Starting With The Blog In The Mirror....

So, it is time to make a change...time to work on expanding Golden Zipper so that we may reach a larger community. GZ is growing up. No longer simply www.goldenzipper.blogspot.com....but now we are located at www.goldenzipper.com. I can't believe that it took us this long to secure the proper GZ domain name, but this is only the first step in our transformation. Just like with fashion, sometimes we get bored. And that is the way we are feeling at G. Time to revamp. So consider us "currently under construction" over the next couple weeks as we work to provide you with a new and updated look! If things look at little weird while we try things out, just give us time as the end result will be worth the wait.

SEEING ORANGE

So we will venture away from our typical "fashion post" to take note of quite an experience I encountered in my life in the big city. A little "styling" freelance job at a mall in New Jersey, turned into stalker sesh with new pal and blogger of Show Ponies Pretty People. Our target? None other that Snookie herself. We snuck away to a different wing of the Westfield Mall for just long enough to watch the crowds form (surprisingly not as large of a crowd as we had anticipated) and to snap a few shots of the tiny little orange figure on stage. Hosting an event for Verizon, Snook signed autographs for her followers, or at least the ones that somehow "scored" tickets to have the chance to meet the Jersey native. For us, stealing a few pics was the highlight of the day.

Whipping Willow

Well, Willow Smith (yes daughter of Will and Jada) hit double digits yesterday turning a whopping 10 years old. 10 years old and making headlines. If you haven't watched her single "Whip My Hair" then you are missing out. I can guarantee that a fair amount of my readers may not appreciate this genre of musical entertainment, but there isn't one of you that can't say that the song isn't catchy. Within days of being released, I was walking in the Bronx (that's a whole other story) and heard none other than Willow's voice blasting from illegally tinted windows. Being compared to Rihanna and recently being signed to Jay-Z's label, Roc Nation, (not to mention Jay's comparison of Willow to Michael Jackson), Willow is bound to continue making waves throughout the music industry. Her video is ubber creative and fascinating to watch the hair and clothing transformations throughout the four minutes. I am hooked.

Willow isn't just rocking the music scene, in just a decade, she has already immersed herself in the fashion industry, accomplishing what most will only dream of. Not only did the adolescent attend Milan and Paris's Fashion week, but she also managed to score front row seats to Dolce & Gabbana's show in Paris. Seriously? I am jealous of a ten year old. Willow not only shares musical talent with Rihanna, but they also have the same stylist. Mariel Haenn is "convinced that Willow is a budding trend-setter" and by the looks of it, GZ must agree. Willow's style is edgy and funky to the core. From her hair down to her fingernails (no seriously, check out the fingernails), the young talent is all about style. While she does maintain a stylist, Mariel explains that The Fresh Prince offspring knows what she likes and is very vocal about it. Willow's style is quite the opposite from the large-collared smocked dresses that my mother still attempted to put me in at that age, but I am loving it. She is fresh, original, and she isn't afraid to rock the boat. Important factors when it comes to making it big within the world of fashion. With talks of her own fashion line on the horizon, I can guarantee you that this little fashionista is bound to be making bank once her styles hit the mainstream. Watch out MK and Ash, there is a new childhood mogul on the scene and she is painting the town neon and leopard print!

Take A Second Look

Via The Huffington Post, I stumbled across a pretty fantastic concept for a website. Some of the posts aren't as exciting as others, but I am quite confident that many of my readers would feel the same way about GZ. Photoshop Disasters is exactly what you would expect from the name. Essentially, they show you when the art of photoshopping goes bad. And when they find a "fail" they find it big time. Take a look at this Louis Vuitton Ad....

Spot anything wrong with this picture? I feel at this point, not only to fill up space to avoid you from seeing the next picture and immediately knowing the answer, we should point out the positives in this photo. Christy Turlington, Karen Elson, and Natalia Vodianova look absolutely stunning in perfectly styled photo campaign. My only complaint would be that the handbags are all held exactly the same way and then there is a random extra handbag in the back corner...perfectly "thrown" at just the right angle for the camera lens to pick up its most important attributes. And then there is the stiffness of the models. The way in which they seem just a little too perfect in the posture? It just doesn't seem real. You know....the more I talk about this photo...the less I really like it. The more you examine each element, the less it really seems to work. Of course the models look gorgeous, but with these three they would look fantastic walking down Canal Street wearing a black plastic bag and no make-up. And of course the clothes are stunning...and the colors are very pleasing to the eye, but the truth is, nothing in this picture is really working for me when I really break it all down. But back to photoshop. The real "art" in discovering flaws in photoshop is that we see get to prove that what you see on the glossy pages in our favorite publications, is not always reality. It makes those of us that are a little less than perfect, feel that perhaps everyone really does have their flaws. So while photoshop provides readers with unrealistic and quite frankly, unachievable goals for the real world (mocking us all the way to the bank). We find some comfort and humor when we find their fatal mistakes...proving that there is a little less than what meets the eye. Whether its a slightly misplaced head on a non-matching bod, or a hand that has been painted into something that more closely resembles the appendage of a velociraptor, there is something about finding these mistakes that gives us a sigh of relief. They aren't perfect. And we have all seen the utterly amazing Dove campaigns that showcase the abilities of photoshop and the transformations that so easily take place. It is astounding the amount of money that is poured into taking a beautiful shot of a beautiful woman and making her look plastic. I appreciate the touch ups. Make the skin smoother. Hide a bruise or an ill-placed mole. But let's not completely alter a photograph. And if we do, let's make sure it is done right. I wonder how much the money was wasted on the mismatched reflections in what was bound to be a highly expensive LV Campaign...

A Beautifully Talented Duo

Photography: Michael David Adams, Makeup: Viktorija Bowers

The great thing about NYC is that you are constantly surrounded by fascinating people. This weekend I had the great pleasure of sharing brunch at The Spotted Pig with three amazingly talented and creative individuals. My friend from NC, Sherry Black, a fantastic interior designer was in town transforming an upper east side apartment into an elegant and exquisite masterpiece. Upon receiving photos (hint hint Sherry), I will hopefully get to show you at least a few highlights of BY FAR the most beautiful apartment I have yet to see in NYC. Words cannot describe.

Makeup: Viktorija Bowers

So, I met Sherry for brunch and a couple of her friends joined. The couple not only exuded an overwhelming feeling of love and adoration for one another, but they also were jam-packed with creative genius. We shared stories, laughs, and quite a few too many calories (those damn garlic rosemary fries). After our meal, I was eager to get home and further explore the talents of my two new friends.

Photography: Michael David Adams

Viktorija Bowers, raised in Croatia, a fantastically talented makeup artist whose clients range from InStyle and WWD to Diane von Furstenberg and Neiman Marcus. Of course my crazy obsessed mind raced as she discussed meeting my fav....none other than Heidi Klum....but the real beauty behind Viktorija was her genuineness, her love for the world, and the people that surround her. Upon discovering her website, I was enamored with the talent that she possesses with the touch of a brush. Every look from beauty shots to high fashion editorials were done with perfection and every picture is one of those photos that makes you want to run to Sephora, buy new makeup, and play for hours in the mirror (I really hope I am not the only one who does that!). Of course these are visions that I would never be able to recreate, but that makes her all the more intriguing. Viktorija highlights the most beautiful attributes of each model, taking eye makeup to the next level and creating a pout that draws the eye. Each canvas she paints is flawless. Whether you find her work within the pages of a high fashion magazine or on the cover, you are bound to be overwhelmed by her fascinating talent.

Makeup: Viktorija Bowers, Photography: Michael David Adams

Viktorija's other half, is an equally lovely and talented fashion photographer. Not only is he found within the pages of fashion's elite publications, but he is even shooting the covers...a feat that most photographers never reach. With everything from whimsical bridal shoots to edgy fashion editorials, with each click, the next photo continues to exceed the viewer's expectation. I have taken quite a few photography classes, and have studied a variety of different photographers' work, and Michael's photographs are honestly within a whole other class. The way in which Michael seems to defy gravity within four walls of a photograph is breathtaking. His artistic pieces are works that make you stop and really examine, wondering how one would be able to create such a vision. Each work where Michael and Viktorija are teamed together, is a creative masterpiece.

Makeup: Viktorija Bowers, Photography: Michael David Adams

Aside from the overwhelming talent that surrounded me at the corner table, I was emotionally overtaken by the love that seemed to pour from each of these individuals. I am not only talking about their fascinating infatuation for one another, that they still maintain after ten years, but their love for life and all people was something to aspire to replicate. They are inspirational not only professionally, but on a personal level as well. I am blessed to have been introduced to such wonderful individuals that I am glad to now call friends. I highly recommend that you take yourself on a creative voyage through the pages on each of their websites (linked above) to fully understand the beauty and talent that Viktorija and Michael possess. It is a journey that you will undoubtedly want to relive time after time again.

The Belle of the Fall

Today I took a drive through the country side of the great state of New York. A beautiful ride to drop a kid off to his dad in the country, and an even more peaceful solitary ride home. As I made my way back to the city, I found myself completely enamored with the rich colors of the changing leaves. I felt an overwhelming sense of calmness. Perhaps my first full month in the city has already granted me with the appreciation of those things that we tend to miss within the walls of the concrete jungle. Tumbling hills of changing foliage as far as the eye can see. Not exactly the view on my walk to the subway. The freshness of the view only led my mind to ponder thoughts of these same hues worn on the body... a vision I am accustomed to on the beautiful streets of the big city.

Fall colors are inspirational. With the wide array of rich browns, olives, reds, and oranges, the color options for fall looks are endless. Whether it's a fantastic pair of heels or a fabulous jacket, often times it just takes the right piece and everything else just seems to fall into place. And even the simplest of pieces can make a statement if chosen in an eye-catching color. I would say that a large majority of the stylishly chic have a love affair with the fall. Spring and summer have their pluses with the simplicity and ease of the styles, but fall is the time that separates the men from the boys....or you know what I mean. There is a large difference between knowing that your new DVF sundress is a fantastic look, and being able to combine and layer fall pieces to create your own personal masterpiece. You could easily combine some of my favorite pieces (below) and trends for fall by simply staying within nature's hues... ending up with a successful and purposeful combination.

TAN

A-line Long Skirt, Forever 21, $19.80-

Long skirts are hitting the scene again. Avoid looking like a crazy hippie by getting a great silhouette in a simple neutral. Best part is, you can carry this look on into next spring.

MERLOT

Ami Dans La Rue Cashmere Cropped Sweater, Shopbop, $325-

Allow a long tee or menswear button-down to peak out of this cropped sweater or just pair it with some high-waisted pants or skirt. Great new look for 2010.

CAMEL

Alexander Wang Large Cable Cardigan, Shopbop, $495-

Oversized sweaters are still on trend. I am foaming at the mouth in love with this Wang piece. Somewhat reminiscent to the Phillip Lim piece from last season that I am still plotting to steal out of a friend's closet...don't miss out on this current hot look.

BROWN

Brown Net Booties, Hallelu, $45-

Wedge booties are needed to complete your closet this fall, and if you add a little peep toe, you are even more on trend. This adorable pair is unbeatable at such a low cost.

OLIVE

Smythe Cadet Wool Jacket, Beanie + Cecil, $595-

Military-inspired is so hot right now and this jacket is no exception. If you don't already have a military jacket, you must get on the ball as this is one of the hottest looks going on. I'm proud to admit that this little number is currently hanging in my closet. A splurge of the season.

BRICK

Loeffler Randall Donna Metal Tip Pump, $475-

Theses pumps are elegant while still maintaining a little funk. This color is fabulous and great when combined with a monochromatic ensemble. Also available in black at Beanie + Cecil.

MULTI

Twelfth by Cynthia Vincent Blanket Sweater, Singer 22, $456-

The oversize sweater is so in tune with the hues of nature. Goes with everything from black to brown. A perfect versatile addition to this season's wardrobe.

Bigger is NOT Always Better...

So for numerous seasons women have been sporting their suitcases as their daily purses. Of course, this is a slight exaggeration.... but I do mean slight. Women, myself included, have become accustomed to carrying large bags full of everything: an emergency pair of flats, a wallet, one or two phones complete with cases and the occasional earplugs, lipstick and chapstick, a planner if you are like me and still insist on hand-writing "to-do" lists and daily events on actual paper, a couple of pens, hair rubberbands, hand-sanitizer (or you at least should), keys, perhaps a "touch-up" make-up kit for when you are going out or just feel that it will be one of those days...i mean the list can go on and on.

Alexander Wang $425-

Available at Barneys Co-Op

I remember the days of actually weighing my backpack with my mom, complaining about the pounds of books and junk that I would be force to lug home each day. I would whine that my back hurt and that they shouldn't do this to growing children. Now the pain is simply self-inflicted. You know that lady on the yogurt commercials (I think it is yogurt) that wears the gigantic sized accessories and is carrying a purse that would smuggle two ten-year olds? That is what we have all become. If stranded on a desert island, I would predict that most women could survive an extra couple days just using what they scrounge up in their George Costanza-esque purses.

Sabina $228-

Available at Urban Outfitters

I am COMPLETELY a victim of the tirelessly heavy purse. The one that you have to switch from shoulder to shoulder just to avoid sharp pains. However, I am working my way towards the new trend of the cross-body or long-strapped shoulder bags that hold the old-school normal accessories only.... a wallet, one phone, chapstick or lipstick, and some mints. Sometimes less is more. You shouldn't be letting out a huge sigh of relief at the end of the day just because you get a break from carrying your purse. Life is full of greater pleasures. Our handbags should be something of joy, not something that negatively alters our posture.

Rebecca Minkoff $195-

Available at Shopbop

So, I will undoubtedly still hold on to my enormous purses that I have collected over the years, but I am making a commitment to attempt the smaller bag trend that is rocking the runways and the streets of fashion's elite. I LOVE the look but I am not afraid to admit that I am scared of the commitment so I will hold on to these bags for back-up. And it isn't like the large bags are on the "out list" just yet. Realistically, they probably never will be.

See by Chloe $495-

available at Beanie + Cecil

Honestly, less clutter in life is now something that I life by. After years of keeping way too much junk piled up in my large apartment on the coast of NC, I moved to NYC where my new apartment is literally less than half the size of my old one. I had no choice but to get rid of the clutter in my home and scale down. My dad always said that if you get rid of the unnecessary clutter around you, it will rid you of some of the clutter in your head. And he was right. Just having less makes me feel more. You tune into yourself rather than focusing on your overwhelming assortment of material items. But on a side note: before you go hauling truckloads away to the Salvation Army...with the exception of some old worn out pieces from F21, I highly recommend that you evaluate the pieces you get rid of in your closet as things do tend to come around full circle and the last thing you want is to be wishing you hadn't purged quite so much. Investment pieces are always worth storing for a future season.

So I am trying to carry my "less clutter" motto on over into the world of handbags. It is time to whip out the old red Marc Jacobs purse that I have been storing away for about four years. It will hold probably a third the contents of the bag I have been carrying for the last few months, but I have got to start somewhere. Small bags are hot right now, whether you go vintage chic or modern sleek. Messenger bags and purses that you would consider more "mom-sized" are everywhere. Take a look at the Phillip Lim Edie bag (and try not to drool) pictured above ($695-).... not too big, not too small, utterly perfect in every way.... and sold out almost everywhere. So give this smaller handbag trend a shot... your back will thank you.