IN OUR INBOX: ANGELA DEAN DEBUTS RTW

"Hollywood Renaissance”
Modern Elegance Meets Vintage Glamour on the roof of Kress In Hollywood



ANGELA DEAN is a fashion designer with a lot of friends…including celebs who are her private clients (like the fab talents Vanessa WIlliams, Halle Berry, Mary J. Bilge, Natalie Cole, Anita Baker, Madonna, Kate Perry).

Well, some of those bold name types …came out to cheer the lady on---at her RTW runway debut that just took place in LA.

What we liked, judging by the images we got--- was the 20’s/30’s romantic elegance of gem toned draped jersey dresses that can flatter and fit all sorts of women of all ages. Nice.

A sparkly sequin mini dress and a “showstopper” silver organza jumpsuit gives the collection a youthful spin too

And what could be better than Oprah Winfrey herself ---wearing an Angela Dean sample on this month’s cover of “O Magazine.”

Hopefully, the right coast will get to see this new label in person too.

BIG DEAL: Angela Dean is 100% MADE IN AMERICA.

INFO: DEANZIGN

J. Ecochard

Image courtesy of Blu Pr.

PANGEA ORGANICS: “ECOCENTRIC SKINCARE”

BEAUTY/GROOMING LINE THAT ENHANCES AN ECO LIFESTYLE


Words, Judith Ecochard


Anyone who can drop out of school, back pack around the planet (7 years!!!), return home, pick up mom’s book on how to make soap, make said soap, head out west, start the biz in a garage, sell out…and launch a brand…AND turn it into a multi-million $ enterprise…

Gets our attention.

WOW.

PANGEA ORGANICS is the brainchild of Indiana Jones like Joshua Scott Onysko, who has taken the green beauty/body care biz seriously as a way to make a sustainable life and living.



But perhaps for some, the real reason to buy Pangea Organics skin or bath items is that the products work and REALLY smell great.

“Smooth not smothering” is how the creams are billed…and we tried the Facial Cream with the anti-inflammatory French Chamomile and astringent Orange Blossom for oily skin. Awarded a Best Beauty trophy by Redbook Magazine in 2007, we thought, ok. Right off, we liked how the three pumps we massaged in from the neck up--- sunk in without leaving a slick coat of anything...






















PLUS: Our skin, the largest organ of our body come to think of it---- felt more protected against the elements, and moist (a good thing) … we didn’t feel like stripping it off with an alcohol soaked cotton ball ---a typical reaction we have to most products that just grease us up. (2 fl oz $36)

We go through toners quickly…and the Facial Toner- French Rosemary With Sweet Orange, actually left us feeling refreshed with clean skin. And the toner actually nourishes with antioxidants (the rosemary), calms inflammation with essential oils like lavender--- and has a pleasing aroma too.






















Smart idea to spray lightly on one’s face after cleansing. Hint---close your eyes, first. ($26)

Pangea Organics has whole line of cleansers, scrubs, hand and body care (gels, soaps etc)…in addition to gift sets (hello holidays).


ADDED PLUS: Genius packaging…soak the 100% post consumer made without glues or dye… molded fiber box the goodies come in… for a minute …and plant it an inch down deep in soil. And up sprout spring medical herbs, a spruce tree depending on the product. Cool.


FYI: The Boulder Colorado Pangea Organics facility is wind powered, has a 3000 square foot organic garden for employees paid to grow produce, and is tricked out with non VOC carpets and paints. Work the green mantra.

INFO: “Pangea” refers to the super continent, before Plate Tectonics divided the landmass into the seven continents of the world that exist today.

WEBSITE: PANGEA ORGANICS

Available in lot’s of brick and mortar locales like Whole Foods, Ricky’s, Wegmans

DUCKSKINZ: TOTAL PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS IN ACTIVE WEAR

A recent conversation with a gal pal en route to Costa Rica for some surfing ---made us jealous (of course)…but brought back memories of our attempts at riding the waves this past summer.

We spent more time in the water than on the board…unfortunately. And among other things, that meant our sunscreen washed off that much faster. Cause even water resistant/waterproof sunscreen needs to be reapplied after a spell…and the sun’s reflection on the water pumps up the rays too.

A better solution that also looks cool (and BTW, our surf instructor was wearing, smart guy)…is a rash guard…













Which is a tightly woven top that blocks damaging uva/uvb sunrays,

Our new attire now includes a long sleeve top with hipster graphics-- by the premier brand DUCKSKINZ, a new to us label that was created by lifelong outdoor enthusiast Chip Carter.

On target for offering 100% SPF/UPF 50+ protection from the sun (via a proprietary woven fabric) and offer a layer of warmth (after all those waters off the Jersey shore are nippy)…Carter’s brand now has a complete line of quick drying, lightweight zip jackets with four way stretch too.












Prices: $35-short sleeve rash guard, $58 long sleeve rash guard, $70 jacket===for protection that won’t wash out like some garments.














ADDED PLUS: We wear the long sleeve top we have hiking too…it repels moisture and is breathable. And we freaked when we heard that 1 out of 5 Americans will get so form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Yikes.

INFO and E Commerce: DUCKSKINZ

OLE HENRIKSEN: CULT FAVORITE’S NEW CLEAN SHAVE

In doing our prep work to GET OUT of the dark, cold northeast and jet off sunny warm locales for the holidays, we scrambled through our closet for appropriate products left over from the summer.

But the half used tubes of whatever- received the toss in the bin treatment. Instead, new beauty staples we wanted to try out would hopefully us the we live on a lush tropical beach in real life. As if.

Since defuzzing what we usually bury under the layers of clothing is primo, we turned to Hollywood cult/celeb favorite OLE HENRIKSEN for an easy solution.

The CLEAN SHAVE, a fairly new to the market lightweight gel formula, is good for all skin types. It targets guys who desire a cleaner, closer, razor bump free shave, courtesy of soothing and rejuvenating aloe, cucumber and eucalyptus.

We weren’t that familiar with the brand, though the buzz on anything Ole Henriksen, is very positive…BECAUSE…we noticed right away, the goodies are made with natural ingredients and without harsh stuff like parabens, sulfates, petro chemicals, artificial dyes or fragrances, phthlates, GMO or triclosan.


We tried the CLEAN SHAVE on our legs…that had turned a tad nasty after a three days’ outdoor camping jaunt.

Results? Our return to civilization was now complete…with revived silky kickers, with not a speck of irritating itching anywhere.

HINT: For a baby face smooth skin, guys might want to apply a warm face cloth (dipped in heated water/wrung out)--- for a few seconds…to open up the pores before applying a shaving gel.

-J. Ecochard-

INFO & E Commerce: Ole Henriksen…

We found Clean Shave online too…at Sephora and SKINSTORE®.com for $28.00

KAI MILLA: SPRING/SUMMER 2010 RTW

AN ELEGANT COLLECTION DRAWS WELL DRESSED TOP EDITORS AND SOCIALITES

(For good reason).







































Words, Images Judith Ecochard


Our first intro to Kai Milla- a significant fashion designer- (not as wife of the fab singer/songwriter/musician Stevie Wonder)---


























---was a few seasons back at the soaring Unitarian Church on Central Park West.

























After seeing the Spring 2010 RTW collection-- of mostly evening attire, dubbed “Belle De Jour” -and outfits titled Emilie, Genevieve, Babette, etc--- we scold ourselves for missing the in between shows.
































Yes, that amazing.

























The semi formal runway show…had models emerging from the elevators of the Edward Durrel’s landmarked, Columbus Circle building, now the home of the Museum of Arts and Design.



























Strolling through, and yes, towering over the crowd in Cesare Paciotti shoes, the beauties ended up in a second exhibition space and struck a pose against mannequins attired in other Milla ensembles.

























What struck us as a real leap forward, was the sophisticated tailoring, careful draping…that while not confining, still “celebrated” the body.






























… and details like perfectly sewn ruching (around a neckline ending in ruffles), the fit of satiny silk trousers with a wrap around waist band, and pleating (of a Red Carpet worthy V-Neck gown and a wrap pencil skirt).





















































The ensembles fit the models flawlessly…and when we can get that close up view, we really look for that…a sign of a professional.





























The fabrics were lucious … silk taffeta, a dreamy water color silk charmeuse, fine cotton, and light weight silk jersey---.






























And the color palette of deep black, dove grey and a rich gold/yellow is flattering on all skin tones.






























No wonder Kia Milla got the turn out she did, and interesting for us, many of the women switched into their sky-high heels at the entrance…and stood for the entire presentation without complaint.

Perhaps, like us, they were transported.

INFO: KAI MILLA

Denise Rich, "Housewives" with Kai Milla

IN OUR INBOX: CARLOS FALCHI & BERGDORF GOODMAN

"New York, NY (November 13, 2009) – On Friday, November 13th from 10 am-5 pm, Bergdorf Goodman in New York welcomes Carlos Falchi, famed handbag and accessories designer. Mr. Falchi will be signing handbags for all who attend."

(Not that we need an excuse to go to Bergdorf's...)

Falchi is prolific... he designs runway accessories for the biggies like Donna Karan and Vera Wang..., capsule collections for Target, and probably has celebs like SJP, Madonna and Sienna Miller on speed dial.

Plus his own exotic skin and fine leather handbags and accessories.


The speciality retailer, Bergdorf Goodman is located at the corner of 58th street and 5th Avenue, and is part of the Neiman Marcus Group.

MACY’S SPRING 2010 PREVIEW

WOMEN’S RTW SEPARATES, DRESSES, CASUAL WEAR, SHOES & ACCESSORIES


MACY’S HERALD SQUARE, NYC

Words, Images Judith Ecochard



Macy’s reported a bump up in sales last quarter…no surprise to us given what we saw at the Fall 2009 preview.

Every time we visit the largest department store in the world…the ground floor is always packed. Attention shoppers, check out the second and third floors where most of the fashion forward rtw and shoes we saw…are sold.







And, given what we saw at the Spring 2010…we think the RTW and Footwear (shoes, sandals, flats) that should start to hit the racks and shelves in early winter--- should sell just as well.

Betsey Johnson Swimwear...Pin Up Flair


























We saw so many on trend, well priced items--- often exclusive to Macy’s (like the fab Rachel by Rachel Roy collection, INC-International Concepts)…that our camera battery ran out.


























We focused on the women’s wear…




























Displayed on the lucky 13th floor, previewers like us were greeted by a line up of mannequins in a sunny yellow---an “it” color for Spring 2010---and a welcome sight giving the gloomy weather that day.

Yellow - many variations for many skin tones.

















Divided into themes, the offerings were numerous…


























In the “Under The Sea” display area, tropical colors ---































and summery pastels are warm weather perfect.





























Garments have craft embellishments for high impact at accessible price points.

Sequins works For Day
































And we notice a trend towards cleaner, more architectural silhouettes…glammed up with oversize scarfs to twist/drape/dangle and tasteful costume jewelry.














































































---or more sophisticated patterns with well draped lines for slimmer profiles.

SAFARI-ish SHIRTDRESS-A Classic









Black/White SHEATH---timeless
























Styles like strapless, and racer backs tops/dresses are accented to the T by chunky cuffs, bangles and dangling necklaces.



































Animal, tie-dye and African prints are done in fresh colors.





TRENCH and LEGGINGS in every wardrobe
















































































Delicate White Eyelet with Solid Cuffs






























Rachel by Rachel Roy serves up pretty water color prints.


































What’s extra special for customers in a hurry--- is that a lot of these items are found no where else…mixed with in demand labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Twinkle, Walter, Laundry by Design, Steve Madden, Bebe, Guess…























A leather jacket by INC can top just about any outfit we can think of.



























INC, a Macy’s in house fashion collection…also makes this great pink ruffled dress...



























Hot Pink





















Alfani, another private brand…is a value play, but definitely not boring basic. We think the white coat is elegant.
























Cargos are casual classics…in olive and khaki.






























Graphic tees=FUN





























Prints to dress up or down with a tee














































"Celebrity Jacket"

































In the Young Contemporary section…denim is the main driver.




























Cut offs (distressed) and slim fitting to the knee shorts…


























Vests …


































The oversized tops, with ethnic vibe or in a rugby striped tops--- with leggings or skinny pants…easy spring attire.

























Cute onsies/rompers are still popular.
































Denim with Sgt. Pepper swagger



















































Adorable

















ACCESSORIES:

Macy’s showed a nice mix of embellished clutches, squishy soft leather buckets bags, and carryalls…in bold and neutrals.

Bling for Night

Snakeskin, python and animal prints, and metallics are expected to continue to sell well.































Caged sandals, retakes on the gladiator, and stacked heels…





























Shoulder purses, with leather or chain straps are making a comeback---and are feminine.



































A Braided Leather Flat=Chic



















...and Spiked Heels for the Height---never out of style























Versatile haulers.



















































Patent leather and long fringes are still around but not as big a trend for 2010. But hand craft elements are holdovers---































Oversized Beads...add interest











A LACE BOOTIE-SEXY









Woven Leather Bag---










INFO: MACYS.

Spring Flowers in Nylon





















PINK PINK PINK