2013 Color of the Year

FASHION

Trend Alert: Emerald Green 

“Each year Pantone, the color guru’s of America for the past 50 years, alongside style experts and fashion influencers decide what color should be trending across the globe. This collection of psycho-sociological color musings from the experts will literally determine what color Tom Ford gown Beyonce wears to the Oscars. Last year it was Tangerine Tango, the year before that…Honeysuckle, and before that it was Turquoise. This year, Pantone’s color of the year for 2013 is Emerald.” (Alexander, December 12, 2012)

I couldn’t be any happier. Green –  known to be the color of growth, harmony, and balance –  is my favorite color. As you can see in the image above I love green so much so that my bedroom walls are painted in a bold shade of it. While, I do not tend to follow the trends, I will be following this one. What about you?  

Are you rocking this trend? 

Quirky Details

FASHION

Pom Poms

There's something quirky about pom poms. I don't know what it is exactly, but when attached to clothing/ jewelry pom poms seem to exude quirkiness. Although, I tend to like odd details in my closet, I have never liked the oddness of pom poms. I would much rather incorporate classic tassels into my wardrobe than balls of fluff. However, I may be singing to a new tune this spring. Click here to see why! 

Blazing

FASHION

If you follow my other blog, Pure Love, than you most likely know that I recently completed a custom handmade design for a returning customer of mine. The design incorporated amazonite, black agate, black glass, and sterling silver. With the permission of my client I modeled her set, "Blazing," for you all to see here. 

A Hard Pill To Swallow?

ART & FASHION

Hot Topic 

According to Olivia Fleming of the Daily Mail, “Just two months ago, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's $39,000 alligator skin backpack sold out at Barneys. Now the design duo for The Row has gone one step further, releasing a $55,000 backpack adorned with prescription pills (see below). The bag is a collaboration between British artist Damien Hirst, whose paintings have sold for more than $3million, and the Olsen twins' label, The Row.

Created out of black patent leather from Nile crocodiles, the five-figure backpack is one of 12 being sold on behalf of Just One Eye, which includes plain and polka-dotted versions also.

Just One Eye co-founder Paola Russo said in a statement: 'We are longtime admirers of both Damien and The Row’s work, and our main focus here is to nurture work between artists working in different mediums.We couldn't have dreamed of a better way to debut this series of partnerships.'

Signed by the artist himself, each backpack 'blurs the line between high art and high fashion'…” (December 3, 2012)

Despite, the artistic appeal of the backpack some critics find it difficult to appreciate “as [the pill appliqués] seem to glamorize drug use.” (ONTD) 

Personally, as an artist, I can appreciate the design of the backpack. However, as a health advocate it is important to note that prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic with certain populations - youth, women, and older adults - being at risk. Consequently, I find the backpack to be more of a health awareness item than a fashion statement. 

What do you think? 

An Apple A Day...

HEALTH & NUTRITION

...Keeps The Doctor Away?

Fashion and health are two key aspects of my life. As a jewelry designer – Pure Love – I look for inspiration all around me and I tend to find some of my greatest inspirations from fashion designers (e.g. Lana Del Rey, seen above, wearing a Louis Vuitton dress and Miu Miu gloves). Moreover, I am adamant about living healthy, so I am constantly researching fitness and health/ nutrition tips.  As a result, I have come to know as many fashion designers as I do nutrition myths, which is a lot. Previously, in Drink Up, I discussed the myth surrounding the need to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. It was busted, like most myths. However, the expression "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" appears to have more truth to it.

“The first printed mention of this saying can be found in the February 1866 issue of the publication ‘Notes and Queries.’ The publication printed the proverb like this: ‘Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread.’ Nearly 150 years later, variations of this adage are still quoted. It's unlikely that the saying would have maintained such popularity if there wasn't some truth to it, right? With that in mind, let's consider some of the apple's components and their effect on our health:

1. Pectin -- Pectin is a form of soluble fiber than lowers both blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also lower the levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol in the body. Pectin, like other forms of fiber, helps maintain the health of the digestive system. Apples are an excellent source of pectin.

2. Boron -- A nutrient found in abundance in apples, boron supports strong bones and a healthy brain.

3. Quercetin -- A flavonoid, this nutrient shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers, including cancers in the lungs and breast. It may also reduce free radical damage. Free radicals develop when atoms in the body's cells have unpaired electrons, which can lead to damage to different parts of the cell, including DNA. Quercetin may neutralize free radical damage, which has been implicated in a variety of age-related health problems, including Alzheimer's disease.

4. Vitamin C -- Vitamin C boosts immunity, which helps maintain overall health.

5. Phytonutrients -- Apples are rich in a variety of phytonutrients, including vitamins A and E and beta carotene. These compounds fight damage from free radicals and can have a profound affect on health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

Apples also act as a toothbrush, cleaning teeth and killing bacteria in the mouth, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay. They're also low in calorie density, one of the trademarks of a healthy food. When a food is low in calorie density you can eat good size portions of the food for relatively few calories. In addition, apples are affordable and readily available.

With all of this information, it's easy to see that, yes, an apple has its health benefits.” (Hunter, 2012) As part of a balanced diet an apple a day will in fact go a long way in keeping the doctor away.  

Non-Traditional

FASHION

 

Manish Arora Spring 2013

"Turning to his own roots, Manish Arora chose India to inform his spring lineup — yet not of the Bollywood variety...He updated the country’s pastel pinks, blues and greens, and worked traditional jewelry motifs into ornamentation prints and embellishments." (WWD, September 27, 2012) For a detailed look at Arora's Spring 2013 collection, click here.

 

Sex Appeal

BEAUTY & FASHION

"Sex appeal is something that you feel deep down inside. It’s suggested rather than shown. I’m not as well-stacked as Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, but there is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don’t need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much sex appeal, picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain." – Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn’s view on sex appeal is highlighted in Stylist Magazine’s autumn-winter edition, Purple Rain. Each photograph, taken by John-Paul Pietrus, captures the "womanliness" as well as the sex appeal of model Polina who simply stands/ poses in the rain. Styled by Alexandra Fullerton, Polina, wear’s this fall's trend of purple hues in design's by Alexander McQueen, Cavalli, Chanel, Christopher Kane, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent – just to name a few. Polina’s  lavender dipped hair is done by hair stylist Claire Rothstein and her make-up is done by Adam de Cruz. (Joanna, 2012)    

Click here, to see more!

A Day In Paris

FASHION

Une Journée à Paris

Fashion Gone Rogue's Joanna recently highlighted the beautiful editorial, Une Journée à Paris, which marks Harper’s Bazaar China 36 years of publication –  "...the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar China travels to Paris for a story featuring classic style. In front of Yin Chao’s lens, Miao Bin Si showcases retro style in luxe designs from the likes of Lanvin, Mugler, Dior Haute Couture and Elie Saab styled by Fan Xiaomu and Gugu as she explores Paris with special guest Didier Grumbach. Super glam hair and makeup by Bon and Wang Qian perfect the sophisticated ensembles." (October 14, 2012)

 

 

Click here, for more!

Attitude Attitude Attitude

FASHION

The Best Style Advice Ever 

"'Style is all attitude,' declares living legend Iris Apfel in a trailer for a documentary that's currently being made about her. 'Attitude attitude attitude. And if you know how to carry something off, you can make it look wonderful — and it doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be trendy. As a matter of fact, sometimes those things work against you. A trend can be a wonderful thing if it works for you. But if it doesn't, it's useless and you can look freaky.'" (Fenner, August 30, 2012)

Blooming Winter Flowers

FASHION

"Flowers are in full bloom this year...Despite, the fact that spring and summer are well known for their floral prints,  fashion designers are attempting to change that. Numerous fall/winter 2012 collections contain floral details from Tory Burch's flower barrettes to Marni's floral collars and Dolce & Gabbana's floral embroidered bags...” (Pure Love) 

Click here, to see more! 

Stars & Stripes

FASHION

Trend Alert: American Flag Shorts 

"Maybe it’s the upcoming Summer 2012 Olympic Games—or the fact that all-American designer Ralph Lauren has created the closing-ceremony uniforms for our athletes—but fashion is having a moment with all things red, white, and blue." (Benjou, June 7, 2012) The American flag can be seen printed in various forms this season from Jeffrey Campbell's popular Stars & Stripes Lita platforms (see here) to Balmain's controversial American flag tank (see here). However, the most catching form is the shorts form. The American flag shorts have been spotted on some of the most stylish celebrities and some of the most influential fashion bloggers. See for yourself!

Top Row: Kesha, Rihanna, Rihanna

Bottom Row: Solange Knowles, Mollie King, Kylie Jenner

Bebe Zeva, Coralie's Looks, Pretty In Fashion

                                                                                                                                     

Would you rock this trend?

If so, would you rock it throughout the summer or 

just on occasions like the 4th of July?

Dannijo

ART & FASHION

My Latest Dannijo Obsessions 

If you follow my other blog, Pure Love, which is dedicated to highlighting fine craftsmanship in jewelry and other accessories then you would know that I have developed a little obsession with Dannijo. "Founded by sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder in 2008, Dannijo jewelry is hand-made in New York and offers an eclectic range of designs. Danielle’s bohemian, rocker vibe combined with Jodie’s timeless sophistication makes for a versatile and ever-changing statement collection that consistently maintains a strong sense of DNA." (Dannijo) Here I share with you a few works of art by the Dannijo sisters that I wish I owned. 

 Click here, to see more Dannijo! 

Gold & Silver Tones

FASHION

"The Metropolitan Costume Institute Gala is known for its impressive celebrity guest list and Monday night's bash, which celebrated Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli, was the most star-studded one yet. And while the red carpet was a sea of stunning designer gowns, a few A-listers stood out in truly memorable looks..."(Lavinthal, May 7, 2012) Here are some of my favorite looks from the gala; coincidentally, they all are dressed in gold and silver tones. To see all of the looks - the good, the bad, and the ugly - from the 2012 Met Gala click here. 

 Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe.

 Jessica Stam in Dior.

 Lana Del Rey in Joseph Altuzarra.

 Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren.

 Kate Upton in Michael Kors.

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada.

 Bianca Brandolini D'Adda in Dolce & Gabbana.

Jessica Alba in Michael Kors.

Jessica Paré in L'Wren Scott.

H&M Conscious Collection

FASHION

H&M's Conscious Collection is in stores now. "The collection includes a number of dramatic floor-length gowns in on-trend silhouettes, with pops of neon and floral prints; all are made using sustainable materials.

That should come as no surprise considering H&M's position as a leader in sustainable design. It's annual sustainability report from 2011, which was released [April 12, 2012], bills H&M as the world's biggest user of organic cotton. By 2020, the company aims to produce all of its cotton garments with sustainable resources.

"We want our customers to feel confident that everything they buy from H&M is designed, manufactured, and handled with consideration for people and environment," said H&M's CEO Karl-Johan Persson in a statement. Beautiful, sustainable clothing? That's a cause we can get behind." (Fashionologie, April 12, 2012)

Below are images from H&M's Exclusive Conscious Collection. However, there's something for everyone. Visit H&M's website today to see some of the lower end items that are apart of the Conscious Collection. 

Click here, to see more of H&M's

 Exclusive Conscious Collection!