UNDERGROUND CHIC: CUTLER AND GROSS EYEWEAR

 With over 900 styles of frames in their archive, Cutler and Gross is sure to have been worn by many iconic figures that have inspired us with their individual style and swagger - from royalty to celebrities to even designers' with their own eyewear collection, wear Cutler and Gross. I will only assume this is because of the trenchant distinction between what is authentic, classic and iconic; the respect for ones personal identity and style; and the craftsmanship of high-quality eyewear.  They scream exclusivity not only because they go with out a branded logo on any of the frames but because each frame is made by hand. 

"The Heritage Collection" was launched in February 2009 to celebrate the brands 40 years in the eye wear industry along with brand book, "Forty Years of Style and Vision 1969-2009".  Their most classic, signature styles represent this collection with style & grace...Speaking of "grace", the inspiration for the S/S 2009 Monte Carlo Collection by Cutler and Gross (see pic below) tells the story of Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier and their life of summer leisure on the Mediterannean Sea launched during London Fashion Week.

Having teamed up with Carl Zeiss Vision, the leader of high-quality ophthalmic lenses with this collection, Cutler and Gross continues to stand apart from the rest in this market of outstanding eyewear.  

I fell in love when I first picked up a pair and tried them on over at Butter by Eva Gentry in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. - cute spot, FYI!  I think I found MY signature sunglasses...

RECYCLED COUTURE - GARY HARVEY

I value anything that is different and makes a conscience statement all at the same time.  I am a creationist in everything I do thus, inspired by those who also value the artist with in themselves, whether it's with words, a paint brush, a scalpel, a mixing spoon, a make-up brush, a screwdriver, or whatever!

As I turn the pages of NYLON, VOGUE, I:D, ELLE, or ZINK I am fascinated with the creativity that goes into the fashion campaigns and fashion editorials.  The creative director is behind all of that jazz and from time to time I play that role for fun.  It's a way to let my imagination run wild and materialize.  

Former creative director of Levi Strauss, Gary Harvey is a professional at this craft represented by Balcony Jump.  His work is inspired from vintage couture where he uses recycled clothing like taking 42 pairs of Levi 501's or 10 recycled wedding dresses to create a fashion masterpiece.  It started as a hobby to unleash creative frustrations during his time working on fashion campaigns to changing peoples' perspective on second-hand clothing and creating fashion with a conscience.  Brilliant!!  I must say...

Eco-sustainable, ethical, and aesthetically-pleasing contemporary high fashion.

SUMMER ALERT!!!!!!

So, now that spring is here and it hasn't even been close to the average high this month, I am truly looking forward to the summer HOT weather that's to come! And when it does, I don't want ya'll complaining about how hot it is and instead, take Mz. Lady Yvette's lead and grab some of the most comfy, drapy, "paper-tissue-thin", tees, tanks and jersey-knit tops to keep you extra cool this summer.

The ever-so-soft fabrics like Micro-Modal, TENCEL blends, and organic Supima blends are high-in-use by contemporary women's' brands this season for t-shirts, tanks, and tops. These fabrics whether man-made or natural have similar properties but range different in price, softness, and practicality. My fascination with the feel and look lead me to share with you more on these popular textiles. Three personal picks of trendy t-shirt brands are ranked from soft, very soft to most soft.


SOFT:

These relaxed-fit, hip, and tribal-inspired graphic tees are simple with that lazy but funky urban spin. I personally love the cool feel and shape of the micro-modal fabric used to create these t-shirts. Micro-modal is made only from beechwood but is chemically processed thus being considered an "artificial silk". On the skin it feels cool to the touch, has a high resistance to shrinkage and has a slight sheen to the fabric. You can find Torn by ronny kobe online at shopbop.com

VERY SOFT:


The most intriguing blend of fabrics used is the 50% TENCEL and 50% BAMBOO. David and Laure Pariente of french label, Zoe tee's describes their innovative brand as the "couture for the t-shirt". Tencel is the brand name used for lyocell and this breakthrough fiber made from wood pulp cellulose, unlike modal, is processed chemically free thus making this fabric eco-friendly. Now the reason why Tencel is such a breakthrough fabric is because this high-performance textile allows for new functional properties that are most unique. It is said to be soft as silk, strong as polyester, cool as linen, warm as wool, and as absorbent as cotton. Now after all that being said who wouldn't want a t-shirt made like that! I have to also mention that this special fabric is so dynamic that it also serves as a natural cooling system for the skin. It absorbs excess liquids and releases it quickly back into the atmosphere. Functionally, superb for those sweaty hot days!!!! The blend of the lyocell and bamboo of these particular tees create a demi-sheer affect and is very soft with a nice stretch in the fabric. Online you can find Zoe tee's at www.shopstyle.com - not much of a variety there but you can stop by the boutique I work cuz we carry a wide variety, fo'sure.

Although, it didn't rank as the softest in my opinion, I still would give any tee made with Tencel a thumbs up just because it's 100% biodegradable and organic and the manufacturing process of this fabric is environmentally safe.


MOST SOFT:




In my opinion, these demi-sheer tops by Twen-tee are by far the most soft to the touch of all t-shirts. The light-weight, paper-tissue thin fabric adds the supple drape to the layered look I love so much. Twen-tees uses a blend of organic supima and cashmere. Supima being the world's most finest, rarest, and most sought after cotton, short for superior pima is made from ELS (Extra Long Staple Cotton). The softness of this fabric is created by the extra long fiber length also creating the radiant fabric surface that's less likely to pill - I mean that's great cuz I hate when my shirts do that! Twen-tees are not only available at the boutique but you can find the basics at Nordstrom.com .

You can find jersey knit tops and tanks made from regular cotton, polyester or rayon blends anywhere that will keep you cool. But let's take it to the next level...Don't be afraid to check the labels to see what the top or t-shirt is made of...that way you get a better idea of the quality of the garment.

For something so basic, Mz. Lady Yvette believes that it does hurt to invest in the best! - Why not get it all...the comfort, style/look, and practicality, all in one?????????

Something FIERCE from M.A.C. Cosmetics...

...Get ready for the MAC Color Ready Collection from M.A.C. Cosmetics coming soon to a counter or store near you.  For me it's been awhile since I've been at a MAC counter or store and I actually miss working as a freelance MUA for them but I thought I'd check out new launches for the Spring and found out April 2nd, MAC will launch the Color Ready Collection ....The beauty campaign for this line is FIERCE and some what reminds me of Debbie Harris - wouldn't you agree?

You can go to Temptalia.com to check out the Official MAC Color Ready Information & Photos.

NEW ARRIVALS...I Just can't get enuf!!!

....And they just keep coming in!!!! - more Spring/Summer shoe arrivals!!!  To your left is yours truly, Mz. Lady Yvette wearing the new MISSONI platform slingbacks!!  I absolutely live for them and will own them soon!  They go with anything and "sexify" (yes, i make up words, now...oh, but wait it's actually a word in the Urban Dictionary - go figure!lol) my outfit.  A must have for my wardrobe.  

The sandals below are gorgeous but when I tried them on they weren't that pretty

 on MY foot.  But I have to sell these $725 sandals and just cuz they don't look good on me don't mean they won't look good on you!  This wedge heel with gold trim detail is to die for.....

DESIGN + INNOVATION + FASHION=UNITED NUDE

Stealth Bag in Pink

Yesterday, I took a small 'field trip' to a tiny high-end women's footwear boutique on the lower east side of Manhattan.  Now, this brand is not just ANY typical high-end shoe line...allow me to introduce to you a brand that represents iconic styles that merges concepts inspired from furniture design, mathematical objects, airplanes and of course, fashion....United Nude.  A product created by a duo collective between architect Rem D Koolhas and shoemaker Galahad JD Clark.  I fell upon this brand surfing the Internet looking for new and intriguing brands to write about - and that's just what I discovered!

S/S 09 Möbius sandal in metallic gold**

United Nude launched six years ago in 2003 with the Möbius, the conceptual design that put them on the map as innovators in shoe design.  It's conceptualized from the 'Möbius band', a mathematical object that looks like a twisted loop and the transformation of the frame from the infamous 'Barcelona chair', designed by Ludwig Mies der Rohe.   I tried this particular style (shown left) which will be available in new colors for S/S 09 and although, they are comfortable, it didn't flatter MY foot. But that's okay because this brand has so many more styles to choose from that does make my foot and legs look like a pillar for wearable art.

  The sexy fit Six Strap HI sandal

I was fortunate enough to get the latest of what's to come for the spring/summer through the company that handles their PR and there were a few styles I thought were pretty DOPE!...lol.  The first ones I will share with you are pretty basic but the heel will make you wonder, "...how the hell can one stand in these?..."  I mean this shoe is a piece of architecture!

 Eamz pump in patent black

The entire United Nude footwear line are made with comfort in mind and these not only were comfy but,  they complement my foot beautifully and simply.  You feel as if you are walking on air and the Charles and Ray Eames inspired heel is as sturdy as the base of the chair you're sitting in...lol!  If you are familiar with furniture design this shoe was designed with the infamous Eames chair in mind.  The Eamz collection also has a Mary-Jane, boots, and a lace-up shoe available.

Now, while I was trying on particular styles that I'm intrigued by, I asked the sales girl questions about the materials of some of the shoes.  Christy, told me that the Mono Series (which are another style I am pretty fond of) are made of EVA and leather.  Now, I already did my research on this and I like to test sales people's product knowledge.  I'm in sales and know the importance of product knowledge.  So, I ask her if EVA stands for anything or what it is and she told me that it's a recycled plastic which is a very durable and lightweight rubber - which is partially correct but what does it stand for?....guess, that's not that important because she forgot...wonkwonk.  It's cool, though but, I thought that was a valid question for someone who wouldn't be familiar.  For those of you who aren't familiar, think of Crocs, which actually are made from "croslite" made using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).  Yeah, I know this is not biochemistry class but it's good to know....but since it's not important, all you need to know is the Mono Series are fun, stupid comfy, cute, and stupid comfy...lol!  See below the many colors available:

  S/S 09 Mono Janes **

United Nude is fashion taken to the next level and I personally think if you are into the sporty, classic, or funky look this brand has something for everyone.  Perfect for women on their feet all the time.  Versatility, function, art and fashion wrapped up in a shoe, boot or sandal!  Check out the Porn Toe sandal (below)which I think the name is so fitting and do me a favor and go to their website for ALL the styles available.  

**All sandals and shoes shown will be available soon online and in-store for the spring/summer. All Prices Upon Request, United Nude, +1.212.274.9010, www.unitednude.com

Sneak Peak: Spring/Summer '09 Sandals at the shop

I know it's been awhile and I think I am SUPPOSE to write a blog entry, like, everyday but it's been a long week for me, my dahlings...but allow me to make it up to you and show you the new arrivals that came in last week. OH,...I forgot to share with you that I am not only YOUR go-to-lady for the latest fashions but I work as a fashion consultant at a boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan - in the shoe/bag department. Yes, fashion retail - I am surrounded by fashion labels, contemporary women's' brands, Italian shoes and bags!...I feel like alil' girl at X-mas when a shipment of SHOES & BAGS comes in for me!

So last Monday, I re-merchandised the shoe/bag department. I also took some pics of some Spring 09 new arrivals at the store for you all. Below are few of my favs and just a taste of what we carry:


Nando Muzi red & black patent peep-toe platform slingback with a 4.5 inch heel......I call them "The Pin-Ups" - ay caliente! retail price $450 BELOW: natural zipper strappy retail price $420

Emilio Pucci Pre-Collection SS 09 Printed leather pump with silver heel detail,retail price $550 and HOBO International's Valentina patent wave clutch in Poppy, retail Price $138

Donna Karan Collection platform sandal in Rose Gold, retail price $590.  These strappy sandals complements any foot and go with ANYTHING...Mz. Lady Yvette highly recommends these for spring/summer!

LEFT: For you Marc by Marc Jacob lovers these two casual wedge sandals add a touch of "Glam Factor" with the metallic trend present. 1. Two Band woven cork wedge sandal with brown leather and metallic weave detail, retail price $370 2. Metallic Asymmetrical cork wedge sandals, retail price $340

ABOVE: Easy clutches that make a statement with the ASH Sumatra thong boot sandal, retail price $195.  1. Bodhi Radiant glitter suede clutch, retail price $188 2. HOBO International Marina clutch in black, retail price $198

Bohemian-inspired flats are a clear trend for this years spring/summer...1. Sam Edelman Galina flat from the Tropical Bling Collection, retail price $115  2. ASH Italia Mosaic flat from the NewMask Collection, retail price $245  3. ASH Italia Monoi also from the NewMask collection, retail price $210

Honestly, I can NOT wait until the warm weather hits us so I can truly indulge in the coming fashion trends of the season.  I'm excited about what I need to pick up to create the looks I will put together for the spring/summer because there is definitely a few must have items that will make a difference in my wardrobe.  I will update you on that in another blog but remember your shoes and bag is a HUGE part of your ensemble - they complete the outfit!  If you dont have the right shoes then you can forget about the whole get-up...FOR REAL!!!  

Mz. Lady Yvette and the Nando Muzi natural python platform pump with slight peep-toe action.  You are looking at a 4.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform...you have to come see me at the boutique to try these on! retail price $620  And yes, you can clearly see my sic love affair I have with shoes...LOL.