Editors’ Pick — Page 30

Editor’s Pick: Jack Wills’ Fabulously British Summer Holiday Looks

July 2, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

OK, summertime is officially here. And with the Fourth of July just a couple of days away, it’s time to embrace easy, breezy summer clothes that are simultaneously comfortable and stylish. Surprise, those two points of view don’t have exists in separate planes. That’s right you find some great comfortable garments for the summer and be fashionably chic at the same time.

Fashion Reverie is always on the hunt for great brands that combine audience appeal, affordability and fashion-forward sensibility. Interestingly enough, Fashion Reverie on the eve of Independence Day has chosen a brand that corresponds to the nation we fought in our Revolutionary War.

All cultural prejudices aside, British brand Jack Wills fits the bill when it comes to a great lifestyle brand at affordable price points. This fabulously British brand, a lifestyle brand comparable to Tommy Hilfiger, has some great summer looks that reflect a beachcomber lifestyle or a consumer’s itch for the wanderlust lifestyle. And these women’s and men’s summer 2013 looks are ideal for those July 4^th grilled, barbeque outings and or just watching pyrotechnical firework displays.

Jack Wills’ Oakvale and Meerbrooke eyelet frocks are great additions to any wardrobe. With retail prices at $148 and $138, respectively, the price is just right to get stylish and frolicky at any July 4th outing or summer beach party. And the Hemsley print dress at $128 with Beckford jacket can set the mood for an easy summer night soiree.

Jack Wills has summer looks that takes the free-spirited guy from steamy day to cool summer night looks. This dapper Buckingham suit jacket retails for $298 with trousers priced at $148. If you want that beachcomber look, Jack Wills’ Barberry chino at $89 and Westmore stripped tee at $39 will evoke that seaside mood. And if casual Fridays is the look you are aiming for Wills’ Belgrave blazer at $328, Cashmoore skinny jeans at $89.50 and Salcombe shirt at $89.50 will give you that relaxed Friday aesthetic.

Oh, to live the wanderlust life, the lifestyle of options and adventure. And this lacy Austen top at $79. 50 and Ellington shorts at $59.50 is just the ensemble to set you off on a summer of discovery and reflection.

Images courtesy of Jack Wills

For more information on Jack Wills, go to jackwills.com/en-us/home.

—William S. Gooch

Freeze 24.7 Keeps You Bright-Eyed for Fashion Week

February 7, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

In just a few days New Yorkers will bear witness to the clacking of stilettoes against the hallowed plaza at Lincoln Center. Yes, it is that time again. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week officially begins on February 7, and though you may not be one of the new faces strutting your stuff on the catwalk or a celebrity sitting in the front row at Diane Von Furstenberg’s, Marc Jacob’s or Michael Kors’ show, it still important to look your best. No matter how great you look in your fashion-forward ensemble, it is imperative that you consider the condition of your skin, particularly during the harsh, dry winter months.

Image courtesy of TPR Holdings

Freeze 24.7 has a great line of products that not only can protect your skin during the winter months, but can also add a radiant glow that makes you camera ready during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. With Freeze 24.7’s line of products, you will be ready for your close-up.

Freeze 24.7 had three powerful products that together can provide maximum skin rejuvenation, hydration, and purification. These three products can assist with the elimination of blotchy discolored skin, sweep away imperfections and impurities, and provide intense hydration while firming and toning skin.

Images courtesy of TPR Holdings

Start your cleansing routine with the Freeze 24.7 Skin™ Glace Daily Detoxifying and Skin Mask. Next exfoliate, re-texture and resurface your skin with the Freeze 24.7 IceCrystals™ Anti-Aging Prep and Polish. (For sensitive skin only use the IceCrystals™ two to three times a week.) Lastly, Hydrate and nourish your skin with Freeze 24.7’s IceCream Double Scoop™ Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer.

And for those editors that trek from show to show and review a multitude of collections, Freeze 24.7’s Eyecing™ Fatigue Fighting Eye Cream is a great solution to tired, runway-weary eyes. Eyecing™ heals, nourishes, moisturizes, and revitalizes skin cells to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. Using a specially formulated Hydroptix-171 Youth Boosting Complex™, this proprietary time-released polymer works to revitalize skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.

Image courtesy of TPR Holdings

Models are not the only industry professionals that should be bright-eyed and bushy tailed. With some of these great products from Freeze 24.7, skin effervescence and sparkling eyes can be one of your claims to fame during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week .

Freeze 24.7 can be purchased at Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendels, Zitomer’s, Beauty.com, and other fine stores.

—William S. Gooch

Editor’s Pick: Camila Alves’ MUXO Bags for the Holidays

December 19, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Beyonce, the Olsen Twins, Jessica Simpson, Kanye West, J-Lo; hmm the list goes on and on. And you have to ask yourself, does the fashion industry need another celebrity brand? Maybe not, but then again, after closer examination some celebrity brands have merit.

Though some fashion pundits canned Kanye West’s two collections, others found his foray into fashion design an interesting, but still viable addition to his market saturation. And say what you may about Jessica Simpson’s looks-for-less, Simpson has found a way to create garments that have a fashion sensibility at price points that consumers can easily afford.

Images courtesy of fashionmodeldirectory.com

Enter Camila Alves. Most of us know Camila because of her matinee idol hubby Matthew McConaughey. But lights, camera, and action are not foreign concepts to this Brazilian model. Photographed by Bruce Webber, David LaChapelle and Nick Knight, Alves has appeared in Elle, Glamour, and Ocean Drive magazines, as well as modeled for Giorgio Armani, Carolina Herrera, Mango, and Christian Dior cosmetics.

With her handbag collection MUXO, Camila Alves is combining her years in fashion with her Brazilian heritage to create a practical handbag line that meets the needs of modern women on the go. ”Because I travel a lot, I found that there weren’t any handbags available that were strong and sexy enough at the same time … So I wanted to create a handbag that fit my lifestyle,” explains Alves.

MUXO’s Ms. Kate $325, Victorian $325, and Black Courtier $640, respectively. Images courtesy of fullpic.com

Just in time for the holidays, Alves has released a limited-edition preview of MUXO’s 2013 collection. “Releasing this limited-edition preview is a small gift to my MUXO fans,” says Camila Alves. “It’s a small sampling of what’s to come in 2013, which will include bags that mix materials, neutrals and vibrant colors, one-of-a-kind vintage brooches that I collected on my travels, and reversible and stylish handbags that transform from day to night. The idea is to offer a product that incorporates many trends creating a timeless piece. When you purchase these pieces, you will know you will use it forever. It’s for the woman who loves to mix and match these elements with everything she has in her wardrobe and everything she has yet to buy!”

Price points for the 2013 collection ranges from $3500 to $245. For more information, go to mymuxo.com.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion Reverie’s Designer Holiday Gift Guide

November 30, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

The holiday season is a time filled with decadent desserts and glamorous fashion. Shoppers are now trickling into elaborately decorated stores, in pursuit of the perfect gift. Fashion Reverie is here to lend you a helping hand and make your holiday shopping a little less stressful by providing you with this season’s “haute” gifts ideas.

For Her

Whether walking the fashionable streets of New York or having dinner in Paris, nothing says elegance quite like Lanvin leather gloves. The sophisticated leather lambskin gloves are scrunched to the elbow, lined in silk and detailed with tiny logo studs, making it the perfect winter accessory.

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

Price point: $1,175.00

Holiday Special: $704.00

Sold exclusively at Nordstrom

An anticipated fashion trend for 2013 is exotic print accessories, so give the gift of style this season with a Prada Pitone Lucido Python Doc Bag. Crafted in Italy, this beautiful Python bag is structured in a top-handle silhouette with a metal logo detail.

Image courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com

Price Point: $4100.00

Holiday Special: $2870.00

Sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue

Although they say “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” women also love beautifully crafted jewelry. A major trend for winter is unique statement necklaces. Select this stunning antique gold-tone curb chain necklace with strass crystal and wood accent pieces from Givenchy.

Price Point: $2,040

Image courtesy of barneys.com

Holiday Special: $799

Sold exclusively at Barney’s New York

For Him and Her

Are you looking for a special gift that’s both exotic and beautiful? Agabhumi, the Best of Bali, is not just a store, it’s a story. The owners hand select and design products from the exotic island of Bali, Indonesia. Whether you desire a great leather bag or an intricately detailed bracelet, Agabhumi has something unique for men and women.

Images courtesy of Sprouse Marketing

Twisty weave silver bracelet

Price Point: $228

For Him

There is no denying that women love to see a man wearing an impeccably tailored suit and polished dress shoes. Add a dose of versatility to his wardrobe with a pair of Prada Spazzolato Embroidered Lace-Up shoes. The Italian creations have a 3D appliqué detail and an exaggerated sole.

Image courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com

Price Point: $1250.00

Holiday Special: $875.00

Sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue

A great gift for the bi-coastal businessman is a DIESEL ‘Dive In’ Duffel Bag. This spacious carry on bag has a waterproof construction with a sturdy storm flap and cool leather trim. With enough exterior zip pockets to hold all of his necessities, this is a great holiday gift for a jaw dropping price!

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

Price Point: $270.00

Holiday Special: $180.90

Sold exclusively at Nordstrom

“Check please!” This exquisite black alligator breast pocket wallet is the perfect gift for the Wall Street Tycoon. The genuine alligator breast pocket wallet features eight card slots, three bill pockets and an organizational flap.

Image courtesy of barneys.com

Price Point: $1400.00

Holiday Special: $1100.00

Sold exclusively at Barney’s New York

—Chandia Brennen

Editor’s Pick: Intimate Apparel Holiday Guide

November 29, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

If you’re shopping for the ideal holiday gift for that special lady in your life, your loved one might love something that is usually reserved for revelry behind closed doors. You know what I’m talking about—lingerie.

It is no secret that women have a special fascination with skimpy undergarments, whether the lingerie is provocative and sexy or elegant and classy. Since the task of finding the perfect lingerie gift can be daunting, Fashion Reverie has scouted out some of the best lingerie from top designers. Here are some top picks for the perfect lingerie gift this season.

Chantelle

If you’re looking for something elegant that conjures up images of luxurious opulence, French lingerie designer, Chantelle has a beautiful set that is the perfect match for that woman who loves to luxuriate in opulence and refinement. The Chantelle “Paris Paris” set features beautiful lace embroidery and is ideal for a romantic evening with your significant other.

Stella McCartney

If that special someone loves product from high-end designers and you have deep pockets, Stella McCartney’s intimates might fit the bill. McCartney’s Intimates collection features some gorgeous pieces with a flirty edge, which could be an ideal match for the woman who is not afraid to show her flirty side. The “Selma Dancing Chemise” brings vintage flare with modern twist with floral lace against a gorgeous black silk.

Jenny Packham

Another lavish designer lingerie gift idea comes courtesy of designer Jenny Packham Intimates collection. Her pieces features beautifully crafted chemises that are a wonderful addition to any women’s closet. Packham’s “Open Front Babydoll” fuses romance, high fashion, and stunning lingerie all together in one lovely piece.

Bordelle

For the woman who is willing to test the limits of her sexuality, Bordelle’s provocative approach to lingerie is a must-have. The “Velvet Odile” set is perfect for the naughty girl at heart. The set features the black velvet adorned with small contrasting red bows. This collection will bring out the seductress in any woman.

Passionata

For the budget conscious shopper, Passionata offers more affordable options with matching sets that come under $100. Its flirty “Kiss Me Demi Bra” offers comfort for your bosom with a stylish flare. You can mix and/or match the “Kiss Me Demi Bra” with “Kiss Me Shorty” or “Tanga.” If you’re looking for something a little sexier, there is “Kiss Me Bustier” that will be sure to make her happy.

All these looks and your other intimates needs, are available at the lingerie boutique, Journelle.

—Dana E. Givens

Editor’s Pick: The Sheila Johnson Holiday Collection

November 15, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Okay, cultural experts say that with advances in technology, medicine and healthcare and new ways of looking at family, life and career, 50 is the new 30. Very few people are employed on the same job for 30-plus years, and the cultural, yet cheeky phenomenon of May/December romances, has forced modern women to continually redefine and re-invent their lives.

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, has practically done it all. She’s been a producer, a network executive, and a philanthropist. “For over 30 years I have been involved in the entertainment industry, founding a television network and more recently producing movies and documentaries. I’ve always had a tremendous interest in all of the arts and in particular, photography,” details Johnson.

And with this passion for photography, Sheila Johnson has combined her love of painting and water colors to produce wearable art as evidenced through the Sheila Johnson 2013 holiday collection of digitally printed scarves. “Now I have the opportunity to share my vision, enthusiasm for nature and passion for photography by creating luxurious scarves that also function as ‘wearable art’,” explains Johnson.

Produced and manufactured in Prato, Italy, the scarves are made of 100% modal, a natural yarn that results in a smooth, supple, color-fast fabric. Each scarf is produced on an old-fashioned wooden loom, digitally printed and then skillfully cut and fringed by hand. And with names like Solace, Joy!, Elina and Felicity, each scarf captures the joy, peace, magnificence and beauty inherent in the natural environment.

Images courtesy of Deborah Hughes, Inc.

The collection retails for $475 and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Lady Salamanders, the first national all-women’s Street Soccer USA team, which aims to end homelessness through sports. (Please visit www.streetsoccerusa.org.)

For more information, to view or purchase the holiday 2012/resort 2013 collection, please visit www.sheilajohnsoncollection.com.

—William S. Gooch

Editor’s Pick: Reem Acra’s Eau de Parfum

October 22, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Reem Acra has expanded her brand to include her first signature eau de parfum, by the same name. Since 1997, Reem Acra has delighted consumers with an elegant bridal line, followed by a ready-to-wear collection that is now carried in over 150 exclusive retailers, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.

Reem Acra Eau de Parfum reflects the elegance and sophistication found in the brands bridal and ready-to-wear collections. “When designing, I always strive to make women look and feel beautiful. Perfume is a more intimate, yet subtle, way of achieving that,” said Acra, “A fragrance can create a mood, inspire confidence and, in an instant, transform the way a woman looks and feels. It is truly magical,” details Reem Acra.

Looking to redefine couture perfumery and inspired by Reem Acra’s childhood memories of the forest of Lebanon, renowned perfumer Pierre Negrin of Firmenich combined a special scent reminiscent of the cedars of Lebanon with two of Reem Acra’s favorite scents, jasmine and orange blossom. “The sleek, sheer use of a classic note like amber is a nod to Ms. Acra’s heritage. Much like her designs, Reem Acra Eau de Parfum is warm, sultry, mysterious and rich. It is both classically elegant and uniquely contemporary,” explains Negrin.

Images courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

Acclaimed package designer Doug Lloyd of Lloyd & Co. have designed and elegant, sleek glass flacon embellished with Reem Acra’s insignia, a whimsical dove pattern that reflects regal tradition from the East. The glass is bordered in rich gold and topped with an architecturally modern cap, while the red detail on the collar is a tribute to royalty.

Reem Acra Eau de Parfum retails for $125 and is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

—William S. Gooch

Editor’s Pick: For Spring 2013 Morine Comte Marant Keeps it Fun and Frolicky

October 22, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Since 2008, the Korean-based brand Morine Comte Marant has payed homage to classic silhouettes funneled through the prism of iconic beautiful women who masterfully incorporate these silhouettes into their own personal style. Think Tuesday Weld, Mary Tyler Moore, Natalie Wood, Dianne Carroll in Julia, and a very young Jackie Onassis.

For spring/summer 2013 Morine Comte Marant continues to take these classic silhouettes and re-invents them for the modern woman. Continuing the trend from previous seasons of bold, vibrant color, Morine Comte Marant references the good girl dress in this collection. The feminine, flirty frocks in this collection employ great splashes of color and wonderful print details. And with a wide array of separates, this spring/summer collection gives women lots of options for every jointure of their day.

Images courtesy of Morine Comte Marant

What also forwards this collection is the combination of East meet West, evidenced in the European tailoring married with the Asian architectural construction of the spring jackets. Still, in this outing Morine Comte Marant has successfully managed to keep the collection fresh and fashion-forward enough so that there is lots of appeal to wide female demographic.

Classic silhouettes, great solids and print combinations, garments that will appeal to a woman at every jointure of her day; what more could the modern woman ask for? Hmm, not much more!!

Morine Comte Maran’s spring/summer 2013 line retails between $700 and $180, and can be found in boutiques globally from New York City to Washington, DC to Italy and Japan.

—William S. Gooch

Editor’s Pick: Perrelet Revs Up with New Turbine Racing Series Watches

October 4, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of Benali Consulting

Watch lovers, start your engine.

Perrelet has announced the special edition turbine racing series in their new collection of sports watches. Battling it out on the track are the Turbine, with a 44 mm-diameter case, and the Turbine XL, with a 50 mm-diameter case.

Reflecting some of Perrelet’s most iconic timepieces, the vivid and bold color stands out, making this sporty spirited watch a must have for any Daytona 500 fan. Inspired by racing cars and their bodywork, the sports watches come in a variety of race car colors. From red and yellow to blue and white, these electric colors look fresh off the track.

Using luminescent Arabic numerals, the inner bezel ring matches the eye-popping color band. Resembling the turbine of an actual race car, the fan-shaped line pattern below the dial captures the quality and feel of a 12-blade turbine.

The luminescent hour and minute hands gives precise readbility. The Turbine Racing collection by Perrelet also showcases DLC-treated steel cases in red, blue and yellow. Another point of interest for the consumer who loves style is the white watch design that combines the essences of natural steel with Perrelet’s classic signature aesthetic, rendering a design that is both classic and fashion forward.

Photo courtesy of Benali Consulting

Retailing at $7,150, this Perrelet design takes first place in quality and craftsmanship. For more information, visit http://www.turbineperrelet.com

–Cory Orlando

Editor’s Picks: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Must-Haves

August 28, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

In just under three weeks, editors, bloggers, stylists, photographers and fashionistas will scurry between Lincoln Center and other fashion show venues as they blog, write, document and get a glimpse of all the fashion trends and glorious collections that will parade back and forth over hallowed runways. In spite of all the hustle and bustle that accompanies this biannual deluge of fashion and beauty, it is still important to be on trend and look your best. Fashion Reverie has come up with a few hot items that may set you apart from all the other trendsetters. After all, fashion is more than the style of the day, but what is happening next.

Though everyone wants to get noticed and look their best, if you are a fashion journalist who is hurrying from runway shows to presentations, comfort as well as style is important. For fall 2012, Snob Essentials, a collaboration between DL1961A Premium Denim and BagSnob, has launched a line of fashion-forward skinny jeans that will not only attract attention but is also promotes ease of movement and comfort. The collection has seven fashion forward styles for every day of the week and is made with DL1961’s signature X-FIT 4-way stretch denim. These limited edition styles are currently available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, as well as their respective e-commerce sites.

Image courtesy of Collaterals

Fashion Reverie never leaves out the guys. So, for the male fashion industry professionals that may be attending such prestigious events as the very exclusive 7^th Annual Fashion Award Benefit Luncheon or the very-hard-to-get-into Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein shows, Collaterals has just launched a revolutionary selection of foldable, cuff links that not only dazzle, but have an automatic locking component. The only foldable cuff links of its kind, the Prometheus-inspired cufflinks are made of hand-polished, premium steel and feature a locking capability that fastens your cuffs in place, eliminating baggy shirts cuff that usually found with conventional cuffs. The Prometheus-inspired cuff links come in mother-of-pearl, black onyx with a leather centerpiece and retails for $125

As you are chatting on your IPhone or rambling through your bag for your IPad or taking notes the old school way, remember that there is a deep connection between pop art and fashion. The confluence of fashion and pop art is no more evident than in the pop culture icon Andy Warhol. Warhol started his career as a fashion illustrator at several fashion publications and founded the fashion and entertainment magazine, Interview.

Incase believes that everyone can have a better experience through design. And their mantra is put to good use in their new designs for IPhone, IPad and Macbook and shoulder bags featuring Warhol iconography. Remember, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week you want to stand out and with these new products from Incase, you will not only grab attention, but also be noted as a trendsetter.

You will definitely make a statement with the Warhol shoulder bag for your computer. This great item retails for $149.00. You can also be fashion-forward with IPhone covers that retail for $39.95.

Fashionable on the outside, as well as being good at what you do. What more could you ask for!!

—William S. Gooch