SICKA THAN AVERAGE

The Many Dannijo Necklaces Worn by Angela Lindvall on "Project Runway All-Stars"

 

 

 

 

 

Lifetime threw us quite a few curve balls while shooting Project Runway All-Stars — first, casting the leggy blond supermodel Angela Lindvall as host in lieu of Heidi Klum, a smart move since the two are practically interchangeable in terms of physical appearance; benching judges Nina García and Michael Kors, with whom many viewers had grown frustrated (particularly after they chose Gretchen to win over Mondo in Season 8 and since Kors stopped doling out his side-splitting zingers during critiques), and swapping them with Marchesa co-founder and designer Georgina Chapman and Isaac Mizrahi (the former an enormous coup); and giving the ever-nurturing Tim Gunn a breather, inviting Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles to function as the designers' mentor and the workroom mother hen (an unwise move given Coles' unapproachable, standoffish demeanor, which makes her feel as warm and motherly as an iceberg). Ch-ch-ch-changes indeed. Then again, given that they brought back some of the most talented, comical, and memorable characters of previous seasons, the potential ratings success of All-Stars was never in question.

Thus far, Project Runway All-Stars has managed to reignite our passion for a TV franchise that was quickly losing its luster, reminding us of why we tuned into the show in the first place. And, aside from a Muppets-themed challenge that felt redundant and passé, the feats posed to the contestants have been a healthy mixture of new design tests and of recycled but reinvented prior challenges.

We've been tuning in religiously and, of course, scrutinizing every pleat, seam, and drape. But we've also been studying what Angela Lindvall has donned on camera. And, since the very first episode, we noticed her appreciation (or her stylist's appreciation) for Dannijo jewelry.

Since I've loved Dannijo assiduously since I first discovered the New York-based brand, I've been quick to recognize the pieces gracing Lindvall's neck, so I'll break down the main three featured thus far.

In the first episode, when Lindvall introduced herself to the Project Runway alumni, she was wearing the Dannijo Zsa Zsa necklace pictured above at top ($995 at Dannijo.com), a 16"-long necklace with diamond-cut triple links and H-shaped chain links along the collar area and, at the center, three medallion-shaped, oxidized brass plate stations with pink, tangerine, and emerald green Swarovski Elements crystals in rectangular, teardrop, and square shapes at their center. Oxidized brass snake chain strands encircle these crystals, rimming the periphery of each circular plate, completing the rocker-worthy effect.

Minutes later, when Lindvall announced the 99 Cent Store challenge, she again wore a Dannijo piece — this time, a multi-tiered bib necklace like the Soraya necklace ($495 at Dannijo.com) pictured above, second from top. Though Lindvall's version incorporated some chartreuse green stones, the silhouette was identical to that of the Soraya (which probably means hers was custom made). This statement-making necklace features five rows of oxidized, silver-plated round links with sparkling spherical beads positioned at the center of each link and, dangling from the bottom row, bulbous teardrop-shaped and smooth, horn-shaped beads and stones.

After hitting us with the Dannijo 1-2 punch during the season's premiere, Lindvall seemed to steer away from the New York-based jewelry brand — and then, in Episode 4, she again turned to Dannijo to spruce up the red dress she donned during the runway show. Before the designers showcased their gelato-inspired frocks, then, Lindvall graced the catwalk wearing the Dannijo Cota Necklace ($795 at Dannijo.com), a tribal-flavored, three-level silver necklace juxtaposes crescent moon, triangle, diamond, trapezoid, cylindrical, and circular shapes and which features faceted fuchsia and orange Swarovski crystals, along with turquoise and white cabochon stones. U-shaped shackles jut out of the top station with its three conjoined cylindrical tubes, along with the crescent moon-shaped center station. The necklace's pendants yield a total drop of 7", making this a bold chest piece.

We might not know who'll be going home this week but, at the very least, we can predict Dannijo will endure until the very end, adding some razzle-dazzle to Lindvall's ensembles.

 

 

Karl Lagerfeld Designs Label for Limited-Edition Grand Cru Classé Bottle from Chanel Winery Château Rauzan-Ségla

 

  

 

Forget "The Bachelor" Ben Flajnik's wimpy winery in Sonoma! The best vinos hail from France — whether it's the Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace, Bordeaux, Champagne or Languedoc regions. The land that cradled couture icon Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel has also produced some of the most robust, flavorful, juicy grapes — which, in turn, have revolutionized the cuisine arena and pleased gourmands the world over. As someone with an appreciation for the finest things in life, then, Coco Chanel would have been pleased to know that, as part of her legacy, the Chanel corporation purchases its own vineyard in the late 20th century: the Château Rauzan-Ségla. 

The 130-acre vineyard, located in the Margaux section of Bordeaux, was part of an expansive estate owned by Pierre de Mesures de Rauzan since 1662. In 1994, Chanel acquired the celebrated vineyard, best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, and helped to elevate every single element of these wines' constitutions — from its inviting bouquet to its full-bodied structure, velvety texture, comforting warmth, and delightful finish.

To celebrate its 350th anniversary, Château Rauzan-Ségla is poised to unveil a new 2009 vintage edition of its Grand Cru Classé. Hitting fine wine retailers in March, the Grand Cru Classé comes in a collectible bottle bearing a label illustrated by Karl Lagerfeld, longtime creative director of the Chanel fashion house. To celebrate these landmarks, Lagerfeld offered his own rendition of the château itself which, with the help of New York-based architect Peter Marino was restored to its former glory, also paying special attention to the well-manicured grounds and the palatial courtyard, detailing everything from the tiled rooftop to the arched walkway, and the landscaping arrangement, with its potted shrubs, lavender flower beds, and the white frangipani blossoms positioned in between the façade's windows.

 The Château Rauzan-Ségla Grand Cru Classé will retail for $129 and is available for pre-order right now!   

 

 

Top 10 Red Carpet Looks At The 2012 SAG Awards

Though the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards were largely a snooze fest, the re carpet was surprisingly entertaining, with many a starlet pushing the boundaries and eschewing standard award ceremony fare for more modern, avant-garde looks or playful, vintage-inspired fare. Below, you'll find the 10 looks that we thought lit up our screens!

 

1. EMMA STONE

The Help's Emma Stone channeled the 1950s thanks to the voluminous quality and mid-calf length of the skirt on her black Alexander McQueen frock. The strapless cut, however, modernized the frock, while still maintaining its coquettish quality via the scalloped lacework at the bustline. The perfectly fitted, corset-like shape of the bodice, meanwhile, added a hint of sexiness. And, while both her ankle-strapped peep-toe sandals and minaudiere boasted ruffle accents, the matching details worked to create a sense of unison in the ensemble, instead of making it look overly done and calculated. 

 

 

2. SOFIA VERGARA

Modern Family's Sofia Vergara knows how to work those jewel tones, as evidenced by her crowd-pleasing, sapphire-colored Golden Globes gown, and she once again looked like the gem of the ball in a bright pink, strapless mermaid tail dress from Marchesa. Perfectly fitted along the waist and thighs, the skirt slunk down to the floor ever so fluidly, balancing out the ornate pleats along the bodice. A wide amethyst cuff and drop earrings from Lorraine Schwartz completed the ensemble.

 

3. MICHELLE WILLIAMS

After an uncharacteristic fashion faux-pas at the Golden Globes, My Week With Marilyn actress Michelle Williams quickly recoiled at the SAG Awards, hitting the red carpet in a romantic scarlet-colored Valentino gown. At its heart, the gown was an asymmetrical number with a single twisted shoulder strap, careful pin-tucked details al the waist and an undulating asymmetrical hemline, but it was softened and made way more demure by the addition of red lace to create a pretty rounded neckline and dainty cap sleeves.

 

4. ZOE SALDANA

She may have played an assassin in Colombiana, but Dominican actress Zoe Saldana looked killer last night in a semi-sheer, white Givenchy Haute Couture dress with glimmering silver stripes and chunky crystals encrusted along the openings of the oversize, elbow-length sleeves, at the rounded neckline, and along the rosette-like details adorning the drop waist. From its celestial color to its fluid silhouette, this dress made Saldana look heaven sent.

5. ROSE BYRNE

Though she plays a shrewd lawyer on Damages, actress Rose Byrne's style choices tend to fall on the conventional and classic side. Which is, of course, why her risk-taking ensemble at the SAG awards proved all the more thrilling. Channeling the 1970s, Byrne hit the red carpet in a beaded Elie Saab jumpsuit with center pleats along the pants and a cross-over style at the bodice. To complete the Scarface-inspired look, John Frieda's Harry Josh gave Byrne a slick chin-length bob and bangs that would make Anna Wintour green with envy.

New Noir Jewelry x Tokidoki x Barbie Collection -- With Imagination, Life Is Your Creation

 

Pyramid studs, enamel-plated pendants, conical spikes, clustered cubic zirconia stones, and neon-colored rope cords abound in most Noir Jewelry collections, all envisioned by New York-based fashion-stylist-turned-jewelry-designer Leeora Catalan. Despite the brand's name, then, Noir Jewelry's assertive, attention-commanding designs are anything but blacklisted, popping up in ever stylish gals must-have list. And, as if Noir's original pieces weren't desirable enough, the brand has also collaborated with such companies as DC Comics, Barbie, and Disney, resulting in special collections that capture the spirit of such pop culture fare as Batman, the Muppets, Catwoman, Supergirl, and Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Last spring, those dreaming of pink convertibles, genuine Kens, and dream houses swooned over the Noir for Barbie collection, which featured metal pyramid bracelets in a magenta color, necklaces with gold tone purse, hand mirror, and strappy sandal charms, and even a ring with a Barbie dream house positioned atop the band.

Now, Noir has unveiled the brand new Noir x Barbie x Tokidoki collection, available at Karmaloop.com. Given the involvement of Tokidoki in this particular collection, the pieces featured exude an even greater sense of whimsy — after all, this is the company that birthed such lovable characters as Mozzarella, a rifle-toting cow that extorts milk from schoolyard bullies but protects all well-behaved children; Sandy, a girl who dons a prickly cactus suit to function as armor, protecting her from the dangers of the world.

The Noir x Tokidoki x Barbie collection, then, includes visual references to the Barbie universe (plenty of pink, blond dolls in coquettish frocks, and hearts galore), while also integrating the cartoonish aesthetic and urban undertones of the Tokidoki world.

The pink "B" letter at the beginning of the "Barbie" logo, with its cursive-style swooping lines, appears etched in the gold tone hearts of the Noir x Tokidoki x Barbie Cross Bone Drop Earrings ($58 at Karmaloop.com). These heart-shaped charms are positioned directly beneath the faceted, conical cubic zirconia ear posts. These etched hearts take the place of skulls in the skull-and-crossbones iconography, so that overlapping gunmetal strips shaped like bones are located directly beneath these hearts. Lastly, golden conical spikes dangle beneath the crossbones, constituting the last element in the earrings' linear drop. The skull-and-crossbones reference, the incorporation of gunmetal, and the conical spikes all yield a tougher vibe than you'd expect from traditional Barbie fare, but the incorporation of hearts and pops of pink enamel add the requisite femininity.

Similarly, the Noir x Tokidoki x Barbie Open Ring ($50 at Karmaloop.com) has the exact same shape as the floating rings we see on the fingers of rock and pop icons like Rihanna, but instead of studs, spikes, or faceted stones on each side of the open ring, you'll find a star shape on one end and a heart shape on the other. Filled with white enamel, the heart shape again features the "B" logo, while the star shape on the other side of the open ring features the heart and crossbones motif affiliated with Tokidoki etched in black enamel.

Those who think the Malibu Dream House is the pinnacle of artistry will appreciate such pieces as the Noir x Tokidoki x Barbie Airplane Ring ($72 at Karmaloop.com). This ring features a simple golden band and a slanted bar welded to its top surface, with a pink-and-white enamel airplane detail positioned near the top of the conical shape. Reminiscent of the Barbie Glam Vacation Jet, this airplane detail inverts the jet's color scheme, so that the plane's exterior is mainly white with pops of honeysuckle pink along the bottom surface, and the Barbie logo and Tokidoki logo etched on either side of the tail. Conical golden spikes protrude out of the aircraft engines and aqua blue enamel details denote the windows on the sides of the jet.

Another darling design for true Barbie-loving belles: the Noir x Tokidoki x Barbie Girly Necklace ($92 at Karmaloop.com), which features a 30"-long gold metal chain and a miniature figurine of a child-like Barbie with her blond hair in a high ponytail, her blue eyes detailed in enamel against the mirrored gold of her visage and body, her hands tucked inside white gloves, her figure in a pink enamel A-line dress, and her feet in white booties.

The "Life is plastic, it's fantastic" philosophy couldn't ring any truer here — even if most of the pieces were made of gold-tone metal with hints of enamel.

 

Amika "I Love New York" Ceramic Styler -- Gorgeous Hair In Black And White

Zebras, basketball referee uniforms, nautical buoys, classic Adidas Superstar sneakers, Op Art pieces, harlequin clown uniforms, Beetlejuice's threads, barcodes, piano keys, Mod fashions... The list of objects, creatures, and icons bearing distinctive black-and-white stripes seems endless. For beauty junkies like myself, this age-old pattern instantly signifies Sephora, the largest cosmetics retailer in the nation, with over 20 store locations in New York City alone. After all, it's easy to spot a Sephora store thanks to the horizontal black-and-white stripes on the walls constituting its façade and covering the columns in its interior space.

Fittingly, then, hair styling tool company Amika chose this very same pattern when designing its limited-edition "I Love New York" Styler, available for $135 exclusively at Sephora stores and on Sephora.com. In addition to the horizontal black-and-white stripes covering its top surface, this professional styling tool features the phrase "I <3 New York" in clear and red crystals close to the hinged edge, atop one of the black stripes to give the crystals a bit more pop and make them worthy of a Broadway marquis. 

Like all of Amika's top-notch ceramic stylers, the Amika  "I Love New York" Styler features 100% ceramic plates that emit far-infrared heat, allowing you to create your ideal hairstyle while also protecting the hair cuticle from damage by sealing moisture in the hair shaft (thereby making this a much safer alternative than traditional flat irons and curling irons that wreak havoc on your tresses). The 1.25" floating plate design, meanwhile, offers you the opportunity to create a broader range of looks — from pin-straight 'dos to soft waves and loose curls. 

And, since time waits for no woman, the ceramic styler heats up to the desired temperature within 10 seconds, so that you can be out the door in record time. What's more New York than that type of efficiency?

 

Rachel Roy "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" Ghana Clutch

The late Lancashire-born historical fiction writer Amelia E. Barr, author of Remember The Alamo, once penned the phrase, "Kindness is always fashionable." This philosophy has been adopted by New York-based fashion designer Rachel Roy, who launched a charitable platform by the same name, creating limited-edition pieces to raise funds for such non-profit organizations as: charity: water, which brings clean drinking water to developing nations; Heart of Haiti, a program launched through Macy's that enlists artisans and designers from Haiti to create jewelry pieces using recycled materials, offering them a vehicle through which to sell their wares and earn fair living wages; and, most recently, OrphanAid Africa, which helps families stay together by, not only caring for children in need, but also providing assistance to their parents in the form of job training, food supplies, medical care, treatment for HIV-positive mothers, counseling, and other such efforts. One hundred percent of the net profits from the sale of the Rachel Roy "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" Ghana Clutch ($49 at RachelRoy.com and Bloomingdales.com), then, will benefit OrphanAid Africa.  

Measuring 23 1/2" in width, 14 1/2" in height, and 2" in depth, the Rachel Roy "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" Ghana Clutch is made of woven cotton/linen and features an abstract print on one side and the quote "Kindness is Always Fashionable" on the other side, with watercolor-esque, brush-like strokes of yellow and green behind these words. Printed in bold black letters, this phrase is positioned directly beneath a pattern composed of stitched rectangular shapes arranged in neat rows, with each section of green bars followed by a section of purple bars, pops of black color adding a tribal flair to the piece. The same exact geometric pattern, including the strip of trapezoid shapes in between the rows of rectangles, repeats on the opposite side. Since the linen fabric along the top of the bag is dyed with a mixture of red, yellow, and purple pigments recalling a desert sunset, the geometric shapes don't look as severe as they might otherwise.

A metal frame with a top clasp closure painted in black complete the simple design of the envelope-shaped clutch. Simple hinges on the sides of the clutch make the piece slightly roomier, and the interior features a slip pocket with the words "For my kids in Ghana" printed underneath its opening, right next to Roy's signature.

Help Roy offer her kids in Ghana more than a dedication — allow her to grant them the gift of hope. 

All About Evie Evan -- Skin Care That Adapts To Your Skin's Needs ?

As much as I adore prestigious skincare brands like Shiseido, Clinique, Caudalie, L'Occitane, Kate Somerville, Perricone MD, Korres, Arcona, Origins, Kiehl's, and SK-II, I'm always eager to discover new up-and-coming lines filled with promise and potential. Every so often, while sampling products from these newly introduced lines, you'll find something worth adding to your skin care regimen on a long-term basis, a purifying, line-reducing, brightening, hydrating, balancing, or firming formulation that has flown under reviewers' radars despite its obvious merits. Of course, there's also the chance that, while trying out one of these relatively unknown products, you'll look like Nicolas Cage during the face transplant scene in Face/Off, your tender skin practically seared, but one hopes the outcome won't involve any such tragedy. Truth be told, being a beauty writer often means acting as a guinea pig, shouldering a certain amount of risk in order to share your first-hand experiences with readers.

And so, it was with a mix of excitement and fear that I ventured to try the three key products in the Evie Evan skincare line. Last fall, the Texas-based company expanded beyond its local roots, with its offerings landing in select retailers across the country and its e-commerce website officially launching. Rooted in a philosophy that merges scientific research with a nature-based approach to tending to skin, the brand seeks to create cruelty-free products that can adopt to the specific needs of all customers — regardless of age, skin care type, sex, or ethnicity. Such a goal is both ambitious and admirable, but could it truly be achieved? Could a skin care cleanser, for example, be all things to all people? Evie Evan thinks that, with the right natural ingredients — among them panthenol, orange peel oil, jasmine, bergamot oil, and clary sage — such a goal lies within reach. She therefore describes the products in her eponymous line as "skin smart," by which she means that they can identify the needs of your skin and tailor their activity accordingly. 

Her recommended regimen, then, involves three steps. First, there's the Evie Evan The Cleanser ($32 at EvieEvan.com), a gel-like face wash with a pool blue color and a lightweight consistency. The paraben-, lanolin-, petroleum-, and mineral oil-free cleanser includes such ingredients as: lime oil, a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial often used in cleansing formulations; lemon peel oil, which softens and smooths, helps to combat acne, stimulates skin renewal, acts as a skin brightener, reducing the appearance of dark spots, and removes impurities; panthenol, a form of vitamin B that softens the skin, functions as a natural humectant, and soothes irritations; orange peel oil, which also boasts anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, decongesting clogged pores to help combat acne, and which can help to stimulate collagen production, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; jasmine oil, which soothes redness and irritation, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin; bergamot oil, which attacks acne-causing bacteria; rose oil, which acts as a natural toner, antiseptic agent, and natural humectant; cedarwood oil, which is particularly useful for acne-prone skin due to its astringent abilities; and clary sage oil, which can balance sebum production, so that your skin produces just the right amount of natural oils.

It does, however, contain cassia leaf oil, which has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties but can also function as a sensitizer, causing topical irritations. Most skincare experts would advise against applying pure cassia leaf oil directly on the skin, but there's some debate as to whether it can be used when diluted with gentler botanical oils and spices like those of geranium, jasmine, rosemary or frankincense. 

So what was my experience with the cleanser? My initial response was pretty positive. I liked that the cleanser wasn't too creamy or milky, that its consistency was light and gel-like and yet it managed to lather nicely when water was added. Once I rinsed off the cleanser, however, my skin felt a bit too dry and stiff; when making facial movements, I felt uncomfortable, as if my skin would crack if I smiled too hard. Once I moisturized, any discomfort subsided but, nevertheless, I felt like perhaps since the number of botanical oils with astringent properties greatly surpassed the amount of hydrating, collagen-boosting, humectant ingredients, this cleanse would best be suited for women with oily, acne-prone skin, as opposed to those with dry or sensitive skin (like me). 

I assumed any post-cleansing discomfort and irritation would eventually dissipate as my skin adjusted to the cleanser but, having used the product regularly during a three-week period, I can honestly say the unpleasant sensation never ended. Even worse, I started breaking out as a result of using this product. Apparently, the cleanser dried out my skin so much that it accomplished the opposite of what it was supposed to do, stimulating the production of more natural oils than were necessary to keep skin balanced, clear, and smooth.

Add to that the fact that the cleanser includes cassia leaf oil, a controversial ingredients, and I'd suggest keeping away from this product altogether.

The Evie Evan Moisture Creme ($41 at EvieEvan.com) proved way kinder to my skin, perhaps due to its incorporation of aloe leaf juice and jasmine extract and jasmine oil, which calm and soothe the complexion. Ingredients like retinyl palmitate, meanwhile, work as anti-aging agents, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production. Wheat germ glycerides, meanwhile, lubricate the skin's surface and provide antioxidant protection due to their vitamin E content. 

I enjoyed the moisturizer's light consistency, akin to a watered-down cup of vanilla yogurt and appreciated what its effectiveness in terms of hydrating, softening, and smoothing skin. That being said, if you have very specific skincare concerns — like uneven skin tone or mature skin — I wouldn't suggest using this cream without supplementing it with another product more targeted to address those specific issues. Also, because so many of the ingredients in the cleanser can leave the skin more vulnerable to UV damage, it's essential to use a sunscreen after applying this moisturizer.

Overall, I wasn't blown away by this moisturizer, but I also wasn't displeased with it in any way. I just felt that, in trying to be suitable for all skin types, it fell short of accomplishing any goal particularly well. It goes back to the the age-old dilemma: do you take on a lot and do a mediocre job or do you take a more selective approach, focusing on fewer objectives and making sure to excel in each realm? Truth be told, it's usually better to adopt the latter approach.

Lastly, there's the Evie Evan Purity Masque ($36 at EvieEvan.com), a clay-like mask that helps to fight acne-causing bacteria, control oil production, reduce pore size, and purify skin. The mask, then, contains: orange peel oil, witch is used to fight acne by unclogging pores; witch hazel, a well-known astringent; safflower oil, which acts as a lubricant by forming a protective barrier on the epidermis that prevents excess loss of moisture; chamomile, which soothes and calms the skin; and vitamins A, C, D, and E. 

Out of all the products in the Evie Evan line, the Purity Masque was the only one that really scored on every single level in my book. 

After using the mask, my skin looked more radiant, and it felt softer and smoother. Most importantly, any

acne breakouts cleared quicker than usual after using this mask: pimple size decreased, redness was reduced, and pores appeared smaller.

If there's one product you should try, make it the Evie Evan Purity Masque.

 

 

Einstein USB Flash Drive Mimobot -- A Quantum Leap In File Storage

 

The man behind the theory of relativity, Nobel Prize-winning scientist and physic pioneer Albert Einstein, once said, "out of clutter, find simplicity." These words could have guided the making of the new Einstein Mimobot (available at Mimoco.com), a cartoonish, irreverent, playful USB flash drive modeled after the iconic man of science. 

The Einstein Mimobot is the first installment in the new "The Legends of Mimobot Series," which commemorates some of the most influential, trail-blazing figures in history. And who better to kick off the series than the man behind the famous E=MC2 formula?

Available in 6 different storage capacities — 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB (ranging in price from $22.95 to $119.95) — this collectible figurine captures both the studious and the playful sides of Albert Einstein. When the USB drive is covered, the caricaturesque depiction of Einstein bears a stern expression, his lids half closed, his mouth closed, and his lips fully covered by his white mustache. Once you remove the cap, however, you'll giggle as you see your Einstein Mimobot bearing an entirely different expression, one inspired by perhaps the most widely replicated image of the "mad scientist," the photograph Arthur Sasse snapped on March 14, 1971, the night of Einstein's 72nd birthday, in which the German intellectual is depicted with his eyes widened and his tongue sticking out mischievously.

Like all Mimobots, this one comes pre-loaded with character-related content, with Einstein-themed wallpapers, icons, and avatars to complete your quantum quest.

 

 

A Cross You'll Want To Bear -- Discover Mark Cross Handbags

 

 

 

 

When you carry a Mark Cross handbag, you might feel like you're enjoying a Midnight in Paris experience — after all, alongside his wife Sara, Gerald Murphy, president of the company from 1934 to 1964, hobnobbed with The Great Gatsby author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald, poet Dorothy Parker, and Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway. F. Scott Fitzgerald even dedicated his novel Tender Is the Night to Gerald and Sara Murphy. Though the Mark Cross Company was founded in 1845 and its origins had distinctly equestrian overtones, it wasn't until the mid to late 1930s that the brand's fine, sophisticated, carefully crafted handbags were embraced by Hollywood's elite, the literary and musical masterminds of the era, and the fashion zealots influenced by Parisian designers' sensibilities. At its height, Mark Cross enjoyed exposure on the silver screen, with its luggage prominently featured in Alfred Hichcock's 1954 thriller Rear Window.

Though Mark Cross closed in 1997, following the deaths of both Gerald and Sara Murphy, the company was resurrected in 2010 and is now readying its reintroduction, debuting exclusively at Barney's as of January 30th.

Rather than deviate from the company's storied heritage, the Mark Cross Collection I features pieces inspired by its vintage archives, modified ever so slightly so as to not appear dated or costume-like — all produced in the very same factories as the original designs. Made of Italian leather, these classic handbags come in neutral shades like taupe, honey, cuoio, and nude, as well as a dusty pavone blue, a timeless black, and a classic red, their price tags ranging from $1495 to $2350.

Standouts include the Grace Small Box Trunk and Grace Large Box Trunk, priced at $1695 and $1995 respectively, both inspired by the overnight case famously Grace Kelly carried in Rear Window.  Made of Italian calf leather, the box-shaped handbag looks as if it features a removable top lid but in fact, it's meant to be carried on the side, with the brass lock closure facing upward. Once the lock is unclasped, the bag opens sideways, facilitated by its hinged frame, which fans open like an accordion. The bag's interior is lined with red lambskin and features a roomy zippered pocket. A sturdy top handle and detachable shoulder strap complete the effect. Available in either beige or black, the Grace Large Box Trunk measures 8.5" in length, 6.5" in width, and 4.5" in height, while the Grace Small Box Trunk measures 7.5" in length, 5.5" in width, and 3.5" in height.

You can practically picture Gossip Girl character Blair Waldorf traipsing through Paris in a beret, wearing a chic sundress while carrying a Grace Small Box Trunk — after all, she's been aspiring to be the next Grace Kelly since the age of 18.

The Scottie handbag (pictured above, third and fourth from top) and the Marina clutch (pictured last above) were also modeled after vintage designs.

Made of Italian vegetable tanned leather, the Mark Cross Scottie Small Flap Satchel ($1950 at MarkCross1845.com) measures 11.5" in length, 3.5" in width, and 8" in height, and features a retro top handle, a trapezoid-shaped top flap with tonal stitching, a  brass lock closure, and a detachable shoulder strap. 

Art Deco sensibilities inform the design of the Marina Evening Clutch ($1495 at MarkCross1845.com), an envelope-shaped bag with rounded sides crafted out of supple black Italian calf leather. Measuring 11" in length, 1.5" in width, and 6" in height, the clutch features a rectangular top flap adorned with a slim rectangular, golden brass bar trim at its edge. This golden bar is then filled with black enamel for a touch of red carpet-worthy glamour. 

 For more details, visit MarkCross1845.com and BarneysNY.com.

Hot Pink Lacquer And Perky Polka Dots Are The Recipe For An Adorable Valentine's Day Mani

 

  

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and, if you're already feeling the sting of Cupid's arrow, then channel your amorous sentiments via a perky manicure like the one I created above. This super simple nail design speaks to the polka dot trend that's been de rigueur throughout the Fall/Winter 2011 season while updating the spotted look for Spring 2012 via bright pops of color. 

To create the look, you'll need three nail lacquer shades — a hot pink hue (like the M2M Hot Girls polish I used), a clean and snowy white (like the nacrous Orly Au Champagne polish I used), and a baby pink hue (like Laura Mercier's Ooh La La). You'll also need a dotting tool to create small polka dots that are surprisingly symmetrical, as opposed to drippy, amorphous, glob-like spots. If you don't own a professional dotting tool, don't distress — a simple bobby pin will do the trick. Simply bend the bobby pin to create a straight line, then use one of the rounde ends (preferably the more linear side so as to better control your handiwork) to create the dotted imprints on your nails. 

To start your perky in pink nail design, begin by brushing the fuchsia pink shade onto your nails. Once dry, reach for your white and baby pink nail lacquers, as well as your dotting tool. Start with the white polish and, dipping the dotting tool into the nail polish bottle, press the color down onto the nail, carefully creating a vertical row of polka dots along the center of each nail. Once this task is complete, wipe down your dotting tool and repeat the process with the baby pink color, this time creating two vertical rows of polka dots, one on either side of the white row at the nail's center.

Once you've completed your polka dot rows, wait a few minutes for the polish to dry and then brush a clear top coat onto your nails. This will protect your manicure, prevent colors from chipping too rapidly, and add a nice glossy finish.

That's it! To watch the process unfold, check out the tutorial above!

Here are more finished pics of the look: