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The Final Fontier

2010-10-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

PARIS Fashion Week went out with a bang with Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu showcasing killer collections on the final day of the shows. It was the same hair and make-up team for both, the ultimate duo of Pat McGrath and Guido Palau, (who had to race from one show to the other on mopeds to beat the Paris traffic). Deep burgundy, glossy lips were in favour for both extravaganzas, with a more stylised version of an up-do at Vuitton. Both shows were something of an excellent microcosm of the forthcoming season in general: much make-up, colour and 'done' hair were back in a major way and in direct contrast to the minimalism we've seen before. What better way to bring in spring/summer than with a colourful breath of fresh air? Roll on next year...

On Their Own

2010-10-25T03:51:00.001-07:00

AFTER four years of bringing us some of the world's most desirable jewellery from designers, including Shaun Leane, Carolina Bucci, Asha by ADM and Agrigento, Astley Clarke is pooling its vast knowledge and launching its own jewellery collection. There are seven ranges in the collection but our favourites are the AC Colour collection with its vibrant, stackable bracelets and rings; the AC Diamonds range reminded us that they really are a girl's best friend; and we're quite besotted with the delicate, vintage-inspired AC Tearoom collection - the rings would make a seriously pretty alternative to traditional engagement rings.

Top Five Black Hair Myths

2010-10-24T23:33:00.001-07:00

What's true and what's not when it comes to black hair? celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen set rumors straight.
While it goes without saying that we adore our grandmothers, some of the hair gems they passed down to us could be filed under "Old Wives Tales" (raise your hand if you thought white hair naturally grew faster than Black hair). Here, we sat down with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen -- she's responsible for Rihanna's trendsetting tresses -- to get the real deal on the top five Black hair myths.

MANE MYTH: Trimming your hair will make it grow faster.
TRESS TRUTH: "While frequent trims are great for removing split ends, they don't actually make your hair grow faster," says Ursula. That being said, don't skip your trims! If you ignore split ends for too long, they can creep up the hair shaft, and then you'll need to snip off more than you bargained for. Regular snips every 6 to 8 weeks will keep your coif looking crisp and clean.

MANE MYTH: Natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, natural hair is actually quite fragile. "It should be treated gently at all times to prevent breakage," she says. To maintain your strands' strength, never brush your natural hair while it's wet; instead, use a detangling comb or your fingers. Also, skip cotton pillowcases -- the rough fibers can cause fragile hair to break off. Try a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.

MANE MYTH: Braids make hair grow.
TRESS TRUTH: We think this myth started when Black women began sporting braids to carry them through the grow-out process. But while braids are a cute style option, they have nothing to do with the rate of hair growth. "Hair grows about a half inch a month, period," says Stephen. "Strong, healthy hair comes from the inside out... it has nothing to do with any attachments you might wear!"

MANE MYTH: Black hair doesn't need to be shampooed often.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, there isn't a "correct" schedule for washing hair, but infrequent shampooing can result in dirt, oil and product buildup, which weighs down the hair shaft and makes it look dull. It's best to wash hair once a week, at least.

MANE MYTH: Greasing your scalp keeps hair healthy.
TRESS TRUTH: Stephen says that grease actually clogs pores, which can inhibit scalp circulation and hair growth! "A healthy scalp is gained by a healthy diet," she adds. To help maintain strong, healthy hair, eat tons of proteins (like fish and chicken), and foods high in vitamin C, which help with scalp circulation.

BURNT BROWN LEATHER JACKET

2010-10-24T22:52:00.001-07:00

ELS-10001
BURNT BROWN LEATHER JACKET

£135.00

Retail Price: £240.00
Shipping: Free
LEATHER JACKET IN BURNT BROWN. HIDDEN ZIP AND SNAP PLACKET. ROUND SHOULDER PANELS. PLEATED FLAP POCKETS AT CHEST. ZIP POCKETS AT WAIST.

Double access moto jacket

2010-10-24T22:49:00.001-07:00

This moto jacket made in genuine nappa washed, has double zipper front zipper that you can access both. two side zipper pockets,zipper cuffs.

You’re Going To Love Steve Madden’s Svelte VALINTIA Boot

2010-10-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dual zippers, a Chelsea shape and luxurious leathers combine together to create the Steve Madden Valintina boot - a basic shape that finishes a look effectively and subtly.

These boots are just the thing for scampering through soggy lanes, jumping over piles of snow or even avoiding oncoming traffic during a jaywalk (not that I endorse that sort of thing). These boots for the wild and wily run at $290 per pair, and are available in sizes 6 through 11.

DOC MARTENS OPENS SOHO BOUTIQUE

2010-10-24T22:30:00.001-07:00

New Yorkers, this is an exciting time! Doc Martens is set to open their first NYC store in Soho in the first week of November.

Check it out if you’re in the ‘hood – 148 Spring Street [Googlemap]

I’ve heard rumblings that Vancouver may be getting a DM store of all our own, but for now that’s just conjecture. It would be pretty incredible to have that kind of selection available, though.. cross yer fingers.

Emilio Pucci Spring 2010 Fashion Show (full)

2010-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Military fashion: women's military clothing trend

2010-10-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

Military fashion as a trend is nothing new, in fact I've been tracking its rise on Fashionising.com since 2008. But while fashion trends tend to burn out within a few years, the women's military fashion trend isn't going anywhere, though like all true the military trend will evolve. Gone (but not quite) are the decadent lashings inspired by military uniforms of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Rather, military is now about functionality and utility. If the 18th and 19th centuries originally inspired women's military fashion, then it's true to say that in 2010 it's inspired by the military uniforms of the 20th century.

Think functionality. Think understatement.

Designer Purses & Bags: How to Care For Your Designer Handbag

2010-10-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

“12 Tips for The Proper Care and Treating of Your Designer Handbag Collection”

Worse than severely scuffed shoes or run down heels, a poorly maintained designer handbag is never

Want to keep your designer purse in pristine condition?

From spots and stains to dust and grime, here are 12 ways to care for your designer handbag and maintain its’ eye appeal.

1) Zippers – Keep your designer handbag’s zippers zipping. Rub natural beeswax along the teeth of the zipper to maintain your fasteners’ grip.

2) Leather – Moisturize your leather. Use a leather conditioning cream to stop cracks along the base of your bag and extend the look of your purse’s handle.

3) No Bag Stuffing – Carry necessities only. Leave the heavy loads to tractor trailers and U-haul. Your designer bag and its handles can be stretched beyond repair when you overload it with too many items. Overstuffing can weaken bag stitching as well.

4) Weather Protection – Rain guard not needed. Skip the silicone spray for weather protection. If you’re caught in the rain, with your designer purse dab the splashes. Don’t wipe the moisture away.

5) Suede – Suede is notoriously difficult to clean, so handle it with care. Wrap handles in cotton strips to keep leather handles away from the supple material. Never use a treatment on suede bags. A stiff suede brush can repair gentle scuffs, but leave the serious stains to professionals.

6) Beware of Beauty Products – Handbags and beauty products don’t mix. Cosmetics, perfume and lotions can cause bag discoloration to your Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Coach bags. Products that beautify your face and body can seep into the skins of your bag and age materials.

7) Dust Bags Needed for Your Designer Bags - A designer handbag is sold with a dust bag to protect your investment from dust, dirt and debris. Don’t have a fancy-flannel-drawstring-pouch to store your purse? A cotton pillowcase works just as well.

8 ) Patent Leather Designer Purse Care Tips – Patent leather can be cleaned with a small dot of vinegar applied with a soft fabric. Isolate patent leather designer bags from dark colored bags to prevent discoloration.

9) Gimme a Break -The everyday handbag is an oxymoron. Just like shoes, bags need a chance to breathe. Don’t carry the same designer handbag everyday. Select three bags for work and switch between the three weekly. Your bags will last longer whether you paid 20 dollars or 3,000 dollars.

10) Fabric Bags Need Love Too -Fabric bags attract dust more than any other material. Rub them down with a cotton cloth and lint roller before storage. Refrain from using fabric pens and cotton stain sprays for blemish removal. Serious stains require the work of a professional.

11) Use Proper Storage Techniques -Retain the shape of your designer bag with acid free-tissue paper or bubble wrap. Keep bags upright in your closet on a shelf. Don’t pile bags on top of each other in the bottom of your closet. Never use newspaper or colored tissue because the paper can discolor the inside of the handbag.

12) Small Bags – Wrap small designer bags in tissue paper and place in paper boxes for storage. Chain handles should be tucked in bags to prevent creases and broken links. Bags with beads, sequins, swarovski crystals and jeweled ornamentation should be stored separately.

Articles on good grooming remind us to care for our bodies and clothes, but often neglect the designer handbag as an important image element for stylish women. If clothes make the man, immaculate handbags make the woman.

Lace Tops: Under $50

2010-10-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

This Fall, lace is taking a bit more notice. It was all over the Fall 2010 runway from Burberry to D&G. The great thing about lace is depending on how you dress it, it can be either sweet and feminine or tough and edgy. Here are a couple of options all under $50 to help you get this must-have piece this Fall.