3.31.2011

Cynthia Vincent NYC Flagship Opening Event!


253 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St.; 646-707-3830

Last night I had the pleasure of attending an intimate editor’s cocktail hour celebrating the opening of Cynthia Vincent’s  Nolita based Flagship store. While Enjoying a close look at the collection, I was also able to chat with the designer and her team. A recent LA transplant, Vincent brings to New York a fresh and eclectic approach to women’s wear.  You might also know her original, edgier line from the ‘90s, St. Vincent, now named Vince.

The Nolita flagship is composed of pieces from a softer, more feminine line, “Twelfth Street,” along with Vincent’s eponymous shoe and handbag collection, and an assortment of one-of-a-kind pieces. Throughout the collection a West Coast influence is palpable and there is something very refreshing and accessible about it. Designed around tribal prints on supremely wearable flowing silks and soft knits, the line also maintains an easy elegance.  For the print averse, have no fear - there is also a huge smattering of luxurious beaded, sequined and otherwise beautifully embellished tunics, tops and dresses that could make any woman want to paint the town red. Additionally, there are several pieces with a 1960’s-esque horizontally stripe.  This is a deliciously wearable collection with something for every woman, no matter what her predilection.











(above: Cynthia Vincent, designer & owner)

 Besides the clothes, the store’s interior is also incredible- decked out in miscellaneous wonderful trinkets.  Cynthia informed me that she sourced most of the items from eBay – ranging  from a miniature ram, to an Indian headdresses, to a stuffed peacock!  Cynthia and I shared a moment when we confessed our mutual addiction to eBay. In fact, on an eBay iPhone app, right in front of my eyes she purchased a “prison art” handbag she had been eyeing from the 1960’s.  Vincent explained that a prisoner had woven the bag in a meticulous lanyard style out of Camel cigarette packs!   “I have a problem,” she confessed, after making the impulse buy, to which I related and so she said she’d name the bag “The Rachel Camel”.  I die.  Also, a shout out to Nanci Bennett- an amazing jewelry designer, and a friend of Vincent, who also has work sold in the new store.  See above for some of her pieces- amazingness!  I want everything!




The after party was at Don Hills, where the group Exitmusic played.  Their sound was surreal.  Absolute magic.  Seriously everyone who cares about music should check them out.

 




3.29.2011

Back to Cold Weather Clothes. Sigh.




I just returned from a glorious long weekend in Gainesville, Florida visiting one of my oldest friends Kristin.  We swam in a fresh water spring at midnight, gazed up at the stars and saw the Big Dipper and Orion's belt. We ate grilled burgers by a camp fire, hung out with a group of lovely Marines who were way too young for us.  Otherwise we laughed, and frolicked under the sun on the beach, filling up on seafood and farmers market goodies.

Landing back in NYC  last night was a shock- it is still very much winter coat weather here, to my dismay.  Today's post is meant to inspire me back into wearing my cold weather wardrobe considering I spent the last four days in cutoffs, wife beaters and a sandy swimsuit.  These beautiful warm colors, metallics, great hat, and superbly executed color blocking make me feel like I can manage NYC until my next trip back down south in May. 
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Top Image: Gucci, http://www.style.com/
Second Image (from Top): photographer Katarina Soskic, http://www.dazeddigital.com/
Third Image : marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2011 RTW
Fourth Image: http://www.stockholmstreetstyle.com/

3.28.2011

quiet desperation


Top Image: Screen shot from Temper Trap's YouTube Video, "Love Lost" from  album "Conditions"
Bottom Image: Hope Sadoval, lead singer for Mazzy Star 
And to listen please….

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3.01.2011

Tuesday Girl Crush

Marc by Marc Jacobs, F2011 RTW

I'm mainly interested in the model, Lindsey Wixson. Look at the shiny, shiny hair, the dreamy pout, the cheeks!  I am coveting her hair shade- such a 1960's blond.  I actually am kind of apathetic about the outfit. I guess it's OK if you look like her! But seriously... this model's face gets me every time.  What a cutie! 

On second thought, the skirt is actually pretty great-  I like the Navy Uniform-esque buttons. I'm especially digging the below the knee pencil skirts that are popping up all over the place.  They really look adorable when worn with high heeled oxfords and socks. I have a special place in my heart for Navy Uniform inspired clothing.  One of the first fashion statements that I ever made was wearing a pair of my mom's wool Navy uniform bell bottoms.  They were from her college days and she'd scored them at an old Army/Navy Surplus store.  I used to throw them on with a pair of clogs and, circa 1996, I was the shiz.   My mother actually had two pairs that my sisters and I wore so much the bum became threadbare!