Black Sale has released their Season 6 goods. The latest collection of the San Francisco brand keeps it mostly simple and classic, using black/white graphics on t-shirts, hoodies and crewneck sweaters. The new Black Scale Season 6 Collection is now available at Purist.
Check out the full collection after the jump.
Remember these names : Patrik Ervell, Alejandro Ingelmo, Robert Geller, and Adam Kimmel. They are the 4 new designers on the verge of changing the face of Menswear in American Fashion.
Designers On The Verge
Gone are the days when American designers are known for polo shirts, khakis, navy blazers, and solid staples styles. DETAILS magazine considers these 4 new designers from New York as the vanguard of American Fashion.
Patrick Ervell, 30, “My philosophy has never been about doing a major seasonal shift—it’s about gradually developing the collection.”
Adam Kimmel, 29, “It’s good to have fun as long as the clothes are kept in a masculine context.”
Robert Geller, 31, “I make clothes that have strength, which is very important for men.”
Alejandro Ingelmo, 34, “When I can’t think, can’t design, I walk around the city. I see the people walking and I see all this movement and the traffic and I’m very influenced by it.”
More information about Patrik Ervell, Alejandro Ingelmo, Robert Geller, and Adam Kimmel and their styles, respectively, can be found at DETAILS magazine.
Suppose you have a formal get together with friends and family, or just need something to wear for future affairs. Today I’ve picked out five items that are a combination of modern and classic.
Finding suits at stores is one thing, but at a reasonable price is a whole another story. So I’ve taken two separate pieces and put them together. The Calvin Klein Black Blazer($178.00) and DKNY Black Braided Stripe Flat Front Slim Fit Wool Pant($125.00).
Designer Marc Ecko has managed to create a showstopping piece. TheMarc Ecko Men’s E20033G3 Watch Box Set($225.00) is pricey, but worth the buck. Inside is a stainless steel bracelet and watch covered in crystal accents. You’re bound to get compliments while walking down the street.
Colombo Slim Card Holder by Castello($14.99) is perfect for the everyday man, and one the reasons why I chose this, is because it reminds me so much of the leather wallets my grandfather would keep with him. The wallet has a rustic look to it, sort of classic in a way. Designer Castello crafted this wallet in grain Italian leather. You’ll be able to keep everything from cash to credit cards. Customers who purchase this item will also receive a very nice gift box to keep the wallet in.
Never can you go wrong with a classic black shoe. Alfani Reserve Bike Toe Oxford shoe($99.00) is perfect for all ages young or old. The look of the shoe reeks of sophistication and style. This pointed shoe is avaliable in sizes in 9-13.
The detail of today’s Etsy picks just amazes me! These crane earrings have been folded out of a single piece of fine silver:
Don’t believe me? Check out this photo of work in progress:
Hapa uses traditional Japanese origami (paper folding) techniques to create an entire collection of unique fine silver jewelry that you’re guaranteed not to see every day!
I am wishing for warmer weather. This weekend is supposed to get warm yonder where I live. It makes me think of wearing a top, skirt and wedge outfit like the look for less ensemble below.
Look For Less : Top, Skirt & Wedge
Yellow Eyelet Trim Tunic, $19.80
Dark denim skirt, $15.80
Anne Michelle Rhinestone Wedge, $24.99
Beaded bliss necklace, $5.80
Prism elastic bracelet, $8.80
Hoop earrings, $2.80
Isn’t it cute? This outfit is cool and refreshing. A perfect look to welcome the warm weather. Whenever it shows up anyway. I hope it does because not only do my shoes, tops, shorts, skirt, and dresses, need airing out, my legs which have been covered in tights (and jeans) to keep warm are itching to go bare and feel the fresh air. That does sound really good, doesn’t it?
Diane Von Furstenberg was my first glimpse into the world of fashion at a young age. I saw a wrap dress on E! one weekend and her name was forever ingrained in my mind. But, why in the world do we love these dresses oh so much?
Diane Von Furstenberg did a short interview for Saks Fifth Avenue recently and explained, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do…I became that woman [that we all LOVE!] through fashion.”
Part of who so many women are is seen through what they wear, and women all over the world can, and do, wear DVF. A wrap dress is like that perfect pair of jeans, whether they are skinny, wide legged, boot cut, or even just straight, everyone has that one pair they would die without. A wrap dress, should be considered as one of those items.
Diane mentions a variety of women wear her designs. The wrap dress “…gave women confidence.” Confidence that many women find in wearing something that you slip on, stare in the mirror and say “Dang, I look fabulous in that.” That’s exactly what a wrap dress does. That feeling is not unique to any one style. A girl wearing camo boots and a mohawk can feel the same way as the girl who works on Wall Street. Women all have the same feelings, and that is something the wrap dress seems to understand.
Those feelings are felt when women go to their closet and don’t quite know what to wear, Diane says, “when you don’t feel well and you don’t know what to wear…the wrap dress is your friend..your best friend ever.”
So many women feel that way. From Kate Hudson, to Madonna, to myself. The feelings are mutual.
Kick your spring style up a notch with some arm candy. Chunky cuff bracelets are one of the hottest accessory trends of the season, and the perfect way to jazz up a casual or dressy outfit.
Taraji P. Henson wearing a jeweled tight cuff bracelet on the red carpet.
Taraji wearing an eye-catching gold wide cuff bracelet.
Celebs like Taraji P. Henson can afford bold, beautiful and most likely expensive cuff bracelets (see above photos), but we can get the look for less at retailers like Banana Republic and Forever 21.
Insider bargain shopper tip: If you’re in New York City, you can find the latest jewelry trends at wholesale prices at Earrings Plaza.
Style tip: Try doubling up your bracelets for a funky, bohemian look. For instance, pair a chunky cuff with a big bangle.
Banana Republic braided cuff, $34
Henna Studded Cuff, $5.80
Bold, colorful jewelry is hot for spring. If you are looking for a fantastic, eye-catching necklace, check out Abella Galleries. This online shop features gorgeous pieces featuring howlite turquoise beads, sterling silver fittings and stainless steel nylon-coated wire. They offer four different sytles of these turquoise necklaces–Aegean Barrel, Blue Meadow Oval, Deep Sea Oval and Retro Round. The first three styles come in either short or long lengths, while the Retro Round is just short. You’ll just love this blue and green jewelry.
Aegean Barrel Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries
Turquoise necklaces can work with almost any outfit, from a casual boho-chic look to something much more formal. Ranging from $25-$65, this jewelry is adorable and affordable.
Blue Meadow Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries
Abella Galleries offers free gift wrap and a customized gift note when requested in the Notes box on their checkout page. For a 15% discount, Shopaholics Daily readers can type SHOPDAILY in the special coupon box on the shopping cart page after selecting an item for purchase. Shipping is always free with purchases of $100 or more.
Deep Sea Oval Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries
I have a couple of these necklaces myself and they are quite stunning and versatile. Check out abellagalleries.com for more pictures, info and to order.
Retro Round Necklace - Image: Abella Galleries
Eva Mendes makes an appearance on the popular Italian TV show “Quelli che il calcio e…” to promote her latest film Live!. Wearing her hair back in a loose knot, Eva looks elegant in a satin dress with a floral neckline.
Eva kept her jewelry simple, opting for small earrings and some bangle bracelets, so as not to distract from the dress.
Dior lovers, here is a new Spring eyeshadow palette for us all to check out! Featuring 5 softest colors: neutral pink shimmer, peach shimmer, iridescent ivory beige, taupe gray shimmer, and white pearl shimmer, we can mix them up to create a delicate, natural, yet stunning Spring look. That’s fab, isn’t it?
Paired with a mini Diorshow iconic mascara, you can claim this treat for US$56.
So a few weeks ago we were in the Korres store in London, and the gave us all these amazing samples. Like Halloween candy, we have been hoarding them. Unlike Halloween candy, they are suitable for the hair. One of the samples was "conditioner acacia milk," which we recently wrote about here, because we love it. It says it is "for dry hair." Now. Apparently we have not been thinking straight lately. Because there is dry (opposite of oily) and there is dry (opposite of wet.) We chose to interpret "dry" as the latter. Now we are thinking this was an idiotic choice. Now that we're thinking about it, we have used plenty of regular conditioners, and a number of leave-in conditioners, and a few dry shampoos, like from Lush—but all the "for dry hair" conditioners we've ever used did not involve putting conditioner on dry hair.
We think we might go to the Korres store and ask. And because we're almost out of sample—because, after all, this is the only product we've ever used that has actually dealt successfully with our frizzy hair.
We just showed the acacia conditioner a few days ago, so the photo above is of the lip butter. We are obsessed with this—the wild rose is like Benetint, but without that slightly oily sheen you can sometimes get with Benetint. So it's better, and the perfect color. We would have bought it on the spot yesterday, but we left our Sephora gift card at home and—hey, recession. We'll get it tomorrow, though. And! Under $10! Wild Rose lip butter, $9.
There may be a post or two on another subject, but today is America's Next Top Model day. I do not love the show, but it is fantastic fodder for fashion talk and debate. Stay tuned.
"Cycle" (instead of season) 12 began last night on the CW. I watched it, mostly. (It's a tough job, but somebody's got to watch TV for journalism.) And, well, if you know me, you know I'm brimming with lots to say (and show).
Stay "tuned" (no, to me---who care if you watch that garbage---ha. ha.).
SCROLL DOWN FOR STORIES...
Originlly posted at 1:38 am EST (not server time).
*Update* I had two stories I wanted to post, but I couldn't find the media to go with the comments, there may be one to a few more related posts today, Friday.
Q: I am traveling around Japan for 3 weeks beginning in late March. What do you suggest packing? I plan on dressing casually and packing as lightly as possible. We will be doing a lot of sightseeing and walking around. What shoes would be comfortable and would go with everything (I only want to pack one pair)?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: How lovely—March is the most popular time of year to travel to Japan. It’s the beginning of their Spring season, which means that their famous cherry blossoms will begin to bloom.
Fashion wise, Japan is a fascinating country. Fashion forward young people are so creative in dress—influences range from Harajuku (which encompasses a variety of styles, from gothic Lolita to cosplay) to Hime (a new princess craze). But these edgy styles aside, Japan is a very conservative country when it comes to fashion. You can get away with casual dress when you’re out seeing the sights, but remember that Japan is a place where attention to appearance is paramount (especially in business situations). Japanese women have a penchant for meticulously tailored garments—and often wear heels even with casualwear.
For sightseeing in Japan in late March, here’s what you need to bring:
Tops: Bring an assortment of nice, relatively conservative shirts and blouses, both knits and wovens. Sleeveless styles are OK, but nothing that shows cleavage, nothing tight or clingy. For late March, long sleeved blouses and knits are going to be your best bet; it may be Spring, but the weather is still going to be a bit chilly.
Sweaters: Pack a couple of versatile sweaters to layer over your tops; this will allow you to dress in layers to adjust to the heat and cold.
Bottoms: Your bottoms wardrobe is going to center around long pants. Pack a couple of pairs of casual pants, and one pair of dressier pants. You can also bring jeans—tourists do wear jeans; however, they’re somewhat less common amongst the more formal Japanese women. Skip the shorts, but cropped pants are do-able if they work with your figure.
Dresses: If you’re going to be attending any more formal events, you can also pack a dress (knee-length or longer) for the occasion.
Outerwear: For late March, a light jacket should suffice to keep you warm (especially if you’re layering with sweaters).
Shoes: If you’re planning on bringing only one pair of shoes, you will want a comfortable yet stylish flat that will work for sightseeing and dressier occasions. I recommend a pair of Cole Haan flats with Nike Air technology or a pair of Softspots with a tempurpedic footbed.
Last thoughts? Get a pedicure before your trip, and make sure to bring lots of pairs of socks. As you sightsee, you’ll often be asked to remove your shoes when you visit temples and other buildings.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Japan? Share it with us in the comments!
As a bride-to-be (and wedding fashion writer), it seems to me that I have seen every wedding gown on the planet. I drift towards the vintage styles, which are, as a rule, somewhat less poufy and embellished as newer gowns, but every now and then, I find something new and fresh. Like the Francesca gown by Robert Bullock:
I love the absolutely classic silhouette of the gown, and the soft, romantic adornment. The beaded lace overlay on satin is subtle and elegant, and as always, I love a v-neck for elongating one of the most attractive features on a woman. (Her neck, of course).
The Robert Bullock Collection is part of the Birnbaum & Bullock line. Mr. Bullock’s designs are inspired by the soft flowers of Monet, and I love the brand’s tagline, “No two flowers are alike”. Every bride should be lucky enough to find her own unique gown. And best of all, the line runs $600-$1,600 and comes in a wide variety of sizes. Available from Birnbaum & Bullock.
Now that the Stussy Deluxe Spring 2009 Collection has released, we can take a more detailed look. The line certainly grown in size over time and now has a pretty good offering. The new collection consists of a lot of nice basics, especially in terms of t-shirts, polos and fleece hoodies and crewneck sweaters. Also the accessories and pants sections have grown, now offering bags, hats, caps of all kinds and more. For some strange reason shirts seem to be missing this season, or will come at a later time - we will keep you posted.
The way the collection looks now, Stussy Deluxe offers premium basics in severl categories. We like the collection, yet we hope for a more distinguished look in the future and some more character.
Take a look at the Stussy Deluxe Spring 2009 Collection after the jump.
Gold cuff bracelet. Check. Tossled hair. Check. Staged sexy facial expression for the camera. Check. Ugly as sin red gladiator sandals?? What the heck, Fergie!
Fergie - Image: Newscom
My, oh my. The Snarkstress was hoping the gladiator sandals died at the end of last summer. But designers and tacky celebrities are insisting on shoving them down our throats once again. And the lovely Fergie takes it to the exteme with a pair of fire engine red gladiators teamed up with her black toenail polish. Fergie was at the launch of the VIVA GLAM VI Special Edition Lipstick at the M.A.C Cosmetics store in Los Angeles. She should have stuck with a pair of peep-toe pumps to go along with her new lipstick. Her sandals featured a closed back for a bootie-like look. But they were still ugly gladiators, nonetheless.
Fashionistas–listen up! Just say no to gladiator sandals this season. If we stop buying them, hopefully by the grace of God, they’ll stop making them!
Fergie's Ugly Red Gladiator Sandals - Image: Newscom
Tropical Print is one of those Spring and Summer prints that you really need to be careful of due to it’s boldness and color. Some designers go overboard with the combining the colors that some shirts end up looking like Grama’s couch from way back in the 60’s.
Let me start with the bad examples of Tropical Print shirts.
Orange Leaves-Floral Print
Paisley Print
[1st] Bright orange is really not a good color on anyone. [2nd] Paisley print done excessively can be so traumatic on you and the ones who has no choice but to stand right next to you.
Spring is just around the corner and in the upcoming weeks I’ll be picking out something for everyone whether it be comfort, style, or just something to add to your everyday collection.
The Woolen Mills clothing is made specifically for those who want clothing that have simplicity and authenticity.
Woolrich Woolen Mills recently unveiled their collection Spring/Summer for this year and one of the first items I’m talking about today is this faded Trail Shirt($209.00) made by designer Daiki Suzuki. When creating the Trail t-shirt, it is said that Suzuki was inspired by vintage Field and Stream with a rugged man close in mind. The multiple exterior pockets, rolled up sleeves, and comfy look makes this a great item for buyers. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL.
The basic gray pant are great for men who want comfort. Best worn when in the outdoors or hiking trip with your friends and/or family.
The red and rugged jacket has a great fit. The multiple exterior pockets on the font part of the jacket and the sleeves gives it a nice touch. It’s very simple overall, but still effective enough to garner compliments.
When on the go put on either one of these stripe hats, avaliable in colors red/black, or black and white.
First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to enter the March Madness contest to win your choice of Eenamaria handbag. There were a total of 196 comments!
Working Weekend Baby (Eenamaria)
The lucky winner is: CHRISTINE who said
“I LOVE the workin weekend…I have had my eye on it for a while now!“
Congratulations, Christine! Please email me ( star.stevenson @ gmail.com ) with your contact information and we’ll send over your new Eenamaria Workin’ Weekend Baby bag, pronto! 
Thanks everyone and don’t forget to check out the March Madness calendar because we’re giving away lots of great items every day this month!
No matter how much I have been craving for the warm weather to wear cute, colorful, and refreshing clothes I’m really not ready for the beach yet. I still need to tone areas (notice I didn’t say “few”) of my body. But every time I visit online stores the first thing the greets me on the front pages are 2-piece bikinis. Instead of getting pissy at them, I decided to consider them as wake-up calls.
Here are my early picks of swimwear from Forever21 and Dillard’s.
Purple Stud Trim Bikini
. 
Hermanny Tankini
Hermanny Navy Blue Tankini, $94(Top), $86(Bottom). This is a little more expensive than I want but it’s just an example. I love tankinis because it hides the stretch marks I’ve gained from having 2 babies.
These are just my early swimwear choices. I’ll post more about this topic in the coming months. So, are you ready for the Beach?
Today, many celebrity children follow their parents into the spotlight, a la the Simmons girls (Pastry shoes anyone?) Mick Jagger’s adult daughter, Jade, recently premiered her line of luxury accessories, Jezabel, in Paris…not so in style.
While I originally wanted to tell all of my readers about the luxurious and super expensive jewelery that Ms. Jagger is going to be selling, I was all but side tracked by her choice in clothing.
Look at that 80s inspired mini-dress. I swear I had one of those in the 1st grade! I am completely distracted by the enormity of those little flying things on the dress to even consider looking at her fabulous jewelry.
And the hair! Did she just blow dry it the wrong way? I mean, oh my goodness gracious! I am scared!
As for her accessories, all we’re missing are the slap bracelets. Did they fall off’? I mean, to complete this fashion nightmare all we need are the slap bracelets!
While I don’t doubt that I’ll be running around trying to get my hands on some of her new jewelry, that does along with the Jezebel fashion line, I may need to save up for it. It’s all well in to the six figure range.
Photos from: Bauer Griffin
The change in the seasons can wreak havoc on your lips. And let’s face it, chapped lips are not sexy. Although dry, windy, and cold weather can cause your lips to peel and crack, did you know an allergic reaction to your lipstick could also be the culprit? That’s why I avoid fruity and candy-scented lip gloss and lip balm.
Beyonce's lips always look chap-free.
Speaking of lip balm, the right brand will keep your lips hydrated, restore moisture, and heal chapped lips. My go-to drugstore brands are the tried-and-true Carmex in the yellow container and Lip Medex in the blue container. But I received a few lip balm freebies and gave them a kiss drive.
Here’s how they rated:
Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
Kiehl’s is known for its quality products and the New York company seems pretty confident about its lip balm. Hey, it’s not called “Lip Balm #1” for nothing. I have to admit it gave my kisser a nice coating, but I wasn’t crazy about the vanilla scent. Grade: B
Pangea Organics Lip Balm, Italian Red Mandarin with Rose
I love that Pangea Organics Lip Balm is, well, organic. The red mandarin and rose fragrance is subtle and the balm is smooth. After using it a few times, however, my chapped lips didn’t improve. Grade: B
Sally Hansen's Overnight Lip Recovery
Sally Hansen’s Overnight Lip Recovery is by far the most effective lip balm I tested. The treatment, made with vitamins and Yuca to help hydrate and renew the appearance of dry, peeling lips worked so well overnight that I also used it during the day. Grade: A
Ashley Green was spotted out shopping at Alice + Olivia in Beverly Hills on Thursday.
The Twilight starlet will be reprising her role as Alice in New Moon, but has yet to leave to Vancouver for filming. Instead she tried on this amazing tank dress.
The multicolored silk blend maxi dress is contrasted with a brown tank top. The neckline and back are both scoops (as you can see in the picture of Ashley and the mirror behind her) and the dress has an empire line. The orange belt is detachable and slips on. It’s available in XSmall through Large for $420 at Net-A-Porter.com
After her childhood at etiquette school and her days as a debutante, as a married lady Beth Dunn realized that “while ground rules for social ‘acceptance’ may have changed since her school days, the ladies definitely hadn’t. Sick of cliques, cruelties and mean girls grown up, Beth was motivated to write about them.”
Social Climbers - Image: Beth Dunn
Her book, Social Climbers is a fun read that is also a beautifully illustrated style guide. You might consider it the Official Preppy Handbook of the 21st century.
This week at Shopaholics Daily, you have a chance to win a signed copy of the book. To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment here and let us know why you want the book. With your comment, you will be automatically entered into the contest.
The book giveaway contest runs through Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:59pm CT. One random winners will be selected from all the comments to received the autographed book.
Please only enter once and leave your email address in the appropriate spot so that we can contact you.
Thanks to Beth Dunn for sponsoring the giveaway!
