E.E. Cummings and Pablo Neruda: My two favorite poets

Valentine's Day is right around the corner... here are two of my favorite poems by two of my favorite poets:

i like my body when it is with your body

i like my body when it is with your
body. it is so quite a new thing.
muscles better and nerves more.
i like your body. i like what it does,
i like its hows. i like to feel the spine
of your body and its bones, and the trembling
-firm-smooth ness and which i will
again and again and again
kiss, i like kissing this and that of you,
i like, slowly stroking the, shocking fuzz
of your electric fur, and what-is-it comes
over parting flesh . . . . and eyes big love-crumbs,
and possibly i like the thrill
of under me you so quite new

by  e.e. cummings  

i crave your mouth

i crave your mouth, your voice, your hair.
silent, starving i prowl through the streets.
bread does not nourish me, dawn disquiets me,
i search the liquid sound of your steps all day.

i hunger for your sleek laugh,
for your hands the color of the wild grain,
i hunger for the pale stones of your fingernails,

i want to eat your skin like a whole almond.
i want to eat the sunbeam flaring in your loveliness,
the nose, sovereign of your arrogant face,
i want to eat the fleeting shade of your lashes,
and i walk hungry, smelling the twilight
looking for you, for your hot heart,
like a puma in the barren wilderness.

by pablo neruda

Exclusive interview with the fashion mastermind behind StyleRecovery

Read below for my exclusive interview with the fashion mastermind behind StyleRecovery. Be sure to check out the site and let me know what you think: http://www.stylerecovery.com/

Pauline Truchot founded StyleRecovery, can you tell us more about her and how she got involved in fashion?

Pauline grew up in Paris and went to school for finance and luxury marketing.  She has always had a love for beautiful clothing.  She loved to read about fashion and trends and always stayed up to date on current trends.  She got her start in fashion when she created ugotawish.com, stylerecovery’s sister site in Europe.

My readers are dying to know, what is the inspiration behind StyleRecovery?

The inspiration came when Pauline realized she had many nice designer products in her closet that she just didn’t wear anymore.  She knew there was value behind them and that someone would probably enjoy them but she didn’t know what to do with them.  She realized she wasn’t the only one when her girlfriends had this problem too, and decided to create a website, like a virtual closet, where high-fashion addicts could come together and recycle their clothing.

Can you tell us a little more about how StyleRecovery works?

It’s very simple to use! The way it works is you create an account and personalize your profile.  You can browse and search for products, like them, communicate with the seller, or stay informed on everything fashion related on our online magazine.  If you want to sell a product, your first step is to take clear photos of your item, and of any details and proof of authenticity that you can.  Add as much information you have on the product, as this will increase your chances of selling it.  Choose a price and post it.  We will review the item and make it available on the website.  When it sells, all you have to do is send it!

What are some of the most popular items on the site?

http://www.stylerecovery.com/snakeskin-cuff.html

This snakeskin cuff by professional designer Unearthed.  Unearthed is a Los Angeles based sister duo and sells brand new cuffs made of real, exotic leathers. 

http://www.stylerecovery.com/black-natalia-cro.html

Another favorite is this House of Harlow black Natalia croc sold new at half price! The LA Style House is a boutique that sells their merchandise online through stylerecovery.

I love vintage styles and new trends, what are some brands and general styles sold on the site?

The site offers both new and used products and many different styles! Some favorite brands being recovered are Christian Louboutin, Prada, House of Harlow, and Chloe.      

We have a beautiful Italian label on the site, Aroma30, with a romantic collection of timeless pieces.  We also have a French brand called Pile Poil and the Konfetti, that sells fun, oversized clutches and the currently popular envelope clutch.

How does “Create your own boutique” work? Can anyone do it?

Yes, anyone can create their own personal boutique! All you have to do is sign up and you will have your own space to personalize and post your items.  Your username is the name of your boutique.  You don’t have to sell items to be a member, you can also use your stylerecovery account to shop, interact with other members, like products and ask questions to sellers.

Where do you see the future of StyleRecovery going?

In the future, I see stylerecovery as a trendy website that members like to visit and browse on a regular basis like they would with their favorite fashion blog or social website.  Every girl has sites she can’t live without, and our goal for this year is to make stylerecovery an addictive site that members really enjoy visiting.

What are some other ways to connect to StyleRecovery? (Facebook? YouTube?)

Stylerecovery is active on Twitter and facebook with regular updates on new products and trends.  You can sign up to our newsletter on the website to get the weekly scoop on what we’re up to.  We are also working on our online magazine which will be up and running in the next few weeks!

Keira Knightly as Anna Karenina: Get the look

Keira Knightly as Anna Karenina: Fall/winter release date 2012

Get The Look with Shiseido | Courtesy of Celebrity Makeup Artist Stacey Ellis of Byu-Ti Salon

BYU-TI SALON
510 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310 587 2207
@BYUTISALON
www.byu-ti.com

Face: To create this vintage look start with Duel Balancing Foundation, apply with a sponge or foundation brush. Set the liquid foundation with Translucent Pressed Powder, on a large brush, for a flawless matte finish.

A hint of color on the cheek with Luminizing Satin Face Color Blush. Dust the color, Petal, lightly from the cheek back to the ear.

Eyes: Apply Luminizing Satin Eye Color, Bone, to the inside corner of the eye, across the lid and lightly under the brow.

Next blend the warmer mid tone color called Caramel, into the crease of the eye.

Finish the eyes with Perfect Mascara Full Definition in black.

Lips: complete the look by making a statement with bold red lips. Apply Perfect Rouge Lipstick in the color Cerise, blot with a tissue and apply a second coat.

The artist:

February T Moment from Stylemint

NY International Gift Fair: The gift that keeps on giving

New York, NY (January 28 – 29, 2012): With Valentine’s Day, spring weddings, friend’s birthdays, and other celebratory events quickly approaching, I was beyond psyched to peruse the bountiful booths of the New York International Gift Fair taking place at both the Javits Center and Piers 92/94. The theme of this year’s show was “Driven by Design”, and if you are a retailer or buyer looking to stock your shelves with this season’s must-have gifts, trinkets, gizmos, and more, then you won’t be disappointed – read on for our recap of this gift season’s biggest trade show.



The show debuts nearly 3,000 exhibitors and lines but the breakout trends were maximizing utility, emphasis on quality, innovation, modernization, and a return to simplicity. My favorite division of the show is New York’s Newest, an exclusive area that highlights 250 exhibitors, within all categories, that are first time presenters at NYIGF. The Artisan Jewelry Showcase, a subset of this division, showcases over new 30 jewelry brands that are also first time exhibitors.



Abra Couture, Inc., was born out of happenstance, the designer was selling her mesmerizing jewelry, made from clear and colored stones, on the streets of New York City and was stumbled upon by editors and fashion influencers. Be sure to bring her innovative necklaces and bracelets from the streets to your stores. Margo Morrison New York also offers a simple and delicate jewelry collection to choose from and boasts celebrity clientele like Black Lively. For more simple and modern jewelry pieces, check out Beads by Bettina. Pur Cashmere’s soft and super comfortable scarves and pashminas that come in an array of prints and colors, are the ideal stocking stuffers and are perfect to line the walls of your boutique with.



Listen up health and beauty editors and buyers, Yumscents, just like its namesake, has some of the yummiest smelling products from their handmade soaps, lotions, creams, candles, bath soaps, salt and sugar scrubs, and lip balms. Kyoko Honda Jewelry presented handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings with twisted gold chains and precious stones. It also has an impressive bridal collection. For the inner child in us all Paper Eskimo has the prettiest pieces. This first-timer carries children stationary, gifts, birthday décor, partyware, aprons, baby gifts, and more.

You make me wanna la-la: Ashlee Simpson looked stunning at the 2012 SAG Awards

Get The Look With M.A.C Cosmetics Courtesy of Stacey Ellis of Byu-Ti Salon

BYU-TI SALON
510 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310 587 2207
@BYUTISALON

www.byu-ti.com

Face: Studio Tech Foundation is perfect for building and blending to even out your skin tone. Dust over Select Sheer Loose Powder to create a matte finish.

Just a hint of natural looking cheek color using Powder Blush, Pinch Me. Apply to brush then shake off before dusting from cheek to ear.

Eyes: Get this metallic eye using Metal-X Cream Shadow. Start with the lightest color,Fusion Gold, under the brow and inside corner of eye. Apply the rich, warm color,Rusty Peach to the crease of the eye and blend the two tones together with a mid-tone, Gold Carbon. This shade can go under the eye also.

Apply Fluidline Gel Liner, Blitz & Glitz, along the top lash line using a fine, firm brush. Apply lightly to the bottom lash line.

Plump the lashes with black Mascara X. Add some flair to the top lashes with 20 Lash. This is a Half Lash applied with tweezers and Duo Eyelash Glue.

Lips: first line the lips with Cremestick Liner in the color,Sublime Culture, then finish with Sheen Supreme Lipstick color, Supreme Style, for a naturally enhanced lip.

Kate Moss - New Face of MANGO

London: Kate Moss is the new face of Spanish fashion brand Mango

Courtesy of Celebrity hair and makeup artist Sherri Jessee of Sherri Jessee Salon

SHERRI JESSEE SALON

1932 Euclid Avenue

Bristol, VA 24201

276-466-2689

@SherriJessee

www.sherrijessee.com

What a classic beauty with makeup strategically applied to accentuate the features yet still look natural.

Face:

1. Begin with a clean face and smooth on MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel to provide intense hydration for softer, luminous skin.

2. Lightly brush on MAC Matchmaster Foundation using #190 Foundation Brush.

Cheeks: Using an Angled Contour Brush#168 sweep MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty for warm tones of yellow pink with gold pearl highlights.

Eyes:

1. Apply MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee very closely to your lash line to define your eyes and make your lashes look thicker.

2. Dust Limited Edition MAC Street Art Eye Shadow over your entire lid for a bronzed, gold pearl glow.

3. Apply two coats of MAC Dazzle Lash to define and lengthen your lashes.

Lips:

1. Apply a coat of MAC Prep and Prime for the perfect moisturizing base.

2. Line and fill in your lips with MAC Lip Pencil in What Comes Naturally.

3. The perfect lip color to complete the look is MAC Glitter and Ice in Soft Sable.

You're unbelievable.

Just loved this photo - wanted to share.

5 Revamped Heritage Brands To Look Forward To in 2012 - from The High Low

Awesome article from my friends at the High Low - don't forget to visit their site here. xxx Candy

If Louis Vuitton’s LV logo is too played out for your liking and Gucci’s red and green stripes just aren’t your colors, 2012 might be the ideal year to sport a different fresh-yet-old luxury brand.  New life is being breathed into a number of long-established — but somewhat forgotten — fashion houses.  Some have gotten new designers, while others are simply expanding what they offer, but all five examples here are definitely set to re-enter fashion’s main stage this year:

 
With new life breathed into the label, Courrèges will debut e-commerce in early 2012.

1. Courrèges:  The iconic Sixties label was bought by two French investors last year.  The duo is intent on reviving the brand’s signature vinyl jackets, as well as their fragrances, within the scope of a new, full line.  Complete e-commerce will be available on the Courrèges website in a few weeks.
 
One look from Berluti’s debut menswear collection.

2.  Berluti:  The bespoke men’s shoe company, which has been in operation since 1895, just showed its first-ever clothing collection.  The Paris Fashion Week debut featured models ranging in age from 25 to 72, driving home the point that Berluti is a heritage brand for adults, by adults.  The line arrives in stores this fall.
 
A digital view of the new Moynat flagship store in Paris.

3.  Moynat Malletier:  Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, purchased the rights to heritage trunkmaker Moynat last year, with the intention of re-vamping and re-inventing the brand.  After hiring a new designer, Ramesh Nair, and subsequently opening a Parisian flagship in December, we expect the label will take off in 2012.
 
One of the first looks from the newly appointed creative directors at Cacharel.

4. Cacharel:  Last year, French fashion house Cacharel, which was founded in 1958, became one of the first big, established Western labels to appoint creative directors from China. Dawei Sun and Ling Liu presented their first collection this past fall for Spring 2012.
 
Jet Set’s new campaign is a lot less sporty and much more, well, jet set.

5. Jet Set:  The Swiss lifestyle brand was founded in 1969, had its heyday in the 80s, and then fell into a skiwear-focused niche for about 20 years.  New CEO Massimo Suppancig was brought on last year to revamp the brand.  During Milan Men’s Fashion Week at the beginning of the month, the company re-introduced a luxury line with an athletic aesthetic.  And though they kicked things off with menswear, Jet Set will be offering a complete women’s collection, too.

PROJECT NY: Break-out fashion trade show of the season

Last year during all of the hustle and bustle of fashion trade show season taking place in New York City, PROJECT NY was by far of my favorites. My standout show did not disappoint this past season. PROJECT NY is all about boys, going green, and on-the-spot production – what else could a fashionista want? When I went up to claim my press pass I was greeted by PR guru, Maxime Richard, who is by far one of the loveliest people to work with in this biz.

Innovation and cultivating designer collabs is at the forefront of PROJECT NY’s mission. In their own words, “PROJECT is proud to introduce a new concession concept where like-minded brands are merchandised side-by-side with no booths or walls similar to what you would see in the best retail stores in the country. The following brands are participating: Todd Snyder, BLK DNM, Black Sweater By Jamie Johnson, Rhett Bonnett, 3X1, S(68), Orlebar Brown + Nick Wooster Collaboration and Dita Eyewear. The space will also include a lounge provided by Stawser & Smith and a reading nook provided by Farameh Media. The idea is designed to inspire retailers and brands to think differently about trade shows and how they not only serve as a place to do business, but also a place to tell a brand’s story.”

PROJECT NY held its blogger project again, with returning and new blogosphere influencers: Selectism, Por Homme, twoninch cuffs, Slamxhype, William Yan, The Denim guy, Freshnessmag, Denimtherapy and Highsnobiety. Did I mention that these blogging boys were all hand-selected by industry biff Marcus Troy himself? Brands should attend PROJECT for real-time press mentions, blogs, and tweets.

But my break-out boys were Danny and Bobby from booth 817, Karhu Sneakers. These throw-back kicks from Finland will give your Keds and Converse a run for their money. The dashion duo have been tasked with bringing the old-school brand back as a lifestyle brand. The pair will renovate a vintage AirStream trailer and drive across the country spreading the word about the revamped kicks. My editors pick is the Fulcrom Snow hi-top in grey.

On the first floor, the MADE by PROJECT was all the rage. This fashion initiative invites some of the top emerging brands to create on-site products that you can actually purchase same-day. Not surprisingly, it was one of the busiest sections of the show with Barbour, renowned British outerwear company; Martin Greenfield, Brooklyn-based manufacturer of hand tailored clothing; Draught Dry Goods, a creative platform with a working philosophy of balancing efficiency and effectiveness; Bitter & Esters, homebrew supply shop; Oak Street Bootmakers, high quality footwear; Victor Osborne, milliner located in New York’s Lower East Side; Dedegumo, a Japanese artisanal watch workshop; D.S. & Durga, hand craft perfume and cologne in small batches using premium-sourced ingredients; and Metsa, clothing from high quality, well-considered materials that are sourced to inspire the final pieces.

For our inner model just dying to get out, there was Sandbox Photo Studio, a full-fledged photo studio on-site where fashion brands could get professional pictures of their products with models or even still life images. Think of it as an instant lookbook courtesy of Sandbox and Project. Best part of it all? Even buyers, merchandisers, retailers, press, and exhibitors could get immortalized and have their portraits taken.

Dominate trends for the season where a return to old-school prep with a hip-hop twist, the manlier man vs. the metro-sexual beau, fur (especially shearling), the messenger bag (bigger this season and in croc), light-weight products and functionality, browns and blacks with pop colors, color-blocking, fitted suits, relaxed fit casual wear, and of course, the double-breasted jacket.