End of Summer Alert: UK Brand cools Lady Yvette

(photo: CassandraRenee)

It's that time of season where if it's gonna be hot, it's freakin' HOTT!!!...The perfect time to wear those micro-modal, bamboo, tencel, or Supima cotton blend tees & tanks I suggested and schooled you on back in March. Of course, I had to pick up a few myself because if you don't know by now I'm a huge fan of that relaxed, casual, "i'm-not-tryin'-so-hard", chic, layered look - HOBO CHIC. Rocker chic is cool, too....Edgy street wear, even...or how about my current inspiration Japanese street wear?...

Lady Yvette in Zoe's Tee Brazil V-neck T-shirt (minus the boyfriend jacket) PLUS DesignGlut's World Links necklace.(photo: CassandraRenee)

The simplest items like an over-sized tank, V-neck paper-tissue thin t-shirt, or tunic top layered with a 3/4 length sleeve boyfriend jacket (scrunched at the sleeved to give it that I don't care flare) and a pair of denim short shorts (or even a pair of tattered boyfriend jeans rolled up at the ankles) , finished off with BADD accessories can really pull off those looks mentioned above that I so, dearly love so much at the moment. You can rock platform sandals to metallic flats OR even boots - cowboy to lace-ups....



All Saint's Spring/Summer 09 campagain (photo: All Saints)

So, the reason why I am going there is because I discovered an UK clothing BRAND that rocks my world! Raise your hands if you heard of ALL SAINTS? If you have then tell me your thoughts on this brands because I'm a share mine with you...Those of you who haven't this Spitalfield LONDON based clothing company designs men, women, children contemporary clothing. I would strongly advise to explore their website of ALL the DOPE items they carry!!!! I get SOOOOOOOOO excited about stuff like this, I have no words...YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELVES!!!!! But as far as, my thoughts on this brand, I think it's ROCKIN'!!!...LOL. Everything is NOW and the earthy color tones of the collection is so basic it would integrate in your wardrobe very easily. Although, it's a UK Brand and you can ONLY find this collection at Bloomingdale's on Broadway in NYC, you can also order online at their store website. Talk about being exclusive...LOVE IT!!

A small example of "pieces" you'd want to invest in (not my favs but only an example) (photo: all Saints website)

From their drum dyed leather shirts to off kilter, patchwork-inspired, cowl-neck, sleeveless chunky knits to vintage boots and accessories! Honestly, it may not be for everybody but that's the beauty of fashion because there is so much for the picking and everyone has specific taste. But, with All Saints, even though the style is focused on this Japanese-inspired construct/deconstruct concept you can ALWAYS style pieces to match YOUR personal style whether you add it to what you have or create a whole ensemble of All Saints ;-)...there's nothing wrong with drawing inspiration either and recreating some of the looks, too!

But, I've always been a big advocate on investing in your major accessories (shoes, boots, bags) and key items like a coat or major layering pieces to add to a look for a season. Get pieces that you know you will rock in seasons to come that truly express who your are...classic pieces that rep YOUR STYLE. That way you can justify why you are spending more on the amount of a DOPE jacket that's made of quality leather, cut/tailored perfect for you, unique and different....IF, you want to take things to the NEXT LEVEL with your personal style you must convince yourself it's a MUST HAVE and you NEED IT in your life!!....and yes, and I'm talking about ALL Saints, too! ;-) I will be sure to show you what I mean with visual examples but first I need you ladies to do some homework first and take a look at what all they have to offer over at ALL SAINTS!!

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK...I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW....

in LOVE
Lady Yvette

P.S. I found this story on All Saints and had to share this....I mean besides being in love with their designs
this is more the reason why I can appreciate the way they doing things at this company. Your thoughts are welcome...

The Consumerist

GOLD + WATER = AuH2O

Sometime last summer, I was strolling over on New York's East village near NYU on E 7th street and I came across this tiny boutique that looked like a vintage thrift shop. I think what really caught my eye was the jewelry showcased at the cash wrap. The boutique was so small that only me and a friend could comfortably shop with out saying excuse me every second with the sales clerk safely behind the counter. But don't get me wrong the place is very quaint, cozy with positive vibrations. The sales clerk greeted me warmly with a hello and offered answers to any questions....

Kate Goldwater (middle), designer/owner of AuH2O

Surprisingly though, I have to say it's a small world because as I discovered that the clothes on the racks where all recycled, redesigned, re inventive pieces sewn by the owner, Kate Goldwater which happened to be the sales clerk, I also discovered that Kate Goldwater is from MY HOMETOWN - MILWAUKEE, WI!!!! - "Get outta here...where did you graduate from high school?"... Serendipitously, we continued talking for sometime about what brought us out to New York, our goals and our upcoming trips back to our hometowns that summer. I never even knew of Kate while growing up in Milwaukee and now here I was standing in a boutique she owned at the age of 24. Can we say, "Yes We Can"??!!...

She calls herself an eco-friendly, feminist fashion designer and graduated from New York University for "Art and Clothing for Social Justice", a major she design herself incorporating her passion for feminism, activism and the environment with sewing clothes, an outlet to create art that expressed her political beliefs. And of course, I told her my story of how I was excepted to the Tisch School of the Arts for acting/theatre at NYU but never went....yeah, yeah - it's a long story but, I was proud to be from Mil-town and excited to have stumbled upon this treasure.








Kate's eco-friendly and social conscience store is called AuH2O Recycled Clothing Creations located NOW at 84 East 7th Street. Since we met she has moved from the tiny place I met her to a space next door twice the space!!! CONGRATS, Kate!!! Not only does she carry her own one-of-a-kind pieces but she carries other designers, consignment jewelry, vintage clothes, belts, handbags and shoes. Everything is so affordable with prices ranging between $7 (earrings) - $50 (one-of-a-kind dress)!! Check out the recycled couture piece above made out of MetroCards....I think Gary Harvey would be proud!! ;-)

in LOVE,
Lady Yvette

P.S. Tonite Kate is a featured artist in TRASHION, a new exhibit brought to by the Urban Green Initiative @ Gallery 151, 350 Bowery Street btw E3rd and E 4th street. Click here for more information. And check out her blog for updates on what new with AuH2O!! Check...check...check it out!! ;-)

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

Iz that a tattoo?...NO, it's BATUCADA Paris!

"Butterfly 2" of the Tropical Gardens Collection designed by Caroline Homery

The idea of a tattoo on my body has always bothered me to a degree. You see, as a model I needed to keep the skin flawless from any permanent image, symbol or word ink-stained on my body...BUT those of you who don't do tattoos, like me, this is for you...those of you who do, this could be for you too! I will admit, though, I thought about getting one every now and then...;-)

Batucada Paris is an innovative, eco-friendly design company that manufactures tattoo like jewelry that can be worn dressy or casual. The jewelry is made of an "eco-plastic" formula that contours to your body as you wear it. It is light-weight, flexible, and even water resistant! Batucada also provides creative promotional requests for companies looking to promote a brand or looking to bring forth an advertising message through their jewelry. There are six different collections: Boroco, Pacific, Tropical Gardens, Galaxy, Oriental, and Rock'n Tattoo. Check out some of my favorite pieces below...



The Boroco Collection designed by Otalia Noel






As you can see these pieces can easily integrate in your wardrobe as a statement piece or just a simple accent. Versatile in appearance you can work a necklace into a bracelet and visa versa. Batucada Paris is available online at http://www.brooklyn5and10.com/ and you can go directly to Batucada Paris to check out more of the collections.

HOLLA!!! ;-)