Friday, July 26, 2013

Environmental Tip #1: Recycle, Recycle, Recycle


Did you know?
The average person generates over 4 pounds of trash everyday and about 1.5 tons of solid waste a year.
Up to 60% of the trash that ends up in the garbage could be recycled.
By recycling one glass bottle, you are saving enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
Americans throw away 25,000,000 plastic bottles per hour.
If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we could save 25 million trees each year.


Americans discard an estimated 68 pounds of clothing each year, while buying 10 pounds of recycled clothing.
About 99% of discarded clothing can be recycled.


There are multiple environmental benefits associated with recycling clothing. It reduces the amount of pesticides used in growing cotton or to make fabrics from petroleum sources and the water needed to dye fabrics, and cuts down on the pollutants, greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds released into the water and air from manufacturing processes.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Loving Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Stella, Stella, Stella.  I'm having a Stella moment in the present.  Actually, I'm sort of always having a Stella moment.  She's literally perfect and I totally admire all her environmentally-friendly designs.  After coming back from Dublin, where they are way more eco-friendly and conscious of their impacts on the environment, I'm having a revitalized interest in all things eco-aware.  You will definitely be seeing more of this theme and you can safely assume that it's most going anywhere anytime soon.  Before declaring my English major, I was going to be an Environmental Science major.  It's in my bones.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Loving Angela Scanlon

Note from Lauren:  While the content and images from this post are from Refinery29.com, I had the opportunity to meet Angela while working for VIP Magazine in Dublin.  She really is as amazing as this interview suggests.

You split your time between Dublin and London. What do you love about each city?
"I love London's energy and Dublin's sense of humour. I'm still finding new places in London all the time, but Dublin is like the old familiar friend. It's impossible not to bump into friends, and that element of surprise and spontaneity is awesome. In London I need to plan, but there's always something new to discover." 

Angela hits up Leather Lane Market in her go-to gingham dress from ASOS, Office heels, Pauric Sweeney bag, and custom Coach sunglasses. Clothes courtesy of@angelascanlon and MatchesFashion.com.
Open every weekday from 10am to 2pm, Clerkenwell's Leather Lane Market is a people-watcher's paradise, not to mention a prime spot for fresh baked goods, gorgeous blooms, savoury snacks, and local produce.

Leather Lane Market, between High Holborn and Clerkenwell Road

How does Irish style differ from English style?
"I like the undone-ness, scruffiness, and slight eccentricity of English style. It feels like my sartorial home. Irish style is a bit more 'done,' but we definitely approach style with a sense of humour. We don't take it too seriously. The new crop of Irish designers, in particular Simone Rocha and JW Anderson, are redefining how Irish style is viewed globally. It's not all Aran jumpers!" 

Totally obsessed with these watermelon heels from Office.

Any Irish designers or shops we should know about?
"Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Natalie B Coleman, Joanne Hynes, Helen Steele, Tim Ryan, Edmund McNulty...I could go on. There's so much talent in Ireland coming out. It's a very exciting time for the industry."


In London, where do you do most of your shopping?
"Liberty for the flowers, jewellery, and vintage edit; Dover Street Market for independent labels and chocolate brownies in their cafe. Topshop for fun, The House of Hackney for interiors and awesome prints, East End Thrift Store for vintage, and Folkster.com, which I shop from wherever I am."


We love a gal who knows how to mix and match her jewellery.


What five fashion items can you not live without?
"Gap white shirt, J Brand or Paige boyfriend jeans, Acne Pistol boots, my Balenciaga leather jacket, and a Louis Vuitton Keepall."


Meet The Farm, Angela's local favourite for a coffee and a spot of lunch. Everything here is ethically sourced, and ridiculously yummy. Our pick: the smoked salmon salad. 

The Farm Collective, 91 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BH, 020 7253 2142


Angela settles down for a snack in a Balenciaga top, Sea New York leather skirt, Saint Laurent studded bag, Miu Miu sunglasses, and silver platforms fromFolkster.com.


Take note, locavores.


How would you describe your personal style?
"It's a bit schizophrenic. Casual, mismatched, always with something inappropriate thrown in. Overall, the kind of stuff your boyfriend would hate. But, when I’m feeling slightly more sensible, I love tailoring and strong lines mixed with statement accessories. Think Phillip Lim with some Tom Binns thrown in for extra measure. I also do hobo-chic exceptionally well on a Sunday morning."


You mentioned that you are basically allergic to the sun. What does this mean for your beauty routine?
"I tend to go into hiding when the sun comes out. I sometimes feel like a bat. I wear 50-plus sun block, and hats are my friend! It's a pain in the ass sometimes, but I'm hopeful that my 50-year-old self will be thankful."


Walk this way: Angela's show-stopping heels from Folkster.


What are your go-to beauty brands?
"Crème de la Mer if I've been travelling or out a lot, La Roche-Posay 'Cicaplaste Baume' for everything, Carmex for my lips, Bobbi Brown foundation, Smashbox primer with SPF, and Eyeko mascara!"


Whether she's got a big meeting or has visitors in town, our Irish gal can't resist the four-star charms of The Rookery. Though modest in size, the elegant surroundings and charming little garden are destined to impress.

The Rookey Hotel, Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS, 020 7336 0931


What are you obsessed with this summer?
"Underwear. I've been spending a fortune on it!"


Angela checks in wearing a Sandro blouse, J Brand jeans, Valentino tote, and Joanne Stoker heels.


Found: The perfect secluded spot for a bit of bubbly and some sun.


What would people be surprised to find in your wardrobe?
"Feathers! Lots of them. I have an obsession with tactile things. My apartment is filled with sheepskin rugs."


Who are your favourite designers of the moment?
"They don't tend to change that often: Christopher Kane, Erdem, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Meadham Kirchhoff, Balenciaga, Céline, and Jil Sander."

Bright young thing: Angela hits the street in a Gianni jumper, Erdem skirt, Joanne Stoker heels.


For artistic inspiration, Angela stocks up on art and fashion tomes at Magma Books, home to a true treasure trove of cool gifts, rare periodicals, and more.

Magma Books, 117-119 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5BY, 020 7242 9503


How do you maintain your lovely red locks?
"Bumble & bumble shampoo and conditioner followed by Surf Spray, texturizing powder, and rough upside-down drying! My mate Maurice Flynn cuts my mane."


Any style tips for redheads?
"You can wear red. And pink. And orange. And yellow! I just finished a documentary called Oi Ginger, and it's made me feel like a cheerleader for redheads! If you've got any major issues, hit me up@angelascanlon."


Famous artists get the tee treatment.


Where do you see yourself in five years?
"I don't have a master plan. If you told me five years ago I'd be doing what I'm doing now, I'd have been pretty content. More of that! Sometimes, being too focused on a goal means you miss opportunities along the way."


What's the one thing you would never, ever wear?
"White leggings. Actually any leggings outside of the gym."

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Boozy Popsicles: Your Summer Game Changer


We're not much for trendy desserts. With the exception of the cronut phenomenon, we're just not going to wait in line for sweets or spend hours creating molecular, freeze-dried, gold-plated dishes. Just give us our ice cream and leave us alone, thanks. But, that doesn't mean we're not open to a little twist on an old favorite. When we saw high-end restaurants and food festivals coming out with booze-infused popsicles, we sat up and took notice. Then we finally tried one — and now we want them ALL.

Alcoholic popsicles are, in a word, perfect. A cross between cocktail, fruit snack, and healthy dessert (well, a lot healthier than ice cream), they are fast becoming the official dessert of the summer. Our favorite part? These are just about the easiest dessert recipes you could ask for. Some fruit, some booze, and a Dixie cup — and you've got yourself a party. A really good party. The kind of party where your friends will spend the next six months asking when you're going to have another awesome party with the popsicles. P.S. Can you make them for their birthday next weekend, please?

Here are our three favorite boozy popsicle recipes absolutely perfect for an impromptu Fourth of July gathering or just a hot summer night when all you need is a sweet treat and a cold drink. Bottoms up, and bon appétit!


Mixed-Berry Pinot Pops

There's nothing more elegant than a glass of Pinot Noir at the end of the day. But, um, it's hot as hell, and sweating ain't so classy. Throw in some berries and pop your vino in the freezer, and you've got a perfect evening (or, y'know, late-afternoon) treat.

Ingredients:
1/2 bottle Pinot Noir
2 cups water
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup raspberries
2/3 cup blackberries

In a large mixing bowl, combine water, wine and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add berries, smashing some slightly with a wooden spoon and leaving some whole.

Using a ladle, pour into popsicle molds (or just a paper cup!), making sure the berries are evenly distributed.

Note: If you're using the paper-cup method, let the pops freeze for about an hour (until they're slushy, but not totally frozen), then place the popsicle sticks in the center. Putting them in a partially frozen mixture will keep them stabilized. Don't have popsicle sticks? Use spoons or plasticware. Done!


Watermelon Margarita Pops

This is one of the most refreshing treats we've ever had. Sweet, fresh, tart, and a little salty — just like a perfect marg. Your all-time favorite summer cocktail is now a dessert as well. Life is pretty great, huh?

Ingredients:
6 tbsp tequila
2 tbsp cointreau
2 1/2 cups watermelon
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 1/2 tbsp)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Pinch of sea salt per popsicle

Using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, puree watermelon. If you want it a little chunky, you can also do this with a whisk, smashing and whisking until you get a more liquid consistency.

Add water, liquors, sugar, and lime juice. Combine well by hand or in your blender, until well-combined.

Pour into popsicle molds or cups and finish by sprinkling sea salt (Maldon works best) over each pop. Stick 'em in the freezer, and check after about an hour. The liquids may have separated slightly, so stir with a knife to re-incorporate, then add sticks. In another hour or two, you should have solid pops.



Coconut-Mango White Rum Pops

Holy bananas, these are just so good. Think about the best piña colada you ever had. Got it? Now add fresh mango. That's how great these are. Creamy and sweet with icy, fruity bites and a hint of rum throughout. Bust out that half-empty bottle of rum you don't know what to do with and make these popsicles, STAT.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup white rum
1 13.5 oz can coconut milk (about 1 2/3 cups)
3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 mangoes (about 3 cups)

Peel mangoes and cut away from the seed (or just save yourself a headache and buy the precut – we'll never tell). Chop into large bite-sized pieces.

In a mixing bowl, combine rum and sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves (note: You can always use the stove to heat up this combo and move the process along. Just replace any rum that cooks off in the process).

Pour in coconut milk and whisk together until well-combined. Stir in mango and ladle into molds. Stick 'em in the freezer, and wait with bated breath until this glorious confection is ready. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Earrings in Flight


Ana Khouri Wing Earrings

As certified suckers for fine jewelry, it was only a matter of time before we fell for Ana Khouri’s divine creations. Topping our lust list? Her dazzling wing earrings, which set our hearts aflutter!
Crafted from black diamonds and plated in a blackened gold, these oversized earrings are the statement-making pièce de résistance your dream jewelry box is begging for. With a price tag of hefty proportions, can you imagine the shame in losing any part of the pair? Not to worry, as both baublesare equipped with butterfly and clip fastenings for extra security—consider these wings grounded on your ears! Recreate the look with Elizabeth and James’s more budget-friendly pair to set your outfit in flight.
Availability: Ana Khouri wing earrings ($22,100). For additional information, visit AnaKhouri.com.

Pair With:

Pair With...




Thursday, July 18, 2013

5 Style Lessons with Olivia Palermo

We're not kidding here — Olivia Palermo could wear plastic flip-flops, drop-crotch pants made of spaghetti, and a party top stolen from Snooki's closet (not that she ever would) and still end up looking like a fashion plate. That level of style untouchability is rarely won, and it's through a rock-solid eye for trends tempered with a grounded sensibility of what works for real women that Palermo's become somewhat of an inspiration for us. Seriously — we credit Olivia for giving us that "me, too!" feeling about many of our own personal firsts — stacking statement necklaces, wearing magpie-beaded cardigans with everything, and pattern-mixing with our pumps and trousers. The girl's got game.

Instead of just showing, we've let Olivia tell you as well. We sat down with the street-style queen to chat style tips, running her own business, and why she isn't on Instagram…or so you thought. Keep reading to dive in. 

Palermo wears a Tibi Silk Strappy Cami, an Elizabeth and James Hendrick Trench, Elizabeth and James Addeline Crystal-Embellished Linen Shorts, Jimmy Choo Kemble Knotted Suede Sandals, and a Devi Kroell Moon Large Sutton bag. 

What's your day-to-day work routine at OliviaPalermo.com like? Any office traditions you're all about fostering?
"My travel schedule tends to be very heavy, which makes it hard to maintain a normal 'everyday' schedule; however, there is always structure surrounding oliviapalermo.com. If I am traveling, that just means I'm editing and working in the afternoon (depending on the time zone), but no matter what, there is always time dedicated to the website. I help with image selections as well as approve all layouts, copy, and completed posts before they go live. Luckily, I have an amazing team behind me — we all have a bit of workaholic in us — so working together and [communicating constantly are the keys] for our success."

What's the most rewarding thing about seeing your name on a homepage (I guess it's the modern version of seeing our name in lights!)?
"Honestly, it's difficult to choose one thing, because it's the entire process of working on the website that makes it so rewarding. It's not so much seeing my name at the top of the homepage, because the site isn't about 'Olivia Palermo.' Instead, it's more of an online lifestyle magazine with a dedication to fashion, beauty, and travel. For instance, we really love using the platform to support young and smaller up-and-coming brands and designers to hopefully aid them becoming more established. In the end, the ultimate reward is consistently working hard at something that you not only strongly believe in but also really love doing."

What are three things in your closet that you could never, ever get rid of?
"If I had to choose I'd say an amazing pair of heels, a chic, classic watch, and an impeccably tailored blazer."

Palermo shows off one of her statements — a layered statement necklace. This one is by Lulu Frost.

What's the one trend for this summer you're most excited about? What's the one trend you'd love to see never come back in style?
"White is always a great summer staple and really a favorite of mine — it's perfectly simple while simultaneously being clean and chic. There are also these gorgeous lucite accessories that seem to be cropping up in many of the collections. By being both ornate and yet so austere at the same time, they easily give any ensemble that extra something. Lastly, chiffon is fantastic for summer. It's light and elegant, and the perfect item when packing to travel." "I don't think I would ever say there's a trend I'd never want to see come back again. When it comes to great designers, they're constantly creating new trends, and more importantly, reinventing old ones. Art and life are always going to be influential pieces for the industry, but what it really shows is how much fashion takes inspiration from itself." 

It seems like your style's always been good, but do you have any sartorial skeletons in your closet? Any fashion guilty pleasures or embarrassing favorite outfits from the past?"I suppose sometimes I regret a trend, but I rarely ever regret an outfit, because at the moment that I'm wearing it, I know how much I love it. Regardless of trends, I would never dress in anything that I didn't feel really great in, but I guess looking back, there are times when I wish I had taken the time to have things properly tailored." 

So…when are you getting on Instagram?"We actually just launched the account for oliviapalermo.com — follow me at @therealoliviap." "Any time I start a new project I want to ensure that I am prepared to dedicate the time and resources toward producing the highest quality content. Besides using their wonderful imaging options, my team and I are also really excited about the video feature that has recently been added."

A closer look at the Devi Kroell bag. Palermo pairs it with an Elizabeth and James cuffs and a Cartier watch. 
It's styling tip-off time!

What's your go-to, lazy day outfit?
"Something that's simply effortless yet chic is a chiffon dress or even a mini white dress paired with a pair of flats."

What's one fail-proof secret that'll elevate a red-carpet look? 
"Accessories are always helpful when elevating any look, and the perfect shoe is no exception. Even when you're wearing something very simple, a statement heel brings everything to the next level."

What's your personal ultimate fashion risk that you've learned to take and love?
"Hmm, I'm not sure if it's a risk or not, but I never really believe in labels. Instead, I go with what looks good on me — no matter who makes it. It really doesn't matter what the price of the item is; if it's not flattering or it doesn't make you feel great when you put it on, then it's not worth being worn."

What's one accessory that you should make sure you splurge on?
"The best investment piece is a beautifully crafted handbag. They're absolutely timeless and give an upgrade to any outfit."

What's the key to making a Fashion Week outfit work? 
"The key to dressing for Fashion Week is focusing on layers. When you're out all day long, you need to be prepared for just about any event. Having a well-packed handbag with the essentials is crucial as well. For example, I always have some double-sided tape and safety pins (for any possible wardrobe malfunctions that may arise), as well as an iPhone charger, band-aids, and of course, a pair of ballet flats."

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Black and White and Read all Over

Anson
$295
Fornash
$25
Oscar de la Renta
€ 953.25
Reiss
$297
Chloe Black and Nude Pumps
€475
A.L.C Silk Dress
$320

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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Animal Instincts

Jérôme Dreyfuss Alain Bucket Bag


A recurring theme among our most beloved accessories tends to be that they possess certain animalistic qualities—of the print variety, to be exact! Topping our list of fit-for-fall splurges is an ultra-luxe leopard bucket bag by French designer Jérôme Dreyfuss.
A stunning satchel with the perfect amount of slouch, we love this bag as an option to instantly elevate our daily ensembles come cooler weather—its smooth calf hair construction and leather details are undeniably chic! Sport this printed purse during the daytime or withgold earrings, a strappy dress andd’Orsay pumps for a glamorous evening on the town. Meow!
Availability: Jérôme Dreyfuss Alain Bucket Bag ($1,815). For additional information, visit Jerome-Dreyfuss.com.

Scully Eden Bag $140





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