THE 2010 LORTEL AWARDS

Every day tons of people come to New York City in search of the actor’s dream — making it on Broadway.  Little do they know that making it Off-Broadway can be a whole lot harder, and a heck-of-a-lot more satisfying.  On Sunday, May 2nd the struggles and achievements of the Off-Broadway actor are going to be celebrated with The 2010 Lortel Awards. The event will also be raising money for the Actor’s Fund at the same time.  It’s the Lucille Lortel Awards’ 25th anniversary and they are going all out with special performances by Alan Menken, LaChanze, Seth Rudetsky and STOMP. Not to mention the fact that co-hosts Bebe Neuwirth and Bryan Batt promise to kick it up a notch in fabulousness.  Also showing their support for the arts, celebrities like Kerry Washington, Anthony LaPaglia, Ally Sheedy, Rosie Perez, Hugh Dancy and many more will be making appearances.  Don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with some serious talent!

WHAT:  The 2010 Lortel Awards

WHEN:  Sunday, May 2nd at 8pm

WHERE:  Terminal 5

610 West 56th Street

(between 11th and 12th Avenues)

New York, NY

Saddle Up

With Coachella behind us and Summer still ahead, it seems this is the perfect time to brush up on some boho. The style that made Nicole Richie’s downtime paparazzi-worthy has spread to other trendsetters, who have chosen to bring back the classic saddle bag shape.

The Dior ‘Gaucho’ bag

The saddle shape rose to cult status thanks to Dior’s bestselling ‘Gaucho’ bag, seen on the shoulder of every self respecting fashionista circa 2006.  This time around, the saddle bag has been downsized and paired with other bohemian details such as tassels, buckles and fringes.

If you choose the high end route, you can either go large with Chloe’s new ‘Marcie’, small with Givenchy’s studded mini saddle bag, or exotic with a Lena Erziak number.

Left to right: Chloe ‘Marcie’ large satchel, $1595;

Givenchy studded mini sadle bag, $1460;

Lena Erziak coco print saddle bag, $584.

However, if you’re wary of spending so much on a trend that may not be here by Coachella 2011, opt for more economical versions, brought to you courtesy of your friendly neighborhood high street shops.

Left to right: Poppie Jones suede cross-body bag, $29.95;

Forever 21 faux suede fringe bag, $19.80;

FreeBird by The Sak Idolized Rocked small saddle bag, $59.

The saddle bag will easily become a staple in any laid back summer wardrobe composed of maxi dresses, paisley and floral prints, and lots of tan leather.  No horse necessary!

Joie de Vintage

One of Paris’ chicest boutiques is populated by American vintage.  Inspired by Hollywood glamour, Bastien de Almeida travels to Los Angeles twice a year to carefully select the best vintage clothes and accessories for his clients.  In addition to these fabulous finds, Bastien’s concept store–BDA–simultaneously evokes the spirit of a nightclub, art gallery, design store, and cabaret.

Striking to enter, the shop is entirely black lacquer, lit by neon lights, and filled with glamorous vintage pieces arranged by color.  As if all of that weren’t enough to make fashionistas swarm, Bastien offers classes (from beginner to advanced) in sewing, pattern making, draping, modeling, and styling, some of which are taught by a modeliste for Chanel and Christian Lacroix haute couture.  It’s a vintage dream from which you’ll never want to wake up.

His collection includes Christian Dior, Guy Laroche, Teena Paige, Jack Bryan, and Lanvin and represents every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s.  There’s an equally well-cultivated corner dedicated to rare books and DVDs about all things fashion.  Swoon.

On May 6, join Bastien for the first anniversary of this inspiring boutique.  He’s throwing a fabulous fête featuring a performance by Plum of the Gentry de Paris Burlesque Revue.

What: BDA’s first anniversary

When: May 6th at 6pm

Where: 46 rue de la Condamine

Contact: +33 (0)1 42 93 54 70

MANHATTAN VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOW

As Promised, I hit the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show last weekend and was overwhelmed by the quantity of beautiful slices of the past that were present:  etched lucite box purses, Bohemian sundresses, giant neon flower brooches, drop-waisted silk Gatsby dresses, 70’s rock tees and bolts of seersucker fabric printed with small guitars.  If it was vintage and beautiful, you could find it there. Although the Metropolitan Pavilion was not a mob scene, there was a definite air of excitement as the crowd comprised of stylists, costume designers and collectors perused the various antiquities (it’s a little bit of a secret, but designers are known to hit up this show to get inspiration for their collections).

Display From Olives Very Vintage based in Brooklyn

Each vendor had a selection of to-die-for pieces in pristine condition, taking all the difficulty out of rooting through a consignment store to find that one special piece.  I wanted it all, and that was a problem.  I’m used to only finding one or two pieces that are die-or-buy and secretly love the thrill-of-the-hunt, but at Manhattan Vintage I found myself dreaming about owning a barn in the country just to fill it with all of my newfound vintage desires.

Display From Olives Very Vintage based in Brooklyn

One of the vendors, Barbara Q. Kennedy, whose business caters a lot to the movie and TV industry, remarked, “This year there is a lot of focus on 70’s and 80’s whereas my stock consists more of classic pieces.”  I found myself strangely drawn to the bewitching items in Barbara’s collection and later found that her business is based in the small town where I grew up.  Go figure.  This collection was right under my nose for years and I’m just finding it now!

Display From Barbara Q. Kennedy Based in West Lawn, PA

Several booths later, at Connecticut based Lorry Polizzi’s stand, I found my prize in a 1960’s Hawaiian print sundress with pockets.

My Dress from Lorry Polizzi based in North Branford, CT

After trying the dress on (the communal dressing booth was certainly an interesting experience), I knew it was mine and I could go home satisfied.  My closet is now one beautiful, original piece richer, and I’m left lusting after much more, but I guess that will have to wait till my next adventure at Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show, when it comes to town next October.

London Recycles Fashion with Buy My Wardrobe

Ever wish you had someone else’s closet?  Now your fashion fantasy can become reality with Buy My Wardrobe’s semi-annual event celebrating fashion recycling.  20 chosen style setters with closets you’ll crave will become wardrobe mistresses for the day and their designer pieces will be up for grab at 50 to 75 percent off the original price.  The couture belongs to young designers and experts in the fashion industry, so you’ll be sure to find great garb.

People who have previously sold contents of their closet include Gucci Group Executive Mimma Viglezio, Ex Elle Publishing Director Elaine Foran, Celebrity Stylist Zoe Lem, as well as fashion and jewelry designers.  In the spirit of being eco-chic, stylists will offer ideas on how to update your existing wardrobe.   In addition to shopping, receive manicures, make up consultations, and eyebrow threading.

Buy tickets early before the event sells out!  VIP entry will entitle you to early admission, champagne and a glamorous goodie bag.

When:

Saturday May 8 2010 
Standard tickets: 1pm – 4pm, £5
VIP tickets: 12pm – 1pm, £20

Where:

Supperclub

12 Acklam Road

London, W10 5QZ

Visit: buymywardrobe.com

Quick Fixes for Otherwise Nixes

When I found the last pair of my dream shoes in a size 7.5 instead of the necessary 8, I didn’t let that stop me — a quick credit card swimpe made them mine to keep.  I longed for them to widen miraculously over the ride home but they did not.  What now?

I’ve had my fair share of garment failures, from that pair of shoes I talked myself into buying despite them being too small, to an alloy ring (or ten) that left my finger green.

However, over the course of nearly 24 years, I’ve steadily built up a list of simple solutions to these everyday problems.  It’s a quest for (accessory) survival, and it comes down to: get the most of it, or get rid of it.

These shoes would probably hurt even if you stretched them.

Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 2010

Tight shoes like the aforementioned are commonplace.  Instead of going out to find a shoe stretcher, here’s a trick that’s so crazy, it works: take a plastic bag and line the inside of each shoe hermetically.  Fill the bag with water and tie off, making sure there are no leaks.  Now, place the pair in the freezer; the ice will expand the shoe and your foot will glide right in.  It’s important to know that no trick on earth will stretch a shoe beyond an extra half size.

Next up is costume jewelry.  Who among us hasn’t taken off a ring only to find greenish-blue stains where it was, or been forced to remove her earrings midway through the night because they itch so darn bad?  The solution to this is both unexpected and genius: coat all your costume jewelry with clear nail polish, which will keep it from chipping and creating a barrier between the irritating substance and your skin.

L’Oreal Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray, $14.99

Finally, next time a pen decides to explode in your handbag or on your lap, reach for a can of hairspray.  Yep – surprisingly, hairspray is a very potent cleansing agent. Use it as you would use any other cleanser: dispense, dab, dry, wear.

More common tips include revitalizing the scent of potpourri using scented oil, stuffing boots will rolled up magazines in order to make them stay up, and thinning clumped nail polish using a few drops of acetone.  If you have more tried and tested tips, please share them in the comments section!

COLETTE MALOUF’S TRIBAL QUEST

The name Colette Malouf has been synonymous with gorgeous hair accessories since 1987, when she first came out with the Malouf Pouf, a chic, silk covered version of the later to be known scrunchie.  It’s no wonder that her Spring 2010 collection — displayed in the front window of Henri Bendels from now till April 26th — has been catching the eye of many a passer-by on 5th Avenue.

Malouf’s collection was inspired by a recent trip to East Africa where she spent some time with the people of the Masai tribe.  She was mesmerised by the beauty of the tribe’s people and their inherent sense of style demonstrated by layering different patterns and colors.  Malouf remarks, “I know they didn’t plan the outfit, but they just looked so cool.”

The designer usually sticks to a specific color palette, but in this tribal tribute there are layers of bold color and mixed patterns outlined with a black and white bordering fabric.  The collection contains the standard headbands, fabric headwraps and clip-in accoutrements, but with the signature Malouf sculptability and  an amazing 360 degree design that allows the wearer to reverse and turn a piece around to create a whole new look.

The tribal assembly also includes a selection of beautiful accessories such as knit covered bangles, resin rings and clip-in colored feathers.  Take a trip to Bendels to be transported into Malouf’s exotic new world — and to add a bit of color to yours.

Going, Going….Gone

Like the New York girl made infamous by Sex and The City, I too am a fun, single, thirty-something shopaholic. And, just like Carrie Bradshaw, I never seem to need my clothes far beyond a particular season.

Therefore this week, I put many recent purchases to good use by putting them up for sale. We’re talking FABULOUS stuff: YSL leopard pumps, Balenciaga sunglasses, Marni arm-length cashmere gloves, and colorful dresses by Prada, Marc Jacobs and Chloe.

items being reviewed, pre sale

There are several ways to sell one’s treasures. The first, accessible to all, is Ebay. I cannot overstate Ebay’s value for label lovers seeking a bargain, as well as for label lovers seeking to offload labels they love. The second way is at a consignment shop. If this is an option in your city or town, you need to that consignment is usually 50-50. You must be prepared to split profits. Thus, it is recommended that you know and trust the shop. In fact, you should LOVE the shop yourself. If you are the audience, it is very likely that people like you will go in looking for…well, stuff like yours.

In NYC, I have two favorites: INA, which has five locations (plus an online Ebay boutique!), and Michael’s on the Upper East Side. These re-sellers’ offerings generally align with my own taste: high end, specialized, and of-the-moment (translation: not vintage). In addition, their locales don’t feel like it’s a second hand store. This is very important; Chanel should feel like Chanel, no matter where you buy it.

A new way to re-sell has also recently been invented, by my friend Lindsay Burka. Lindsay has merged high-end consignment with trunk shows, creating special shopping events – including champagne! Her venture is called 9 Undisclosed, and her events have been a mega hit so far in NYC, L.A. and Chicago. If you are in any of these cities, or happen to live in Dallas or Austin — look out for her invitation soon.

Happy 9 Undisclosed Shopper, who just snagged a PUCCI dress

So you see, there are several ways to re-sell your luxuries.

But how does one part with them?

If you really push me on the subject, I’ll probably tell you I was sad to sell my gold Michael Kors watch.  It was such a fun piece! But with that bit of remorse, I keep my focus. You have to let things go in order to grow.

My beloved Michael Kors watch. Adieu.

I need to sell. Remember how Carrie once calculated that she’d spent too much on shoes and had no savings? Well, I’ve done that, too. Selling helps recover some of those funds.

Moving forward, I will try to shop more carefully. And then I won’t end up having to let so many items go.

____________

Michael’s

1041 Madison Ave, Fl 2

212.737.7273

INA

ONLINE

INA NYC on eBay

NOHO

men + women

15 Bleecker Street

212.228.8511

SOHO

women

101 Thompson Street

212.941.4757

NOLITA

women

21 Prince Street

212.334.9048

NOLITA

men

19 Prince Street

212.334.2210

UPTOWN

women

208 East 73rd Street

212.249.0014

If Karl Could Buy the World a Coke…

Its bottle would include touches of hot pink and be emblazoned with his silhouette.  Me too, Karl!

Saturday morning in Paris, eager fashionistas lined up outside luxury fashion boutique Colette to get their hands on a bottle of Coca Cola Light (Europe’s answer to Diet Coke) designed by his majesty Karl Lagerfeld.  Kaiser Karl, a long-reported Coca Cola Light fan (rumor has it he lost 90 pounds on a strict-if-questionable diet of steamed vegetables and the zero-calorie soda), gave the iconic Coke bottle a high fashion makeover.

Once Colette’s doors opened, the crowd headed downstairs to the store’s water-bar, passing a gigantic replica of the bottle on the way.  Karl’s limited-edition bottles are made of sleek aluminum and designed with his famous silhouette and signature.  In lieu of Coca Cola red, Karl’s bottles feature touches of hot pink.  When they reached the front of the line, customers were able to buy individual bottles (the man in front of me bought 2 dozen) or an even-more-exclusive box set that houses a bottle and matching bottle opener inside a concealed drawer.

Because a high fashion bottle of soda deserves an equally chic ad campaign, Karl recruited top model Coco Rocha then styled and shot the advertisements himself.  What fabulosity will he think of next?

Lagerfeld devotees from the U.S. can order individual bottles or opt for the box set, but they’ll need to pay international shipping.

Liora Shuster Makes Sense of Israeli Style

Liora Shuster

With her bright red hair and stylish garb, it isn’t hard to pinpoint Liora Shuster as one of Israel’s leading fashion journalists. An accomplished writer for the past 20 years, Liora’s been an editor in AT Magazine, an extremely popular bi-weekly women’s magazine in Israel, for the past three.  This past Tuesday, Liora gave me her witty take on the state of Israeli style.

“Israeli women need to realize that being sexy doesn’t equal maximum exposure.  [Israeli style] is plagued by vulgarity, but in all fairness, it has to do with weather.  I’d like to see what a chic Parisian wears in this heat!”

Liora admits she was not always the fashionista she is today.  ”When I started working at “AT”, I didn’t know much about fashion nor did I care.  However, in 2004, I was invited by Carolina Herrera to attend her NYFW show and fragrance launch. Upon returning to Israel, I rebuilt my wardrobe, and today fashion is my favorite pastime.”

Recent covers of AT Magazine

According to Liora, “unlike the elegance of Paris or the rock ‘n roll vibe of London, Israel has no defined tradition of style.  It’s hard to escape Israel’s glorious history of wearing sandals and brimless hats”.  However, there’s hope, “in recent years, I’ve noticed a change.  International retailers like The Gap have  ’discovered’ the Israeli market and the whole subject has gained prominence.  One need only look to the frenzy that the opening of H&M caused in Israel to see that Israelis are thirsty for style.  In “AT” we try to help our readers make sense of it all by giving tips on what to buy, how to put clothes together, etc.  It’s all about making an effort”.

Israeli style is perhaps best manifested in Tel Aviv.  ”There are designer sales and accessory markets taking place every weekend. Tel Avivian style includes a lot of vintage and secondhand pieces along with basics from stores like American Apparel.  It’s very laid back.  Tel Aviv’s got something NYC doesn’t: the ability to unwind!  People here work in order to unwind later, and not the other way around.  Even the coffee shops in NYC are filled with people typing away on their laptops!”

Tel Aviv’s coastline at night

Photograph by Ian Aloni

Liora feels the future of Israeli fashion depends on the politics state, of all things. “Peace will have a profound influence on the way Israelis dress.  Once we stop being so preoccupied with conflict, we’ll have more time to think about fashion”.