Style / Insights

Editor’s Pick: A Ferragamo Bag

Editor in chief Sari Anne Tuschman's favorite spring bag.

March 09, 2011

W soft tote in cotton and calfskin, Salvatore Ferragamo ($1,550). 357 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills; ferragamo.com

"This is a great classic style for spring."—Sari Anne Tuschman


 

Beyond Chic

March 09, 2011

Jodi Guber’s I Am Beyond line of casual yet luxurious basics goes easily from yoga class to business meeting to date night. Made from wrinkle-resistant and supple fabrics, the line has some seriously stylish celeb fans (Reese Witherspoon, Blake Lively, Jennifer Aniston), so you know it’s got to be fab. FrontRunners, 11640 San Vicente Blvd., LA; iambeyond.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEN SENN


 

Editor’s Pick: A Bracelet for Layering

Editor in chief Sari Anne Tuschman's favored spring bracelet.

March 02, 2011

Classique stainless steel cable bangle with 18k yellow-gold and diamonds, Charriol ($795). Déjaun Jewelers, Westfield Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks; dejaun.com

"This beautifully simple piece is perfect for layering with other bracelets."—Sari Anne Tuschman


 

Shop: Curate Couture

A gallery-like boutique features a well-edited selection of high fashion.

March 02, 2011

 
Giambattista Valli dress  

Opened by DecadesTwo alum Micaela Beckwith, along with Corrina “Karuna” Tillmon, Miriam Sternoff and Lauren Raquel, Curate Couture (11973 San Vicente Blvd., LA) features constantly rotating women’s clothing and accessories from the likes of Missoni, Valentino, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. The gallery-like space also features a Plexiglas case of 1970s-era retro sunglasses and an impressive collection of fashion history books for inspiration.

By Victoria Namkung

 

Organic Pharmacy

February 21, 2011

The typical LA lifestyle is not kind to complexions (sun, smog and stress, oh my!), so making sure the products you use are pure and natural is imperative. The Organic Pharmacy’s new Men line offers just that. Handmade and potent, products such as the deep-cleansing face wash ($40) and ultralight moisture gel ($60) use the finest essential oils, antioxidants and plant extracts and are free of toxic preservatives, colorants, artificial fragrances and petrochemicals. Peruse the full line at the brand’s only stateside location in Beverly Hills. 453 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills; theorganicpharmacy.com

By Benjamin Liong Setiawan

 

A Shoe-In

Shoemaker T.O. Dey specializes in custom creations for some of the world’s most famous soles.

February 18, 2011

 

 
T.O. Dey customer Mariah Carey on the red carpet  


New York City shoemaker T.O. Dey knows no two feet are alike, especially when it comes to celebrity clients like Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta and Mariah Carey. But even with such prestige, owner Gino Bilfulco is more often than not found manning the humble storefront. The made-to-order shoemaker may be best known on the Broadway circuit, but look for his talents to take center stage on Oscar night. Marrying style and comfort, the shoes are constructed by hand and take any orthopedic issues into account. For those with a unique design vision, T.O. Dey can also build shoes from scratch using a wide variety of colors, leathers and exotic skins. The Dey method (developed over 70 years) also allows the freedom of having just one fitting to create a personal mold, after which all orders can be made by mail. For Angelenos who can’t make it to NYC, simply call the shop to be taken through the process of getting the perfect pair delivered. 9 E. 38th St. NYC, 212-683-6300

—michelle ward

 

LA Shopping: Naven

Find cute/cool pieces designed by a fashion-forward pair of sisters.

February 16, 2011


Twin sisters Kym and Alexis McClay are quickly becoming the toast of the LA fashion scene with their highly celebrated clothing line, Naven (seen on the likes of Katy Perry, Kristin Cavallari and the Kardashian sisters). Their latest collection features girly yet edgy separates and dresses in bright colors, figure-friendly cuts and modern silhouettes. Turn heads in this aptly named Party dress ($410). Planet Blue, 800 14th St., Santa Monica; shopplanetblue.com

photograph by JESACA LIN

 

Sperry’s SoCal Landing

Sperry Top-Sider opens its first West Coast store.

February 14, 2011





Sperry Top-Sider
opens its first West Coast store on February 15. The arrival of Sperry—whose marriage of East Coast prep and SoCal cool is ideal for Californians’ love affair with the ocean—brings more than the famous footwear. Unique in-store exclusives like a collaboration collection with Sea Bags, a company that makes eco-friendly totes from recycled sails, keep the passion of the sea alive. Century City Mall, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.


 

Jewelry Designer: Nicky Hilton

Nicky Hilton goes into the bauble business

February 09, 2011

Nicky Hilton has never rested on the laurels of her famous last name. She has designed handbags, launched a clothing line and is now funneling her fashion savvy into another venture: an eponymous jewelry collection. We caught up with this heiress/ fashion force to talk about her latest project.

When did you begin designing jewelry?
My jewelry line seems like it’s been years in the making. I’ve been collecting jewelry books, stones and vintage pieces forever. I always knew I wanted to do jewelry and was waiting for the perfect time to launch.

What inspires you creatively?
The whole fashion world inspires me—the models, designers and fashionistas who live and breathe it. Fashion is so much fun, and jewelry is such a great way of putting a personal touch to your outfit. 

How would you describe your collection?
I wanted to create a line with a little something for everyone, so I started with three different types of girls in mind: the edgy/rock girl, the classy “uptown” girl and the Art Deco lover.

Kitson, 115 S. Robertson Blvd., LA; shopkitson.com

Hilton’s Musthaves
•Triple Row Snake ring (TOP LEFT) with cubic zirconia ($380)
•Turquoise-colored Stone Art Deco ring (TOP RIGHT) in sterling silver with cubic zirconia ($198)

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEFANIE KEENAN/WIREIMAGE.COM (HILTON)

 

HauteLook

Adam Bernhard wants to make you a deal — a very stylish one.

February 02, 2011

EVERYONE LOVES a bargain. It was upon this simple creed Adam Bernhard built HauteLook, his online discount outlet that’s threeand- a-half million members strong and still growing. Merging the allure of name brands (think Herve Leger, Mario Badescu Skin Care, Taschen, Breville) with the irresistible appeal of markdowns (up to 75 percent off), this native Angeleno’s retail formula is thriving at a time when others have long called it quits. “We democratized the sample sale,” says Bernhard, who launched HauteLook in late 2007. Free to join and open to anyone, the website offers cut-rate access to more than 1,300 fashion, beauty and home brands.

Bernhard founded HauteLook after years of working in the apparel industry for the likes of Fred Segal and Joie. “I recognized the opportunity in the off-price part of the business,” he says. Since HauteLook typically partners with brands for each sale rather than buying inventory up front, the site offers big-time discounts (and higher profit margins) in a stylish, user-friendly forum. After signing up online, members receive e-mails listing upcoming sales—of which there are more than 15 new ones daily—which each last between 48 and 72 hours. This fall the site added a travel section, HauteLook Getaways, with hotel stays and even adventure packages to help you achieve jet-set status—but, of course, never at full price.

 

BERNHARD’S TIPS FOR GETTING GOOD DEALS
HauteLook, of course. I’m one of our best customers. My wardrobe and half of my house comes from HauteLook.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. You’d be surprised at how often you can get one.
• Go directly to the source. When I buy art, I try to go to the artist directly versus going to the gallery. Build a relationship with someone.
• It always helps to know someone. I believe in the [Six Degrees of] Kevin Bacon game, but I don’t believe it’s six degrees.
• Loyalty. Go to the same shop time after time. If you’re a good customer, the owner will notice.
• You don’t have to shop tippy-top labels. The most stylish people can walk into a thrift shop or Target and come out looking like a million bucks.

 

Faves
Movie: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Restaurant: Lucques
New Year’s resolution: To not be a prisoner to my BlackBerry
Weekend getaway: Parker Palm Springs

PHOTOGRAPH BY NOAH ABRAMS

By MARIN PRESKE

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