Eccentric Glamour: Pick up your copy and meet Simon Doonan in person!
Pick up a signed copy of Simon Doonan's (Barneys resident style guru) new style manual and meet him in person this Sat at Barneys NYC location; 2-5pm!
April 10, 2008
April 8, 2008
February 19, 2008
Shop With a Conscience at "Samples for (eco)mpassion"
Samples for (eco)mpassion invite you to experience a sample sale that promotes conscious consumerism. Samples for (eco)mpassion is a carbon neutral sample sale where you will find merchandise marked at up to 90% off retail prices from such name brands as Citizens of Humanity, Del Forte Organic Denim, Lauren Moffatt, Seven Jeans, C&C California, QI Cashmere, Philosopher Garden, Alice and Trixie, Raven Denim, Big Drop, Julie Brown, Caravan, Rebecca Taylor, Young Fabulous and Broke, and many others.
Shopping bags provided by Bio Bag are 100% biodegradable and compostable made from corn starch. Five percent of of total sales will go to support Trees for The Future.
2/22-2/24
Fri-Sun 11am-8pm
201 Mulberry St. (between Kenmare & Spring Sts. in Soho)
Cash/ Charge - No Checks
February 6, 2008
Love It: Perfect for Paris in the Springtime!
Oscar de le Renta Ikat Strapless Bubble Dress. From the new Spring 2008 collection. So Incredible. You will feel all at once elegant, light, glamorous and fresh in this perfectly tailored piece! Its practical too, with pockets and all.
• Ivory/red/green/yellow pixel print.
• Strapless.
• Side slash pockets.
• Bubble hem.
• Cotton/silk.
• Dry clean only.
And in keeping with the artistically themed, look at this scrumptious bag! What a wonderful flash of bright!
Raspail Cascade-Print Tote from Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008.
| | |
| • Red/off-white cascade print with red leather trim. • Red piping. • Top handles. • Open top. • Handing ID tag. • Made in Italy.
|
Two great boutique hotels:
Hotel Montalembert
"Interior designers go ga-ga. Writers and their agents love it for lunch. It's neither Seventh Arrondissement baroque-ornate-stuffy, nor is it one of those faded, low-ceilinged haunts so prevalent in the Latin Quarter. Located just off the Boulevard St Germain, the Montalembert manages to be timeless, fashionista, high-tech, and Left Bank — all at the same time. It's the perfect place to be spotted with your BlackBerry and your best black, drinking sherry and reading Simone de Beauvoir. Needless to say, during fashion week, while the models are eating strawberries at Hotel Costes, their editors are at the Montalembert comparing notes. Since it first opened in 1929, the Montalembert has been a hot spot for the Parisian literati. Thanks to Grace Leo-Andrieu and Francois Champsaur, the hotel has changed—better food, better décor—but the crowd has not. "
and Hotel Mayet
"In this case we’re not talking about the kind of haute-luxury minimalism that fills the pages of the interior design magazines. The Mayet is perhaps brighter, more cheerful, more colorful and eclectic than what we’re used to seeing; there are options around Paris if you’d like to stay somewhere more sober and grown-up, and pay twice as much while you’re at it. From the lobby, bedecked with graffiti by a local Parisian artist, you know what you’re in for. Cheaper and a very fun modern vibe."
Enjoy!!
XO,
BG
January 18, 2008
Antique Week in NYC!
It's Antiques Week in NYC and there are shows and auctions all over town!
None more varied than Antiques at the Armory downtown at the Armory on Lexington @ 26th Street.
100 dealers bring their best and although Americana and Folk Art are WELL represented they
are by no means the only categories in abundance. There will be garden antiques, fabulous jewelry,
silver, 20th century furnishings, African art, majolica, ceramics, paintings, prints,
decorative arts and more.
Plus - it is THE HUB of ANTIQUES WEEK!
Free shuttles to and from the venerable Winter Antiques Show uptown and The American Antiques
Show on 18th Street. Then from those shows you can shuttle walk or cab to and from
other events and then back to the hub - The Armory on Lexington & 26th.
Download or view a show program here. You can view the list of exhibitors, floor plan,
all Antiques Week events at a glance, a shuttle schedule and even a few local
restaurant recommendations.
Show info at www.stellashows.com or call 212-255-0020
Phone during show hours 212-532-0490
Show Hours: Friday & Saturday 11-8, Sunday 11-5
Admission: $15
Location: The Armory on Lexington Avenue @ 26th Street, NYC
January 7, 2008
Great Shoe Sample Sale
| ||||
| Event Begins: | 1/7/2008 | |||
| Event Ends: | 1/11/2008 | |||
| Event Times: | Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | |||
| Location: | 311 West 34th St. Manhattan Center Studios (Btwn 8th & 9th Ave.) Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY 10018 | |||
| Payment Types: | Cash/VISA/AMEX/MC |
Welcome Back!
Welcome back from the holiday bliss and chaos!
The holiday had lulled us into a eggnog and shopping coma but we have returned.
The weather here in the city has turned wonderfully warm for the next few days which is putting us all in good mood.
I hope your holidays were wonderful and 2008 is even better.
xo,
BG
December 6, 2007
Hanky Panky Sample Sale: Get Your Thong On!
Everyone's favourite everyday lingerie Hanky Panky (or at least all the girls in the know!) is having a sample sale. Apologies for the late notice, I was too busy fighting in with the masses for my share :)!
You've still got 2 days to pick up some new pieces.
All bottoms are 10$ each including their low-rise thong, a perpetual favorite for good reason (it allows us to still wear underwear with the impossibly low-er trend of jeans...) and they have cami's for 15-20$ as well as an assortment of other accoutrement's.
Be careful girls, its wild in there!
Gossip Girl Back on Track.
Ok, for a while there, my interest had been waning, but last nights episode was gooooooood. I'm back in.
We all love a little old-fashioned class war drama.
And how hot were those final scenes between Nate and Blair????
XOXO,
BG
November 15, 2007
French Fashion Focus
I have been meaning to mention that FIAF is focusing on fashion this month (other than the fashionable crowd that routinely attends their functions). Besides featuring wonderful french films of Fashion Icons at their Tuesday Cinema screenings they also have three fashion talks with: Véronique Nichanian of Hermès, Bruno Frisoni of Roger Vivier, and Olivier Theyskens of Nina Ricci. I attended the Hermes talk and it was great, get your tickets now.
I highly recommend!
I recently saw:
And God Created Woman (Et Dieu créa la femme)
Roger Vadim, 1957.
With Brigitte Bardot, Jean-Louis Trintignant
Color. 100 min. In French with English subtitles.
and it was so so wonderful. If you haven't yet seen it, do!
Read This:
Fugitive Denim: A Moving Story of People and Pants in the Borderless World of Global Trade
by Snyder, Rachel Louise.
Description
From Azerbaijan to New York City, a human-scale view of global trade.
In the business of making and selling clothes, "Made in" labels do precious little to convey the constellation of treaties, countries, and people at work in the assembly of a simple pair of jeans. In "Fugitive Denim" journalist Rachel Louise Snyder reports from the far reaches of this multi-billion-dollar industry in search of the real people who make your clothes. From a cotton picker in Azerbaijan to a Cambodian seamstress, a denim maker in Italy to a fashion designer in New York, Snyder captures the human, environmental, and political forces at work in a dizzyingly complex and often absurd world. In a disarming and humorous voice, she ponders questions of equity, sweatshops, and corporate social responsibility through narratives of individual people, making an often academic subject accessible and compelling. Neither polemic nor prescription, "Fugitive Denim" captures what it means to be at work in the world in the twenty-first century.
Get it here.
November 8, 2007
October 16, 2007
For Fall, in love with...
THE DRESS
From Chloe, Trapeze Dress. Absolutely Amazing.
• Black.
• Bateau neckline; three-quarter sleeves.
• Front angled welt pockets.
• Button detail on back.
• 56% wool, 44% cotton.
• Dry clean only.
• Made in Italy.
THE BOOT
Chloe's stunning and versatile Quilted Ankle Boot. Yes I know I profiled this before, but what can I say it's perfect! We don't always have to be chasing after the next new thing.
• Black leather.
• Quilted shaft and quarter.
• Back zip.
• Platform sole.
• 2 7/10" heel.
• Made in Italy.
THE HAT
Raccoon Fur Hat from Intermix. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love a big, dramatic (and very warm) hat. Ah, the statement piece!
THE BAGS (because a girl can't have just one)
| Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk Small Flap Bag. This is just stunning. So chic. | |
| • Black quilted patent leather. • Tonal topstitching. • Gold-tone hardware. • Shoulder strap. • Front flap. • 7 1/10"H x 9 1/10"W x 2 2/5"D. • Made in Italy.
|
Prada Chevron-Quilted Nylon Dome Bag. Very classy and quite practical.• Gold-tone hardware.
• Chain and leather shoulder straps; 9" drop.
• Zip top with combination lock.
• Signature logo on front.
• Metal feet protect base of bag.
• Dark brown logo-detailed fabric lining.
• Inside: front slide pocket, 4"H x 5 1/2"W; back zip pocket, 5 1/2"H x 8 1/2"W.
• 10"H x 14 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D.
• Made in Italy.
TIGHTS, TIGHTS, TIGHTS!!
Wolford Satin Opaque 50 tights. These are wonderful with a bit of sexy shimmer and come in six great colors, navy and anthracite being my personal favourites!
Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66. The perfect absolutely matte tight in black.
Wolford Mat Opaque 80 tights. For some variety in matte tights, these come in five colors, isn't the fuchsia-like 'India' exciting!!P.S. If you are looking for Wolford tights in the US, they can be found at nearly every high-end department store, boutique, and lingerie shops as well as these free-standing locations.
THE SWING COAT
Bottega Veneta Swing Coat. Ummm, this is buttery luscious and something to bring a little light to the black-heavy fall and winter collections (but, hey I'm not complaining!!).
Alexander McQueen Cashmere Swing Coat. A shorter swing in a traditional black. LOVE IT!!! I have a very similar vintage French one from the 50's and I can't tell you how wonderful it is. If the prices of these jackets scare you, look for similar pieces from the 40's and 50's at a higher end vintage store or show. They are easily found and much, much cheaper! Happy hunting.
P.P.S.
Sorry for the slowness in posting on my end, a lot going on here, including a big move. We'll be back into the swing of things soon enough though!
XOXO,
BG
September 25, 2007
Gossip Girl Update
To see where in the city GG will be filming, check out the interactive map of the shooting locations.
September 19, 2007
Gossip Girl Premiere
Soooooooooooo?
What did you all think?
Was there enough drama and cattiness for you? Do you love that a gossip blog is the main fodder of a hot T.V. show? How great is the styling?
What about the cameos? Bendel's much? Love that this is filmed here in NYC!
Love it!!!
P.S. How hot did S look in that gold dress. Very Sienna.
P.P.S. To see a good portion of the show, check in here.
XO,
BG
September 14, 2007
Christina Aguilera, Poppin'
September 11, 2007
Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop: Dies.
This is so, so, so sad. I was alerted this morning by Mrs. Fashion that Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, had passed away. What a great loss, Anita was an inspiration to women everywhere. She not only established herself as a dynamic successful WOMAN in business, but she was a pioneer in the field of environmentally conscious beauty products, especially fair trade. If you've never visited her website, please do, it has been listed as a link under my 'Girl Power' section since this site's inception and is an invaluable resource for progressive thought in social justice.
Anita died unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage. She was just 64.
The Star, reports:
Roddick began her beauty and retailing career in 1976 in a little hippie shop in Brighton, England. But the 33-year-old entrepreneur set herself apart by underscoring the ethical properties of her formulations, created with natural ingredients, often sourced from the developing world.
Roddick pioneered ethical beauty long before it was fashionable, long before Dove campaigns and Stella McCartney.
Adrian Bellamy, chairman of The Body Shop International, said in a statement that "Anita was not only our founder but she was also the heart and passion of The Body Shop and with her we achieved so much, whether on animal rights, human rights, Community Trade, or through the founding of organizations like Children on the Edge. It is no exaggeration to say that she changed the world of business with her campaigns for social and environmental responsibility."
Roddick pioneered ethical and environmental beauty decades before it became fashionable, earning the royal title "Queen of Green." In 2003, the Queen made her a dame in recognition of her contributions."
Anita you inspired others to do good with your actions.
You were HUGE, you were one of my hero's. You will be missed.
Love,
BG
September 4, 2007
Making the Front Page of The New York Times Today: The Fashion Copy-Cat Outrage!
Left, a dress from the Versace Spring/Summer '07 collection, which retailed for $1,685 when it was offered by Neiman Marcus this spring. On the right from Bebe, which sells their most expensive comparable dress for about $130. Forever 21 also sold a similar dress later in the summer.
Adding to the copyright debate....on today's front page of the NY Times and coinciding very purposely with New York fashion week:
"Before Models Can Turn Around, Knockoffs Fly'
Having worked deep within the depths of this issue (particularly in how items are manufactured for big department stores private labels), I've seen first hand how the 'copying' process goes down, and it ain't' pretty girls. New York is a mecca for companies whose sole purpose it is to dissect emerging trends and translate (aka copy/steal) them into affordable pieces carried by large mainstream stores and small alike.
The NY Times article does a great job of revealing the process behind the scenes. Oh, and however which way you feel about the issue, I couldn't leave out this fantastic quote from the copycat designer they focused on:
"She sees her work meeting the needs of the vast majority of consumers who cannot afford designer prices. “Especially the younger girls do not have so much money,” Ms. Anand said, “but they want to wear fashionable clothes.”
"Before Models Can Turn Around, Knockoffs Fly'
Having worked deep within the depths of this issue (particularly in how items are manufactured for big department stores private labels), I've seen first hand how the 'copying' process goes down, and it ain't' pretty girls. New York is a mecca for companies whose sole purpose it is to dissect emerging trends and translate (aka copy/steal) them into affordable pieces carried by large mainstream stores and small alike.
The NY Times article does a great job of revealing the process behind the scenes. Oh, and however which way you feel about the issue, I couldn't leave out this fantastic quote from the copycat designer they focused on:
"She sees her work meeting the needs of the vast majority of consumers who cannot afford designer prices. “Especially the younger girls do not have so much money,” Ms. Anand said, “but they want to wear fashionable clothes.”
“They want to look fabulous,” she said. “It’s their right to look fabulous.”
Love it.
Enjoy!
September 3, 2007
NY Fashion Week and the High Holiday Debate. G-D Wins!
Oh and speaking of NY Fashion week, I had been meaning to post this, one of the myriad reasons I love NY. Came across this upon my return from vay-cay, yay for being back in town!
In case you missed the raging scheduling debate that occurred after last years fiasco with Paris Fashion Week being scheduled on top of the High Holidays (only the most religious holy days for Jews), here's a little primer.
Now, the biggest question remains? What am I going to do for the High Holidays??
Ciao, Dahlings.
XO, BG
August 27, 2007
Very Long Overdue: Highlights of the Montreal Trip
So yeah, I know this is sooo overdue, but some thoughts on my Montreal trip. Sorry for the delay, it seems I have been swamped since I returned and this posting just required more time than I had!!
In July I unfortunately missed the great One year anniversary party for 'Don the Verb' held at the Grand Hotel. Boo hoo. I was sooo looking forward to going, but got sick at the last minute. But I know they were launching the debut of their new private label line, which includes these wonderful shiny black pants (above). Now I don't actually have to covet these, because I picked up a similar and equally great pair from "T by: Thomas Tait", the Montreal designer of the same name (pictured below) in the fantastic Montreal store Reborn. If you are interested in his designs, either stop by Reborn a total gem in Montreal which carries his designs or contact him by email at T.Tait@hotmail.com.
Other cool Montreal spots:
Olive + Gourmando for wicked brownies and yummy sandwiches.
La Rose Blanche for wonderful European cuisine and a delightful atmosphere
355 St-Paul Ouest
tel: 514.285.0022
Bodhi Spa for some relaxin'
And finally the very funky skater/raver/coolcat under-groundish newly opened 'Ed Shop' where you can find very hot sneakers, and jackets made from parachute material! Owner Benjamin Deras says they opened very recently and are establishing themselves in the Montreal fashion scene. They should have a website up soon. One of the coolest items they have are these Italian made chairs/couches/sitting items that resemble rocks. They are located on the garden level of a great carved out industrial-feel space at 387 St. Paul Ouest in Old Montreal. You can contact them at 514.656.4635 or at ed.shop@hotmail.com.
August 24, 2007
Don't Miss Intermix's Bi-Annual Sample Sale!
Running until Sunday August 26th!
The wonderful twice-yearly Intermix sample sale!!!!
You can't miss this great opportunity to score fantastic designer (Stella McCartney, Chloe, Geren Ford, Matthew Williamson) pieces at steal-worthy prices (expect cuts of up to 70% off!!).
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave. (212-741-5075, ext. 218);
8/23–8/25 (9–8); 8/26 (10–6).
P.S. Be prepared for loooong lines.
P.P.S. Apparently Hermes also has a sample sale going on, same dates, same location but on the 4th floor. There will be accessories and Ready-to Wear for both men and women available.
Enjoy!
July 30, 2007
Holiday!
Going on Holiday for the next few weeks, so posting will be intermittent....Have a wonderful rest of the summer.
xo, BG
July 23, 2007
Currently Taking Inspiration From: Madonna (circa 1984), Jane Birkin, Audrey Hepburn, and the Beauty of Flowers and Simple Ceramics.
Jane Birkin, with the worlds most adorable bulldog that I have been coveting for years, oh yeah and her famous namesake bag. Love the hair, love the comfortable laid back way, love the attitude.
Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg.
That hair!!! By the way, take note of the bangs trend featured in the next few pictures.
Madonna in her Desperately Seeking Susan phase (circa 1984). Love the use of yellow and navy, layers and charms. Who can forget that wonderful scene in DSS when 'Susan' changes tops and the jangle of all her necklaces clinking together. Remember to bring meaning and the texture of life into your everyday! 
Audrey Hepburn carrying her staple Louis Vuitton Speedy. Polished and perfect as always!
Wonderful bouquet courtesy of Paris Parfait (a wonderful delightful blog). Take a glance at her antiques feature if you have a moment, she has the most beautiful collection, very inspiring!!
July 18, 2007
Whole Foods and Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not a Plastic Bag": July 18th Launch
So I met a friend for lunch yesterday at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods...where I was reminded about the Anya Hindmarch stateside launch of her "I'm not a plastic bag" bags through the Whole Foods Market. Like other things (Facebook) I was trying to avoid the "INAPB" tote trend. I think these were released and sold out the same day at AH's NYC store locations a month ago (I wasn't in the city, nor was I terribly interested) and, while I believe this is a lovely sentiment and I'm happy that people are getting hip to being environmentally responsible...I somehow doubt that if this really were an awakened consciousness to responsible behaviour that it would really necessitate near-rioting for ONE PARTICULAR BAG. Why not any cool canvas bag, take your pick, the MET, Museum of Natural History, Bloomies, the plain Blick art tote or crafters version, or my favourite the LL Bean tote (with your initials, ohhhh) heck why not just the Whole Foods canvas bag that already exists. Obviously like any good cult trend, its the bag more than the sentiment. Fine, if it gets you doing the right thing than that's right by me.
In any case, I am happy to provide the following information for you as per Whole Foods (well at the Columbus Circle location anyway)....so get your alarm clocks set, I'm sure it will be a madhouse in there....I mean there's huge lines on any given day just to get sushi!!!
*Bag Rules* (their words not mine!)
- Limit 3 bags per purchase; first come, first served. We will have 3,000 bags to sell; when they're gone, they're gone.
- Bags will be available for purchase at MAIN REGISTERS ONLY not at ECO (whatever that is) or the COFFEE BAR.
- We will have several registers dedicated solely to bag purchases in order to expedite your visit.
- If you are doing other shopping, we recommend you buy your bag first.
- If you are not familiar with our store, please follow the bag signs; there will be a Team Member holding an "End of Line" sign indicating where you should line up. His name is Gabriel. Say "good morning"!
- Due to overwhelming response to this promotion, we thank you in advance for your patience.
- Remember when you reuse this bag, we'll give you 5 cents off your purchase (yeah as if that is the incentive getting all you girls out there, but I like how they stuck it in at the end anyway, it sort of has some dark humour to it)!
And if you want to pay 200$ for one on Ebay (don't be ridiculous) you can just click here.
Oh and when you decide that this is all a little silly, let me know and I'll tell you where to hit up for some equally cool totes that do the job just the same (and hey not everyone will be carrying one)...cuz you just know this is going to start a whole cascade of copy-cat bags with deep eco-messages. Be real, get a canvas bag at your local health food store!!! When we go grocery shopping we pull out our assortment of canvas bags from health food stores around the world instead of using 6 or 7 plastic bags.
****
FYI:
From July 18th I'm Not A Plastic bag will be available to buy from the following East Coast Whole Foods Market stores.
Purchases will be limited to three bags per customer at Whole Foods Market stores
95 Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
250 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, Suite SC101, New York, NY 10019
905 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020
90 e. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
429 North Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753
222 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
2101 Northern Boulevard, Munsey Park, NY 11030
471 Rte. 35 North, Red Bank, NJ 07701
187 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041
701 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
44 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Union Square South, New York, NY 10003
110 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605
235 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052