Lion'esque Style

It is white party season! The party is on and the most valuable guest for the past few years is the gorgeous, Zoe Saldana. This is a woman that knows how to wear a white dress.  Looking sleek and modern in Calvin Klein in 2009 and feminine and alluring in a MaxMara ruffled number in 2010. But what white wonder will 2011 hold for her or you?

Keeping current with this year’s fashion trends, here are some white frocks to get the party started. For a white party poolside, try a bohemian maxi dress from shopbob.com. The flowing silhouette will make it easy to wear with a white bandeau bikini if the fun heads into the water. If the white soiree is more posh, this lace dress from See by Chloe will hit the spot, as will the champagne you will be sipping. And finally if you are heading to a club for your festivities, opt for the white romper. You can still be a lady whether dancing on the floor or the couch. All you really have to worry about is if Zoe is rocking the same thing.

Inspiration Photos: Zoe Saldana, 2009, 2010          

Poolside Party: Shopbop.com, Young, Fabulous & Broke Range Maxi Dress, $396.00

Champagne Party: Bloomingdales.com, See by Chloe Tiered Lace Dress, $495.00

Club Party: Bodyc.com, Ruffled One Shoulder Romper, $22.80

Lion’esque Style White Party by Stylist Quiana McCarthy

#InspiredBuy

I recently became acquainted with United Nude’s shoes when LM featured them in our NBC Chicago segment on emerging designers.  It was me who went to the PR showroom to pick up the samples.  It was statement shoe heaven, both for men and women! While there I fell in L-O-V-E with these fresh asymmetrical duds. 

Go ahead Shop Them! (http://www.unitednude.com/products/the-classics/abstract/un/abstract-un-black-229)

These inspired a search for asymmetrical statement wedges.  Here’s what I found:

Raphael Young Fall 2011 (source style.com/accessories/search/shoes)  

Blogger Sandra from 5.inchandp.blogspot.com knows how to rock out an a statement geometirc wegde. Pictured here in Rick Owens. 

Anlast but not least these Finsk shoes by renown Finish shoe designer Julia Lundsten. http://www.finsk.com/  Lion’esque Style Find by Megan Ksionda !#InspiredBuy

Flash Wars Part 3:  Travel
Travel flash sale sites are cropping up everywhere with sales that average seven days and offer 30%-50% discounts on hotels and travel packages. Travel flash sales have created a way for flash sale sites to diversify their offerings with little overhead and marginal additional costs. 

• Both Gilt Groupe and Hautelook, which began as fashion flash sale websites have expanded into the travel flash sale space.  

• Living Social, which began as a daily deals website has also recently expanded into offering travel flash sales.  

• Though a number of competitors such as SniqueAway, Yuupon, Itinerie, Ideelie, Vacationist, Trippodeals, and Aroundtheworldin80days exist Jetsetter, Living Social Escapes and Hautelook Getaways will set the pace for the rest as they are able to leverage an existing customer base and technological infrastructure.  Ultimately all this competition produces a better shopping experience for the customer so get out there and explore the deals! 

Where are you going this summer?
Lion’esque Style Fashionable Travel Hunt by Tech Girl Kelly Brochu

#InspiredBuy

(Our Customer is) the underdog who walks his own road and creates his own destiny,” says Charlie Browne to Nylon Mag, one of the two founders of emerging NY brand Man Vs. Machine.

Man Vs Machine was started by childhood friends Charlie Browne and Jordan White, a former employee of Ralph Lauren and Converse, and were recently featured by the NY Times for their ‘3-D appliqué T-shirts, treated denim and chrome-finished leather.’

In their Spring / Summer ’11 collection you will find everything from cropped sleeve blazers to fitted khaki shorts, keeping you stylish but cool when running from business meetings to getting ice cream in union square. You can see me attempting to recover my coveted MVM plaid trimmed cardigan in our Lion’esque Style Summer Romance Part Two video.

Two innovative designers who have individually made their mark within the industry and come together to make a grander impact.

Go to http://manvsmachinenyc.com to see more of the brand that the founders describe as a “lifestyle, inspiring a generation to go against the grain.”

Lion’esque Style Approved by Tradell Hawkins

#InspiredBuy

With a week in Cape Cod behind me and a cottage filled of summer, an outdoor shower and amazing linensike these towels from anichini.com, I have linens on the brain!

First I wake up and dress for breakfast in shorts and a J. Crew linen sweater. It’s a great way to stay covered up without getting hot. Then a wardrobe change for the beach to a bikini and linen beach cover up from Victoria’s Secret. Love the colors on this piece and it looks so comfy. Then after a day oceanside, it is time to get ready to go out. So I’ll put on this fantastic dress from Malene Birger. Linen can seem very traditional but this dress is so architectural and modern.  And finally I’ll bring along the orange linen scarf for a pop of color. 

That’s all for my lovely linen fantasy but I’m definitely going to have to research linen bed sheets to keep the dream alive.

 
Boatneck Linen Sweater, jcrew.com, $49.99

Mykolas Linen Towels, anichini.com, $120.00

Lion’esque Style Summer Friday by Stylist Quiana McCarthy

#InspiredBuy
 

The StylEast Group hosted their official launch party at Gift, in the Grace Hotel in Ney York City.

We were honored to co-sponsor with Priority One Jets, Lifestyle and Charity, Socialight Entertainment, and Mahogany Communications.

Taking advantage of Grace’s sexy pool scene, StylEast invited Ana Segura Designs and Paradise Bikini Models to strut their stuff around the party showing off their hot bodies and even hotter bikinis. There was also live painting taking place by “Shawn Say What Selgado and Marthalicia Matarrita”

and as if the event was not “sweet enough,” complimentary deserts by J’s Sweet Art and Doll House Cupcakes were available to all guests.

At the end of the evening all of StylEast Group’s guest also received a free gift bag loaded with great gifts and useful surprises.  While StylEast is just launching onto the events and beauty scene they have definitely shown their style with this exquisite event.

Photo coverage by Steph Meyers below:

Follow CEO Jessica La-Rotta & StylEast Group and get to know the New IT Co.

FACEBOOK

Twitter

Lion’esque Style Report by April Barnes

The Equation set by Lion’esque Style’s newest blogger Tradell Hawkins

“I got to meet Johnnie-O himself (John O’Donnell) at his recent NYC POP UP Shop at RS POP. He was charming and down to earth; I would describe him as James Bond meets John Travolta. Great guy who you can see actually lives the brand as he charismatically talks about wearing the polo’s on golf courses and bringing them to country clubs.”

My personal favorites are the accessories, more specifically the signature tie and belt. The surfer dude imprint duplicated throughout the tie - providing a cool way to liven up the businessman who “surfs” for fun essentials taking him from the office to date night.

We will be POP PING UP again with Johnnie-O at the MTK Festival August 2011 Use Lion’esque Code LION15 for 15% off tickets to the entire festival. See you there!

#InspiredBuy Contribution from Tradell Hawkins

Traditional dynamic duos are usually super heroes with differing approaches, but they share a goal of common good. In fashion, we can create our own duos by mixing different patterns in one dynamic outfit. Rachel Bilson pulled off this trend with ease and so can you by simply looking for a shared characteristic between the garments.

Full Segment Below:

Summer Dress Tips to Appear Slimmer, Age Appropriate: MyFoxDC.com

Love Them, Shop Them:

Dresses by Modalistas.com

Necklaces and Earrings by KTCollection

Bangles by Bauble Bar

Handbags by Marla Cielo and Corrente Handbags

Also shop Stefanibags.com

Skincare by Purlisse.com

Keep it all in with Slimpressions

Lion’esque Style, #Inspiredbuy

Spruce Up Your Summer Wardrobe With These Accessories

View more videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com.

Featuring Some Of Our Favorites for Men & Women!

Scarves by Sabina Les

Clips by Cecelia 

Hats by Selima Designs 

West Coast Prep with Johnnie-O

Men’s Foot Wear by United Nude 

Special thanks to Mark Shale on Michigan Avenue for hosting our segment!

Lion’esque Style… #InspiredBuy

LIVE STREAM RSVP AT: 

http://www.facebook.com/OurTimeOrg?sk=app_196506863720166

The goal of OUR TIME’s Buy Young initiative (http://www.ourtime.org/buy-young/) is simple: to encourage Americans to support companies and organizations founded by entrepreneurs under 30 and offer exclusive discounts on products and services to OUR TIME’s fast-growing membership of more than 300,000. Buy Young reinforces the fact that young Americans are major contributors to the success of the U.S. economy and key drivers of job creation. 

The launch will kick off with a 9:30 am press conference—followed by a 10:45 am roundtable discussion—at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1615 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C.). Following the press conference and roundtable discussion, the more than 100 OUR TIME Buy Young entrepreneurs will be honored at a bipartisan luncheon at 1 pm, hosted by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and featuring an address from IAC Chairman Barry Diller, in the Russell Senate Office Building Caucus Room. 

We hope you’ll join us!

Lion’esque Style, 100% #InspiredBuy with #BuyYoung

Any fashionista that has ever been to a sample sale knows its all about being first and holding position!

Since the inception of Gilt Groupe competitors have been popping up all over. Some leveraging a similar business plan and other attempting to capture a niche market.

For the newcomers, perhaps the exit strategy is to eventually get bought out by one of the bigger players such as Gilt Groupe, Rue LaLa, or HauteLook (which was recently purchased by Nordstrom in February). After all there is only so much overstock to be sold and the key vendor relationships have price. For others like MYHABIT, which launched in May 2011, it is a way of diversifying an existing business. Amazon.com created MYHABIT to leverage their existing distribution channels, logistics infrastructure, strong brand name, and vendor negotiating power to break into new space. Amazon also leverages their computational power to create a luxurious shopping experience for the customer on MYHABIT.com by incorporating features, like 360-degree video footage of each and extensive custom photos of the merchandise.  In addition, MYHABIT  officially broke away from the competition when it announced on Monday that they are now officially offering international shipping at a flat rate of $15.

Flash sale sites such as One Kings Lane (Home Décor), Totsy (Mother and Child), Moda Operandi (Fresh off the runway looks), and The RealReal (Designer Resale), attempt to corner the niche markets.

In the end, competition is great for the customer. Pricing has become more competitive, return policies have evolved to be more favorable, and shipping prices are dropping! So let’s the competition continue :)

WHO DO YOU USE? 

XOXO,
YOUR TECH OBSESSED FASHIONOLIGIST, KELLY BROCHU

2 MUST VISIT TRUNK SHOWS at Henri Bendel’s today for your feet and hand(bags)

One: Capri in New York,  Custom sandles from Tuccia Di Capri.

TWO: Extraordinary exotics from the midwest come to Henri Bendels and we are in love.

Friends Judy Vojtech and Peggy Patterson joined forces in 2009 to create W.H. Petronela, an exotic leather handbag line located in Cleveland, OH. W.H.Petronela specializes in timeless exotic leather handbags at an affordable price point. Their handbags are crafted in python, stingray, lizard, crocodile and ostrich leathers.

I couldn’t resit picking up a little gold python cardholder/wallet and will certainly be placing an order for one of their bags from their new fall collection.

Stay tuned for images from their new fall line and their website makeover.
Trunk show at Henri Bendel through July 10th.

http://www.whpetronela.com/
Follow Them With Us On Facebook!

Lion’esque Style Hunted by Kelly Brochu

#InspiredBuy

See our segment on some of the brands we love:                       

Visit them, Shop them:

Corrente Handbags: www.corrente.com

Tel Aviv Couture: www.telavivcouture.com

Rockport: www.rockport.com

House of Wahlia: www.houseofwahlia.com

Johnnie-O: www.johnnie-o.com

Anzie: www.anzie.com

Bauble Bar: www.baublebar.com

Laeia Angelica: www.laeiaangelica.com

As always, #INSPIREDBUY !

KTCOLLECTION POP UP is now OPEN open July 3rd- 31st.

See a behind the scenes look of the collection below:

See what WPIX, CBS Best of NY & Time Out NY Have to Say:

WPIX Morning Show: Shop American

CBS Best Of New York: “Top Summer POP UP’s in NYC”

Time Out NY:

“We’re obsessed with our favorite rotating store front”

Opening Night Coverage by Champion Eye Media:

http://championeyemedia.com/main/show/2011-07-06a_KT_Collection-RS_POP

100% #InspiredBuy, We are Thrilled to Have Katie Thompson & The KTCollection at RS POP Shop!

My love affair with Marla Cielo & KTCollection

From Clutch to Tote- Fashion Meets Necessity with Marla Cielo

Crosses Full-capacity tote bags are ideal for laptop computers and all the extras, also features one internal pocket for the little things. Building on the success of last fall’s reversible tote, this new classic has a structured bottom for increased durability and strength.

Summer Plaid with this adorable accessory does more than just protect your phone from the elements and your cards from disorganization. It makes you smile at every store counter when you go to make a purchase. It fits iphones and blackberrys comfortably with enough room for credit cards and cash. The toggle closure also creates a great hanging spot for your key ring.

Hammer It Down with the KTCollection

An absolute must-have for any wardrobe. This KTC staple transitions beautifully from day to night wear. It can be wrapped around and worn many ways by attaching the clasp on different links—even as a bracelet.

Lion’esque Style Finds.. 100% #InspiredBuy 

Be in the Know, Shop It Now

Searching the web and stumbled on an amazing photo of Ethiopian model Liya Kedebe. The colors, textures and various materials completely inspired me.
I love the modern takes on traditional African clothing and jewelry.The purple dress is from designer Max Osterweis, of Suno, whose designs are inspired by his collection of vintage fabric from Kenya. The patterned shorts are by Boxing Kitten who uses African wax block print fabrics in vintage style silhouettes that actually feel super modern.  I was drawn to the Zula necklace, firstly for the extraordinary colors but then secondly for their history. Historically, the beads were used in high-status decorative art objects, and clearly they still are. Finally, an easy way to add a bit of Africa to your wardrobe is to wear hand crafted Fulani earrings.
The Fulani women typically wear plenty of jewelry everyday, even when cleaning the house…as should we all. =)
Inspiration Photo: Liya Kedebe

See who we love and why! 

And now you can shop them too.

Start your summer wearing the hottest Made in America emerging designer trends:

Marla Cielo Bags, $65 to $285 (New York City) Because of the unique manufacturing process, each bag is a completely one-of-a-kind creation featuring hand-painted art and local New York City craftsmanship).

Sabina Les Scarves, $60 to $195 (North Carolina) Sabina Les Cushions, $110 (North Carolina). Both inspired by living the life of luxury.

Cecelia Clips, $250 to $280 (Providence, Rhode Island) Versatile, add bling to flip flops or any shoes really, bikinis, hats, clutches, scarves, tops, and head bands.

Ktcollection Handmade Jewelry, $44 to $185 (New York and Vermont) Katie likes to mix New York’s edgy street style with timeless gold and silver designs. She hunts down rich stones and brings meaningful pieces from her travels to her line.

Diana E Kelly Shoes, $128 (Sarasota, Florida) Slip into these summer sandals and enjoy the sun! These fun cork wedges are as comfortable as they are practical. Enjoy wear-and-tear with these black leather sandals and rubber soles so you won’t slip on the pool deck!

Society of LES Shirts, $49 to $70 (Pennsylvania) Effortless Style, Less means more. sharp lines, careful cuts to reinvigorate basic staples into sophisticated designs.

Lion’esque Style Tribute to Made in the USA 

#InspiredBuy

The RSVP’s were filled with fashionistas, press and supporters for Gilda’s Club NYC and Millesime provided the perfect backdrop of elegance for impromptu photo shoots showcasing the luxurious designs being auctioned off. Alex McCord hosted the night with fashion perfection in support of the cause.

The list of designers that joined forces with modaCYCLE and Lion’esque Media for the silent auction were from top notch players in emerging design including: Nanette Lepore, Charles Nolan, Tracy Reese, Chado Ralph Rucci, Araks, Malan Breton, Loris Diran, Nima Taherzadeh, Kaelen, and Tara St. James. 100% of all proceeds went to Gilda’s Club.

APM Model Management sponsored a gorgeous group of models, styled by Steve Ocean Productions and StylEast to walk the runway and help drive highest bids to support the cause. “We sent out one press release and the support quickly came in” says CEO of Lion’esque Media Melissa Gonzalez. Among the evening’s sponsors were InStep Consulting, LRL Group and Completely Bare.

It was a night of #InspiredBuy