SICKA THAN AVERAGE

DC Shoes x Skullcandy Sneaker Collaboration -- Keep Your Ears To The Ground

 

A favorite among sneaker aficionados and die-hard skateboarders alike, DC Shoes has been expanding its range of lifestyle-driven designs without sacrificing the comfort provided by its foam-padded tongue and collar and the stability yielded by its pill pattern sole. Over the last four years, then, DC has joined forces with such cult brands as SSUR, JB Classics, and Atmos and pop culture influencers like tattoo artist Darren Brass, photographer Mike Blabac and musician Mike Shinoda. Next month, DC Shoes will unveil a new co-branded footwear collection with headphone and earbud company Skullcandy. 

The DC Shoes x Skullcandy collection consists of two sneaker designs: the Spartan Hi ($100), a black-on-black nubuck suede and leather hi-top sneaker with a foam-padded collar, black laces, gold contrast stitching, the DC and Skullcandy logos stamped in gold along the heel counter, and gold-trimmed glossy black enamel logo plates with the interlocking DC letters featured on the uppers; and the Stack ($95), a low-top style in back leather with black suede along the side panels, eyestay, an heel counter (which features the DC and Skullcandy logos in white), perforated quarters with a mesh-like quality, and silver-toned strips with tonal stitching running diagonally across the quarters and up to the top sections of the eyestays. 

Those of you who love the audio quality of Skullcandy's headphones will love this detail: with every sneaker, you'll automatically receive a free pair of Skullcandy earbuds. Sweet!

Check out close-up images after the jump and make sure to keep a look out for the collection, which will hit DCShoes.com in November.

Make A Connection With MAC's Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15

 

Finding the perfect foundation for your skin tone can be as elusive a prospect as meeting the ideal mate. In both love and beauty, the  lyrics to the hook of Fiddler on the Roof's "Matchmaker" seem oddly fitting: "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch." And while we can't promise to pull a Patti Stanger and locate your soulmate, we can give you the tools to find your foundation match.

Meet MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 ($32.50 at MACcosmetics.com), a revolutionary new foundation that offers great coverage but boasts an unprecedented level of transparency so that your complexion appears bare while looking practically perfect. It took a team of 17 scientists, supervised by MAC Global Products Development VP Nick Gavrelis and Jennifer Balbier, Senior VP of Global Product Development at Estée Lauder, two years to finalize the foundation, which incorporates a unique technology that utilizes clear acrylate spheres encapsulating microscopic iron oxide and titanium dioxide pigments. When light hits the face, it enters the foundation layer (thanks to the translucency of these acrylate spheres) and refracts, in the process incorporating the skin's natural undertones into the color array created by the pigments. Each foundation shade, then, seems to "adapt" to the wearer's skin tone for a final effect that's way more seamless and natural. This shade-adapting technology makes it easier to find a foundation match — regardless of your skin's undertones.

Not only does the MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 offer buildable coverage while making skin appear refreshingly bare, it also includes line-reducing, soft-focus powders and spherical polymers that will seemingly rejuvenate the complexion and minimize the appearance of pores and the titanium dioxide in the formula offers SPF 15 protection, functioning as a physical block to guard your skin from harmful UV rays. The laminaria saccharina extract in the formula, meanwhile, controls oil production, so that the foundation's demi matte finish can be maintained and your complexion will not appear greasy, oily, or sweaty.

Not only does the foundation adapt to your specific skin tone, it feels extraordinarily lightweight, so that you almost forget that you're wearing any makeup. After road-testing the MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15, we have a hard time thinking of how a better foundation formulation could ever be produced — and that's hardly a hyperbole.

In terms of shade range, the Matchmaster Foundation is available in 14 shades, moving from lightest to darkest: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0. The 1.0 shade is MAC's lightest foundation shade ever, while the 10.0 shade is its darkest — a welcome development in and of itself. 

The foundation's formulation, performance and shade range aside, we appreciate the ease of the shade names. By using a simple number-based system to identify each shade, women can more easily remember their desired foundation shade — all without having to memorize some jumbled mix of letters and numbers. 

No matchmaker necessary to find your foundation companion!

Let It Rain With A Color-Changing Squidarella By SquidLondon Umbrella

 

Every gal who has survived adolescence can remember a period when she was fascinated by mood rings, when she waited eagerly to see if their stones would change from an eerie, galactic, alien-esque green to a neon, Tron-worthy turquoise or a fiery red — a transformation that, promotional charts notwithstanding, depended solely on body temperature fluctuations. But what fascinated us wasn't necessarily the reason behind the color change — it was the transformation itself that proved exciting (and the surprise element of not knowing when it would do so).

Now, you can experience this sense of rapture once again — without adopting a gecko or sporting jewelry that looks like it came from a plastic egg in a supermarket vending machine. In addition to its own original handbag, scarf, and apparel designs, Hayden-Harnett is offering hand-picked goods from some brands like SquidLondon, which specializes in color-changing graphic umbrellas. 

Each Squidarella by SquidLondon umbrella is made of a waterproof black fabric and features a print that appears white at first but morphs into a halogen-like scenario when soaked in the rain. The Squidarella by SquidLondon Umbrella in NYC Skyline ($38 at HaydenHarnett.com), pictured at top, features dominant images of the Big Apple all along its periphery in a collage-like formation: the Statue of Liberty, yellow taxis, a pedestrian traffic light, the Empire State Building, and more. The pattern looks stark and Mod when the skies are clear but, as the rain trickles down and the green, yellow, red, blue, and gray tones surface, the entire cityscape pictured in the umbrella comes to life. 

For a design that's not so geographically specific, check out the Squidarella by SquidLondon Umbrella in Bird Splash ($38 at HaydenHarnett.com) pictured after the jump, which features splatter-like blotches and soaring bird shapes. As you might discern from the pattern's name, the Bird Splash is a humorous take on the mess created when winged creatures, uhm, relieve themselves on windshields, window panes, shoulders, rooftops, and canopies. When soaked in moisture, the white splotches take on a technicolor feel, with each blotchy, spidery stain appearing like it consists of two or three juxtaposed smears in harmonizing hues: a sky blue over a Play-Doh green, an electric blue atop a pale blue over a sunshine yellow, and a creamy tangerine over a peony pink.

With these Squidarellas, you'll be setting fire to the rain, blazing through the stormy skies.

 

A Sneak Peek At The Theodora & Callum Spring 2012 Collection

 

 

Last Wednesday, I dropped by the Theodora & Callum Spring 2012 press preview to check out all the new scarf designs and accessories whipped up by co-founders Stefani Greenfield (former Creative Director of Scoop and a judge on Bravo's "Launch My Line," a fashion-themed reality competition show) and Desiree Gruber (founder of the powerhouse publicity, management, and production company Full Picture). As soon as I entered the large showroom, my eyes gravitated to the rolling racks lining one side of the room and the plethora of printed scarves tie around the racks' metal rods.

Over 150 scarves were on display, brightening up the room with their bold color combinations. Standouts included: the Marrakech Tie All Scarf ($175) in Turquoise Multi (pictured fourth from top), a gauze-y linen and viscose number in bright turquoise, red, black, and cream, which features a block-based geometric pattern infused with an exotic Moroccan vibe that looks almost pixelated due to the stacked square shapes; the Peacock Wearable Art Gauze Scarf ($155) in Teal Multi (shown third from top), a semi-sheer, 100% gauze viscose piece with a sunflower yellow backdrop covered with watercolor-like renditions of teal, acid green, orange, turquoise, and cobalt blue peacock feathers; the Bodrum Wearable Art Gauze Scarf ($155) in Turquoise Multi (pictured second from top), which features a turquoise backdrop with Mod-flavored, clover-like shapes made of orange spheres with cream centers and tiny turquoise circles at their interior, and a central rectangular area with a leaf-like pattern peppered with orange and vermilion floral motifs.

My favorite pieces, however, were the Mexican-inspired designs — mainly the Frida Gypsy All Over Fringe Scarf ($165) in Ivory Multi (shown fifth from top), which features a folkloric vibe thanks to the vines spanning across the length of the scarf and the vibrant yellow daffodils, indigo bluebells, red marigolds, and cream daisies sprouting from these leafy tangled vines, all of which captures the feel of such iconic Frida Kahlo paintings as "Frame." I a similar vein, the Pueblo-goes-Psychedelic style of the Playa Tie All Scarf ($175), shown after the jump, caught my attention. This piece features a multi-colored bird at its center with rainbow-like strips of purple, yellow, red, green, orange, and turquoise along the bird's body, wings, and tail. Each corner features an oversize daisy in a punchy hue, while the entire scarf is adorned with a ribbon-like trim along the periphery featuring clustered flowers.

Even better news: Theodora & Callum continued collaborating with Stuart Weitzman for the Spring 2012 season, designing a vast array of footwear styles as spell-binding as the original lace-up wedges introduced for Spring 2011. Come spring, then, we'll be seeing cork-heeled, ankle strap sandals; peep-toe espadrilles with modest wedges; lace-up ballerina slippers (like those pictured above); thong sandals with wide bands running horizontally across the vamp; slip-on sandals with criss-crossed raffia straps; double-strapped platform wedges; and platform wedge sandals with velcro-enforced ankle straps.

Out of all the footwear options, I was most impressed with the Mustique wedges (two of which are pictured above), which feature linen-covered platform and wedge heels, wide double straps, and a handy velcro closure inside the ankle strap that proves rather useful (think of all the time and potential tripping you'll save if you don't have to worry about laces coming undone!).

In keeping with the easy, Bohemian spirit of the brand, Greenfield and Gruber also introduced several versatile apparel pieces — from maxi scarf dresses with tiny spaghetti straps, V-shaped necklines, and flowing, asymmetrical hemlines to caftan-like scarf tops with wide batwing sleeves and maxi skirts that could be converted into tube dresses.

On the accessories front, there were printed linen, denim, and raffia clutches; leather-trimmed linen drawstring totes with woven shoulder straps; raffia shoulder bags with braided rope shoulder straps; and roomy printed Indian linen totes with braided, natural-colored straps (like those pictured after the jump). Rustic hats constructed using woven straw or woven raffia and adorned with leather and suede strips, colored beads, and cowrie shells contributed to the collection's beachy vibe. 

The costume jewelry pieces showcased incorporated some of the world-traveling elements of the collection, with tiered metal necklaces reminiscent of Aztec pyramids, statement cuffs with grooved medallion accents, beaded bone and wood necklaces for an African safari vibe, dangling earrings with feather accents for a Cherokee effect, and more. After the jump, check out the pics of the Serape Necklaces ($350 each), which a ladder-like construction and cabochon turquoise of coral beads; the Lima Necklace ($475), a teardrop-shaped piece divided into three slithers, with bulbous beads dangling from the bottom section; the Marbella Bracelet in Antique Gold ($395), which features two rows of etched, medallion-like shapes with a braid-like element separating the left and right halves of each disc; and the octagon-shaped Bodrum Cuff ($450) in Antique Gold, which features a black center stone.

Are you as excited as I am about this collection?

New Fall 2011 Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap Scents

Think of the scents you associate with fall: pecan pie, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, hot cocoa, piles of sun-kissed leaves,steamed vanilla, oatmeal cookies, gingerbread, warm apple cider, pine trees, nutmeg, and more. As we delve deeper into the autumn season, Bath & Body Works is helping us infuse our homes with the smells that give us the desired warm and toasty sensation we so covet on these cooler days, when cozy sweaters and scarves are an absolute must. 

Four new scents were added to the ever-expanding array of Bath & Body Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soaps ($5.50 each or 4 for $15 at Bath & Body Works stores and BathandBodyWorks.com): Pumpkin Caramel Latte, Orchard Leaves, Creamy Pumpkin, and Cranapple Crisp.

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll really love the Pumpkin Caramel Latte Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, which has a creamy and smooth fragrance. The pumpkin note dominates all other notes, and it's a milky, slightly buttery, pie-like scent as opposed to the more tart scent of a newly carved pumpkin. The caramel note, meanwhile, adds a playful kick without overpowering the other ingredients, while a hint of coffee adds a smoky and mysterious quality.  

Those of you who steer clear of anything saccharine will appreciate the fresh feel of the Orchard Leaves Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, which has watery green notes mixed with crisp green apple, spiced cider, and cinnamon sticks for a spicy but earthy effect.

Thanks to the handy pump dispenser, you can dispose just the necessary amount of soap plus it's a nice fluffy foam from the moment it lands on the palm of your hand. Best of all, the soaps leave hands clean without stripping them of their moisture -- in fact, they're formulated with honey, a natural humectant, antiseptic, and antibacterial; softening and smoothing coconut milk; and highly absorbent olive fruit extract, which acts as an antiseptic and is rife with flavonoids that boast anti-aging benefits by promoting cellular renewal; and silk proteins, which moisturize the skin and help it retain the optimal level of hydration.

 

Strange Days -- Mimoco and Cosmic Debris Unveil Emily the Strange Mimobots

 

 

 

What's stranger than fiction? An all-too-real USB flash drive resembling a strange but lovable fictional character: Emily the Strange.

Created by Rob Reger in 1993, Emily stands in stark contrast to the dominant images of perennially skirt-clad, pink-loving, giggly young girls with weekly ballet classes and bedrooms plastered with posters of crush-worthy teenybopper male singers. Instead of fuzzy bunnies and cuddly puppies, this 13-year-old favors the independent spirit of her four slightly spooky black cats. This strong-minded teen could care less about trends, which is why, instead of shopping for accessories at Claire's, she wears a no-fuss black dress. Like MTV's Daria character, Emily harbors a no-nonsense attitude, but she also adapts better to social environments, so that she's free of the jaded attitude that's so firmly entrenched into Daria's psyche.

Now thanks to a collaboration between Mimoco and Cosmic Debris, fans of the bang-rocking, conformity-bucking character can get their hands on one of the two USB flash drives made in her image. The co-branded Emily the Strange MIMOBOT series consists of two bold designs: “People Are Strange" and ”Save Yourself," each of which retails for $22.95 at Mimoco.com.

The Emily the Strange "People Are Strange" Mimobot celebrates quirkiness and individuality while nodding to the poster art style of the late 1960s and early 1970s with lightning-like, white zig-zags accentuating her blunt bangs, dramatic swooshes to give her black mane movement, and rounded, Jefferson Airplane-ish red letters spelling "Emily" along the bottom of the flash drive and stating "People Are Strange" along the back. 

For a more tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the character, Mimoco also created the Emily the Strange "Save Yourself" Mimobot, which depicts her as a superhero-in-the-making, donning a Robin-worthy, feline-flavored red mask and a makeshift red cape with an illustration of a black cat along the back, which itself features jagged seams. To finish the masked avenger effect, Emily's forehead features a white bat-like shape — perhaps her own call to action. 

Both of these Mimobots come pre-loaded with an Emily the Strange e-book and themed wallpapers, icons, and avatars.

 

Mawi x Disney Couture's "Minnie Mawi" Collection Will Make You Say, "Wowie!"

 

 

 

You don't have to dress like a Mouseketeer or place an oversize red bow with white polka dots atop your head to show your appreciation for Mickey and Minnie. The latest collection from Disney Couture, a collaboration with fashion-forward, statement-making costume jewelry brand Mawi, conveys a childlike appreciation for the Magic Kingdom's most beloved rodent couple but it does so in a manner that's sophisticated and even edgy, never descending into childish territory.  

An ode to Minnie Mouse, who too often pays second fiddle to her white glvoed beau, the Minnie Mawie collection combines the innocence of Disney Couture with the sleek and contemporary aesthetic of Mawi. Available at Karmaloop.com, the collection includes such funky designs as the Minnie x Mawi Gem Bracelet ($125 Karmaloop.com), pictured second from top, a 14K gold plated cuff with a domed, mirrored center and large faceted clear beads that jut out fom the top edge of this spheric shape to resemble mouse ears. Similarly, the Minnie x Mawi Crystal Ear Dome Ring ($75 at Karmaloop.com), shown last above features a rounded top surface to resemble the top of a cranium, with perfectly round ears covered in crystal studs standing at attention, making your finger look like it's wearing Mickey ears.

If you prefer daintier pieces, you'll appreciate the bevy of pearl designs, which incorporate either white, back, or magenta stones. The Minnie x Mawi Black Pearl Earrings ($40 at Karmaloop.com), pictured third from top, cover the lobe like your basic pearl studs but then they invert the matronly undertones of these pieces by incorporating black enamel ear shapes along the top arch of the rounded pearls and flaunting a chain-like golden trim along the periphery of the central circle. Other adorable pearl pieces include the Minnie x Mawi Pearl Necklace ($175 at Karmaloop.com), shown after the jump, a bib necklace that incorporates the classical aesthetic of a single strand of pearls and then plunges it into a chaotic world of dancing Mickey and Minnie ears by incorporating domed pearls of varying sizes,glossy black enamel discs and 14K gold plated strands to link these components together.T he Minnie x Mawi Pink Pearl Ring ($40 at Karmaloop.com) takes the look of the pearl earrings and translates it into a ring design with a central pink pearl with gunmetal chain detailing along its periphery and perky black enamel ears at the top. Unlike the Minnie x Mawi Crystal Ear Dome Ring, however, this one lies flat on the hand, so that the mouse ears don't stand perpendicular to your knuckle. Check them out after the jump!

Our favorite style: the drop earrings pictured at top, which feature three leaf-shaped, faceted, magenta crystal studs at the top, a yellow gold-plated box chain strand dangling beneath the crystal clusters, and faceted black enamel Minnie silhouettes at the bottom.

Some of the pieces have already hit Karmaloop.com, with others slated to drop later this fall.  

Green Room Thursdays -- Apple&Bee Certified Organic Lip Balms

        

Packaging can make such an impact on perception. Try as we might to consider ourselves profound creatures who seek only substance, we've all been swayed by a tasty tidbit that just looked appealing (whether it was a hunky man, a moist slice of cake, a sleek sports car, or an extra sharp lipstick tube). Which brings me to the new Apple&Bee Certified Organic Lip Balms, which drew my attention as soon as my eyes fell upon the country chic round tins, which have a certain Baby Boom-ish quality to them (remember the adorable jars of jam?).

Not only are these lip balm tins adorable, they're packed with natural goodness thanks to the certified organic ingredients in their formula. The Apple&Bee Certified Organic Paw Paw and Sweet Orange Lip Balm ($11.95 AU at AppleandBeeShop.com) features: wound-healing paw-paw (otherwise known as papaya), which contains vitamin A and is rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acids that gently exfoliate and stimulate cellular regeneration; vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from UV exposure and free radical damage; sweet orange oil, which tones skin and promotes collagen production for smooth, firm, and supple skin; and beeswax, which boasts antibacterial and antiseptic properties. 

You can also try the Apple&Bee Certified Organic Honey and Peppermint Lip Balm ($11.95 AU at AppleandBeeShop.com) which contains pure Australian honey, which helps lips retain moisture and boasts antiseptic and antibacterial properties, softening shea butter, cooling peppermint oil, and other natural waxes. 

I had the opportunity to test out the Apple&Bee Certified Organic Paw Paw & Sweet Orange Lip Balm, and I quickly grew fond of the light, Vaseline-like consistency. The formula felt a bit greasy upon application, but it was quickly absorbed by the skin (within 5 minutes or less), leaving behind softer, smoother lips without the oily quality that often accompanies petroleum jelly-based products (like Vaseline).

In terms of it aroma, the lip balm doesn't smell like paw paw or sweet orange — in fact, it's practically odorless — and it's flavorless, so don't expect a Lip Smacker-like experience. Then again, licking your lips is counterproductive when the end goal is a kissable pout.

The Apple&Bee lip balms, then, proved to be as effective as the beloved Rosebud Salves — especially when it comes to soothing chapped, flaky, or otherwise irritated lips. I personally love applying the balm before putting on lipstick or mixing it with vibrant lip pencil shades for a stain-like effect.

Don;t be surprised if makeup artists start raving about this product soon! 

Drape Yourself In Love, Peace, And Good Karma With These Sir Alistair Rai Mantra Scarf Brooches

 

After yanking, tugging, draping, folding and tossing your scarf a dozen times, it's finally wrapped around your neck in the perfect it-just-happens-to-be-fabulous way. But then, of course, you reach for your phone (or your keys) and, well, whoomp there it went! Frustrating, right? So what's the equivalent of hair spray for scarves, something that will guarantee all-day hold? Meet the new scarf brooches from Sir Alistair Rai.

For Fall 2011, Sir Alistair Rai introduced three brooches in the chi-harnessing mantras that have made so many of the brand's scarves so popular. There is, of course, the Love Scarf Brooch (pictured third from top), a 4" x 2" zinc alloy piece brushed with either gold or silver. Like the now infamous key chain in the original Sex and the City movie, this pin features the word "love" in romantic cursive lettering but, unlike the aforementioned token, it bears no connection to Jennifer Hudson's ultra annoying character. Besides, the swooping top of the "l" makes it positively flourish. 

Next, there's the Peace Scarf Brooch, which also features rounded cursive letters and a dashing teardrop shape created by the lowercase "p" for added drama. The Karma Scarf Brooch, meanwhile, is probably my favorite, with its rounded but slightly jagged letters that swirl then dip unexpectedly. The way the bottom of the "a" connects to the bottom of the "m," forming a half moon shape, is wondrous in and of itself.

All three scarf brooches retail for $15 each at SirAlistairRai.com. 

If you're wondering what scarves to pin these beauties on, here are two suggestions from Sir Alistair Rai's very own treasure trove of fall scarves: the Leopard Rudraksha Hanky Scarf ($50 at SirAlistairRai.com), a 42" by 42" viscose piece with a golden leopard print and metal Rudraksha beads along the ends that are meant to provide mystical protection and encourage self-empowerment; and the Sir Alistair Rai Risen Ikat Wrap Nude ($55 at SirAlistairRai.com), which measures 80" in length and 45" in width and features an on-trend tribal print.

 

Serena van der Woodsen Loves Nancy Gonzalez -- The Best Bag in Monday's "Gossip Girl" Episode

The title character of CW's hit series "Gossip Girl," New York-based socialite Serena van der Woodsen (played by Blake Lively) is prone to wearing ultra-short dresses (from the Fall 2009 paillette-covered Versace number she donned in the Season 3 promo ads to the strapless Yigal Azrouel number with the ruched jersey skirt she rocked in a May 2010 episode and the various Herve Leger bandage dresses sported throughout the series) and skimpy shorts (like the navy blue shorts she wore to class in Season 4's "Goodbye, Columbia" episode or the black pair she donned when accompanying Blair to her first date with Prince Louis in Paris), but her more minuscule fashion choices are usually paired with hefty pieces — mainly statement jewelry and oversize handbags. Unless she's heading to a gala or cocktail party, chances are Serena will be toting a mammoth handbag — be it a Mulberry, Carlos Falchi, Be&D, Louis Vuitton, or Valentino tote.

Given her love of exotic animal skin handbags, one Serena's favorite handbag designers is Nancy Gonzalez — a true-to-life choice since the Colombian designer does, in fact, rank among the darlings of the wealthy, jet-setting Upper East Side crowd.

On Monday's "The Jewel of Denial" episode, Serena arrived back in New York City with her faux cousin Charlie. But for fashion lovers, the most noteworthy thing hanging Serena's arm wasn't her impostor cousin, but a killer Nancy Gonzalez Purple Crocodile Handbag ($3900 at Neiman Marcus). Pictured at top, the roomy design features a frame-like top closure that lends it a classic, slightly retro quality which balances the modernity of the bag's jewel toned color. The crocodile skin, meanwhile, makes the piece look extravagant and expensive.  

In the episode, Serena paired the handbag with a cream-colored, floral print Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Montego Shirred Corset Mini Dress, a camel-colored Givenchy Fading Lapel Blazer, fern green Charlotte Olympia Dolly pumps with mirrored gold platforms, and tons of Boho chic jewelry -- including the Oscar de la Renta Carved Stone Cuff and a beaded green necklace. The look perfectly captured the free-spirited but sophisticated DNA of Serena's personal aesthetic, plus it allowed every piece (including the arm candy pictured here) to shine in its own right.