sbeulah-blog

Last Night's Premiere of: "The Making Vogue's September Issue"

sbeulah — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:46:33 -0700

Sienna Miller and Anna WintourRachel RoyTory BurchVera WangCarolina Herrera and Oscar de la RentaCynthia RowleyGeorgina ChapmanLisa Mayock and Sophie BuhaiDoo-Ri ChungZac PosenSean "Diddy" CombsMarc JacobsRichard ChaiPhillip Lim and Steven KolbJack McCollough, Terry Richardson and Lazaro HernandezPeter SomYigal AzrouelThakoon PanichgulMia and Patrick DemarchelierNick Ashford and Valerie SimpsonLisa AiranOlivia ChantecailleChanel Iman and Chris SmithJessica WhiteBee ShafferSean LennonHillary RhodaRachel ZimmermanRene ZellwegerHelen Lee SchifterAnne Slater

When Vogue was producing its September issue in 2007, ad pages were up by 100 from 2006, Neiman Marcus' Burt Tansky lamented that he didn't have enough inventory and nearly $50,000 worth of work was thrown out when Anna Wintour cut pages from one of Grace Coddington's elaborate fashion shoots.

That, of course, was a very different time in publishing and retail. But at Wednesday's premiere of R.J. Cutler's documentary "The September Issue," Wintour insisted that a film chronicling her process these days wouldn't be much different. "It's still the same team," she said as she hurried into the screening at MoMA.

Designers came out en masse - Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Thakoon Panichgal, Zac Posen, Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Kate Mulleavy and Rachel Roy among others -- curious to see what happens behind the scenes at Vogue. But the truth isn't always pretty, as September 2007 cover girl Sienna Miller learned when she saw Wintour onscreen, scrutinizing her teeth (down to her fillings) in Mario Testino's photograph.

"I think it's just part of the process," Miller said afterward, appearing to take the criticism in stride. She then joined others who stuck around for a postshow Champagne including the film's unofficial star Coddington, as well as André Leon Talley, Diddy, actor Jonny Lee Miller (who’s about to appear with Sienna Miller on Broadway), models like Karlie Kloss and Raquel Zimmermann and late Vogue editor Diana Vreeland's grandson Nicholas, a Buddhist monk.

(WWD)

Are Celebrity Labels Compromising Fashion Design?

sbeulah — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:58:13 -0700

A celebrity launching a fashion line? It seems this is one trend that will never end.

There it was earlier this week, the big bulletin that Katie Holmes is hooking up with her stylist Jeanne Yang to produce Holmes & Yang, a women's line slated to debut at the Maxfield boutique in Los Angeles this fall.

The list of celebs-cum-designers must be a mile long now: Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani, Sarah Jessica Parker, Justin Timberlake, Milla Jovovich, Sienna Miller, Mary Kate and Ashley Oslen, Chloë Sevigny, Pamela Anderson, Victoria Beckham, Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, Fergie and, of course, Paris Hilton just to rattle off a few.

Celebrities with fashion labels is so commonplace (even Ryan Seacrest went there), Perez Hilton recently started www.cocoperez.com to document all the goings-on of the modern day deities turned taste makers.

The whole celebrity/fashion setup can't help but reek of making-a-buck. Very few of the glitterati, if even one, will ever pick up a needle and thread. We all know how challenging it is to make a garment (thank you, Project Runway). And then there's that unexplainable sixth sense fashion designers seem to have. Stylists exist because celebrities are more often than not a fashion hazard waiting to happen. Demi Moore's biker shorts at the Oscars, anyone? A good stylist will steer a celeb away from a career-debilitating swan dress. So why should anyone trust good taste to the latter?

"I can honestly say I'm not a big fan of celebrities as clothing designers," says celebrity stylist Monica Schweiger. "I mean in most cases, the celebrity designer more than likely has no actual design training and may not even have a unique style opinion-other than their stylist. It's kind of like taking the celebrity poster girl ad concept one step further-instead of putting the face on the ads lets just put their name on the brand."

(Luxist)

The Worst Celebrity Businesses?

sbeulah — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:26:58 -0700

The Real World

Lauren Conrad hoped to parlay her MTV "The Hills" fame into high fashion success, launching the Lauren Conrad Collection in March 2008. The new venture barely got off the ground; it was shut down this spring. At least she can take comfort in knowing that her famed "frenemy", Heidi Montag, suffered the same fate. Her barely-there clothing line - Heidiwood - also tanked just seven months after its launch.

Investors Put the Squeeze on Somersized Venture

Suzanne Somers, best known as the blond, beautiful and often bubble-headed "Chrissy" on the 1970s TV show Three's Company, made a bundle with her uber-successful Thigh Master, but didn't find as much support for "Suzanne's Kitchen" -- a make-it-yourself meal preparation franchise that provided ingredients and recipes from Somers' cookbooks. The business was open for less than three months before changes in the business plan and a disagreement with investors led to a quick closing.

Bo Derek Scores a Perfect Zero on Business Venture

Bo Derek may have been a "10" on-screen but she scored a big zero with former business investor Fort Worth Magnolia Media Group over her decision to abruptly drop a pet-care product business launch in 1998.

Car Dealership Runs Out the Clock

Former New Orleans Saint all-time rusher and two-time Pro Bowl star Deuce McAllister fumbled in business and was unable to bring his on-field success to his Nissan car dealership. The First Tennessee Bank foreclosed on the property in July, after McAllister defaulted on a loan and exceeded his credit line by $7 million. The dealership filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and was subsequently sued by Nissan for breaking an agreement in which Nissan Finance would receive a certain amount of money for financing the dealership's cars.
A Chicken Only Kramer Could Love

Country musician Kenny Rogers has won numerous platinum records for crooning about losing love but it was chicken - roasted chicken - that caused him to lose a bundle in the late '90s. Even an entire Seinfeld episode devoted to Rogers' fast food chicken restaurant, Kenny Rogers Roasters, couldn't save the business from failing in 1998. It probably didn't help that Rogers failed to recognize his own chicken in a blind taste test between Kenny Rogers Roasters and NBC cafeteria chicken on The Late Show with Conan O'Brian in 1997.

Stick a Fork in It - It's Over

Britney Spears has dealt with a lot of criticism in her career but perhaps the most stinging was for her NYLA restaurant. The restaurant opened in New York's Dylan Hotel in 2002, and was supposed to mix Spears' down-home Southern roots with high-class New York fare. Unfortunately, NYLA floundered from the start, suffering management changes and health food violations. And the food? Picky New York reviewers were not impressed; they booed the food and the restaurant's concept. Spears walked away from NYLA in 2002.

"Posh" Jeans Fail to Appeal

Victoria Beckham is tentatively replacing Paula Abdul on "American Idol" but her line of jeans - dVb jeans - failed to impress consumers. The pricey vintage-style pants (think $300 for a pair of jeans) sat on shelves and were dropped by U.S. stores, which claimed that Beckham refused to make appearances to promote the line.
"Jenny from the Block" Backs Out

Jennifer Lopez ("JLo") is a mega recording star and big-ticket actress but she's faltered in a few other business ventures. Her California restaurant, Madres, shut its doors in July 2008 after a six-year run. Her street wear line of clothing - Sweetface - also halted production in 2009. This is the second clothing line that has sputtered for the pop star - her first line (JLO) closed in the U.S. more than two years ago.

Nicky Uh Oh...

You would think that someone with the last name Hilton - Nicky Hilton - would have the hotel business down to a science. You'd be wrong. Nick's "Nicky O" hotels, which boasted elevators entertainment news tickers in the elevators, a signature scent and rooms designed by friends - including $5,000-a-night penthouse by clothing designer Roberto Cavalli, went bankrupt in 2007; all Hilton was left with was angry investors. The courts got the properties, which were put up for auction.

It's a Bust for Da Bear's Quarterback

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon was part of the '80s Bears Super Bowl-winning team, but his themed restaurant, "McMahon's Steakhouse", failed to impress diners. At least he can take comfort in knowing that more than a few other Windy City celebs have "failed restaurateur" on their resumes, including Michael Jordan, Mike Ditka, Dennis Rodman, and the late Walter Payton.

Ramsay's Personal Kitchen Nightmare

Chef and TV star of "Hell's Kitchen" Gordon Ramsay is suffering through this recession like everyone else, although he's likely more vocal about it than most! His multistar restaurants across the U.S. and Europe aren't drawing the crowds they used to, forcing Ramsay to slash his staff and hand a few of his properties back to the hotels where they're housed. If that doesn't work, he's considering selling his palatial home in London to avoid having to file for bankruptcy.

No, YOU'RE Fired

While Donald Trump most recently gained fame by yelling "you're fired!" to his potential apprentices, Trump has had to walk away from a few jobs and business ventures himself. Most recently, he had to cancel publication of "Trump" magazine after two-year run and now he's fending off a lawsuit for allegedly letting his Marina Hotel Casino physically deteriorate after tentatively agreeing to sell it to investors as part of a restructuring agreement included in his Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing.

(Investopedia.com)

Celebrating 20 Years of BCBG Max Azria

sbeulah — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:45:59 -0700

This gallery is all about the beautiful clothing designed by Max Azria.......his label has long been one of my personal favorites. Enjoy the View!

WWD: Outrageous Summer Looks

sbeulah — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:41:35 -0700

Designer Offerings from Payless

sbeulah — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:19:10 -0700

Christian SirianoChristian SirianoChristian SirianoAlice and OliviaAlice and OliviaAlice and OliviaLela Rose

Coach: Moving Beyond the Usual

sbeulah — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:10:13 -0700

"Kira""Garnet" collection leather "pieced" tote"Tribeca" logo "collage" tote"Poppy" applique tote"Madison" magazine tote"Poppy" sequin shoulder bag"Poppy" rhinestone shoulder bag"Sabrina"

The 40 Best Online Sites

sbeulah — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:57:14 -0700

1. Avelle.com
This site makes more than 3000 high-end designer bags, jewelry pieces, sunglasses, and watches affordable for everyone. Shoppers take items by Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and other brands out for a spin, then either buy them or swap them in for something else.

2. Beauty.com
No more awkward interactions with pushy salespeople-this beauty giant lets you chat live with a beauty adviser who will recommend products from the hundreds of brands carried on beauty.com and its sister site, drugstore.com. We asked our adviser for a frizz-fighting hairspray, then upped the challenge by requesting something under $5. She quickly sent us a link to TRESemmé ExtraHold Climate Control hairspray ($4.35). Nice!

3. Covergirl.com
Drugstore makeup was notoriously hard to test until this site launched its Makeup Mirror application: Just upload a photo of yourself, then click to (digitally) try on hundreds of CoverGirl shades before you hit the drugstore aisles. The site also features step-by-step videos with pro makeup artists so you can duplicate fall’s top beauty trends.

4. Net-a-porter.com
This high-end e-retailer displays its offerings of clothes, lingerie, shoes, and accessories like an interactive magazine. You can check out hot-off-the-runway styles from designers such as Alexander McQueen and Rick Owens, then buy them. Look for exclusive pieces from Burberry and Christian Louboutin this fall, and sign up for Fashion News, a weekly e-mail with the scoop on recent arrivals.

5. Shopbop.com
Shop by brand, trend, exclusives, or even discount (30, 50, or 70 percent off). This nine-year-old site features hip finds from the likes of Anna Sui and L.A.M.B. Keep an eye out this fall for ofthe- moment faux-fur vests and jackets not available anywhere else from LaRok and Torn. Subscribe to the mailing list, and be the first to know about sales.

6. Tiffany.com
Whether you’re after Elsa Peretti’s designs or an engagement ring, this site displays the 172-year-old company’s fine jewels for you to peruse and purchase. We love how shoppers can search for items that are $100 and less and $250 and less, in specific categories like New Collections and Housewarming Gifts.

7. Vivre.com
Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti launched Vivre 13 years ago as a mail-order catalog with just three brands. Now Vivre’s on Facebook and Twitter. We love the host and hostess gift section that helps narrow down presents for friends who already have everything, and the complimentary personal-shopping service, which tailors suggestions to fit exactly what you’re looking for based on a brief online survey.

LUXE FOR LESS

8. Editorscloset.com Users can pay as little as 20 percent of the original price for items by everyone from Badgley Mischka to Judith Jack on this site stocked with designer markdowns. You must be a member (it’s free) to partake in the sales, but sign up quickly-there’s usually a waiting list.

9. FragranceNet.com
You’ve heard of financing a car-but a new fragrance? This site stocks scents from Calvin Klein and Ed Hardy and lets you postpone payments 90 days with the “Bill Me Later” option. Plus, most items-including makeup and skincare from brands like Prescriptives and Paula Dorf- are discounted.

10. Ruelala.com
Skip the waiting list on this site and go to the exclusive ruelala. com/marieclaire page to gain access to private sales that begin 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and last for 48 hours. You’ll find brands like BCBG and Vera Wang Lavender for 50 to 80 percent off. Bonus: Invite friends to join, and bank $10 when each one makes her first purchase.

11. SallyBeauty.com
At this beauty supply site, you can get your hands on the same products the pros use-just think how much you’d save if you were to get your own wax warmer ($24) instead of getting de-fuzzed at a spa every month. Join the Beauty Club and you’ll get more discounts on the huge array of hair tools, makeup brushes, and bath and body items.

12. Theoutnet.com
With help from its big sister site, net-a-porter.com, this designer retailer snags top brands like Alice + Olivia for up to 80 percent off original prices. Watch for the monthly pop-up sales, giveaways (free Christian Lacroix, anyone?), and items that drop in price literally before your very eyes.

13. Yoox.com
Find end-of-season clothes and accessories by designers like Catherine Malandrino on this site. There’s also a noteworthy collection of no-name and designer vintage finds handpicked by style experts.

EDITORS’ PICKS

14. Brownsfashion.com
Joan Burstein, one half of the husband-and-wife team that opened the original Browns shop in London 39 years ago, is credited with being a fairy godmother to talents like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Comme des Garçons. Shop the selection of It designs on this site, and use the virtual changing-room feature to mix and match pieces.

15. Couturelab.com
Expect to find special items from high-end designers and artists from all over the world on this site started by Venezuelan-born Carmen Busquets. In addition to clothes, there are gifts, jewelry, home items, and a private lab that’s invitation-only. Tailor the newsletter to your tastes; you’ll receive updates only on the designers, artists, and types of items that interest you. Also, work with CoutureLab’s bespoke service to create your own one-of-akind jewelry and linens.

16. Forwardforward.com
Emerging and forward-thinking designers from all over the globe, like Vena Cava, can be found on this site, which is a spin-off of revolveclothing.com. The rare finds and exceptional quality don’t come cheap, but the gratis overnight and two-day shipping and complimentary return shipping on U.S. orders, is a nice extra.

17. Hsn.com
This is the only place online to shop for in-demand beauty brands like Givenchy, Ready to Wear, and Iman Global Chic makeup. The real draw, however, is the live streaming video from HSN TV, including mesmerizing gabfests with beauty gurus such as Lauren Hutton and Napoleon Perdis.

18. Lagarconne.com
The utilitarian look of this site reflects its exceptionally well-cut offerings by the likes of Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang. There’s baby gear sprinkled in with the womenswear, and a daily newsletter that’ll keep you up to speed on the latest goings-on.

19. Luisaviaroma.com
This Italian-based site of the Florence, Rome, and Prato retailer (which opened its first boutique in 1930) offers the best clothes, shoes, and accessories from designer heavyweights-think D&G and Valentino. The pieces are pricey, but there’s no charge for shipping, and savvy users snag items here that they’d be wait-listed for elsewhere. Sign up for the newsletter, and follow them on Twitter to preview upcoming collections.

20. Miostile.com
Like what you’ve seen on Jessica Alba lately? How about Gisele? Find the exact items your favorite A-listers are wearing on this virtual outpost of the Charleston, SC, shop. Want more celeb style secrets? Submit your e-mail, and the scoop on what Hollywood’s wearing will be sent straight to your inbox.

21. Oaknyc.com
Downtown, cool-girl chic reaches the masses on this website of the popular Manhattan boutique chain. Get on the mailing list for details about their stylish parties, and be sure to scope out the killer selection of shoes by Candela and Dolce Vita.

22. Otteny.com
Emerging and independent designers’ offerings are found on this site, which is connected to three New York shops of the same name. We love the peek-a-boo style guide’s look at what’s on deck next season and the can’t-miss steals inthe Sale and Outlet tabs. Need some help sorting through 3.1 Phillip Lim and Clu? For $35, personal shopper Natasha Devereux will help you put together a smashing look for a special occasion, like a friend’s wedding. For the same amount monthly, she’ll keep you in fashionforward looks all year long.

23. Spiritbeautylounge.com
Shop for natural beauty brands like Jurlique and Patyka at this eco-conscious beauty site. (Its facilities are powered by wind and hydro energy.) Every month, it donates a portion of profits from a select group of products to a different charity (in September, 10 percent goes to Global Green USA).

24. Thisisauto.com
Husband-and-wife owners Renata Bokalo and Roman Luba created this virtual offshoot of their popular Manhattan mini department store. You can find home goods, bedding, jewelry, clothes, and books, and items for little ones, too.

25. Bagsnob.com
The opinions on the chic bags posted here read like your best friend wrote them. Check out reviews of the latest arm candy from Alexander McQueen and Lanvin, with links to purchase them. We love the Frugal Snob tab that dishes on the best bargains of the moment, and Snob TV, where cameras take you into stores with style experts like Michael Kors.

26. Chictopia.com
Upload stylish photos of yourself or looks that inspire you, and connect with other members so you can see what works on people with similar body type, skin color, and style sense. Not sure if Dr. Denim jeans are worth the price tag? Read the user reviews before splurging.

27. Closetcouture.com
Users can upload the contents of their closet and then make and share outfits. Connect with others who have similar taste; partake in styling services (starting at $25); shop for clothes, shoes, and jewelry; and comment on style news.

28. Daily Makeover.com
Upload your photo, test-drive hundreds of celebrity hairstyles, then post your virtual makeovers on this site’s before-andafter gallery so friends can decide whether they like you with Katherine Heigl’s waves or Pink’s platinum pixie.

29. Ed itionsDeParfums.com
Oenophiles have winespectator.com and fragrance fanatics have this: the website for Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, a line of fragrances that celebrates the art of perfumery. Read up on the famous noses behind each unique scent, then fill out an openended questionnaire (multiplechoice doesn’t cut it in the perfume world!), and an adviser will e-mail you recommendations.

30. Refinery29.com
With everything from the latest on Louis Vuitton leather Band-Aids to shop openings all across the U.S. and breaking designer news, this site will keep you up to speed on all things fashion. Shop select eBay picks and new designer items from the likes of Charlotte Ronson.

31. Stylecaster.com
This site tailors its content to your tastes, which you express by clicking on a heart or X icon. Change your opinion, and it adapts to your new preferences. We love their Style Caster TV, featuring fashion experts, like Derek Lam, who let you in on what they’re doing and loving now.

32. Totalbeauty.com
Want an honest opinion on the new wonder-mascara you heard about? Head to this site, where members post unbiased reviews on thousands of products daily. We love the Members’ Top 100 (and often hilarious Bottom 100) list, as well as the contests with prizes like spa trips or baskets of beauty loot.

33. Whowhatwear.com
Dying to know who made Sienna Miller’s perfectly broken-in boots, or what color Rachel Bilson is sporting on her nails? Submit your queries to this site, and staffers will do their best to dig up the answer for you. While you wait, indulge in their under-$100 “shop the closet” picks.

ECO-FRIENDLY

34. Earthgirlsboutique.com
A destination for everything from Gina Michele’s collection of easy-to-wear organic cotton dresses to ingenious bags by Noon Solar that can charge your cell and other electronics with renewable energy. This site from the Chicago shop of the same name donates 1 percent of each sale to the Sierra Club, the largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S.

35. Junoandjove.com
The virtual outpost of the brickand- mortar shop in Sarasota, FL, has an eco-friendly item for everyone-even your pet and your recycling-challenged boyfriend. Sign up for the newsletter and get 10 percent off items like Evan & Dean’s stylish clothing, which is only available online, and jewelry by Toby Pomeroy crafted from 100 percent reclaimed gold and silver.

36. Nimli.com
The seriously stylish organic and sustainable clothes, shoes, pet supplies, and other items on this site aren’t just made with the environment in mind- they’re shipped straight from the designer to you, eliminating the damage that additional shipping between the seller and buyer can do. Check out the Green ’Zine, which has cool tips and products for greening your workouts and even your wedding!

37. Shopenvi.com
Shopping on this online version of the Boston store makes going green easy. Items like sleek Serfontaine denim and beautifully cut Bahar Shahpar dresses and separates are all shown with helpful front, back, side, and detail shots, along with information about each label’s ecological and organic practices.

38. Thegreenloop.com
Get in the eco-loop by following this company on Facebook and Twitter and signing up for the newsletter with details about presale offers. Feel good about purchasing items from Kate Organic and Good Society on this virtual outpost of the Portland shop: For every order you place, they’ll buy certified carbon offsets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

39. Ve rtlosangeles.com
Owner Renata Helfman knew she’d struck gold when ecoconscious stars started stopping by her L.A. boutique for green beauty brands like RMS Beauty. So she launched this e-commerce site that brings the same expertly edited mix of all-natural home, beauty, baby-and dog!- products to the masses.

40. Yooxygen.com
Register with this green site that Yoox. com spawned on Earth Day 2009, and place your favorite items, like vegan-friendly accessories by Stella McCartney or hard-to-find Brazilian jewelry by Caboclo (online exclusively here), in a dream box so friends know what to get you (hint, hint) for your birthday.

(Marie Claire)

Apple iPhones Exploding in Europe?

sbeulah — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:46:34 -0700

Exploding iPhones have made their way into Europe. Last week Tech-Ex reported that an iPhone user in South France had his iPhone "hiss" and explode and a pieces of glass hit him in the eye.

In another instance in the UK, an iPod touch was reported to have overheated and exploded. The owner's father said, "It made a hissing noise. I could feel it getting hotter in my hand, and I thought I could see vapour." He said he threw the device outside as it popped and it sent smoke flying 10 feet into the air.

According to 9to5Mac, the European Commission consumer watchdogs has begun investigating both reports.

(maclife.com)

Celebrity Buzz and More

sbeulah — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:34:21 -0700

Designer Tory Burch is slated to make a guest appearance on an episode of Gossip Girl.

It makes sense for a fashion designer to have a guest role on the show since the characters are all so style-conscious! No word yet as to whether Tory will be appearing as herself or playing a fictional character. The episode airs October 5th.

Yet another surprise guest to appear on Project Runway this season is Nicole Kidman!

Nicole is going to take part in creating a challenge for the designing contestants. It’s a bit of a shock to me, I don’t usually think Nicole as a fashion person. She usually looks relatively nice but I had no idea that she had an interest in fashion to the point that she would be on this type of show. Interesting! (PopCrunch).

Fall Preview: "The Worst returning Shows

"90210" returns Sept. 8th
"America's Top Model" returns Sept. 9th
"Bones" returns Sept. 17th
"Parks and Recreation" returns Sept. 17th
"Dancing With the Stars" Returns Sept. 21st
"Heroes" returns Sept. 21st
"Grey's Anatomy" returns Sept. 24th
"Smallville" returns Sept. 25th
"Brothers and Sisters" returns Sept. 27th
"Desperate Housewives" returns Sept. 27th
"Private Practice" returns Oct. 1st
"Ugly Betty" returns Oct. 9th
"Nip/Tuck" returns Oct. 14th (Yahoo Tv Blog)