Ah, summertime, when carefree picnics, ice cold drinks, and gentle breezes fan the heated glow of tanned faces.

In honor of the month of July, we’re celebrating independence by hosting a giveaway with a new international designer, Jeopardy & Young. They have launched a new line of handbags that are at turns equally glamourous and practical.

Why do we like J&Y? First of all, their leather is the ultimate; it smells amazing, and feels soft and supple.

And you’ll get to see for yourself if you’re the lucky winner of our giveaway. We picked this fabulous coral leather handbag from their new CoffeeBee line as the grand prize.  It is a classic slouchy hobo with a zipper closure that travels anywhere with ease. It comes with two interchangeable shoulder straps at different lengths that can be clipped on in a snap. Details like gold tone hardware and an exterior zipper pocket make this a favorite bag to wear with everything - some closeups are shown of the camel color (but remember, you’re entering to win for the blushingly beautiful watermelon red color!).

The pebbled cowhide leather comes in three gorgeous shades, including black, camel, and our favorite — watermelon red (a.k.a. a lovely shade of coral). This bag will hold all of your essentials on the go and more, with dimensions at L x W x H: 17.72″ x 6.69″ x 13.39″

This prize retails for $300 and will be a go-to in your wardrobe for years to come, so good luck!

What would you wear this with? Comment below.

International entrants are welcome!

To enter, you just need to do two things:

1. Like our new page, CultureClassic, on Facebook

2. Submit your email below to subscribe to our newsletter, where we update you on the latest giveaways and timeless style! Remember to confirm your email to opt-in and enter to win!

This spring’s clothing is bright and exuberant.  Colors like coral, tangerine, cobalt blue, and shocking pinks grab the spotlight, while basic black concedes to sit out a few rounds of wear (thank goodness). It’s all about options, perhaps to reflect or lift our changing moods.

The Fendi 2Bag above, with all of its color combinations, evokes the possibility in fashion.

Take a look at a few dresses from this season below - from Karen Millen, Etro, Herve Leger, and Millie Mackenzie, respectively. Though many fashionistas believe that this is a brand new look for spring, this design actually treads down a road we’ve all been down many times before (depending on our age and style).

Firstly, the silhouettes of these dresses have all appeared in either the 60s and late 80s/early 90s. The Karen Millen, Etro, and Millie Mackenzie dresses would look perfectly in place on I Dream of Jeannie, Get Smart, or season 5 of Mad Men, which will probably take place in 1967 or 1968.

No, colorblocking is not new - and it’s not always well done. Fendi tried it (without success) in their Fall 2007 bag below, and the sequin circus act jacket is an awkward child of the 80s.

But while there are many examples of ugly color wars on clothes, there are many more gorgeous examples of times gone by. Consider the wild and wonderful sixties. These ads from the Mod era, (1965-1969), show the colorblocking trend used to great effect. I’d be willing to bet that the black, white, and yellow dress in the ad on the left would sell in shop windows today. And some daring shops would proudly carry the pink, yellow, and green springtime space age dress in the ad on the right.

The sixties also happens to be the era of the supremely iconic colorblock dress, created by YSL and inspired by the godfather of colorblocking that started it all: Piet Mondrian. Look at these images from 1965 and see if this pattern looks familiar. You’ve probably seen it before.

Mondrian was a Dutch artist that started painting these primary color blocks on canvases in the 1920s (and it all comes back to the Art Deco period, again). He moved to Paris, and lived his last years in NYC during WWII. In 1965, YSL translated the pattern from being seen on the walls of galleries to the streets of cities. It raged through American culture in the 60s, appearing in magazines, sewing patterns, and closets everywhere.

The design is almost 50 years old, but it pops up continuously. Seen below only recently is a woman rocking Christian Louboutin platforms that are straight from the paintbrushes of Mondrian himself. This woman definitely stands out from the crowd with a nonstandard choice.

Where does art end and fashion begin? That point is a blurred line. The heels on the left, designed by Suzie Mackenzie, are actually on display in the British Art Museum. Louboutin’s shoes could easily be imagined as a possible exhibition attraction, waiting to be viewed behind glass by museumgoers. In the meantime, they can be admired by lucky passersby on the same serendipitous streets as the fashion-forward wearer.

So, colorblocking, when done correctly, is actually quite timeless. The trick is finding a piece that evokes your personality. A little knowledge of color theory comes in handy when thinking about colors that pair well together. In this illustration of the color wheel from 1841, you’ll see the thinking behind color relationships. If you draw a line through the wheel, as shown here, you’ll see complementary pairings for the boldest impact. Playing with geometry will bring out some interesting color combinations: in addition to drawing an I, draw an X, T, or L on the wheel to make color connections that you may not have tried before. I find that ultimately, every color combination can look work, if they’re grounded with neutrals or used sparingly.

Colorblocking is about as close as you can get to an exercise in thinking about paint on a canvas. This applies to the Fendi 2B. Wearing a 2B bag is like wearing art — if you were to walk in front of a Rothko painting, you’d blend right in. The proportions and sensibilities mirror each other.

Fashion is art in motion. Take a look again at those fabulous Louboutin platforms, spotted on the streets. I think the dog is wishing he could’ve gotten those shoes to wear, instead of the coffee cup…can’t win ‘em all, I suppose.

Colorblocking is a delicious trend. I could eat it up.

Many famous eras in fashion have a way of working their way into the inspiration of designers. Art Deco in the 1920s is one of these iconic periods that still shows its bold style in new clothing today.

Why? Because the looks were fabulous. We have this era to thank for comfortable and casual sportswear, which emerged for the first time. But visually, what really roared about the 20s is the beautiful and complex patterns that seeped into all types of clothing in the time.

And like many major changes in fashion trends, these were cues from the seismic shifts occurring deep in society. It was then that women were granted the right to vote in countries all over the world, including Italy, USA, Brazil, and the Philippines. Free from oppressive laws — and restrictive corsets — they listened to jazz, or moved to the steps of the Charleston and tango in dresses that were cropped to allow movement. Hair was cropped too, as sporty sleek bobs ruled the scene. Accordingly, women began to demand equal pay from their time in the workforce during WWI.

In the 1920s, the end of WWI led newly prosperous Americans to move into cities en masse for the first time. Advertising, big business, and the middle class emerged, and the desire for buying luxury goods was born.

And what did people spend money on? Among other things, moving pictures (er, movies). Worship over the silver screen cinema idols led to desire for red carpet glamour.  Sequins, lame, furs, and pearls were standards for the nighttime wear. These decadent materials served as counterpoint to streamlined simplicity, angularity and harmonic proportions in the design. Looking at art deco work is like studying geometry.

Art deco is still a major force that resurfaces in current fashion, and its complex legacy of confident optimism dovetails well with the message of today’s luxury brands. In the summer 2011 season, Louis Vuitton has used this brilliantly. The Cuir Art Déco Baguette is my absolute favorite LV design of the moment, as these do not resemble their typical bags that have the expected epi/suhali/damier/monogram patterns and materials.

The LV ad campaign shows the inspiration from the Art Deco era. However, my favorite designer is Coco Chanel, who was a woman that helped to define the time in all ways. Read our brief write-up of Chanel in our Stylefiles.

Style. It’s a very intangible thing. You can’t really measure it, or necessarily describe it exactly. But you know it when you see it, and when you don’t.

There’s a certain breed of professionals, who, like others that blend art and industry, have to commercialize their flair for color, form, and proportion. And by commercialize, I mean monetize.

We’re talking stylists. Rachel Zoe may be one of the most notorious stylists to the stars. But, there are also stylists to the stores. In stores like J.Crew, you can make an appointment to be made over head-to-toe in their gear — or perhaps meet to fill in that missing gap in your outfit with a certain special accessory.

In any case, I met with one of the stylists at the J.Crew Copley mall, prep central. A.J. DiPirro has style for days. For decades really. He has major adoration for style icons of eras gone by, as you’ll from his answers in my interview with one of the many fun and hardworking stylists at JCrew.

Who’s your style icon?

Tom Ford. He portrays a clean and classic way of dressing. But I can’t just say one person. I like to pick up looks from men in the 50s, like James Dean and Marlon Brando. I like to pick up a unique style and evolve it.

In terms of stylists, without being obvious, Jenna Lyons is great - she doesn’t do catalogue looks for herself. She might take a high fashion piece and owns it.

What is your favorite piece at JCrew now?

In the spring 2011 line, there is a pair of citron city shorts with peplum at the top (they’re in the center outfit in the top image). There’s definitely a 1950s aesthetic, but it’s modern with the citron color.

What is the one accessory you can’t live without anywhere?

Belts. I have maybe 40 of them — it’s the most subtle way to influence a look. I always end up falling back on one in particular over the years. It’s a silver slide belt that’s broken in — it looks like it should be monogrammed. It’s also well-loved by my sister who borrows it. It disappears for days at a time.

What is the most difficult thing about being a stylist?

The most difficult thing is reality. You can’t always have them wear tights with wild tights for the office. You have to reel it back. When you pare down the accessories, it often becomes the strongest part of the outfit.

Note from StyleMint: AJ’s comment sparked an interjection. I’d also like to add that, from my experiences in working as and with a stylist, that there is another challenge in doing the job well. And that is that it’s no easy feat to simply work with what you have in stock for your client. Perhaps you know that lavender is the perfect color for the person you’re dressing, but you don’t have that color in stock in her size. So you have to improvise, while making her feel that she’s getting just the right item. Such is life.

Why did you become a stylist?

It felt natural. I like people, and changing the perceptions that people have about themselves through the way they look.

So there you have it, fashionistas. Straight from the stylist’s canon. It’s worth working with one, as your favorite store probably has one. Check and see. Then as an experiment, take a picture of yourself before and after your session, to see what a difference a stylist makes. Or go and ask them why they became one, and how you can become one too.

We have the pleasure to host a giveaway of comfortably cute lounge clothing by FOXERS. There will be two winners of two gorgeous ensembles; read on to learn more about your chances to win some seriously stylish garments!

Explore your inner modern cowgirl with the western sheer top. With two pockets on the front, there is enough coverage and style to wear this outside to layer over a tank top, or inside as a comfortable shirt. The matching boxer briefs fit stylishly snug, but are roomier than their boyshorts. The signature patterned waistband compliments the feminine lace trim on these. Sizes run from small to XL. Most items are meant to be form fitting, so feel free to select a size up if you want a more relaxed feel. Retail value of this set is $80.

Our second prize is a stunning ice blue lace camisole and boxer set. Many brides choose to wear this set under their gowns for something blue. Sizes run from XS to XL. The set is incredibly soft to the touch, and the camisole has straps that match the striped waistband for a special detail. Retail value of this sophisticated set is $64.

Women who have been spotted wearing FOXERS include race car driver Tiffany Daniels, singer Christin De Jarnet, and performer Alicia Keys.

Which set do you like better? Leave a comment below.

To enter, you just need to do two things: like stylemint on Facebook, and submit your email below to subscribe to our newsletter, where we update you on the latest giveaways and unique accessories from around the world! We will select our winners on May 10, so stay tuned, and good luck!

the LV holiday sari from vintage Indian fabrics. Image courtesy of Horst Diekgerdes

Dewali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration (this year, starting November 5) for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It’s an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji. Not a member of any of these religions, and not yet familiar with the traditions? No matter — there is definite beauty and style that you can glean from this holiday. And it will loom large in our collective consciousness soon, as you’ll soon see.

Diwali translates into row of lamps, where oil-filled small clay lamps are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets with family and friends. So important is the festival as a new start to India, that most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

The event runs deep in meaning. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana, as they believe the festival is “the awareness of the inner light.” Central to Hindu philosophy is the Atman, the eternal and pure inner light that transcends the physical body and mind.

So there is no doubt of this holiday’s significance, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by one certain luxury global brand. Since 2003 brought the first LV store to India, 2010 brought another major milestone. Vuitton has been working with India’s Rajeev Sethi to design windows in its stores throughout the world that will showcase hand-painted paper trunks glowing from within for the holiday season through the New Year.

The Diwali display in the Champs Elysees, Paris LV store.

A new fabric in cotton and silk that mixes monogram flowers and Indian traditional motifs in two colors will also be released as ready-to-wear pieces. Limited edition pieces will also be sold exclusively (for size 38 only - LV is religiously inclusive, but size-exclusive) in the Paris Montaigne store.

A sample of LV diwali fabric. Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Does this commercialization cheapen the holiday? Possibly. But, looked at another way, it is also a way to spread the “light” of knowledge and understanding (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun) to those that never knew of it before. It therefore elevates the holiday to those already recognized in the Western faiths. It now has its share of the holiday windows that Christmas so heavily enjoys.

Marc Jacob’s twist on the sari, as shown in the dress in the top image, is certainly unrecognizable from its classical incarnation. This is a telling trend, as testimonies abound about the languishing of the sari use by younger women, because of its high maintenance in preparation and wear. Has Louis Vuitton made a real sari, and are they truly respecting the holiday? I think they are, but judge for yourself at a Louis store near you — or preferably, in your favorite cosmopolitan like Paris, Beirut, Oslo, or Shanghai (all of which will have displays for the entire holiday season).

Platforms hit high style at the last Istanbul Fashion Week.

A few months ago, I wandered the colorfully contrasting streets of Istanbul. Anyone who lives in the world of art, design, fashion, or film, must experience the dizzying pace of a restless destination. Their fledgling Fashion Week, which will embark on its 4th run next summer, is hinting at its burgeoning presence on the official fashion roster. However, its essence wafts through the noses of anyone who is artistically aware and free to sense it.

Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium…no matter what you call it, this epicenter of the world has made an indelible mark on the worlds of fashionable culture.

Many designers, including Coco Chanel, looked to this complex city for inspiration. And why not? Beauty always rises from diversity. So as we look forward to incorporating the city’s wonders into our wardrobes, we need to look back. As the city began its original journey to greatness, the people of this area considered themselves Romans, spoke Greek, and lived in modern-day Turkey.

In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine revived the dying Roman Empire by erecting a new capital in Constantinople, a city at the crossroads of East and West. Thanks to its location as the eye of the needle that threads the connection between Asia and Europe, Constantinople would become the most opulent, powerful, and developed civilization in the world for 1000 years.

Byzantine attire was known for its vibrant colors and sumptuous materials, such as taffeta, damask, velvet, linen, and wool. Luxury goods, such as silk, were imported from Asia. In turn, Constantinople exported silk, papyrus, porcelain, glassware, incense, and perfumes to Western Europe, who envied the Byzantine textile industry. (They knew the adage: if you can’t beat it, buy it.)

The Byzantines loved patterns, and wove them into nearly all clothing. They developed a special form of silk fabric called samite, which they used in their thickly patterned brocades. They also used embroidery with gold thread, pearls, and jewels, to trim garments.

In addition to stunning clothes, they also developed several distinct forms of jewelry. A favorite technique was enameling, in which a glassy coating was fused in a decorative pattern to a surface. This art was imported from Persia, and spread to the rest of Europe. Cloisonné enameling, a technique that spread from Egypt to Constantinople and onto China, also flourished for metal rings and medallions.

We’ll see consistent nods from designers to this melange of beauty in fashion, because there’s a wealth of perspectives to choose when setting a direction for a season’s new line. Where have you seen Byzantine visions in your stores and closets?

Glamlist is one of the many fashion clubs that is creating a series of edited fashion looks for its users, but this site tends to focus on European brands exclusively.

Our take? Glamlist has potential, but we’re bummed that we have to sign in to really see anything and interact with the site. Because the site has European roots, the grammar and style sometimes shows it with, shall we say, grammatical stumblings. Overall though, this could be a great source for clothes from cities like London, Milan, Paris. We spoke with Sabine Moreau at Glamlist to get the story.

Where did the idea for Glamlist come from?
Glamlist.com  belongs to Fruit Rouge, a French company that launched the French version of Glamlist.com in 2006.

The experience was a real success in France so Julien Casel, general director, decided to launch the same concept in the United States and this is how was born glamlist.com.

What is Glamlist about?
On Glamlist.com we offer a list of sales with the most glamorous European brands.

What are your favorite items that you carry?
I love the clothes from the French brand called DES SI BELLES.

(Note: Des Si Belles is pictured above, from a flight attendant themed photo shoot.)

What brand or item has sold out the fastest on Glamlist?
DES SI BELLES and Mlle AGATHE are the fastest-selling brands.

Are you planning to unveil any new brands to sell?
Of course we are always sourcing for new European brands to feature on glamlist.com.

What distinguishes Glamlist from other invitation-only fashion sales sites?
We are selling European brands, mostly from Paris at sample prices.

Do you have a app for smartphone access?
Not yet, it might be available sometime this fall!

The style factor runs high on this show, and to celebrate its indelible mark on today’s aesthetic consciousness, we’re hosting an exciting giveaway through September 17. As usual, we’re giving away two prizes.

One winner gets their choice of their favorite Mad Men Barbie doll: Don, Betty, Joan, or Roger.

The second winner receives an exclusive silver compact, engraved with the Mad Men logo. This was a special item obtained at the New York season four premiere of the show.

To enter, all you have to do are two things. After you subscribe to our mailing list with your email below (remember to opt-in with the confirmation email to officially enter the giveaway), vote for April in the Mad Men casting contest!

2. vote for April in the Mad Men casting contest!

Good luck!

Ever since Michelle Obama broke onto the presidential scene wearing J.Crew clothing, it seems that Jenna Lyons and her design team have swept into the cultural zeitgeist of America and its unending quest for prep.

The store refreshes its line about every three weeks, with a full turnover every season. Perhaps you’ve exhausted the supply of clothing options from this American store. Maybe you’ve also depleted the stock of Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, Lacoste, Nantucket Brand, Burberry, Lilly Pulitzer, Bloomingdales, & Saks. If this is the case, don’t fret and get your pearls in a twist (though that can look quite stunning). Instead, get ready to look across the Atlantic to see your favorite British man of mystery, Jack Wills.

This, my friends, is where you will find that quintessential blazer. This is the raison d’etre for this article, because if you don’t have one, you need one asap. And please don’t think that blazers are for professors only. They look amazing with anything from leather dresses to pop art t-shirts, because they ground the wildest of ensembles. When you wear a well-cut jacket, you can go anywhere. Whether its of the tweed of pinstripe variety, you will use this staple piece of clothing over — and over — again. (If you find that your jacket is not following the form of your body for a pleasing silhouette, then please see your nearest talented tailor to make amends).

So now that we’ve established the value of the piece, let’s talk about where you’ll find it. Jack Wills stores are located only in England, Ireland, and Scotland (and in the British extensions of Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket).

Our favorite blazers are the Ballingham, Dormington, and Bowbridge (gentlemen, the Bowbridge is made especially for you). They all have distinctive linings, woven leather buttons, and surprise colors underneath the collar.  Prices hover at about $298.

Jack Wills ONLY uses viral marketing for its brand, relying on tastemakers like yours truly to discover and proselytize its wonders.