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Thank You!!!

2012-01-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to rock with Style Haven this weekend. We had a blast meeting new people and networking. If you didn't make it out no worries we will be at it again soon. In the meantime check out our shop on Etsy.com (Style Haven) new items are added everyday. Also feel free to email us at info@shopstylehaven.com if your looking for a particular item or sizes. Thanks for your support.

Style Haven Crew

This coming Weekend we will be in Brookyn...

2012-01-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-16T09:34:00.001-05:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Martin Luther King

Thank you Dr. King for giving your life to the struggle your words live on.

What Are You Wearing???

2012-01-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

Today the stars strut the Red Carpet for The 2012 Golden Globes Awards. What and who are they wearing? Who's the best dressed and who could we have done without?

Dianna Agron in Giles Deacon

Nicole Richie

Diane Lane wearing Reem Acra

Maria Menounos


Kelly Osbourne wearing Zac Posen


Elle Macpherson wearing Zac Posen


Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang

Sarah Michelle Gellar wearing Monique Lhuillier

Evan Rachel Wood

Charlize Theron wearing Christian Dior Couture

Mary J. Blige wearing Michael Kors


Angelina Jolie wearing Atelier Versace and Brad Pit

Viola Davis wears Emilio Pucci

2012-01-13T13:09:00.000-05:00

SAVE 15% OFF TODAY - MONDAY

Save 15% off Women's Vintage items from Style Haven Boutique use coupon code 150ff

Introducing Qmilch, a New Textile

2012-01-09T13:04:00.001-05:00

Talking about eco-friendly this company has come up with a way to make a fabric out of sour milk. The company is based in Germany and called Qmilch ("Q" stands for quality and "milch" is the German word for milk). The designer of the fabric is Anke Domaske who is a former student studying microbiology.

Made for sensitive skin the company states "The smooth surface of the Qmilch fiber avoids the irritation of the skin feeling" It as if silk and cotton had a baby. The softness of silk and the wear and tear of cotton. Qmilch can be washed and dried and it's even supposed to dry faster than cotton.

For more information Check out Qmilch I can't wait to try this fabric out myself.
What are your thoughts?

2012-01-08T23:31:00.000-05:00

I love Real Simple magazine...the tag line says "life made easier, every day" and it does. I stumbled upon this link showing you how to take everyday items and use them to organize your life. My favorites are:

Bubble Wrap as Jewelry Organizer

Nail Polish as Key Coder

Vase as Toilet Paper Storage

Enjoy and go make your life easier...

Clever Ideas

BE INSPIRED

2011-11-10T22:46:00.002-05:00

Taken by D-Nice

This is not a normal blog that I would write but it's something that I felt I needed to write. Growing up in a town that's only 4 square miles we had a close knit community. Everyone knows everyone in some way, shape, or form so you have to understand when Dwight "Heavy D" Meyers died everyone that lives or once lived in Mt. Vernon, NY felt the pain. You may not have personally know him but he affected our community in so many different ways. Being a pioneer of hip hop he was also an inspiration to us. He put Mt. Vernon on the map and never turned his back on us. Because of his unselfishness he helped pivot many careers. I remember being a little girl and seeing him drive down the street in his red truck (he was like the ice cream man). We would cheer and yell like OMG!!! that was Heavy D. When he made it we made it. We was so proud of him, he showed us that hard work does pay and we too could make it. With this said, even to the day that he passed he continued to be an inspiration tweeting "BE INSPIRED" just hours before he passed. In memory of him we all need to BE INSPIRED!!!


Heavy's last tweets RIP

Say goodbye to that lame nail polish

2011-11-06T00:53:00.000-04:00

I have said goodbye to that old lame nail polish. My new love is Sally Hansen's Salon Effects- Real Nail Polish Strips. This stuff is the real deal no messy polish, drying time or coats on top of coats. Don't believe me try it yourself I guarantee you will fall in love.

Nails, inc. Magnetic Nail Polish

2011-10-15T22:08:00.001-04:00

This is a polish that I must try. Have any of you tried this polish yet? Let me know how it is.

Artist Spotlight: joe eXclusive

2011-08-31T16:33:00.001-04:00

You may not know his face, but I’m sure you know his work. He’s the stylist behind the Ruff Ryders First Lady Eve’s impressive image.   From the signature blond hair to the customized leathers.  That first assignment (Eve) catapulted his career and he hasn't looked back since.  He is the creative inspiration behind the looks of Keyshia Cole, Mya, Tyrese, DMX, Lisa Raye and the list goes on.  joe eXclusive is not only a stylist but a "Lifestyle Ambassador" (love it).  Aside from celebrity styling he runs a styling/

imaging/branding firm called Destination 1610.  Destination 1610 is a style firm for the entertainment industry that specializes in imaging, artist development, styling, photography and product brand management.  Serving as a headquarters of all things creative.  joe's newest project is Sacred Heart Collections a young hip collections of woman's clothing.  Reigning from The Bay Area joe eXclusive verified his position in this business.  I couldn't wait to get into the head of joe eXclusive.  Where does he get his inspirations?  What he has going on now?  He was gracious enough to sit down with me and let me pick his brain...this is what he had to say.

Style Haven: Where are you from? 
joe eXclusive:             Richmond, CA Bay area like tony tone toni... en vogue and too short

S.H:  Where did you get your start styling?
j.e:  Eve was my 1st client.  We were friends, she got a record deal and styling her became my job.

S.H:  Who inspires joe eXclusive? 
j.e:  Gianni Versace 

S.H:  What must you have your hands on for this Fall? 
j.e:  Burberry trench and riding boots!!!           

S.H:  What is one item that you can not leave the house without?
j.e:            A fab bag...Lanvin, Balenciaga or Louis Vuitton

S.H: Fashion Week New York is approaching, what designers are you looking forward to seeing? 
j.e:  Naeem Khan, J. Mendel, Diane von Furstenberg and  Carolina Herrera    

S.H:  Do you have any fashion advise or styling tips to share with young prospects?  
j.e:  Go for it, don't be afraid.  Fashion is an expression so have fun with it.  Don't be afraid to try color.

S.H:  Where is your favorite place to vacation?

j.e:  South of France  

S.H:            Can you reveal any new projects that you have coming up?  

j.e: My focus is building destination 1610 style, imaging and branding firm into the next Motown meets Andy Warhol's factory. 

S.H:  Tell me about Sacred Heart Collections?

j.e: Sacred Hearts Collections is a fab new woman's line that reminds

me of a young Rachel Roy.  I see it growing to a level of Diane von

Furstenberg in the coming years.

S.H:  What is your affiliation with Sacred Hearts?

j.e:  I am the brand ambassador, I house the line in my LA and NY

showrooms.  I use it on my clients and make it available for other

stylist as well.

S.H:   I’m sure you will say all of the pieces, but I must ask...

what are your favorite pieces in the collection?

j.e: Bella is sexy, Carma Leo and CJ are supppper fly and I'm dying

for Beyonce to wear Chelsea. (I'm gonna call Ty her stylist 2mrrw...

smile)

S.H: Who is behind Sacred Hearts Collections?

j.e:  Brandi Russel she's fab!!!!

S.H:  Who is the Sacred Heart customer?

j.e.:  Sacred Heart girls are sexy, flirty, fly, classy women.

Keyshia Cole, Megan Good, The Braxtons, and Kelly Rowland all have

Sacred Heart pieces.

For more info. on joe eXclusive,

Destination 1610 and Sacred Hearts

Collections follow the links below:

Twitter: joeexclusive

Website: Destination 1610

Blog:  www.joeexclusive.blogspot.com

Sacred Heart Collections

Sam Fine named new Creative Director for Fashion Fair

2011-08-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

Fashion Fair is getting a serious makeover.  Celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine is truly an artist.  Fine's clients are top African American celebrities, entertainers, and models.  He is one of the most respected in the business and with him behind the largest African American cosmetic company this should give them a second life.

As the Creative Director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Fine will be  responsible for the overall look and direction of the upcoming new color  collections.  He will also be launching a signature cosmetic collection called "Same Fine For Fashion Fair" in 2012.  

For more on Sam Fine and Fashion Fair Click Here

Artist Spotlight: Meca McKinney for Jypsea

2011-08-22T16:28:00.004-04:00

Meca McKinney's signature line of her email reads: Meca  McKinney, Modern Leather Artisan | Design Consultant | Author | Lifestyle  Blogger.  Which by all means is true, but I think she left out a few other characteristics like Supermom, Fly Friend, Educator, and a all around Cool Chic.  Meca is the type of person that you want in your circle, the go to chic.  The strength and persistence of this woman will wow you.  Motherhood and the demand of a busy handbag and accessory line doesn't stop this woman. I caught up with the native Newarker (from Newark,NJ) after the release of her new book Envision: The Young Accessory Designer's Guide to Collection Development, this is what this Superwoman had to say.

Meca Mckinney w/her daughter Jordan

Style Haven: Hi Meca thanks for taking the time out to answer my 

questions. Tell me,            who are your style/design inspirations?   

Meca:  I am a huge fan of leather handbag lines that combine

handcrafted work from artisans along with luxury, modern aesthetics

like Balenciaga and Bottega Venetta and Fendi.

SH: What is your personal style?

M:  It’s a mish-mash of boho-chic, 1980s flygirl, and when I’m

wearing my glasses I like to channel my inner “naughty secretary”

with pencil skirts, stilettos and a bold red lip.

SH: What is the first designer that you bought?

M:  Armani Exchange jeans. They were over $100 and so dark (ink

black) and baggy. I was so little at 17. I felt so cool in them

but I didn’t get many cool points because the people I wanted to

impress weren’t even up on Armani yet. They were still rocking Karl

Kani. Some were just getting into Girbuad’s. LOL (I guess, I’ve

always been a step ahead…) ;)

SH: If you put your ipod on shuffle what is likely to comeon? 
M:  Cameo! Lots of Cameo on my ipod. (Hey, I LOVE the 80’s)
 
SH: Where is your favorite place to vacation? 
M:  Vacation? What’s that? The self-employed rarely take naps let 
alone vacations. Gotta pencil one in very soon though. 
 
SH: What new projects do you have coming up? 
M:  Tutorial e-books. I LOVE to teach art/design but I can’t do that 
much while fulfilling orders, sourcing materials, shipping and all 
the other demands of my handbag line.  Not to mention the demands 
of motherhood. So I’ve decided to make my knowledge available in 
the form of e-books. I have a series that I am working on that will 
include how to make sandals, leather cuffs, belts, and other leather 
accessories. Today, as a matter of fact, I released a FREE tutorial. 
Very simple, not as involved as the ones I will charge for but you 
can check it out and leave comments to give me feedback. 
It’s titles “How To Make a Designer Handbag” and it’s concise and 
very easy to follow.

SH:  What accomplishments are you most proud of?

M:   Besides my daughter (she’s the best 7 yr old on the planet)

I am most proud of my persistence. I left corp America with a pink

slip when I was downsized with the rest of the technical department

in 2008 for a company that I was the footwear technical designer at.

Corp America always made me a bit ill but it’s what you are expected

to do after college: get a job! So I worked in the fashion industry

approx. 10 yrs always feeling dampened and frustrated. Being

downsized couldn’t have happened at a less convenient time since I

was also a new single mom with a 3 yr old baby going thru a divorce.

But I stayed prayerful, earned a second degree (I have my Assoc

degree in Accessory Design from FIT and now my Bachelor’s in Fine

Arts from Thomas Edison State College.) and re-launched my line.

I’ve also published a design book for aspiring designers giving

them the steps to turn their one-of-a-kind designs into a full

blown collection with resources and tips from other successful

designers.  The book it entitled ENVISION: The Young Accessory

Designer’s Guide to Collection Development.

SH:  What advise would you give a young design student trying to

decide on a career in fashion?

M:   I would tell a young student that there are tons of fashion

designers who make a living who they (the student) have never heard

of. They may not have their labels in major department stores but

they have a loyal clientele and possibly some celebrity clients.

Every fashion designer won't be famous but you can still make a good

living if you really want it.

Campaign shoot for Jypsea

Runway show model wearing Jypsea fingerless gloves and bag

Jypsea fingerless gloves

For more info on Meca and Jypsea check the following sites:

Web: Jypsea.com

Jypsea Vintage: jypseavintage.com
 Blog: The Lifestyles of the Authentic &
Creative 
Twitter: Jypseadotcom 
Facebook: Business Fan Page, Blog Fan Page

Email: info@jypsea.com

Inspire Me!!! 8.12.11

2011-08-12T12:52:00.001-04:00

Artist Spotlight: Jo-Ann Enwezor Owner of Planet Maud Vintage & Co.

2011-08-05T08:36:00.002-04:00

I've know Jo-Ann the majority of my life.  We went to high school together, cheered on the cheerleading team together and dressed and sang as if we were TLC's Crazysexycool(geeks). But her new endeavor, Planet Maud Vintage & Co., is something fresh, new, and fly, and I am excited for her.  I learned a lot about Jo-Ann's style and thoughts through this Q&A, and by the end of this article if you're not in love with Planet Maud or Jo-Ann then I don't know what else to say.  Meet Jo-Ann Enwezor owner of Planet Maud Vintage & Co.

Style Haven: Where are you from?   

Jo-Ann: I was born in Kingston,`Jamaica  to a Jamaican mother and Nigerian father.  I made the move to Mt.  Vernon, NY when I was 3 years old. I've been living in Washington, D.C.  for the better part of the last 15 years.  I came down here in 1996 to  attend Howard University.  I still don't know how to get around.  

S: Who are your style/design inspirations?  

J: I  like DVF for her classic and feminine lines and Marc Jacobs for his  throwback nods.  Above all, I adore Diana Ross....especially as Tracy  Chambers in Mahogany.  Man, that was a well dressed movie. I love Diana  Ross on stage too. She never shied away from feathers, sequins and  lurex.  Her clothes always had a persona all of its own.  I think I'm  mostly enamored by her style because everyone knows that I've never met  a sequin or animal print that I didn't like.  Oh and her daughter  Tracee Ellis Ross is a beast too.  I kind of sweat them.  

S: Do you have any brothers/sisters? Are they involved in the same area of design?   

J: I  have 3 brothers.  We weren't raised together, but all have creative  aspirations.  My oldest brother is a painter.  Another is a filmmaker.  My youngest brother is 12.  He's into things that 12 year olds are into.   

S: What is your personal style?  

J: It really depends on how the sun rises and the wind blows.  Some days I feel like a sexy Miss Celia, channel Melaine Griffiths in Working Girl or sex it up like a bad ass Robyn Givens in Boomerang.  I don’t like to commit myself to one narrow idea of what looks good.  The fun is in the experiments.

S: What is the first designer that you bought?

J: LOL,  depends on the decade.  I was so proud of myself when I bought a pair  of Karl Kani jeans with my own money in high school. They were teal and  I paired them with a magenta Champion sweatshirt. I thought I was the  business.  I really wasn't though because it was too hot outside for my  ensemble.  C'mon now, I could only afford that stuff off season!

S: What is your favorite type of music/ and artist?

J: My  musical taste is eclectic.  I do love music loud and live! This  summer, I've seen Little Dragon, Mos Def, Res, Sade and Meshell  Ndegeocello.  I want to see Lil' Wayne and Adel.  

S: Where is your favorite place to vacation?

My top destinations are Cape Town, Istanbul, Paris, Jamaica and home.  I fall in love with cities near water.  

S: What new projects do you have coming up?

J: Planet Maud Vintage & Co. is essentially a new project  itself.  We started out last October with an event in a "showroom" in my  house.  We just had our NYC debut at the brilliant MoCADA in Brooklyn,  NY.  Now, we're evolving from a traveling boutique to a storefront.  I  want PMVC to be a destination for women who are looking to reclaim their  personal style by shopping consciously.  They know we source recycled  pieces from all over the world thus keeping less in landfills  everywhere.  We also give voice to indie/emerging designers.  We have a  few community projects underway that will essentially get all of our  clients involved in philanthropy in a new and exiting way.  

S: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

J: Planet  Maud is a personal triumph for so many reason.  It has stripped me to  the very bareness of who I am.  I left corporate America behind, manage  depression, meditate to make ends meet and yet, I've never been happier.   There's something very freeing about building on a dream.  Yesterday, I  just put all my business on Facebook that I'm without health insurance  and joked that I'd marry for it.  My life is different.  I don't have  the safety nets that I once relied on, but I really believe that the  universe always conspires with me.  

You can find more info on Planet Maud & Co. at the following site:

www.planetmaud.com 

Sample Sales

2011-08-03T15:41:00.000-04:00

8/10–8/13 Shop discounted vintage and designer labels at the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Thrift Shop's fall opening sale. Labels include Hermes, Gucci, Armani, Pucci, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, and more. 1440 Third Ave., nr. 81st St. (212-535-1250); W (10–7), Th–F (10–5:30), S (11–5).

8/15–8/21 Merchandise from Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Comme des Garcons, and more is 70 to 85 percent off at IF's sample sale. The Martin Margiela caped jacket is $480 (originally $1,595), the Yohji Yamamoto long pleated tunic is $486 (originally $1,620), and the Rick Owens leather zip motorcycle jacket is $816 (originally $2,718). 94 Grand St., nr. Greene St.; M–Su (11–7).

Through 9/4 Select merchandise from the spring 2011 collection is up to 50 percent off at Cynthia Rowley. 376 Bleecker St., nr. Perry St. (212-242-0847); M–W (10–8), Th–F (10–9), S (11–9), Su (11–8).

Through 9/12 All lenses, including bi-focals and sunglasses, are 50 percent off at the LensCrafters semi-annual sale. 1042 Second Ave., at 55th St. (212-759-8150); M(10–8), T (10–7), W (10–8), Th–F (10–), S (10–6), Su (noon–5).

Saturdays, through 9/17 Pay $25 and fill a bag with all the clothes and accessories you find at the Housing Works "Buy the Bag" warehouse sale. Proceeds benefit low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Pay $5 extra to start shopping at 10am. 4849 35th St., nr. 48th Ave., Long Island City; S (11–2).

Inspire Me!!! 8.3.11

2011-08-03T15:00:00.002-04:00

Hello from Cologne, Germany, being in this beautiful city there is inspiration everywhere. This week I'm so ready for the Fall season.  The layering of clothes the crisp colors and of course the boots.  I often get inspired by words, a song or even something as simple as a color.  I found these images to be really cool.  This is my weeks inspirations...what are yours?

Photos (clockwise):

- haircut that says fresh, cutting edge, clean and fierce all in one picture 

- blouse by Emanuel Berg superfine shirting 

- hand painted bicycle helmets by Eco-Mobility 

- serenity and peace a place that I would love to be. Not sure where it is because I saw it in a German magazine and everything was in German but I can just image myself there. Can't you?

Artist Spotlight: Ediomi Utuk

2011-07-29T09:53:00.007-04:00

Ediomi is a Model, Actress, Photographer and Stylist.  Her parents are from Nigeria but she was raised in Willingsboro, New Jersey.  I first met Ediomi on a set of a photo shoot, there as models (I'm no model and standing next to her proved it).  The shoot was a campaign for a leather designer's new season of handbags and accessories.  The theme of the campaign was Superwomen...women business owners and entrepreneurs.  After the long grueling shoot (it lasted about 4 hrs lol) we decided to get a bite to eat.  This is where I learned of the real woman behind that long statuesque pose.  I learned that she's a marketing consulting and she also spearheads a non for profit organization Converse 4 a Cure which sheds light on Sickle Cell Anemia.  She's currently in the process of renaming the organization to better fit the overall goals and mission of the organization.  Enough about the two of us here's a chance for you to meet the woman wearing the many hats.  Meet Ediomi Utuk...

Photographer: Anthony Armstrong

Style Haven:  Who are your style/design inspirations?Ediomi:  I take inspiration from EVERYTHING! More specifically, my parents have been a major influence on my style perspective.

 

SH:  Do you have any brothers/sisters? Are they involved in the same area of Fashion? 

E: Yes;  2 sisters (a psychologist and future doctor) and 1 brother (personal  trainer, body-builder, motivational speaker). I like to say we are a  one-stop family. Come here and get holistically fixed!

SH: What is your personal style? 

E: Electic. I am a  hodge-podge of style from African inspired to "urbanite" from boho to  tom-boy. I like to label myself as Fresh, Fly & Focused meaning,  whatever the situation, wherever I am going I always have have a fresh  look and mission.

SH: What is the first designer that you bought? 

E: I don't buy  designer. I stick with indie labels and like to get my pieces  custom-made. If this counts for anything, I like to wear Rock &  Republic jeans because they run long and lean like ME!

SH: What is your favorite type of music/ and artist? 

E: Too  many to count but here are a few:  Coltrane, Miles Davis, Freddie  Hubbard, Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. From there I branch off into  Neo-Soul and Afrobeat. Right now I have fallen in love with Gretchen  Parlato's voice and style. Theophilus London makes my 25 most played  list. You can't miss the rythms and lyrics of Blitz the Ambassador, Tony  Allen, Fela Kuti, Seun Kuit and if I want to zone out I put on my Blue  Six & Little Dragon mix. If I'm feeling hip-hop-ish I listen to my  fave underground hip-hop artists like St. Joe Louis, Talonted (NJ) &  Gilbere Forte (Philly).

SH: Where is your favorite place to vacation? 

E: Right now Paris is my #1 destination so far.

SH: What new projects do you have coming up?

E: I  am working on getting a working visa for an acting agency in Paris I'm so  excited about those possibilities. Next, I hit Germany and London to see  what sort of modeling/acting success I can get there. I am also  revamping my Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) awareness non-profit Converse 4 A Cure.

SH: What accomplishments are you most proud of? 

E: I am most  proud of the launch of my non-profit and the relationships I have built  that have spun from that. Leaving the NY area to Europe and finding an  agency in Paris that is interested in working with me.

SH: What is your favorite quote or saying? 

E: "If it is meant to be let it be."
"The Time is NOW."

You can find more info about Ediomi on the following Social Networks:

Facebook: ediomithemodel
Model Mayhem: Ediomi

Twitter: @Ediomi

This Weekend Sample Sales & Bargins

2011-07-28T05:32:00.000-04:00

Designer clothes at a discounted price, sample sales are the way to go.  Here's what NYC has to offer this weekend.

 Shop discounted merchandise from Lyn Devon, Christian Siriano, and Karolina Zmarlak at their first-ever sample sale. 

When: July 29th 8AM-6PM

What: First Ever Sample Sale

Where: 463 Broome St., nr. Mercer St., Ste. 1B 

"One dress, one size, countless possibilities" That's the motto of Nadia Tarr owner and designer of Butter by Nadia.  Her fabulous pieces will be deeply discounted at her super sample sale.  If you've never attended a Butter sample sale get there early and be prepared to shop!!!

When: July 30th 10AM-6PM and July 31st 11AM-5PM 

 What: Super Sample Sale 

Where: House of Butter 

       405 Van Brunt St

     Brooklyn, NY 

Merchandise from the men's and women's Issey Miyake collections are 40 percent off.

When: Now Through July 31st (212-226-0100); call for hours. 

What: Discounted Collection Pieces 

Where: 119 Hudson St. NYC

 HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Hi to Lo

2011-07-25T16:42:00.003-04:00

The temperature in Switzerland was about 55 deg. cloudy with scattered showers.  Here's my outfit for the day taking it hi 2 lo.

Shades: Gucci Medium cat eye frame sunglasses with GG detail $220, Earrings: Charlotte Russe Gold Hoops $5, Scarf: H&M Circle Scarf $12.99, Blazer: 2nd Hand Nautica Blazer $4.50, Dress: Zara Chambray Dress $39.90, Socks: probably belong to my dad Free ;), Boots: All Saints Rambler Welly $110, Smile: FREE!!!

Mauerpark Market...Berlin, Germany

2011-07-24T18:34:00.003-04:00

On my visit to Berlin I visited Mauerpark the mecca of thrift shopping.  When I arrived I was so overwhelmed with the amount of vendors and products that they had.  Good thing I was there with a Berliner (local) because I would have bought everything @ the door and for way too much.  The market is filled with clothes, records, accessories, furniture and food.  Majority is second hand but there are a few indy designers sprinkled here and there.  I left with a such great items one of which was a vintage watch pendant that I love.  Loved it so much I wore it right out of the market, so you know that's a good buy.  If your ever in Berlin and love thrifting as much as I do then don't miss Mauerpark on a Sunday afternoon.  Negotiate...most vendors are not stuck on prices some didn't even know the value of the items that they have.  My friend left with a funky pair of Swatch sunglasses for 6 euros.  The vendor wanted 15 euro but he had no idea what Swatch was.  She saw this weakness and played dumb and he lowered the price to 6 Euros. Oh 1 key of advice get there early because it get's really crowed as the day goes on.

Pictures of my finds and info. below the cut... 

Happy Shopping!!! 

Bernauer Straße 63-64

13355  Berlin 

www.mauerparkmarkt.de 

Summer: Sun, 8:00AM-6PM

Winter: Sun, 8:00AM-sunset

This lovely leather vintage jewelry box w/mirror 4 Euro= $5.75

Clock Pendant brand new with a vintage feel 15 Euro= $21.50

Multiple Strand cuff necklace 1.50 Euro= $2.15 and bracelet 1 Euro= $1.44

Wool knicker pants 8 Euro= $11.48

Wool Dirndl Skirt 6 Euro= $8.61

Womens blouse 6 Euro= $8.61

Leather braided bracelet with magnet closer 2 Euro= $2.87 (watch not included)

Artist Spotlight: Charu Vyas

2011-07-21T09:06:00.001-04:00

Charu Vyas considers herself more like a gypsy. Born in India, raised in Israel and has traveled and lived across the globe including France, Spain, and the US. Charu says she gains inspiration from many places "A painting, love, a beautiful woman dressed elegantly on the metro, a movement of a dancers body, a tribal woman from India or Africa wearing her traditional costumes. My beautiful mother, from the universe of colors that surround us and from my imagination and desires"

I did a Q&A with Fashion Designer Charu Vyas and here is what she had to say.

Style Haven: Do you have any brothers and sisters? Are they involved in Design?

Charu: I have many brothers and sisters, while each are talented in their own way none are in Fashion. My mother is the only one who used to create incredibly beautiful and sophisticated garments. All this without ever learning how to sew. She first introduced me to designing, fashion, taste and elegance.

SH: What is your personal style?

C: My personal style is very diverse. In my closet you will find a shimmering sequence black dress with high heels and a very edgy jumpsuit with army combat boots. I love flowing moving dresses and fine tailored suits.

SH: What is the first designer that you bought? What was it?

C: The first designer I bought was an Israeli designer called Gideon Oberzon it was my first pair of prescription eye glasses.

SH: What is your favorite type of music? Favorite artist?

C: I love hip hop music mostly to dance to, and Bob Dylan is an all time favorite.

SH: Where is your favorite place to vacation?

C: Sinai,Eygpt. The most enchanting place ever. The perfect combination between desert and sea.

SH: What new projects do you have coming up?

C: Working and collaborating with choreographers at the Israeli opera house. Creating a new studio space in Israel and venturing into new fabrics.

SH: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

C: Being able to live from my passion and art. Creating costumes for a theatre group in Israel. Selling my clothing in boutiques in Paris, New York and Tel- Aviv.

You can find Charu Designs on theses various social networks...

     charudesigns.com

   Facebook- Charu Vyas
   Twitter - Charulita
      Linkedin- charu vyas

Artist Spotlight

2011-07-08T05:43:00.002-04:00

an email was dropped in my inbox about designer niki dimitras aka luxury jones and her new boot collection with free people.  how fly are these boots??? 

her press release goes on to say: 

her  word of mouth approach and mashed up elegance of old jewelry, leather  and belts is reflected in her one-of-a-kind, no two styles exactly  alike, Luxury Jones boots.

made of classic brands like Dingo, Acme, Zodiac USA and Tony Lama ordering online actual makes it easier for you because it is so difficult to chose just one unique pair.

the  Luxury Jones for Free People collection comes with a Limited Edition  Luxury Jones for Free People tag pictured above and custom Luxury Jones  shoe horn. 

FREE PEOPLE EXCLUSIVE: A few lucky buyers will get pairs that have YSL, Ralph Lauren or other select vintage belt designs.

i love it, a cowboy boot already broken in adorned by vintage belts...lovely 

buy your own unique pair here 

get frINged!!!

2011-07-05T06:44:00.005-04:00

customized handmade hobo fringe by Jypsea

fringes are in and I'm in love.  i commissioned my designer friend meca mcKinney of jypsea.com to whip me up a fringed hobo bag and ever since then i have seen this trend pick up all over the country.  not to say that lil ol me inspired women across the globe, but I guess we all have the same great style. there are fringe clutches, boots, bracelets, even swimsuits.  this is so big there's even a twitter page for it.  don't take my word for it check out the facts.  get frINged!!!

mary j blige @ essence music fest 2011

mara hoffman swimwear fringe one piece shopstyle

vita fringe bracelet vita

venus fringe one piece venus

boho retro purse 

All Saints shoulder bag all saints

MET GALA 2011

2011-05-03T00:41:00.000-04:00

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday (May 2) held in NYC.
This years Met Gala honors the late Alexander McQueen, his inventive work, and the impact it’s had on the fashion industry. Here are some of my favorites...and some that are not so hot.

Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibit for the the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Opens May 4-July 31, 2011

Serena Williams wearing Oscar de la Renta... Im not sure what to say other than bride gone bad. I will say I like the hat.

Ciara wearing Prabal Gurung...very reminiscent of Alexander McQueen beautiful

A pregnant Jessica Alba wearing Ralph Lauren Collection custom platinum lamé strapless bustier gown with crystal-encrusted silk tulle overlay and a matching bag. I think she look very classic and she's glowing

Mary Kate (Red) and Ashley (Black) Olsen...

Mary Kates wearing a vintage Givenchy Haute Couture gown and Ashley wore a vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture gown with Christian Louboutin shoes. These two are determined to look like life sized American Girl dolls.

Zoe Saldana always beautiful and fresh faced wearing Calvin Klein Collection

Love, Love, Love Leelee Sobieski in Vionnet. If I had this dress I would wear it to a ball, to the supermarket, to the beach every wear.

Now I love Naomi Campbell and I know she loved Alexander McQueen but some items are best left in the showroom

Barbara Walters wearing obviously something in her closet now Babs you could have done better. When in doubt lil black dress.

J Hud got it right wearing Vera Wang. Gorgeous

Beyonce wearing Emillio Pucci. Frankly I'm tired of the hour glass silhouettes I've seen Bey look better. She's accompanied by her husband rapper Jay Z