got dry and damaged tresses, you may notice that, when you shampoo your hair, it can often get tangled and knotted. In those instances, you're left hoping that, when you apply your conditioner, your mane will be fully detangled (in addition to being moisturized, of course). With the Cutler Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner with Olive Oil, you never have to worry about your strands getting tangled in the shower. Even as you massage your scalp vigorously, your strands feel thicker, softer, and more replenished. Not only is the sensation a welcome relief, but it's helpful on a practical level, as you'll be able to more effectively work the product into your strands and scalp now that you've eliminated the impenetrable knotted web of your shampooing days. And, while the idea of forgoing shampoo may seem scary, rest assured that any dirt and grease will be fully eradicated. Plus, when you emerge from your shower, your scalp will feel refreshingly cool (it's a treat on particularly steamy days).

The Cutler Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner with Olive Oil includes ingredients like: olive oil, which has antibacterial properties that make it an effective cleanser and which softens, hydrates and enhances your hair's luster; avocado oil, which nourishes hair and can stimulate hair growth thanks to its high quotient of vitamins A, D, E and B6, as well as its concentration of magnesium, copper, iron, iron, and folic acid; rosemary leaf extract, which can help boost shine and which is often used in anti-dandruff remedies due to its purifying properties; sweet almond mint, which replenishes and moisturizes hair; aloe leaf juice to calm and soothe the hair and scalp; and coffee bean extract, which can boost circulation and help to stimulate hair growth at the cellular level along the scalp.

 

Cutler Specialist Cleanser + Conditioner With Olive Oil, $22. Available at HSN.com

 

** Make sure to keep on reading after the jump!

 

Countdown To Preview Sale Of Urban Decay's Book Of Shadows Vol III in NYC

 

 

 

New Yorkers should rejoice over the warm temperatures and sunny skies predicted for tomorrow, August 28th, because the day's beauty forecast is absolutely ebullient. Tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Urban Decay will unveil its new 16-shade palette, the Book of Shadows Vol. III, at the Sephora store in Times Square. The limited-edition palette won't launch on UrbanDecay.com until after the Labor Day holiday, so this is a one-day special event for beauty junkies in the very city honored by this vibrant palette, which features a pop-up landscape below the top lid that captures New York City's boundless energy, as well as its artistic and cultural abundance: from a rendition of the Empire State building to a pair of colorful sneakers, a yellow taxi cab, a sassy Puerto Rican girl wearing bamboo earrings (well, we don't know she's Puerto Rican, but I've officially anointed her my compatriota), a depiction of a plaid-wearing hipster guy, an outline of the Manhattan Bridge, and a grassy expanse at Central Park.

Only 1,000 pieces will be available (and there's a limit of three palettes per person), so expect the line outside the Sephora store to resemble that of an American Idol audition — in other words, bringing a little cooler filled with refreshments might not be a bad idea! But as with all things Urban Decay, the palette should be worth the wait, however long it might be.

More photos and details after the jump!

Noir Jewelry's Keith Haring Collection -- Radiant Babies, Barking Dogs And Dancing Men

The modern hieroglyphics that once appeared on chalk drawings inside New York City subway stations are now springing to life with Noir Jewelry's Keith Haring collection. Inspired by Haring's visual lexicon, the 18k gold and enamel pieces in the collection feature some of the late artist's most recognizable icons — among them the Radiant Baby (which some believe Haring used as a way of conveying innocence and purity) and the Barking Dog.

Pictured here are some of the pieces in the collection, which just hit Karmaloop this week. The Keith Haring Cuff Bracelet (pictured at top), an oversize piece worthy of Wonder Woman's jewelry box, features etched characters, swirling and wiggling about, outlined in red enamel all over its 18k gold surface. Similarly, the Keith Haring Hoop Earrings (pictured third from top) feature laser-cut images which onlookers can ogle at and attempt to decipher. And, in keeping with the whimsical spirit of so many of Haring's pieces, the Standing Man Drop Earrings (pictured second from top) feature four gold chain strands along the center of each man's silhouette, allowing the top and bottom sections to move more freely, making the Standing Man more of a Dancing Man as your head bobs while you walk about town.

Check out more of the pieces in the Noir Jewelry Keith Haring collection, as well as pricing details, after the jump!