The palette was almost entirely black and white.
A handful of the outfits were costumey — particularly a double-breasted coat that she called the Abingdon Road coat and a pair of matching short shorts. Stefani might be able to pull this off onstage, but the average woman would have trouble wearing it, no matter how cute it looked on the runway. Overall, though, Stefani, along with stylist Andrea Lieberman,The business where inflation counts offered several looks that were in step with her young, hip customer, including a military-inspired jacket with a peekaboo neckline worn with a plaid pleated dress and a houndstooth beaded shift dress with a pleated cape jacket.
Marchesa is a label that has quickly become a big player on the red carpet. It went for drama with its newest collection.
“That’s a goddess dress,” gushed Candy Pratts Price, executive fashion editor at Style.com, when she spotted a long, black, lace-and-tulle slipdress with embroidery, an ivory underlay and ribbon detail at the empire waist.
A strapless gown made of tulle and covered with gold embroidery was equally impressive, maintaining an appearance of delicacy under a hefty amount of metal.
Pratts Price also noted a group of Indian-inspired outfits decorated with gold applique details. Many of the colors seemed rooted in the spices of the region, including lemongrass and saffron.
However, one of the most noteworthy gowns was a magenta strapless gown that mimicked an unfurling flower, with uneven petals of fabric. The gown surely would be stunning on one of Keren Craig and Georgina Champman’s starlet fans, but one has to wonder how that wearer would ever be able to sit.
Jun 27, 2011
The business where inflation counts
Young entrepreneur quits the dry world of finance for something more whimsical and romantic
BEIJING - Confident, beautiful and romantically ambitious, balloon decorator Hu Xinying has much in common with her business.
The sweet-smiling, mellow-voiced 27-year-old typical Beijing girl always dresses like the chic models that appear in the top fashion magazines.
Using her talent in design and fashion, the young woman opened a balloon-decoration store, the first of its kind in the capital, in 2009, creating stunning balloon designs for weddings, birthday parties or other romantic occasions.
"There was something in my childhood that suggested that I would be working with balloons when I took out my old albums and they were full of photos of balloons," said Hu.
The girl still remembers that during her childhood her father frequently bought her balloons from gray-haired vendors who wheeled their bikes and trollies along streets, through residential communities and around parks. Drunken Brawls? No Will and Kate?
"These balloons were of very poor quality and they easily burst," she said. "I cried every time it happened and asked my father to buy me a new one."
The seemingly ordinary graduate began work at an investment firm as a manager after taking a degree in international business and trade. She was not happy with this new chapter in her life, finding no pleasure in dry figures and charts.
Like the majority of urban young Chinese women, she kept to the same daily routines from office to home, with the occasional party with friends thrown in.
However, Hu possessed rebellious genes and didn't want her imagination left to waste away. "I was really tortured because I had a lot of ideas in my brain but no channel through which to release them," she said.
BEIJING - Confident, beautiful and romantically ambitious, balloon decorator Hu Xinying has much in common with her business.
The sweet-smiling, mellow-voiced 27-year-old typical Beijing girl always dresses like the chic models that appear in the top fashion magazines.
Using her talent in design and fashion, the young woman opened a balloon-decoration store, the first of its kind in the capital, in 2009, creating stunning balloon designs for weddings, birthday parties or other romantic occasions.
"There was something in my childhood that suggested that I would be working with balloons when I took out my old albums and they were full of photos of balloons," said Hu.
The girl still remembers that during her childhood her father frequently bought her balloons from gray-haired vendors who wheeled their bikes and trollies along streets, through residential communities and around parks. Drunken Brawls? No Will and Kate?
"These balloons were of very poor quality and they easily burst," she said. "I cried every time it happened and asked my father to buy me a new one."
The seemingly ordinary graduate began work at an investment firm as a manager after taking a degree in international business and trade. She was not happy with this new chapter in her life, finding no pleasure in dry figures and charts.
Like the majority of urban young Chinese women, she kept to the same daily routines from office to home, with the occasional party with friends thrown in.
However, Hu possessed rebellious genes and didn't want her imagination left to waste away. "I was really tortured because I had a lot of ideas in my brain but no channel through which to release them," she said.
Jun 23, 2011
Drunken Brawls? No Will and Kate?
Royal Ascot Is Not What It Used to Be!
LONDON—My, my, my, the 300-year-old Royal Ascot is certainly not like it was in the olden days. Upon disembarking their train to the horse race, which took place from June 14 to 18, visitors were met by a sea of scalpers crowing, “Buy or sell any tickets; buy or sell any tickets.” Thursday, Ladies’ Day, was as usual the most entertaining of the week’s events(First lady shimmers in Naeem Khan gown at state dinner). There were many familiar faces in the crowd, including Princess Eugenie, looking svelte and hand-in-hand with her boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank. As to be expected, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended each day. No sign of the Duke or Duchess of Cambridge, but Carole Middleton did not miss the opportunity to join the Queen, riding behind her in a horse-drawn carriage for the Ladies’ Day Royal procession.
Traditionally Ladies’ Day is most dramatic because of the outfits—the female attendees wear hats so large and bulbous only a Faustian bargain with gravity keeps them on. But this year’s excitement was of a different making: a group of eight grown men, seemingly friends, got into a drunken dispute over a 20-something blonde. One minute they were chatting next to the Victorian bandstand, and the next they were rolling around on the ground in a brawl that involved chair legs, a £98 bottle of Laurent Perrier, and various members’ being bitten and kicked. Blood-encrusted, unfortunately, does not fall within the Ascot dress code.
But even the Royal Enclosure is not nearly as exclusive as it once was. Now, new members may be sponsored by anyone who has attended [Ascot, or sat in the Royal Enclosure?] four times in the past. This is a change from the former, far stricter rule that required sponsorship from two members who had both been for the last seven years consecutively. And although entry to the Grandstand (the tier of tickets below the Royal Enclosure) is not exactly cheap—£54 for the ticket alone—let’s just say, buy yourself some stocks in fake eyelashes, spray tan, and push-up bras, and we may yet be able to dig ourselves out of this economic slump.
LONDON—My, my, my, the 300-year-old Royal Ascot is certainly not like it was in the olden days. Upon disembarking their train to the horse race, which took place from June 14 to 18, visitors were met by a sea of scalpers crowing, “Buy or sell any tickets; buy or sell any tickets.” Thursday, Ladies’ Day, was as usual the most entertaining of the week’s events(First lady shimmers in Naeem Khan gown at state dinner). There were many familiar faces in the crowd, including Princess Eugenie, looking svelte and hand-in-hand with her boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank. As to be expected, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended each day. No sign of the Duke or Duchess of Cambridge, but Carole Middleton did not miss the opportunity to join the Queen, riding behind her in a horse-drawn carriage for the Ladies’ Day Royal procession.
Traditionally Ladies’ Day is most dramatic because of the outfits—the female attendees wear hats so large and bulbous only a Faustian bargain with gravity keeps them on. But this year’s excitement was of a different making: a group of eight grown men, seemingly friends, got into a drunken dispute over a 20-something blonde. One minute they were chatting next to the Victorian bandstand, and the next they were rolling around on the ground in a brawl that involved chair legs, a £98 bottle of Laurent Perrier, and various members’ being bitten and kicked. Blood-encrusted, unfortunately, does not fall within the Ascot dress code.
But even the Royal Enclosure is not nearly as exclusive as it once was. Now, new members may be sponsored by anyone who has attended [Ascot, or sat in the Royal Enclosure?] four times in the past. This is a change from the former, far stricter rule that required sponsorship from two members who had both been for the last seven years consecutively. And although entry to the Grandstand (the tier of tickets below the Royal Enclosure) is not exactly cheap—£54 for the ticket alone—let’s just say, buy yourself some stocks in fake eyelashes, spray tan, and push-up bras, and we may yet be able to dig ourselves out of this economic slump.
Jun 21, 2011
First lady shimmers in Naeem Khan gown at state dinner
On one of the first hot, summer-weather evenings of the season in Washington, Michelle Obama turned up the glamour with her dress choice for Tuesday night's state dinner at the White House in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Mrs. Obama shimmered in an all-over embellished gown by Naeem Khan. It was an ivory, V-neck column dress embellished with silver beads, white sequins and metallic thread in a geometric pattern — and she's back to what seems like her favorite seasonal sleeveless look, which shows off her famously toned arms.
Khan also designed the gown Mrs. Obama wore to the first state dinner she and President Barack Obama hosted for the Indian prime minister in 2009. Thursday's look, in fact, was reminiscent of that outfit — which was considered a style success.
She accessorized with gold bangle bracelets by Alexis Bittar.
"You know she's going to make fashion statement — and you know it's going to be quirky or a little flamboyant — but it matches her vibrant and joyful personality," said fashion commentator Mary Alice Stephenson, who consults for Khan and helps style the designer's runway shows. "It's happy fashion. You want to look at it."
Stephenson said Khan is a good choice for Mrs. Obama because he can convey sophistication without losing a little wink and nod to the fantasy of fashion. "Like Mrs. Obama, his clothes are alive. ... They're classics but tweaked."
His signature beading provides the exclamation point that Mrs. Obama likes to add to her outfits, Stephenson said.
White looks regal on the first lady — especially on an otherwise clean silhouette, she said.
Mrs. Obama shimmered in an all-over embellished gown by Naeem Khan. It was an ivory, V-neck column dress embellished with silver beads, white sequins and metallic thread in a geometric pattern — and she's back to what seems like her favorite seasonal sleeveless look, which shows off her famously toned arms.
Khan also designed the gown Mrs. Obama wore to the first state dinner she and President Barack Obama hosted for the Indian prime minister in 2009. Thursday's look, in fact, was reminiscent of that outfit — which was considered a style success.
She accessorized with gold bangle bracelets by Alexis Bittar.
"You know she's going to make fashion statement — and you know it's going to be quirky or a little flamboyant — but it matches her vibrant and joyful personality," said fashion commentator Mary Alice Stephenson, who consults for Khan and helps style the designer's runway shows. "It's happy fashion. You want to look at it."
Stephenson said Khan is a good choice for Mrs. Obama because he can convey sophistication without losing a little wink and nod to the fantasy of fashion. "Like Mrs. Obama, his clothes are alive. ... They're classics but tweaked."
His signature beading provides the exclamation point that Mrs. Obama likes to add to her outfits, Stephenson said.
White looks regal on the first lady — especially on an otherwise clean silhouette, she said.
Jun 17, 2011
Japan to businessmen: Shed suits, save energy
The Japanese government wants the country's suit-loving salarymen to be bold this summer. Ditch the stuffy jacket and tie. And for the good of a country facing a power crunch, go light and casual.
Japan's "Super Cool Biz" campaign kicked off Wednesday with a government-sponsored fashion show featuring outfits appropriate for the office yet cool enough to endure the sweltering heat.
This summer may be especially brutal. The loss of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which was crippled by the March 11 tsunami, means electricity could be in short supply around the nation's capital, Tokyo, during especially hot days.
To prevent blackouts, the government is asking companies and government offices to cut electricity usage by 15 percent. It wants companies to limit air conditioning and set room temperatures at a warm 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).
The idea isn't new. "Cool Biz" was introduced in 2005 by the environment minister at the time, Yuriko Koike. The campaign was part of efforts to fight global warming.
But with Japan dealing with an ongoing nuclear crisis and the aftermath of a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami, officials decided they needed to take Cool Biz one step further this year.
"When we started Cool Biz in 2005, people said it was undignified and sloppy," Koike said at the fashion show held at a Tokyo department store. "But this is now the sixth year, and people have grown accustomed to it."Surveys by the Cabinet Office indicate that companies are gradually jumping on board. In a 2009 nationwide poll, 57 percent of about 2,000 respondents reported that Cool Biz had been implemented in their workplaces. The figure stood at 47 percent two years earlier and at less than a third in 2005.
Japan's "Super Cool Biz" campaign kicked off Wednesday with a government-sponsored fashion show featuring outfits appropriate for the office yet cool enough to endure the sweltering heat.
This summer may be especially brutal. The loss of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which was crippled by the March 11 tsunami, means electricity could be in short supply around the nation's capital, Tokyo, during especially hot days.
To prevent blackouts, the government is asking companies and government offices to cut electricity usage by 15 percent. It wants companies to limit air conditioning and set room temperatures at a warm 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).
The idea isn't new. "Cool Biz" was introduced in 2005 by the environment minister at the time, Yuriko Koike. The campaign was part of efforts to fight global warming.
But with Japan dealing with an ongoing nuclear crisis and the aftermath of a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami, officials decided they needed to take Cool Biz one step further this year.
"When we started Cool Biz in 2005, people said it was undignified and sloppy," Koike said at the fashion show held at a Tokyo department store. "But this is now the sixth year, and people have grown accustomed to it."Surveys by the Cabinet Office indicate that companies are gradually jumping on board. In a 2009 nationwide poll, 57 percent of about 2,000 respondents reported that Cool Biz had been implemented in their workplaces. The figure stood at 47 percent two years earlier and at less than a third in 2005.
Jun 15, 2011
Newcomers Michele Bachmann And Rick Perry: A Shakeup Or Just Stirring The Pot?
Michele Bachmann made it official on Monday night -- she’s running -- and although Rick Perry has yet to do so, he seems headed in that direction, saying in an interview yesterday that he’s “giving it serious thought.”
What the Minnesota GOP congresswoman and the Republican governor of Texas have in common is that their candidacies -- real and potential -- have been sending shockwaves through the party and the rest of the 2012 field.
In many ways a Perry candidacy is a no-brainer. He fills the Tea Party niche well. He'd be the most prominent southerner in the contest. He doesn't have to give up his current job to run. He's got a good story to tell about the Texas economy. And his potential weaknesses aren't disqualifying. Top questions for Perry include whether he'd be able to raise the money and whether he can build organizations in the early states from scratch.
As a nominee for the party, however, he's got more serious liabilities. His Tea Party rhetoric and Texas swagger can turn off independent swing voters. And, if you close your eyes and listen to him speak, you'd swear it was George W. Bush. His accent, cadence and pronunciations are almost identical.
Yesterday, Perry gave his first national interview since he began hinting at a presidential run, assuring Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto that six weeks ago the presidential race was “not on his radar screen.” Now Perry said, he is “giving it serious thought.” But there’s no hurry, he added, saying that a decision could come within the next month. “We have some time,” he said.
Perry was in New York City on Tuesday speaking at a GOP Lincoln Day dinner and he planned to meet this morning with former mayor and once and possibly future presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.
What the Minnesota GOP congresswoman and the Republican governor of Texas have in common is that their candidacies -- real and potential -- have been sending shockwaves through the party and the rest of the 2012 field.
In many ways a Perry candidacy is a no-brainer. He fills the Tea Party niche well. He'd be the most prominent southerner in the contest. He doesn't have to give up his current job to run. He's got a good story to tell about the Texas economy. And his potential weaknesses aren't disqualifying. Top questions for Perry include whether he'd be able to raise the money and whether he can build organizations in the early states from scratch.
As a nominee for the party, however, he's got more serious liabilities. His Tea Party rhetoric and Texas swagger can turn off independent swing voters. And, if you close your eyes and listen to him speak, you'd swear it was George W. Bush. His accent, cadence and pronunciations are almost identical.
Yesterday, Perry gave his first national interview since he began hinting at a presidential run, assuring Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto that six weeks ago the presidential race was “not on his radar screen.” Now Perry said, he is “giving it serious thought.” But there’s no hurry, he added, saying that a decision could come within the next month. “We have some time,” he said.
Perry was in New York City on Tuesday speaking at a GOP Lincoln Day dinner and he planned to meet this morning with former mayor and once and possibly future presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.
Jun 14, 2011
Getting the cheap but the right prom dresses for your prom night
The word cheap has had a bad connotation in the past, but it only makes sense when shopping sometimes today. The economy of today calls for frugality, so shopping for bargains is a way of life. This is especially true when you think of spending hundreds of dollars for a special occasion dress that will only be worn once or twice. Surely there has to be a better way to get ready for a special night out than to go thousands of dollars in debt.
The girl going to the prom who is Internet savvy will be able to find really lovely prom dresses, some for even less than 30 dollars. Cheap prom dresses do not have to look cheap or second rate. Give an inexpensive dress a little lift by adding a few details of the dresses that cost thousands of dollars. Make your outfit special with special shoes that make you look like a dream. Add jewelry and a bag or purse that have unique details. Choose an individual ensemble that definitely says your name and reflects your personality. You will be the envy of the prom if you accent the details of your outfit with some pearls or crystal beads or other specialty items. Add a luxurious wrap or shawl for warmth on a chilly spring night and you give the outfit a lift into the extraordinary.
Many bridal and formal stores offer a full range of prices on their garments. Some formal stores will reduce last year’s design to a really affordable price and the average person does not look at prom dresses and say:“that is an old design” or “that is the last year’s color”. When you are in the prom dress of your choice, with a beautiful smile, terrific hair and makeup, your cheap prom dress could be the gown of a princess. Other sources for savings are consignment shops where you may find a dress from a name brand designer selling for just a few dollars.
Cheap prom dresses can also make you feel beautiful. Use common sense for buying dresses and keep in mind that your own beauty is what really makes the look for the evening.
The girl going to the prom who is Internet savvy will be able to find really lovely prom dresses, some for even less than 30 dollars. Cheap prom dresses do not have to look cheap or second rate. Give an inexpensive dress a little lift by adding a few details of the dresses that cost thousands of dollars. Make your outfit special with special shoes that make you look like a dream. Add jewelry and a bag or purse that have unique details. Choose an individual ensemble that definitely says your name and reflects your personality. You will be the envy of the prom if you accent the details of your outfit with some pearls or crystal beads or other specialty items. Add a luxurious wrap or shawl for warmth on a chilly spring night and you give the outfit a lift into the extraordinary.
Many bridal and formal stores offer a full range of prices on their garments. Some formal stores will reduce last year’s design to a really affordable price and the average person does not look at prom dresses and say:“that is an old design” or “that is the last year’s color”. When you are in the prom dress of your choice, with a beautiful smile, terrific hair and makeup, your cheap prom dress could be the gown of a princess. Other sources for savings are consignment shops where you may find a dress from a name brand designer selling for just a few dollars.
Cheap prom dresses can also make you feel beautiful. Use common sense for buying dresses and keep in mind that your own beauty is what really makes the look for the evening.
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