June 2008
Mini-Trend: Bird is the Word
Submitted by bbcblog on Tue, 06/17/2008 - 13:59Shake Your Tail Feathers: Red Carpet Plumage confirms the arrival of the feather trend! Checking out recent red-carpet photos, we were struck by the notable trend in over-the-top aviary accessories. From the Cannes International Film Festival to film premieres to the superhero-themed gala for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, actresses have left behind the minimalist chic of the Academy Awards that had us dozing off for awhile and transformed themselves into birds in full bloom.
Is it slightly wacky, a little crazy, and completely ostentatious? Sure. But you know what? It’s also totally fun and a perfect way to accessorize for summer. We love Urban Outfitters' fun and funky feather accessories collection, from earrings to necklaces and beguiling headpieces…all under $20.
More on the Bird trend:
- Anthropologie’s fabulous bird-themed home accessories
- Birding, anyone? Check out the Wild Nature Guide to the Hamptons
- Might as well "bird" in style with Swarovski's stunning Crystal Pocket Binoculars
- The re-imagining of fave NYC restaurant Provence. NY Mag assures us the updated version, named Hundred Acres, will boast American “craft” themed food and will be even better than the original--and you can practice your bird calls
We’ll take a Clooney with our Coffee…
Submitted by bbcblog on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 11:21Can Celebrities and “Affordable Luxury” win over the American coffee consumer?
We tossed our hat in the ring to star in George’s next Nespresso commercial (can you blame us?) and although we maaaay not be selected over the other 7,200 dreamers, we harbor no hard feelings and in fact, have become enamored of the trend in pod machines which, particularly in Europe, has people queuing up to refill their capsule stock for miles (ahem, kilometers).
Is it Clooney himself that has everyone momentarily panting for their single-serving, home-brewed espresso fix? Or will pod machines have us officially bidding our old-fashioned coffee-clunkers adieu and tossing back espressos like old-hat pétanque players?
This Bloomberg article makes us think that perhaps Americans may not be willing to shed their love of traditionally brewed coffee and the “coffee experience” just yet, but some of the new single-serving machines from LavAzza, Nespresso, and illy are so gorgeous, we might be willing to give espresso a shot.
We’re drawn by the strategy these brands are taking to work their way into the homes of wary consumers who can’t conceive of giving up their bottomless cups of joe. Nespresso has the celebrity angle locked up with the indefatigably charming Clooney, while LavAzza has tapped into the high-fashion market to enhance their brand with a line of luxury lifestyle products.
Those unwilling to jump on the espresso train just yet—fear not! Flavia’s amazing hot beverage machine can handle gourmet coffee, cappuccinos, and organic teas. And with machines priced under $300, all of the top brands are hitting the “affordable luxury” target right on the mark and appear poised to conquer even the most steadfast traditional coffee consumer.
Once, Twice, Three times a red-carpet gown…
Submitted by bbcblog on Thu, 06/26/2008 - 17:02Celebs seeing double on the red carpet are going “vintage” for a signature look In light of the recent dress double bookings (oops! make that triple), with Lauren Santo Domingo AND Lindsay Lohan having worn Nina Ricci's sparkling silver gown before Sarah Jessica Parker donned it at the Sex and the City premiere, celebrities looking for a signature look are setting their sights on vintage as a surefire way to stand out from the crowd.
A well-kept secret amongst clever celebs who fear competing for the choicest frocks, searching for unique, vintage couture has become something of an art form. Take this recent piece in the Wall Street Journal, which illustrates both the perils and triumphs in the hunt for forgotten masterpieces by vintage collector Juliana Cairone. Cairone, who’s clients include Angelina Jolie, Calista Flockhart, and Debra Messing, and who has discovered just about every gorgeous dress we’ve seen on the red carpet this year, admits that the best treasures are often found in private collections (read: Gram-Gram’s attic). If you’re on the hunt for your own signature vintage look and want to bypass the unchartered territories of your relatives nether-regions, leave the searching to the experts and check out Cairone’s Rare Vintage collection in New York, Rellik in London, and Didier Ludot in Paris.
To Stimulate or not to Stimulate: that is the question
Submitted by bbcblog on Mon, 06/30/2008 - 16:20Economic woes have brands looking to capture consumers’ imaginations (and stimulus checks) with affordable luxury With our stimulus check in our hot little hands, we were prepped to hit the pavement to buy a few splurges for our upcoming Hamptons getaway until we saw M. P. Dunleavy’s article in the New York Times this weekend recommending we—gasp!—save at least 90%. Now we are faced with the hardest question of the summer…to stimulate, or not to stimulate? To Stimulate:
From left to right:
- Orlane Paris Anti-Aging Sun Cream with SPF 30, $115.
- Hermès unbelievably cute silk “twilly” ribbons, $125.
- Tory Burch collapsible tote, $250.
Stimulus Factor? 100% stimulated. The economy will thank us.
Pondering our dilemma, we headed to our local corner store for a few unmentionables, and were—dare we say—smitten with the smoldering array of new luxury products on display. It appears with ongoing speculation on the looming r-word, brands are upping the ante to ensure consumers look no further than their nearest corner store for luxury products that won’t break the bank.
Or Not to Stimulate (as much):
From Left to Right:
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Lotion SPF 30 moisturizer has tons of the spa’s famous thermal minerals and 24 hour sun protection, $24.
- Goody Exotic Utopia Tropical Flora Headband – feels like a headband, looks like a scarf, $10.
- Sonia Kashuk Swirl Duffel, $40.
Stimulus Factor? Dunleavy’s recommended 10%. Our savings account will thank us.