Another Fab Collab

White by Vera

I normally would never post back to back Fab Collabs, but this is one that I have been waiting for.  Vera Wang bridal is the essence of an elegant wedding. Whether it's an over the top raw tulle, draped gown or a sleek, perfectly ruched classic, wearing Vera on your wedding day pretty much guarantees you to be a beautiful bride.  At rather hefty price tags, it is rare for one to be able to afford these bridal beauties.  Well now you can have the best of both worlds. The bridal genius has decided to merge her talents with the cost-conscious retail chain, David's Bridal.

White by Vera

I have to admit that I was hesitant when I first heard of this collaboration, however, the recently released photos show beautiful gowns with what appears to be high-quality fabrics and even higher-quality designs.  Personally, I am in love with the "Strapless Organza Fit and Flare Gown" featured in blush, but all of the gowns have mastered the essence of Vera Wang Couture while maintaining the price range of the discount bridal boutique.  With White by Vera's prices ranging from $600 to $1400 and with sizes from 0 to 14 this is line that is bound to be a popular pick this year for those about to say, "I Do!"

Vera believes that "every bride deserves a great design" when it comes to her special day, and I couldn't agree more. Last August, I eloped to Florence, Italy to marry the man of my dreams (of TheSmackdab ).  When it came to picking my special design, I myself tried gowns by Vera.  For me, the Diana hit it out of the ballpark, however I decided to take a more creative and special route.  I figured that for travel that I wanted and needed something more simplistic but I also knew that a full and soft gown was definitely in order.  I immediately thought of an Elie Saab dress worn by Rachel McAdams to the 2010 Oscars.  With a simple, deep sweetheart, semi-basketweave ruching, and and a beautifully soft train, I used this gown as my inspiration when I decided to design my own wedding dress.  I lucked out that my father dates an amazing seamstress who was willing to take my sketches and make my vision become a reality.  My designs and her more than impeccable work gave me a result that was exactly what I was looking for, and not to mention perfectly fitted to my body.  My hand-crafted, perfectly-sculpted gown partnered with an amazing photographer and the breath-taking backdrops of Florence Italy, resulted in effortlessly chic elegance on the most memorable and romantic day of my life.

Photography by Alessandro Ghedina, Gown Designed by Emily Cutts and Created by Lana Barsova, Shoes by Loeffler Randall from Beanie + Cecil of Wilmington

Another Fab Collab

The trend in fashion continues to be fabulous collaborations, and we are determined to keep you up to date...with each edition of "Another Fab Collab."  It was announced last September that Oliver Theyskens and Theory were joining forces in the world up dated and hip basics.  Well now it is available for purchasing online at Theory.  Theyskens, now Theory's artistic director has added shoes and handbags to this collection, on top of fantastic work-appropriate basics.  Prices range from $90 to $1,150, a massive increase for the well-established clothing line, however if you know anything about Theory and its ability to remain classic, your purchases will last a lifetime... continuing to mesh with the latest up to date looks.

1000 and Counting...

David and Marcus never cease to come up with something new and fresh with their line, Rag & Bone, and the same goes for their advertising campaigns.  It all began by placing digital cameras into the hands of models Abbey Lee Kershaw, Edita Vilkeviciute, Sasha Pivovarova, and Lily Aldridge.  They were asked to take the project by the horns, shooting themselves decked out in Rag & Bone wherever they felt the creative calling.  In an interview with WWD, Marcus stated, "We have always been very inspired by the girls who do the show.  Rather than do what every other brand does and have a high-end photographer take very polished shots, we thought, 'Let's flip it on its head and get the girls to take over.' We wanted it to be very real."  More than 1,000 posters and fliers created from these images have now been placed below 14th Street in this guerilla-style marketing campaign.

Rag & Bone is bursting at the seams with growth.  This campaign is not to simply advertise the line, but is also to highlight the launch of its first e-commerce site, "featuring social networking and interactive elements."  This site will include many of the models' images as well as photo submissions from friends, fashion editors, and bloggers...of course all adorning Rag & Bone.  "Girls by Girls in Rag & Bone, the D.I.Y. Project" is set to launch soon, but in the meantime, visit the site, download your favorite poster and get-a-hanging....but don't forget to send your own photo of your participation for an entry to win tickets to the Rag & Bone Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York.

SHOW ME THE LOVE!

There is nothing wrong with a little "healthy competition" but I have to admit that I simply don't like to lose! That's right, Golden Zipper is in a stand off... and it may just get ugly!  The competition is steep and we need ALL the help we can get!  So please visit The Next Big Style Blogger competition and look for the picture above this post (Emily from New York) and click the heart below the photo to vote for Emily and Golden Zipper!  Please allow Refinery 29 to post to your facebook wall as this is a great outlet to get more votes!  So get those fingers typing and spread the word via email and facebook! Every vote counts! Thanks for you love and support!

A State of Mourning

It is a sad day when we have to say goodbye to a beautiful clothing line.  Jessie Randall, of Loeffler Randall, has revealed that Loeffler will now be reorganizing the company, meaning discontinuing their RTW collection and focusing on their perfectly sculpted shoes.  "Loeffler Randall decided in February of 2010 not to pursue presenting a collection in ready-to-wear for future seasons.  Our priority is the Loeffler Randall footwear collection for which the brand is best known and loved by our customers and retail partners alike.  We look forward to developing the Loeffler Randall brand in the future with partner companies who can service our growing business."  While we are excited to see a growing collection of their fabulous footwear (their collaboration with SUNO for Spring and now in the works for Fall is one for the books), it is with heavy hearts that we bid adieu to the coats, dresses, skirts, and tops that have been such special additions to our closets. 

When He Speaks, We Listen...

The concept of Karl Lagerfeld being lazy completely corrupts my entire view of the world. He claims to never be satisfied with himself and that he finds himself lazy, a humbling remark but one we would of course immediately declare inaccurate. He always feels that he could do better, a frustrating sentiment that all of us perfectionists feel. "Do what you want to do in the best of conditions," he states. While he is talking about creating a luxury piece of clothing, these seem like rather wise words for anyone to live by. Besides being able to sneak some peaks as to what is to come for Chanel, the wise words and views of Karl Lagerfeld are as always, utterly entrancing.

He's Not Dead...He's Just Drawn That Way

Saks

As of last Thursday, I was attacked by the angry mucus-infested (sorry) bug that seems to constantly rear its ugly head around the streets of Manhattan.  A cold I just couldn't shake.  I pumped myself full of Emergen-C and cancelled my partying plans in Brooklyn for Thursday and my movie date with a dear friend on Friday.  That should have been enough, right?  After all that, wouldn't the cold gods give me a break?  By Saturday morning, I felt a little relief.  My dear friend and her adorable mother were in town from North Carolina.  I was dying to see them.  We met at a flea market that my friend had been to on her last visit to NYC.  It was fantastic.  While I was glad to be out of the house, and even more glad that I was surrounded by a swarm of vintage designer pieces, I couldn't quite get into the shopping-swing-of-things.  I was in fantastic company and enjoyed every second of this visit, but as far as purchasing goes...let's just say my wallet caught a break.

The cold air numbed the toes of my companions and we headed to Soho to warm up and grab a bite to eat.  A glass of wine and a fabulous salad later, I felt like a new woman... credit card was ready for swiping!  We ventured into Scoop's Soho location.  Of course, like with the majority of local boutiques these days, there was the inviting sign that read "Take an ADDITIONAL 40% off."  I mean, who wouldn't take advantage?  Eyes widening at the slashed price tags, I concurred with my friend H as she kept saying, "I mean, its practically free."  We played and shopped, and I controlled myself with only purchasing a simple and massively on sale pair of Modern Vintage flat, black booties... kinda motorcycle, kinda Doc Marten-esque.  Perfect purchase for an everyday shoe that I so desperately needed. (well kinda)  Of course other sell items haunted me.  There was even one 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie bag that mocked my every move with its below a good sale price, but remained on the store's shelf.

As we were leaving, I spotted a bag that seemed so perfect for me that even my fellow shopping buddies said, "it is so you."  I took a mental note of its beauty and stored it for later, as the price tag did not allow this unemployed gal to snatch it up.  The name wasn't marked and I could feel that ugly cold starting to rear its head again.  I would find it online.  The designer: Marc Jacobs.  I was sure it would be something simple, like "Robert Danuta" or "The Stam," typical simplistic names often given to MJ's luxurious pieces of leather.  I wasn't prepared for what I found searching key terms like "Marc Jacobs neon handle bag" and "Marc Jacobs grey with yellow strap bag."  The name: "He's Not Dead, He's Just Breakdancing Winnie Bag."  Well, that's a mouth-full.  I read reviews of the bag, knocking the ridiculous (but pretty fabulous) long name.  Some called its look "obnoxious" or "confusing" in its creative design/color combination.  I couldn't disagree more. This bag was fun, flirty, had a little edge, yet still maintained the element of being able to go with practically anything.  Putty-colored suede AND patent leather was a rich but subtle color- perfect for transitioning from these cold months on into spring.   The classically shaped, MJHNDHJBW bag is topped off with gold chained handles with neon yellow woven between the links.  In addition to the shorter handles, there was a long strap enclosed for a cross-body or long shoulder look...a huge plus in my "drive for a hands free handbag" department.  I was in love with a purse, yet again.

So while the name, let me repeat "He's Not Dead, He's Just Breakdancing Winnie Bag" seems rather ridiculous to the typical onlooker, I find it completely suitable for the perfect eclectic creation of the fabulous MJ.  By the end of my online handbag research, I was bedridden yet again, but this time for the rest of the weekend...at least I had a new vision in my dreams.

Bringing Home The Birkin

Well, if you can't have the actual Birkin, how about the next best thing? The "Together Bag" by Thursday Friday isn't just your everyday tote. Ok, it is, but the screenprinted Birkin-esque image on the side gives it a little extra umph. I share the sentiment of Carrie Bradshaw and Samantha Jones. The Birkin isn't really my style, but it is a status symbol, and has been for years. And I definitely wouldn't mind the addition to my handbag collection.  But for now, I think I will settled for the canvas version.  This tote is fully-lined and complete with inside pockets, perfect for holding your special belongings safe while trotting off to the grocery store, gym, or whereever you find this accessory an appropriate companion. Personally, I find the concept fabulous. Taking something so out of reach for the average consumer, and making a satirical imitation that is easily available to the masses. Or so that is the concept. However, even the tote Birkin has a waiting list! Place your orders now, cause this hot little number isn't even shipping til March! At least you won't have to drop Lucy Liu's name to get your hands on one!

 Thursday Friday

Another Fab Collab

With the new creative head of the house of Mugler being none other than Nicola Formichetti, Gaga's stylist and costume designer, GZ was bound to have another edition of "Another Fab Collab" on their hands.  Formichetti's first menswear collection hit the runway in Paris yesterday to the beat of Gaga's remixed anthem.  The short film, directed by Mariano Vivanco and starring the "somewhat tattooed" model, Rick Genest (otherwise known as "the zombie boy") showcases a choreographed and dramatic reveal of the ambitious body art to the beat of Gaga's track. Vivanco even manages to combine Genest's seductive dance moves with short clips from yesterday's runway show...the result is rather breathtaking.  I have a feeling Gaga may have another remixed hit on her hands...undoubtedly to be heard in all of the city's hottest clubs by tonight.

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!

Those of you who have known me since childhood may recall a certain "disco stage" that I went through in 8th grade.  A wannabe flower child, I often was seen in bright colored elephant ear bellbottoms and floral, polyester button downs.  My array of graphic designs across my sleeveless minis were a sight for sore eyes.  It was not my best... but that was because I wasn't doing it just right,seeing this self-proclaimed trend through the eyes of a 14 year old.

Well friends, it's baaaacccckkk! That's right ladies, the seventies are making a comeback and they aren't arriving quietly.  Everything from high-waisted flares and mini floral prints rocked the runways last September and we are loving every second of it.  Bright shades are to be seen everywhere, even making their way to the streets of the normally dark or muted palettes of Manhattan's bustling streets.  Platforms are on point for the upcoming warm weather as well, adding to the overall theme.  To keep your look updated, try mixing patterns and prints or throwing in a little of the tribal trend into your hippie-esque ensemble.  One thing is for sure, we better all the hitting the gym, as these pants leave little room for error.  If you are like me, having a large tendency to save everything marked "vintage" that ever graced your closet, this is the season for you....break out your inner-Marsha Brady and you are guaranteed to be right on track this Spring.

ADAM SS 2011

Chris Benz SS 2011

Elie Tahari SS 2011

Derek Lam SS11

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS11

My How The Camera Is Turned

So most of you by now have probably caught wind of the beautiful seven minute video featuring none other than fellow blogger, The Sartorialist...but for those of you who haven't, I encourage you to watch.  He explains the concept behind his continuous documentation of today's fashion through an array of exquisite photos on his blog, pointing out the weight that these photos will hold in years to come.  Secretly we hope to be spotted by the blogging sensation himself one day and end up on the widely received site. Perhaps more trips to the streets of the West Village (seen throughout the film) are in order...impeccably dressed of course!

Who Moi?!

Not sure if Emmanuelle Alt has been informed, but there seems to be a new gal within the walls of French Vogue. None other than the plus-sized, pink, beauty icon Miss Piggy has just been named a fashion editor at Vogue-Paris.  And with a resume like Piggy's, we think she deserves nothing less!  In the latest Muppet Movie, to be released next winter, Kermit has to solicit the help of his gang in order to save the Muppet Theatre from being torn down by an oil-hungry business woman.  However, many members of the colorful crew have moved on to pursue various careers....i.e. the new fashion editor position.  (Side note for my fellow Muppet-lovers: Fozie has formed a casino tribute band called the Moopets, Animal has been admitted to a clinic for anger management, and Gonzo has entered the world of plumbing) With friends like Amy Adams on board, we are sure that the cameos will be ones for the book, and we can't wait to see what Piggy's favorite labels are.  Chanel? Lanvin?  Marc Jacobs?  Undoubtedly Piggy is bound to be challenging the look of Vogue, making waves at the iconic publication with her choice slogan, "Less is never more. More is more."  Sounds good to me and the piece of pizza I just had for dinner!  

All That Glitters...

It's Golden Zipper at the Golden Globes!  Well we aren't exactly there per se but we are loving watching the red carpet.  Being sans cable we are having to stick to NBC, which is just not the same and quite frankly we are rather disappointed at Alexa Chung's top picks.  Personally, we miss the old school Joan Rivers days, where Joan was capable of facial movement and always maintained a fabulous since of inappropriateness....but for now, twitter and NBC are our only outlets.  This is a night for beauty and perfection.  I love nothing more than to curl up on my couch with a glass of vino and observe and lust over the fabulous gowns that grace the GG Red Carpet.  The bads were bad (cough cough Michelle Williams) but the fabs hit it out of the ballpark with show-stopping masterpieces.  Here are a few of our favorites of the night...

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive'

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein

Angelina Jolie in Versace

Tell Me About It Stud

So the beautiful creation of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie bag is not necessarily today's newest news.... but when something is stuck in your head...you have to take the necessary steps to free up some of that brain space.  Now I am not at all a "bow" person.  The Gossip Girl bow craze just about did me in. But the gold studded, black leather, drooping bow adorning Edie is in a category all by itself.  Its perfectly placed studs give it just the right amount of edgy hardness that is right on track with today's hottest looks.  The smaller sleek size allows us to maintain our goal of keeping a cleaner and more organized handbag.  The long strap allows us to be handsfree which has become crucial since the move to the big city. It is everything we ask of a purse, wrapped up into one.  Stunning.

Today I walked the streets of Manhattan, taking a peek in various boutiques to check out the fantastic sale racks, but lamely went home with only a pair of $10 sale Splendid gauze shorts that will undoubtedly never be seen outside of my apartment's four walls.  Just as I felt the overwhelming feeling of shopper's defeat, I hear the chiming of my phone only to see a text from my dear friend K...

"Guess who's at B?! A!  She just bought Edie & thinks you should have one too!"

Men are right.  Women are evil.  This text was completed with Edie's recently slashed price that gave me that second shopper's wind of which only those dedicated shopping individuals can relate.  The next text, "Hurry" made my heart skip a beat.  I could feel my hand slowly moving to the credit card that I have dubbed only in case of emergencies.  I paused.  I caught my breath and decided I needed the walk home to think this one through.  The slashed price was beyond a steal, but I still wasn't sure I could pull it off.  

A browsing trip at Urban Outfitters later, I found myself still thinking about the beautifully crafted Edie bag, but had contained the urges to swipe the plastic.  At least I thought.  I return home only to open an email of the photo below with the tagline "I'm with Edie."

Since then, I have been unable to close the attachment of the dustbag covered gift that needs to make its way to my tiny NYC apartment and hop onto my shoulder.  I was informed that if divorce ensued over this purchase, K and A would gladly become my roommates... I hope they understood that this meant paying half my rent...but they also informed that it would all be ok because "I would still have Edie."  The torturous texts ended there and I have been compiling plans as to how I could pull this off ever since...covert plans to hide Edie and more importantly its price tag from my husband and what I could cut out for the next couple months in order to afford its still rather hefty price tag were a few of the thoughts running through my love stricken head.  I can't seem to remove the image.  It must be mine.  it has to happen.... the thoughts won't seem to disappear.  As a last ditch effort, I write this post.  Perhaps this is just the right amount of added fuel to the fire for my sweet other half to pick up the phone and have this baby on the next UPS flight out...The jury is still out.

Coffee with Mr. Elbaz

While stumbling through endless new collection photos, one's attention is bound to be heightened with the first click on Lanvin's pre-fall.  Not only are the clothes effortlessly chic, beautifully styled, and completely lust-worthy, but the lookbook shots are complete with exotic and some rather ferocious creatures....giving the feminine masterpieces just the right amount of edge and excitement.   When asked about his collection, Elbaz stated, "It's not about Marilyn Monroe moving to India and having an acid trip.  It's about real women's needs and desires."  Not surprising that Mr. Elbaz more than met our expectations with the a stunning combination of muted hues, perfectly draped silks, fur detailing, and just a touch of sparkle.  Even his more tailored pieces are a breath of fresh air; most not complete without the addition of a little expertly-placed added volume to keep it updated.  He elaborates on the trend of wearing evening for day, "why save the best dishes for the guests?"  And if that means wearing Lanvin to meet your friend for a cup of coffee when you hit the 3 o'clock wall, we're game.

Photos Lavin Pre-Fall Collection

LADY IN LEATHER

Balmain's fall/winter campaign starring Kate Moss was bound to be beautiful.  The stunning model's thin body draped across a black leather couch, mimicking the luxurious fabric plastered to her thighs was enough to make every girl lust for a pair.  The metallic accents of the sequin top and fitted blazer brought out Kate's personal golden highlights.  The end result, perfection.

Now Balmain has taken it one step further with the release of a short video from the photo shoot, complete with a touch of animation. This film shows us Kate in her element, slithering around the couch trying a variety of positions until the perfect shot was captured.  You can't help but be intrigued and lured by the seduction.  Just when you thought you were ready for spring, this video keeps you hyped on the ultra-chic fashions of fall/winter, Balmain's ultimate goal.  A beautiful masterpiece.  

BRING IT ON....

So, I apologize for about a month long hiatus but with holiday visitors, Christmas shopping, and celebrating the New Year, I have had little to no time to blog. It may take me a few to get back into the swing of things but here is my first post of 2011!

So let's recap... last year was full of so much. For starters, I got married...in Florence, Italy... greatest day of my life. Then my husband (just now getting used to that word) and I finally relocated to NYC which we had been planning to do for years. And, I started really getting going with Golden Zipper and promoting my blog. It started slow, but now we have 309 Facebook friends and still growing (hint hint spread the word). So overall, 2010 was pretty damn fantastic. It is hard to imagine 2011 being even better, but I am ready to make it happen!

I have never been much for "resolutions" as I feel that they set you up for failure. So while I plan to work out more, eat more healthy, and all of the typicals... I have other kinds of "resolutions" for lack of a better term. For one, this year I plan to shop more. Over the past year, I have grown this obnoxious since of guilt when I want to buy something for myself. It doesn't even matter if it is "free." I even have giftcards that are burning holes in my pockets. It is a terrible trait that I have somehow inherited and it needs to be squashed. So this year, I plan to shop more and more importantly, make substantial purchases. This year I plan to make a few purchases that have been long standing on my list of "To Buys." This year, I will undoubtedly own my first pair of the luscious red-soled Louboutins. It is a M-U-S-T. I will also purchase two nice handbags in 2011. I have been spoiled by a dear friend who has given me two amazing clutches and a fabulous white handbag... and while I won't complain if this trend continues (cough cough), I will actually purchase at least two nice purses on my own. And NOT feel guilty about it. Like my dear friend Angela once said, "It's just money. They'll print more of it." Seriously, if I work hard for it, I can spoil myself a little with a few things that I really really want. I deserve it.

Second, I am going to break out of my uniform of skinny jeans, Nation, Kain, or T by Alexander Wang tees and cute jackets. While I love this look, I am going to rock it a little less often... and spice things up a bit. I will buy more dresses and blouses. I will not buy things that I already have ten similar pieces hanging in my closet. More statement pieces and less completely casual everyday pieces. I will MAKE the statement pieces my EVERYDAY pieces.

Lastly, I will take better care of my vintage. I will replace the lining (or have the lining replaced) in my rabbit hair jacket, keeping of course the original monogram and perhaps adding my own as well. I will have the watchband on my Cartier replaced. I will keep the original but will have a band that hasn't passed its "Velveteen Rabbit" stage. I will also use my vintage clutches more and not simply store them away for a special occasion. They deserve some fresh air.

So there is the Golden Zipper's off the beaten path list of New Year's Resolutions. While some would say that these resolutions won't make me a better person, I disagree. When you are able to present yourself in a manner which makes you proud, you have the confidence to take on the world! So bring it on 2011!