Julie Bowen in House of Lavande jewels at the 2010 Golden Globes

Attention surfer girls! High fashion is hitting the high seas with the collaboration of Cynthia Rowley and Roxy! The line features 40 different items like wet suits, duffle bags, clothing, accessories and shoes. Rowley, an avid surfer has taken inspiration from the beaches and a sport that she loves to create a unique and fashionable line that all girls can enjoy, not just the ones riding waves! The three year long collaboration will become available for pre-order on the Cynthia Rowley Online Shop starting in January and will be available at Barney’s, Collete and Roxy’s locations in Spring!

Looking for something fun and different to do for an afternoon? If you are in the New York area you should check out the newest and totally awesome new exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Design USA is celebrating the accomplishments of the winners honored during the first ten years of the prestigious National Design Awards. The one thing that sets this particular museum tour apart though, is the 100 Ipod touches that apple has lent to the museum that serve as your interactive guide through the exhibit of movie props, household items, oddities and interactive screens! There are interviews, slideshows and snippets of performances that coincide with the display and the 78 architects and designers represented in the show. On display is everything from graphic design from Milton Glaser (“I ♥ New York”, Bob Dylan posters) a sequin dress by Ralph Rucci , kitchen mixers, and flat screen tv’s where Google shows off tips and tricks. This is an exhibit that is sure to be a fun and unique learning experience that shouldn’t be missed if you are in NYC!

Giambattista Valli’s S/S 2010 Collection
{photo courtesy of style.com}

The cat’s meow, vixen of all things chic and spotty, will certainly be happy to hear that the leopard print it still in. This timeless go-to never seems to fade, fall or say its final farewell. And in fashion that’s certainly a rare thing. Taking inspiration from Giambattista Valli’s brilliant spring show, here are a few past, but still in style looks that encompass all things timeless and perrrr-fectly spot-on.

Emily Deschanel wearing HOL to a FOX All Star event

The speckled print is a great choice if you love a dash of color and pattern, yet prefer it in settle but impactful ways. Select pieces that are simple in silhouette or separates that work well with your everyday basics. A chic pair of speckled add-ons are great for a complete head-to-toe patterned look (very right-now), or can be used to add that dash of pop to any look that needs a bit of refreshing.

When we last discussed the cold here in Florida, clearly we had no idea what was in store. It snowed in parts of central florida today! SNOWED! The cold weather reinforcements are out in full force now, and it is such a nice treat to have the opportunity to fully enjoy them. A warm hearty meal, cozy slippers and a campfire always work wonders!

This recipe for the ultimate beef chili is a delicious dish that will serve the whole family and everyone will be full, warm and toasty!

Never underestimate how important warm feet are! These slipper/socks from Victoria’s Secret are so cute to wear around the house too keep your toes warm and look sweet at the same time!

And last but certainly not least is the wonderful delight of having a campfire. Snuggling up with your favorite person, roasting marshmallows and making S’mores is one of the best things to do in winter! Almost everywhere in the US is chilly right now, so snuggle up and stay warm!

Do you ever open your favorite bottle of wine only to find out after two or three glasses that you aren’t going to finish the whole bottle? Or how about having a great dinner? You would very much enjoy a light white to go with your appetizer, and a hearty red to go with your entree, but why open two bottles? Half Wit Wines has figured out the answer! They sell wine and champagne by the half bottle, offering the perfect amount for those times when the whole bottle just isn’t necessary. Half Wit offers a wine selection from all over the world, 1,373 varieties to be exact. You can try a red from Idaho, or Lebanon, or how about a white from New Zealand or Oregon? Prices range anywhere from $1.00 to $122, so there is absolutely something for everyone! Give it a try and see where your wine curiosities take you!

During these cold winter days there’s nothing like a dose of pretty pastels to help uplift your spirits. And amongst all these frigid temps there’s nothing quite like daydreaming your roller skating in front of the Eiffel Tower, in blue sequin hot pants no less. But what I most heart about this iconic inspirational image is the pastel shades of this roller girl’s wheels. If your not quite brave enough to strap on a pair of sorbet colored skates, and if you can’t quite skip away for a quick jaunt to Paris for a few roller laps about the city, this necklace might be your next best bet! Pair up with the common blacks of today’s attire for a fresh take on an upcoming spring trend. And if your really feeling adventurous why not try all the above!

House of Lavande- multicolored crystal necklace, unsigned, 1960’s – $1,198

As we’re only a few days into the new year, there’s nothing better than to start thinking about a new you. Whether you’ve set the upcoming year’s resolutions, or have already broken them, whatever is decided upon must be done in style. Here are a few must-know trends for the upcoming spring season to help keep you en vogue, fashion forward and well, just simply chic.

House of Lavande featured pieces

Trend 3 – Silver Jewelry
{silver cuff: Bayanihan Ltd Sterling Silver bracelet – $498}

Trend 5 – Tribal Time
{blue and brown fabric necklace with gold accents – $698}

*photos courtesy of style.com and harpers bazaar

The last week here in Florida has been so unusually cold it’s really throwing everyone down here for quite a loop! It’s not very often when we can even come close to complaining to our friends in the Northeast about the weather, but right now I think we’ve earned it! All of the bundling up and staying indoors has provided me with a few new favorite winter treats, but the top two which have become the favorite couch mates the past couple of freezing nights are hot chocolate and an amazing blanket…

I discovered this amazing recipe for hot chocolate, that is just amazingly delicious! It was created by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito and they sell it at Baked, their brooklyn, and Charleston based bakeries. It is simple to make, and can be spiced up a bit for the big kids who have had a long day!

And while you are sipping your delicious chocolate treat, make it that much better by curling up in this soft, tightly kitted cotton blanket from Restoration hardware. The weight is just right for lounging in your sweats, keeping you just warm enough.

Keep and eye out for more of our cold weather favorites, this exciting chill is going nowhere fast!

If you are like a lot of us, you might be thinking about sprucing up your home for the new year! You can go big, or just add and change a few small things. Either way, a great starting point could be focusing on designing your home to be a warm, welcoming, tranquil escape from the world. Clodagh, a furniture and interior designer based in New York has a few simple suggestions to as she says “design irritations out of people’s lives and bring in elements that will make them feel better.”

Firsrt things first, you have to de-clutter, reorganize, and “cleanse” your home. Then, you could start with a small water fountain in the entryway of your home. It instantly adds a sense of calm when you walk in the door.

Next you could add an oversized dining room table. A large table will help inspire gatherings of family and friends. Check out this amazing table she found at Tucker Robbins in Midtown. Clodagh recommends to use benches as seating rather than chairs, to help bring people closer together. Such a great idea for getting people together!

Small accessories can also make a big difference. Traditional Japanese tea sets, teak bowls, and scented candles all add more than just good looking items to your house. They add a life support system, natural tones and aromas that will help you decompress even after the roughest of days.

Japanese Hobnail Tea Set $62 at Globaltable.com

Teak bowls from Thailand also available at Globaltable.com

Cedre 11 scented candles from Lelabofragrances.com

As I was recently flipping through the latest edition of Vogue, I stumbled upon utter brooch brilliantness, pure divine design of couture and jewels married together in perfect harmony. Crafted by genius Galliano for his spring collection full of confections, this embellished blazer stopped me in my flipping-of-pages tracks. Not all of us are willing to drop a cool 2 g’s + some for a very chic jacket, so in this instance I say create your own. To make this look all yours, opt for a structured blazer that’s currently trend-on. For my own creation I’m selecting a black fitted number and embellishing it with all one-tone crystal brooches. Though don’t be afraid to add color and texture by selecting a variety of gems á la Galliano’s style. Look for brooches that vary in size and shape and haphazardly arrange them according to preference. Cap the look off with an embellished belt, though with my look I’m thinking of trying my vintage leopard one to add a bit of contrast. This statement-making piece is all about having fun and mixing it up, pair with jeans for day and glam up for night with a flirty skirt. Here are some of the HOL brooches I’ve selected perfect for creating your own Galliano inspired masterpiece, I guarantee it’ll be a look all your own. Happy pinning.

*fan – 1970’s unsigned silver mesh fan pin – $398

*swirl hoop – 1950’s unsigned diamante swirl hoop pin with baguettes and tiny clear rhinestones – $398

*knot – 1950’s Coro silver toned pin with two intertwined hoops with pave, baguettes and marquis stones – $398

*shield – Trifari signed diamabte dress clips in a floral design – $798/set of two

*leaf – 1950’s unsigned diamante leaf pin with baguettes and marquis rhinestones – $348

*floral – 1950’s Sherman crystal floral pin – $748

*heart burst – 1950’s unsigned small diamante pin in a heart shape with a floral spray in the center – $398

As the year 2009 closes and the approach of twenty-ten begins, we would like to take the time to thank all those that have supported House of Lavande over the past year. Devoted clients, editors, stylists, celebrities, and of course dear friends and family, we wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous new year.
We thought that in this day and age of paparazzi lights and glamorous lives, we’d close out the year by paying tribute to a few of our fave celebs spotted on and off the red carpet wearing HOL. Here’s to another fabulous jeweled year!

Anne Hathaway in New York promoting Bride Wars – always trés chic on and off the red carpet

Cameron Diaz in a House of Lavande ring – cocktail rings were one of the bigger jewelry trends for the year

Diane Kruger (love her!) in a House of Lavande bracelet

Drew Barrymore promoting Gray Gardens – refined elegance

Emmy Rossum in House of Lavande necklace – perfect example of everyday casual cool

Isla Fisher in House of Lavande – the statement necklace, the fail-proof go-to trend of the year, will continue to make statements well into twenty-ten

Jennifer Hudson at a Pre Grammy’s Party – the statement earring is always a glam must

Jessica Alba wearing House of Lavande earrings – a simple piece of jewelry that will update any look instantly

Kate Hudson in New York promoting Bride Wars – another key trend for ‘09, boho luxe

Leigh Lezark in a House of Lavande necklace – does it get any cooler then The Misshapes?

Rose Byrne in House of Lavande at the 2009 MTV VMA’s

Taylor Momsen in House of Lavande earrings on the set of Gossip Girl. XOXO

The glorious year that has been 2009 is quickly coming to an end, my dear friends. Looking back to some of the things that inspire us most, we got to thinking about the loves and the hates of 2009. It was a very interesting year for the fashion and music industries in particular, with the closing, re-organizng, and  major overhauls of some of the most beloved and well known fashion houses and brands and some of the most major losses, and discoveries in music’s history. It all leaves us with a lot to ponder. So with the years end only a few days away what better time is there to look back at some of the highlights? Here are a few of the fashionistas and musicians that have stood out for us. We were just wondering…What are your loves and hates from the year that was 2009?

The Fashion:

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen:

Style.com credits them as being two of  the most influential trendsetters of the decade. The boho chic look that they have perfected is just one of the trends that has taken off. The Balenciaga Motorcycle bag, the infamous leather legging trend, mixing vintage pieces with new pieces, sky high heel and loads of layers… the list goes on and on. They have also recently become members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America , which tells us one thing. These girls aren’t going anywhere, no matter what trends they are responsible for.

Rihanna:

There is a chance that no one has shocked us more this year than the forever morphing Rihanna. From her hair, to her clothing risks, she seems to always have something new going on. DSquared loves her just as much as Karl Lagerfeld loves her, and it’s no wonder. She has an effortless ability to take everything to the next level and create a look that sets her apart in the fashion world.

Victoria Beckham:

Where do you even start with the year that Victoria Beckham has had? Do you start at her countless magazine covers? Her two bestselling books? Her clothing lines? The list goes on, and on and deciding this could actually be impossible. Rarely stepping out in anything but pure designer fashion perfection, she has become a staple in the world of fashion.

The Music:

Kings of Leon:

Made up of three  Tennessee born brothers and a cousin, Kings of Leon have undoubtedly made their mark on music forever.  Gaining popularity in the states over the past year has sent their breakout songs Sex on Fire, and Use Somebody to the  number one spot multiple times. They are currently working on their next album, as we all wait patiently for the amazing sounds that are coming next.

Coldplay:

2009 marked the release of Coldplay’s fourth album Viva la Vida. An amazing collection that produced some of the years biggest hit songs. The band took a slightly different approach on the sound of this album, with some songs taking on an almost bluesy undertone. People didn’t seem to mind much. It was one the fastest selling albums in UK’s history, and has since become the most downloaded album ever! Pretty impressive.

Lady Gaga:

With two albums under her belt, The Fame and an extension of  that  titled The Fame Monster Lady Gaga’s albums have gone to number one in four countries, and topped the billboard charts numerous times. She is clearly here to stay. Taking inspiration from artists like David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Queen, she truly puts on a show like no other performer today, and has the vocals to back it all up. Gaga has become a face for  human rights, has met Queen Elizabeth, been nominated for countless awards in 2009, and managed to shock every person she has come across with a crazy outfit. Look out for her in 2010.

Madison Harding- you may have heard the name before, and frankly, we wouldn’t be surprised if you have, because Madison Harding is everywhere! The fresh and creative shoe line is the baby of two Manhattan based ladies Hilary Rosenman and Barri Budin. They have fused their personal styles with one another to create a brand that has a unique vintage feel, with loads of personalty and a sense of unique style that any fashion forward lady can appreciate. Check out their website to see all of the collections, read more about the girls, and visit the PLAY tab, where you can dress up their model in different outfits and shoe combos! Below are photos from the collage above featuring shoes from the fall and spring 2009 collections, enjoy!

What’s a better way to celebrate the holidays then to commission one of fashion’s most eccentric creative forces to custom create one of the holiday’s most iconic stables. Well that’s exactly what the very classically luxe London hotel Claridge’s did this year when they asked Creative Director of Dior, Mr. John Galliano to interpret his idea of the original Christmas tree. And what they got was an avant-garde dose of what Galliano does best. Inspired by the hotel’s art deco style, the almost completely sparse tree echo’s the Far East with a bit of exotica mixed in. Comprised mostly of ghostly whites with small hints of tinted blue leaves, this tree’s main objet d’art is a snow leopard prowling the branches and a lone bird perched sky high. We here at HOL fully appreciate a twist on an original classic and this tree is certainly inspiring.

So whether your holiday style is classically chic or eccentrically exotic, we here at House of Lavande are wishing you a most wonderful holiday filled with peace, love and happiness.

There are only TWO days left! Christmas is basically here and chances are you have some last minute shopping to do! A couple of months ago we brought this post to you as small get started holiday gift guide. If you are still stressing, or need some last minute ideas, the wonderful Robert Verdi has come to the rescue! Obviously we all love his celebrity styling, his jewelry line, every show he pops onto when we least expect it, and most of all we love Full Frontal Fashion, the show and website that bring the world of contemporary fashion design right to our own front door.

Robert has put together a list of ideas, and items that surely will not disappoint and could come in very, very hand right about now. Check it out:

Robert Verdi’s Holiday Gift Guide:

The Palm Pixi Smart Phone an sleek new phone with both touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.

If a special lady in your life is always carrying around lots of stuff, or maybe needs a stylish way to tote her laptop around, the Carlos Falchi Large Metallic Tote could be a fantastic answer!

Who doesn’t love cookies? At Tasty Morsels you can purchase the cookies, or they also have cookie cutters available in tons of fun shapes!

Here at Lavande we have a small obsession with our writing utensils. This seemed strange at first, but now we know there must be more of you like us out there! The Sherpa pen covers are so fun and they cover a variety of different pens, markers and highlighters!

If there is a couple in your life that you need a gift for, Robert’s great ideas are to buy them a fabulous his and hers cologne/perfume or some cozy ugg boots to keep them warm in winter!

Italian cashmere is never a bad gift.  Especially if that cashmere is from Portolano. The hats, gloves and scarves will make you want to get dressed to brave the cold!

Mr. Verdi makes a fantastic point when suggesting the Victoria’s Secret Miraculous Push-up Bra. Every woman likes to feel sexy, and this is the bra that accomplish that.

Know someone who is stressed and likes to take baths and decompress? I bet you do! Fresh’s brown sugar bath set would be perfect for them!

And last but certainly not least is the practical idea that we think could be the best idea yet! A subscription to Netflix, and the Roku box so the movies will stream directly to their television! A gift that someone will be able to enjoy for the entire year!

Everyone is talking about it, and if you haven’t had the chance, you must make time in the very near future to go see Avatar. This film is truly stunning in every way possible. The world that James Cameron has created is based in the year 2154 on a planet called Pandora. Humans have come to Pandora to mine an extremely profitable rock that can only be found under the home of the Na’vi ‘people’ who are native to Pandora. There are the scientists and the private (no specific military name) blackwater-esque security force the two have very different ideas in how to go about obtaining said precious rock. This is where our main Character Jakes comes in. Combining his dna with Na’vi dna an avatar is created and he is able to live in their world, and become one of them, a 10 ft. tall blue ‘man’ with huge green eyes and long hair. Living in this amazing world of luminescent plants, and some of the most incredible creatures anyone could ever dream up, Jake learns to love and appreciate the new world he has become a part of.

James Cameron doesn’t stop at the outstanding visual, he has done an extraordinary job of drawing so many parallels to this future world and our world now, it is quite amazing. The fact of how we must take care of, and respect our planet, and the ideas and motivations that are sometimes causes for war. Issues that cause you to think and take into account the way we treat our earth. This movie is beautiful, amazing and a treat for your eyes and your mind. We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on it as well!

{lock⋅et – noun: a small case for a miniature portrait, a lock of hair, or other keepsake, usually worn on a necklace}

These days with all the statement necklaces and show stopping pieces that are becoming forever en vogue, it’s hard to imagine leaving the house without at least one bold jeweled piece to finalize your look. And as much as I’m a lover of all things statement, I must admit that at the moment I’m hearting all things delicate, special and full of charm. The locket, known as a symbol of love and devotion, is making its way back into stylista’s jewel boxes and are adorning the likes of all those with a penchant for romance and a personalized sense of style. Whether your gifting a loved one or gifting yourself, these treasured pieces will forever be a timeless keepsake for generations to come. Keep your locket simple and chic with a long gold chain, or opt for boho luxe with encrusted detailing, unusual stones and an added mix with other charmed pieces. So even if it’s 2000 and late, were bringing back the yester years of Victorian adornment one locket at a time.

Unsigned gold toned necklace with a beautiful locket that has a large turquoise cabochon surrounded by purple, topaz, and tiny turquoise cabochons. – $848 {shop this locket}

Since the holiday season has officially kicked-off, we’ve put together a few key looks in our current fave color combo, noir & gold, to help take you from day to night, from work to weekend with the simplicity of kick’n back a few glasses of champs in holiday cheer! With the right choices of a few chic statement pieces, you’ll be well on your way straight to ringing in the new year, of course, in style.

Everyday Fun

Us girls at HOL are all about having good fun, especially when it comes to the holidays. These 2 statement pieces are so much fun we’d wear them morning, noon and night. Pair up with a dress or jeans, whichever you prefer, we guarantee you’ll certainly be turning some heads.
Booties by Christian Louboutin

Black Earrings, teardrop shape: Unsigned black earrings, 1960s. – $348 {shop these earrings}

Cocktail Hour

This is one of my fave cocktail dresses of the season and I love it even more when paired up with these classic gold & noir earrings. The retro look of these ball drop baubles gives this perfect party ensemble a new level of sophistication ideal for any belle of the ball.
Dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Black Earrings, gold wrapped: 1970’s Dior earrings – $498 {shop these earrings}

Holiday Travel

Being holiday chic means being on the go and these luxe looking pieces will help take you from planes, trains and automobiles. The studded weekender + mixed cuffs is perfect for the city or country.
Weekender by Coach

Black/Gold cuff: 1960’s Laurana Italy metal cuff with gold detailing and black circular center  {shop this cuff}

Whiting & David gold toned bracelet with black enamel and gold and pearl floral accents – $650 {shop this cuff}

Last Minute Shopping

If your anything like us you’ve waited until the very last minute to do your holiday gifting as well. We are all about casual cool for everyday, especially when its a snap going from day to night. This iconic handbag paired up with the bold noir and gold statement necklace work for both day and night. By day opt for a tee, blazer, jean and boot, by night swap out the casual day cool for a sleek sexy dress, clutch and sky high heels. This necklace works great both ways.
Handbag by JCrew

Navy/Gold Necklace: 1960’s Monet architectural necklace – $698 {shop this necklace}

Tom Ford ladies and gentleman, will be producing a movie. Based on Christopher Isherwood’s novel A Single Man, the movie is centered around an English professor who loses his partner, and tries to go about a normal day in Los Angeles in 1962. The film is already up for many, many awards but with the incredible cast, it really is no surprise. Colin Firth is starring alongside the likes of Julianne Moore, Mathew Goode and Ginnifer Goodwin. This is going to be one of our must sees for the new year, without a doubt!

I think it is safe to assume that we all love a good blog, right? Well, if you love discovering new blogs, and if you love having the chance to win something while doing so you should totally check out Coach’s Blog-A-Day program! Showcasing some awesome blogs that span many different interests and age groups, this is a fantastic way to find some new reading material, and check out some of Coach’s adorable new collections! Each day they will feature a new blog, and as a reader you have the chance to win different handbags that each blogger posts about! What a fun holiday surprise it would be to win a cute new handbag! Below are some bags that are in the giveaway! Adorable!

Its that time of year again, the time of gift guides, gift giving and gift galore. What to get him, what to get her, what to get for the one who has it all… well you know it goes, the list goes on and on and on. We here at HOL think that we’ve got the perfect giftable gem for both a him and a her. It’s something small, something chic, think classic with a bit of an updated edge. Do we have you sold yet?  Think of a timeless throwback to all things dapper and daring, a bit of Tony Duquette meets modern style. So if your contemplating what your special someone deserves this holiday season, HOL is hearting the ever-so-chic cuff link and we’ve got the perfect pair, fashion enough for her yet masculine enough for him. Malachite is forever en vogue and these are perfect accents whether you’re dressed down by day or to the nines by night. And did we mention their timeless, ah yes I believe we did, timelessly chic.
Happy gifting.

1950′ Unsigned malachite cuffs – $168 {shop these cuffs}

For her: We recommend showcasing these green gems with a crisp white button down. To play them up opt for a dresser blouse in black or a very right-now metallic.

For him: 2 ways to go, retro chic á la Don Draper, skinny suit and all. Or dangerously different, think Scott Weiland, not-overly-thought about look thrown together oozing with major cool factor. Casual luxe at its finest.

As the temp takes a dip, well… not so much here in Palm Beach, but regardless we can’t help ourselves from daydreaming about the far off and exotic. So it’s a good thing that designers too were feeling this tropical love as showcased throughout the resort collections. Clearly inspired by glamorous destinations such as Tahiti, Rio and Hawaii, designers saturated their collections full of cool hues, luscious prints and patterns packed with punch. And what could be a better inspiration for us here at HOL. So whether you’re tossing your coat aside to travel far far away, or just planning on staying local, here are some of our tropical trend-on statement pieces perfect for any exotica inspired look.

We love the bold hues featured throughout the entire collection at Lanvin. Mixed with the sexy beat of Rio and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. We think that nothing works better for this monotone look then a chic coral necklace accented with a punch of lime green.

Coppola e Toppo necklace made of five strands of coral beads with an ornate green and coral beaded clasp. – $2,200.00 {shop this necklace}

The perfect cocktail number for any island getaway (poolside being a suitable backup.) This dress says it all with bright burst of color and print, and these earrings are the perfect add-on. Much is already going on so keep your accessories simple. Here its best to choose one fabulous piece instead of multiples. And the fact that we’re talking Chanel, not too shabby indeed.

Chanel signed earrings with a green glass pear shaped center stone set in an ornate gold toned setting with tiny diamante and pink cabochon accents and a blue glass drop. – $948.00 {shop these earrings}

Prada is always a trend maker and we couldn’t help but to fall for her mixed Tahitian inspired prints. Scattered amongst the collection through rtw, bags and shoes, mixed and matched to perfection, how could you possibly say no to this destination inspired look. We’re loving the yellow and green color combo and these earrings have just the right amount of tropical flair to help take your look from day to night.

1950’s K.J.L signed dangle earrings with yellow navettes and small green rhinestones – $648.00 {shop these earrings}

Every so often we love to share with you all a track that we love, adore and can’t get out of our heads. This is one of those tracks. Chromeo, an electro-funk duo from Montreal, hasn’t released a new album since 2007s Fancy Footwork. This song-Night by Night is the first release from their upcoming 2010 album. The song is totally wonderful, only to be made even more wonderful by the video! The duo describes it as ‘Very Gregory Hines’ which is totally correct, and totally awesome. Picture Flashdance, Dirty Dancing, or any other killer dance flick from the 70’s and 80’s, dust off your dancing shoes, and ENJOY!

Chromeo-Night by Night

A new obsession has just been discovered! Stone_Cold_Fox. An amazing, vintage inspired clothing line started by two California girls and childhood best friends, Cydney Morris and Dallas Wand. The line is remeniscent of the free spirited woman of the 60’s and 70’s and each piece is made by hand and designed by Cydney. Dallas runs the company’s marketing, styles the photo-shoots and has gives final approval on projects.  The best part of Stone_Cold_Fox though, could be that before you purchase a piece, you can speak to the girls directly and have your selection made specifically to fit your figure! An art that is lost in most of the clothing we purchase today.

Sharon Feiereisen from Thefshionspot.com caught up with the girls for a brief interview about their line, check it out below!

Q:  How did the two of you meet and decide to work together?

A:  We met in 2nd grade in Indian Princesses.  Our dads hit it off, and so did we, and have been best friends ever since. We were inseparable through high school, and then in college we parted ways to San Francisco and Los Angeles. When we both graduated and moved back home, we didn’t want to start doing the 9-5, so we decided to start our own thing. We have very similar styles and feed off of each other’s ideas, and it makes things stronger. Working with a best friend is great because we get it if one of us has a bad day and we are there for each other to help pick up the pieces. We both want to help each other out and become successful.

Q:  How often do you come-out with new pieces?

A:  We are going to try to do at least 3 small collections a year. Right now we have been adding onto the debut collection, while currently working on a brand new spring line. We’re constantly thinking of new ideas, but its hard finding the time with starting up a new business and keeping things generating quickly.

Q:  What’s your best-seller? Personal favorites?

A:  The Chateau Blouse, Godard Dress, the Shawls and Antique Blouses are the most popular. Our favorites tend to be those as well, but we also love the Birkin gown and the Libre jacket. The new collection that is being worked on is in its beginning stages, but we’re really excited about it.

Q:  What is it about Jane Birkin and foreign films do you find so inspiring?

A:  Jane Birkin is more of a muse, you just have to watch her or other women in old films and you will know what we’re talking about. They capture something that women don’t carry today. The designs are inspired by Native American cultures, taxidermy stores and delicacy in fabrics. The way the fabrics feel and drape are always a major starting point, and I always stick close to our muted color palette. We like to think it’s a little Victorian, a little western, and a little hippie.  A collection of our inspirations or things we are enjoying at the moment are at Cydney’s Blog, ViciouslyCyd.blogspot.com 

Q:  How would you describe your clientele?

A:  I would describe our clientele as a free spirited gypsy girl who appreciates delicate items and has a good sense of style. She likes to have a good time and enjoys old tunes, she’s self aware and doesn’t try too hard with the way she dresses.  

Q:  If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be?

A:  Vanessa Paridis, Kemp Muhl, Georgia May Jagger, Joy Bryant, Dree Hemingway, and Lara Stone.

Q:  You make every piece by hand, which is incredibly impressive. Is it your goal to keep it that way?

A:  Cydney is educated in pattern making, design and construction, so when our clients specify what kind of fit they want, she can adjust it to their liking. Those skills take time, so when a client orders, depending on how busy we are, it can take a few weeks to get the item. Now we are starting to get orders from stores, so we have to hire sewers for larger orders – but doing personal and custom orders is something we will continue with.

Q:  Being a small company, how do you go about generating awareness for your brand?

A:  Dallas has been educated in marketing, and has done a great job at getting our name out there. Networking with people in the industry, having friends wear the clothes out to events, and being featured in magazines or blogs has really helped let people know about our company. People have responded to the company very positively. I think people like that it’s a new look and an original type of company that is very personal.

Q:  I love the name of your line, where did the idea for it originate?

A:  We are big fans of Sophia Coppola’s film, The Virgin Suicides, and when Josh Hartnett puts his arm around Kirsten Dunst in the movie theatres, he whispers, “You’re a stone cold fox.” And then he gets up and walks away. It’s a very 1970’s saying, and it’s the girl you become when you wear the clothing.

Today marks an exciting day as we launch HOL Hearts, a new section that will post every Friday and will feature our must-have jewelry pick for the week. Whether we’re hearting a statement necklace or a cool cocktail ring, every Friday we’ll keep you in-the-know on the ultimate chic add-ons perfect for any wardrobe. So be sure to check-in every Friday to see what we’re hearting and what you can’t leave home without.

This week its all about Art Basel as the chic social set of the artistic world descends upon the sunny shores of Miami’s South Beach and Design District, showcasing and celebrating bold works of art from internationally acclaimed artists and designers. A bold art fair needs bold jewelry and these {1960’s Celeste multi colored rhinestone earrings} are a perfect fit. Play them down during the day by wearing simple separates and embellished flats (perfect for walking up and down Collins and Lincoln Aves), and glam them up for evening with a candy colored cocktail number perfect for gallery hopping and all night, every night cocktail soirees. For added impact, stack a few multi-colored bangles or one large encrusted cuff for a major statement worthy of any exhibition on display.

1960’s Celeste multi colored rhinestone earrings. – $548.00 {Shop these earrings}

Pop Art-y Details: Featured in Glamour magazine, September 2009

Desired Add-on:

1930’s Unsigned Czech gold filigree bracelet with multi colored stones and three turquoise persian stones – $848.00 {Shop this bracelet}

We here at HOL are devoted followers of uber teen style setter Jane Aldridge and her equally stylish blog {seaofshoes.com}. This past week Jane traveled across the pond to París for the very glamorous Crillon Ball. We absolutely adore the Chanel Haute Couture striped confection she wore for the debutante presentation, yet are equally inspired by her casual Parisian everyday look that exemplifies the perfect way to showcase a statement necklace with scarf for those chilly days ahead.

The small pop of gold mixed with the layering of her scarf gives just the amount of glitz to take her look to a whole new level. To pull off a similar style all your own, keep the color palette of your outfit simple and play up interest through varying textures and layers. Small doses of a print here and there that coordinate with the statement necklace help pull the look together.
Here are a few of our HOL statement pieces perfect for layering up in the months ahead.

Unsigned gold toned collar with amethyst cabochons – $598.00 {shop this necklace}

1950’s French necklace made of gold chain tassels with a square cut amber stone in the center – $598.00 {shop this necklace}

1950’s Schreiner pendant necklace with pink opalescent glass stones and brown cabochons set in gold toned metal – $1,198.00 {shop this necklace}

Jane wearing an Ivan Grundahl diagonally pleated asymmetric leather skirt, Max Mara tights, Moroccan scarf, and ponyhair herringbone cap-toe boots by Chanel

Photos of Jane Aldridge courtesy of {seaofshoes.com}

If you haven’t had the opportunity to be introduced to the amazing books written by Malcolm Gladwell, this book is the perfect one to start with! What the Dog Saw is a collection of 19 essays written by Gladwell for the New York Times. He has taken some of his most popular, and thought provoking works from years past and organized them into a 3 part collection.

Part one is titled Obsessives, Pioneers, and Other Varieties of Minor Genius. This section is dedicated things like Ron Popiel, the creator of the showtime rotissieree oven, and how he broke every rule of the modern economy. He also delves into what the inventor of birth control didn’t know about women’s health, why mustard now comes in so many different varieties, and ketchup is still the same. Curiosities that provoke us to think.

Part two is titled Theories, Predictions, and Diagnoses. Exploring everything from Enron, and the perils of actually knowing too much information, solving vs. managing the homelessness problem in America, and other issues of basic human reactions to situations.

And part three is titled Personality, Character, and Intelligence. How do we hire when we can’t tell who is right for the job? How the FBI interviews criminals, and what makes us equate genius with precocity? It is amazing to read about his skepticism about certain methods, and to have our minds challenged as to what exactly measures genius, personality and talent.

Hopefully some of you will pick this up, and enjoy it! Mr. Gladwell is a true treat for the mind!

Available at Amazon.com

How adorable are these? Designer Colin Lin has created an adorable eco-friendly shoe and handbag line that we can all feel good (even great) about buying! She takes old chinese newspapers and weaves them into a lattice pattern, and attaches them to a rubber toe and sole. How do you wear shoes made of newspaper you ask? What if it rains? Ms. Lin coats the inside of the shoe in cotton and the outer newspaper in plastic, so there is no worry about ruining your shoes! Since the product was launched a year ago, over 4,000 pair have been sold worldwide. Her concern for the environment is so great, she urges those in her field to follow her lead and make similar products, and use as few chemicals in the process as possible. The shoes run from $100-$150 and the handbags are around $260. You can check them out at Moxsie.com to purchase online!

Today the NY Times featured an absolutely spectacular article on costume jewelry , titled Costume Jewelry’s Golden Age. The reason we love this article so much is not only because they mention HOL (ok, thats part of it), but in two pages Victoria Gomelsky has captured what it is to wear and love costume jewelry! She touches on key people, generations and styles of the costume jewelry world, and it is a delightful read for all of us who adore accessories!

Here are some photos of some brilliant designs from the 1940’s and 50’s. These designers set the standard for costume jewelry, and all are available at House of Lavande!

Pauline Trigère:

Miriam Haskell:

Trifari:

It’s almost time! Thursday is Thanksgiving! If you are orchestrating an amazing holiday gathering this is by no means an easy feat. SO, we have put together a small list of some ideas to help make your day a fabulous one!

The Table: A thoughtful and creative touch to your thanksgiving table can add a wonderful feeling of joy for you and your guests. Here is a great idea for a treat and a placecard in one! The chocolate bar place card!

Creative Sidedish: Courtsey of the amazing Tyler Florence we have a comfort-food  recipe for the Ultimate Potato Gratin. I don’t think it is possible to go wrong when combining, potatoes, bacon, garlic and cheese! Yum!

Dessert!: This is an adorably huge version of a favorite treat! It’s the Caramel Apple Cake! This guy will surely bring some attention to the dessert table!

Drinks: One of the very fun parts of the holidays is having the opportunity to enjoy (responsibly of course!) themed cocktails. And what’s a better thanksgiving  aperitif than the Gobble-Tini!?!

And to include a refreshing, non-alcoholic option try the Cranberry Fizz recipe!

Also, let’s not forget this year more than ever,  all the things we have to be thankful for in our lives! Friendship, family, laughter and caring for one another are just a few that come to mind. So, from the Lavande family to yours-Have a happy Thanksgiving!!

Remember back when you were a little girl, playing dress up, playing with paper dolls, or playing mall madness? Of course you do…well now we can all take a well deserved break from our boring adult responsibilities and play all three at once! The fashion playhouse, Stardoll.com targets mainly the 7-17 year old set of fashionistas, but hey, who doesn’t love a little mindless (and even mischevious) fun once in a while!?  With pretty much any virtual celebrity to choose from you can dress up anyone from Tom Cruise to Dolly Parton in whichever way so moves you. And this, my friends can provide hours of entertainment! When you sign up, you create your Medoll, then you can decorate your suite, play games, or go shopping. Stardoll boutiques include Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti, DKNY and  Vivienne Tam. There is even a vintage shop where you can ‘buy’ vintage clothes to style your MeDoll! Elle magazine also features links to their fashion and beauty blogs. So if you have some time to spare, or are just looking for some simple fun online, check it out!

Naturally, here at Lavande we are obsessed, in love, infatuated, and consumed by all things vintage and all things fashion. One of the most amazing pairings of these two things over the last few years has to be the amazing Emmy award winning show Mad Men. The 1960’s wardrobe, and styling have this way of capturing us, just as much as the weekly drama on the show does! The quintessential style is shown so expertly in the two main charachters Betty and Don Draper, it just can’t go any longer without being discussed!

Betty:

With a style that no matter what is always impeccable, Betty defines her look with classic cuts, colors, and accessories. Wether she is at home, in the classic shirtwaist dress, or out in an elegant evening gown, she always has the pulled together look of the elegant 1960’s beauty. Let’s also not forget her accessories! Wether is as  a headband, the perfect clutch, pearl button earrings, a beautiful collar necklace or a stunning brooch, Betty is sure to always have key accessories incorporated into her look, adding those last finishing touches to polish off every look.

Don:

The slim cut silhouette of the grey sharkskin suit may say it all. Always looking dapper and extemely handsome, Don’s everyday look is one of style and cool sophistication. The suits are accented with details that help define each as staples for the well dressed genteman. The sharkskin material that was so often used in the 60’s gives a slight sheen that adds that certian ’something’ extra. Also, diagonal pockets, narrow lapels, and side vents all have a hand in defining the classic suit style. And please, let’s not forget the Fedora!

For more Mad Men style inspiration, check out Vanity Fair’s September 2009 issue, featuring HOL!

If you are a lover of the legendary line Comme Des Garçons, and the legendary band the Beatles, well you are in luck! The two companies will be collaborating and debuting in late november their line of ten handbags, five tees and four shirts!

Rei Kawakubo has access to all of the Fab Four’s imagery, graphics and photos and has been given only one stipulation-that all of the bags will be leather-less  (in the interest of Paul McCartney’s vegetarianism and pro-animal rights stance).

Only one picture has only been released so far, it is of their first travel tote. It features the trademarks of both Comme Des Garçons-polka dots, and the Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. – The green Apple.  We are looking forward to this collection, as it is sure to be a great one!

The holidays are here! 45 shopping days left until Christmas! PLEASE don’t panic! I know we can all relate to the “What could I possibly get her that she doesn’t already have?” problem. Well, here is a small list that could just help and inspire you to find the perfect gift for that special fashion-forward lady in our life!

PRADA for the book lover-

Muccia Prada and  Patrizio Bertelli have put together a stunning 708 page book that delves into the fashion house’s almost 100 year history. Just a couple of the treats bound in the brand’s signature saffiano texture readers will have to enjoy… a behind the scenes look of factories, commerce, and culture of the brand. Also, there are the 3,885 thumbnail photos of the “looks” at Prada runway shows since 1987!  Also every ad campaign from 1987-2009. Any fashion lover will surely LOVE this book!

Pretty little underthings-

Stella McCartney is at it again. With a new lingerie line! Vintage-inspired pieces each of which is named after women in “cheeky situations”  some of which include Rosie Plotting, a silk chiffon group with the black and white feather pattern from Stella’s ready to wear collection.  Eva Scampering, a playful silk chiffon ladybug-printed group with a cami, a chemise and a matching brief. Billie Twirling, a vintage-inspired knicker and chemise with scallop hem of silk satin with a matte-and-shine contrast, and Ines Sneaking, a pale pink lace and silk crepe de chine contour bra, underwire bra and coordinating undies!

Jewels, jewels, jewels-

No jewelry collection is complete without stunning pieces of vintage jewelry sprinkled in! Hopefully everyone will have the pleasure of visiting the flagship House of Lavande boutique in Palm Beach, but if not, just mosey on over to houseoflavande.com. There are literally thousands of vintage pieces chose from! With such a wide range of jewelry there is sure to be something for the lover of the delicate vintage look of the 20’s and 30’s, to the bold and colorful look of the 80’s! Below are a few pieces available online right now!

Classics that every woman adores-

There is a list of things that every woman must, at some point in her life, have in her closet. Two of those things are Chanel and Christian Louboutin. A gift that would absolutely thrill any woman, be it your mother, best friend, siter, girlfriend or wife, these are two gift options that will go above and beyond for her!

Share with us what is on your wish list this holiday season, and happy holiday shopping!!

There really is no escaping Halloween in New York City.  It’s undeniably one of the most celebrated holidays in town, and when you add up all the parties thrown in honor of this pagan festival, it’s easy to say that it’s one of fashion’s biggest events.  This year  Openning Ceremony kicked off the festivities with an “animal” themed party, followed by Allison Sarofim “80’s” themed celebration.

But when the actual day came it was “anything goes!” People become aggressively creative with their elaborate costumes, and riding the subways filled with ghouls and monsters is an experience in itself.

The fashion industry and it’s followers all got together on this day to flex their creative muscles and show off their costumes.  Simple is ok, but shame on you if you decide to be just another tired old vampire or sexy kitten!

Jack McCollough and Patrik Ervell

Fabulous

Jeremy Scott

Michael Stipe

She’s at it again! Barbie is teaming up with Christian Louboutin for what is sure to tickle every girly-girl’s fancy! Earlier this year at fashion week, we saw the runway show for Barbie’s birthday where all of the girls debuted the amazing Pantone 219 Pink Barbie shoe. Now though, as she rings in 50 years Barbie is getting the royal shoe treatment. Christian Louboutin has since become Barbie’s godfather, and will re-think her style, her physical attributes and share his travels and photos from various life-like situations, in a book titled “My year in Paris with Christian Louboutin” it will be available in December and features Barbie and Christian in a jewel heist, at photo shoots, on red carpets and many other travels around the world.

There will be three dolls available, packaged in Louboutin shoe boxes and each come with four pairs of Barbie-size Louboutin heels. In December, Mattel will unveil Louboutin’s jewel thief-themed Barbie; in February, it will add a safari-themed Barbie, and for May, Louboutin designed a Barbie that goes to the Cannes Film Festival. The $150 dolls will be sold through BarbieCollector.com and at Net-a-porter.com, which is Mattel’s exclusive partner for this project and will be selling dolls for the first time. In September, both sites will also offer a Christian Louboutin Barbie shoe collection of 12 pairs for $40 a set.

This is sure to be a huge hit for the Christmas season, and we cannot wait to see where Barbies adventures take her next!

This Sunday the NYC Marathon is back and one of our own here at Lavande will be attending!  Veronika Borchers will be running along side Ed Norton to support a very important cause.  Veronika is on the Board of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. An environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity in the Maasai tribal lands of East Africa. To put it simply, the trust works to  preserve the wildlife, the environment and the traditional culture of the Maasai people in Africa. The cause has raised over $500,000…and is still climbing! It is great to see that people can come together to reach such an important goal for our environment! Good luck Veronika, we’re rooting for you!!

To read more about the cause or to make a donation, or purchase a commemorative Puma tee you can visit http://www.maasaimarathon.com/

We are totally loving the latest Black Eyed Peas tune Meet Me Halfway! Obviously the catchy beat and awesome video are reason enough to love it…but we have an even better reason. Fergie is wearing House of Lavande!! It’s amazing how exciting and wonderful it is to mix a vintage piece in with new themes, and ideas. This piece is a bracelet from the 1950’s,the flower is made of delicate poured glass, and it is just beautiful! Below are some great shots from the video, and of the bracelet!

Have you ever wondered what tortilla soup tasted like cooked by Nicole Miller? Or how about a Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti, cooked by Isaac Mizrahi? I’m sure you haven’t, but if you share a joy for food and a love for fashion like the girls here at Lavande you probably are now! The American Fashion Cookbook is the newest ‘treat’ for us to enjoy! Put together by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and with a foreword by Martha Stewart, the cookbook offers recipes and original drawings from over 100 American designers. And, with Christmas right around the corner, what better time to purchase this for yourself, or for a fellow fashion and food lover?! It is available at http://www.assouline.com/index2.php.

So, without further ad0….bon appetit!!

Being the First Lady of the USA doesn’t automatically make you a style icon.  Just think of Hillary Clinton,  aside for a handful of extraordinarily glamorous evening gowns that she wore to special events during her eight years at the White House, Hillary really wasn’t one for making a statement with her daily fashions.

Michelle Obama on the other hand didn’t seem to have too much of a choice on the matter.  From the get go everyone wanted to know what she was wearing, and she took advantage of this opportunity to communicate her style philosophy to the nation.  Yes, she is First Lady, and that position requires a certain level of sophistication which she embodies elegantly when she wears designer labels like Rodarte, Narciso Rodriguez, and Isabela Toledo.  However, that doesn’t mean she can’t mix and match with Gap and J. Crew.

For her second appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Michelle Obama wore a printed floral Thakoon dress that she had previously worn at the first presidential debate at the University of Mississippi in  Sept. 2008.  The bow on the left shoulder was a personal accessory that she kept, but this time she added some sparkles.

This is Michelle Obama after all, countless designers would have rushed to provide her with a brand new never before worn dress.   Instead she chose to make a statement by reusing a dress she already had.   Like Coco Chanel who was famous for wearing her tailored suits down the the last thread, Michelle Obama also realizes that quantity is not indicative of quality, style does indeed represent who we are, and that a few sparkles can go a long way…

Amazing events that capture the world’s attention are sadly, few and far between. Though, since 2003 Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, the publishers of  frieze magazine, have been doing just that. Every October in London over 70,000 people attend what has quickly become the biggest event in contemporary art in the world. The Frieze Art Fair is a showcase of over 150 galleries of some of the worlds most amazing pieces of art. The fair is a great opportunity for buyers, and lovers alike to view art from established, well known artists and explore new up and coming artists as well. Next time you’re in London in October, be sure not to miss it!

To help celebrate it’s 35th anniversary People Magazine has put together a list of 35 on screen beauties, who have inspired all of us for decades. Here are just a few that stand out…

From the 1930’s- Jean Harlow, the original blonde bombshell. She has inspired women from Marilyn Monroe, to Madonna.

Skipping ahead a few years to the 50’s we have of course Elizabeth Taylor, her amazing beauty  has kept our attention for years. Not only with her incredible on screen talents, but her of screen real life dramas as well.

The 70’s of course wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favorite angel, Farrah Fawcett. Her red bathing suit poster is still the best selling poster of all time!

And today we can all look to the good will, and stunning beauty of Angelina Jolie. Aside from oscar winning performances, it’s her work around the world that makes her truly stand out,  and will for years to come.

The list is a refreshing and beautiful look into the lives of some of our favorite women of all time. From the 1930’s until today, these stars will continue to light up our screens and our lives!

The highly anticipated movie NINE, due to be released in December, is getting a lot of buzz primarily because of its cast of hollywood giants Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Marion Cotillard, and Sophia Loren.

NINE is a movie adaptation of the 1982 Tony award winning Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was largely inspired by Federico Fellini’s semi autobiographical classic film 8 1/2.

Rob Marshall is the director responsible for managing this team of glamorous ladies.   As you can see, it should come as no surprise that Marshall is also who we should thank for bringing us the movie adaptation of Chicago.

The elegant and iconic style of Fellini’s leading ladies is best seen through Nicole Kidman, whose look closely resembles Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita, – Kate Hudson on the other hand looks less Fellini and more like Chicago. If you’re curious as to how these women interact with each other, you can watch Vogue’s Video Diary of their November cover shoot by photographer Annie Leibovitz. Ciao!

The brilliant mind of Tim Burton is at it again my friends! This time with a new twist on an old favorite, Alice in Wonderland!  Alice is a few years older now, and runs away after being proposed to by a man she does not want to marry. The Charachters are, as you can imagine slightly different from the ones we met when we were much younger. Johnny Depp will play the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham-Carter will be the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway will be the White Queen. I cannot wait to see the costumes, the incredible performances and the amazing way Tim Burton has transformed this magical story! Check out some pictures from the movie, truly amazing!

Attention all style mavens!! It’s time to have some serious fashion fun!! You all have to check out styleshake.com. This website let’s you design your own dresses tops, and skirts! You start by choosing the fabric and color and you can customize everything from the neckline to hem, even add accessories! Also, before you check out, just add your exact measurements to the order, and voilà! A dress that is made to order. Dresses start at around $65 US dollars, tops around $45 dollars, and skirts for around $52. Have fun designing and playing, but be careful, it’s addicting!

Now that the line around the block of Uniqlo’s New York Soho store has dissipated, you need to check out Jil Sanders collaboration with the Japanese retail giant Uniqlo.  The line is simply called +J , and it retains Jil Sanders simple and sophisticated design with price tags that starts at $25.00.  Fashion editors have heralded the wool coats, cardigans, and belts.  The line has done a good job of creating chic basics using essential colors black, white, grey, and eggplant.

However if it’s color that you need to revive your winter wardrobe, walk a few blocks down Broadway until you reach Opening Ceremony, who is helping Pendleton celebrate it’s 100th anniversary with a collaboration line.   It appears to be the perfect match for a classic American brand like Pendleton, to join forces with the innovative design team of Openning Ceremony, who has taken the traditional Native American prints and transferred them to mini skirts and varsity jackets.  These collaborations will definitely become collector items, and will most likely pay for themselves if you decide to sell them off on Ebay a few years down the line–although wouldn’t it be more fun to just wear them down to the last thread?

So, Madeleine Albright, tres fabulous and famous political figure for her tough stance with government figures on controversial issues, is now being touted across the land for her affinity for… PINS.

Call them what you will… a brooch, a pin, bijoux, or just a bauble, but Ms. Albright’s choice of adornment wasn’t just for aesthetic purposes.  According to recent reports, the Secretary of State used her choice of pins to convey messages to whomever she was speaking with — a balloon pin when she thought things were going to go well, a bee whenever she thought the conversation would have a “sting”, (she was later given a butterfly  by Yassir Arafat to prove the old Muhammad Ali addage, “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”) and even a serpent.

Though her pins were meant to convey “diplomatic” messages… we think gorgeous brooches need only convey one thing: That the lady wearing it is just fabulous!  See below for some amazing House of Lavande brooches that are ready for wearing in any situation!  We love them on the back of dresses, in the hair, or anywhere unusual!

Paris may be the last stop on the fashion week calendar, but it certainly doesn’t end there.  In fact, it’s easy to see how Paris is where it all began.

It’s where labels like Lanvin, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga present ready-to-wear collections that would be considered couture in any other city.  And as we have seen many times over in the French capital, there is always a way to be traditional while being innovative at the same time.

While many designers were cutting budgets and staff, Viktor & Rolf were busy cutting fabric to redefine sculptural dress.  It may not look practical, but there is something admirable about inspirational designs that are created with little regard as to what “sells”.  For Viktor & Rolf style comes before sale.   C’est chic!

Last night at New York Palace Hotel, Lady gaga had a launch party for her new “Monster” headphones.  Surprised?  The headphones are in collaboration with Dr. Dre ,who hinted that the two would also be collaborating on a song…

But on an unusually more subtle note, her outfit was a ruffly top and shorts straight from Marc Jacob’s Spring 2010 collection–which is fitting considering Gaga nearly stopped the runway when she arrived late at his show. The sunglasses were by Alexander Wang, and aside from the chilly and cloudy weather, there was nothing gaga about her outfit.

http://khirmaeliazov.com/

Another wonderful find from one of the ladies of Lavande! Khirma (pronounced Erma) has designed a line of handbags that are true statement pieces. Designed to be comfortable as well as totally stylish, (the handles are handwoven to a width that will sit comfortably hug your shoulder). One of he main distinguishing factors of the bags are that they are  made with  combination of luxurious and sometimes unusual exotic skins. Python, chagrin (sting ray), together with the finest Italian leather, organic canvas and cotton linings provide originality at it’s finest. The finishing touches of the unique hardware, great structure, and overall quality, insure this is a timeless handbag that fashion savvy ladies will be loving for years to come!

Sharing a wonderful find is, I think one of the best joys in life. Today while wandering around the internet on one of Lavande’s  favorite sites http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/ I came across these amazing pictures of New York! There are two galleries, New York by Day and New York by Night and each picture is as beautiful as the next. What’s even better is you can buy them…framed or unframed, and in a variety of different sizes! Perfect to hang up at home or to give as an incredible gift to a fellow lover of NYC!

http://gallery.pictopia.com/nysocialdiary/

Nowadays, no hit song goes without a hit video.  Presenting a good picture is just as compelling as a good tune.  Videos like Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, would never  have had the same success if they hadn’t produced such  an impactful image.

Santigold’s music video “Lights out”, shows similar innovation when establishing a distinct creative style.   Simple hoodies, wayfarers, and jewelery that contrast the printed wall paper, good hair, and lighting go a long way.  Little wonder Alexander Wang had them perform at his Gas Station after-party. You can tell that the video didn’t cost millions of dollars to make, but it also doesn’t look amateur or cheap.

On September 9, during New York fashion week, there was a movie premier. It is one of the most anticipated movies for the girls here at Lavande! Coco Before Chanel. Based on the life of the extraordinary Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the movie tells the story of her amazing journey. Growing up a stubborn and headstrong orphan and the life that led up to her becoming the founder of one most influential fashion brands of all time. Coco Chanel was the only person in the field of haute couture to be named one of Time Magazines most influential people of the 20th century. She helped shape a generation of self-confident young women, defying the rules and challenging what was considered acceptable behavior of the 1920’s woman. We cannot wait for the nationwide release of this fascinating story, and hopefully you are as excited as we are!

Of course we all just love How I Met Your Mother, but I can tell you something we love even more. Cobie Smulders in House of Lavande at the Emmys!! The stunning new mom looked beautiful in her  Gustavo Cadile gown and Robert Sorrell for House of Lavande earrings! Here is her red carpet interview before the show! Enjoy!

In a time of crisis, there’s no better way to show some compassion for a fashion lover’s wallet than by debuting a  lower-priced line appropriately titled “Richard Chai Love.”

Placing his high-end women’s wear on hold this season, Richard Chai had retailers and editors excited about this new collection, which is the “girlfriend” of his contemporary menswear line that was shown immediately after.

Every detail seemed to suggest forward thinking. The music on the runway was very up beat, and the rainy weather kept everyone in doors between the two shows, which wasn’t a problem since beer was provided during intermission.

Marc Jacobs rightfully deserves his reputation for making people wait.  Who can forget the 2-hour delay at his Spring/Summer 08 runway show?  But the designer seems bent on redeeming himself. Last season Rachel Zoe learned the hard way after arriving late and being denied entrance to a show that actually started on time.  This season it was Lady Gaga, who came in late and stole the show. Nearly every editor took their eyes off the runway to stare at Gaga herself–even Madonna’s entrance didn’t cause such a commotion.

Whether it was a deliberate publicity stunt or not on the part of Gaga no one knows.  But a lot of the designs on the runway seemed fit for her Ladyship, who had everyone anticipating her performance of “Paparazzi” at the Marc Jacobs after party that same evening.

Ok fashionistas. Get ready to shop!! Monday was the official debut of the latest Anna Sui collection inspired by….wait for it…GOSSIP GIRL. Only one thing could make this better, and that is the fact that it’s available at Target! Affordable, adorable and limited. It will only be available in stores from September 13th-October 17th. So hurry into your local Target and check it out!

Did you see who was wearing House of Lavande to last night’s VMA’S?!? Kristin Stewart, Ashley Greene, and Rose Byrne all completed their amazing looks with Lavande! I’m especially loving Rose’s unexpected bracelet combo! What were some of your favorite looks of the night?

The Costume Institute’s latest exhibit is sure to be an amazing one. The May 2010 theme will be titled “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity” it will chronicle the evolution of fashion’s influence on American women from 1890 to 1940. With themes ranging from “The Heiress” to “Gibson Girls,” “Bohemian,” “Suffragist,” “Flappers” and “Screen Sirens”.  The exhibit will feature around 75 outfits ranging from high fashion to haute couture, from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection. (The pieces were transferred to the Met in January and will be on display there from May 5 through August 15.) Many haven’t been on view to the public in over 30 years!

The collection includes pieces designed by Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, Madame Grès, Charles James, Jeanne Lanvin, Edward Molyneux, Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Madeleine Vionnet, among others. It is sure to be an amazing, and beautiful exhibit not to be missed!

This morning while enjoying some time on closetcouture.com I decided a fun project would be to put together a couple of outfits using one main piece. A GREAT blue DVF tunic. The first is the cute, and casual outfit to run some errands and maybe have lunch with friends!

The second is when you get the last minute phone call that a serious night on the town is happening and you have 10 minutes to get your best dancing shoes on!! Being creative and having fun with clothing and accessories is one of the simple pleasures in life, so have fun with it, and make every look your own! And if you need inspiration, look no further than Closet Couture!

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For those who love a well dressed man or simply like to look good in men’s clothes, you’ll be pleased to know that the SS10 New York Fashion Week will be the stage for Alexander Wang’s new men’s collection.

The young designer has had a tremendous amount of success defining a very specific look for girls.  You can easily spot a group of girls walking down the street in NY or LA and know they are “Alexander Wang Girls”.

All eyes will be on Wang to see if he will be able to define a look for men that is as strong as the one he creates for women.  Looking at his last collection, this transition seems perfectly fit.

It’s officially September! Summer has come and gone in a sunny, hot flash and now it’s time to focus on all things Fall! There are many, many amazing trends this year..here are  just a few of our favorites:

Colors: Black and red, and shocking pink

Ruffian

Emilio Pucci

Patterns: Bold, bright and mixed and mathced…this is one to have fun with and make your own!

Peter Som

Matthew Williamson

80’s! Need I say more!?!

Marc Jacobs

Gucci

Modern, bondage, biker, edgy… whichever name it goes by, the look is unstoppable

Rodarte

Prada

Let us know what some of your favorite trends are, and happy Fall shopping!!

September 10th could perhaps be the biggest night of the year in fashion. Over 700 retailers accross the five borroughs in New York City, not to menion all over the world have been invited to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out. Retailers will be staying open until 11pm  and hosting designers, models and celebrities alike to help re-ignite the world of shopping and fashion.

House of Lavande will be at Henri Bendel where the store is kicking off their “I’d rather wear accessories” campaign. Joined by Gossip Girl costume designer Eric Daman who will be styling the “I’d rather wear accessories” photoshoot, customers will be photographed in their favorite accessories and can also enter to win the accessory of their choice and other awesome raffle items!

Please stop by and show your support for the industry we all love so much, and of course for LAVANDE! We hope to see you there!

http://fashionsnightout.com/

In October of ‘06 I decided to take my passion of collecting vintage jewelry and turn it into a business. Partly because I wanted something that reflected me as an individual beyond wife and mother-someone that my husband, little girl and my son would look at and be proud of. And I started my business partly because I have a serious addiction for collecting beautiful vintage jewelry and if I didn’t start a business, what would I do with it all??? So into my first year I sent out press releases with pictures of my collection to various magazines hoping to generate some interest for editorial placement…the first one I sent out was to Vogue and with the help of one of my closest friends Nicole, who worked at Vogue for some time, she contacted an editor to be on the lookout for this press release as I was sure I would be lucky if it even made it past the mail room. But as luck would have it and a friends helping hand, someone did get it and we ended up getting a request from Grace Coddington herself for a 1920’s Paris inspired photo shoot she was working on. So excited beyond words to even get a request from Vogue for anything, I still was not convinced that they would end up using the jewelry. After all I am sure you can imagine that there is much competition out there and many people who would also love to have their pieces grace the pages of Vogue magazine. When the September 2007 issue came out I started going through the pages and when I came upon the story Paris, Je T’aime, I nearly fell over from the beauty of the story, and then realized my jewelry was also on the models throughout the entire story. I couldn’t believe it…and I think to this day, even though we have been in many more Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Allure magazines, I am still in disbelief every time. This past Friday in New York I went to see The September Issue (the day it came out in NY theaters) and was once again blown away. The documentary on Vogue centered around the making of the September issue…..the 2007 issue with Sienna Miller on the cover, the same one where House of Lavande made it’s national debut. I loved the movie and I was so happy to get to “know” the person who put House of Lavande first in Vogue, Grace Coddington. She is an amazing woman with such incredible vision and I am forever a fan of not only her work, but of her as a person.

The competition is wild as all the top fashion magazines compete to have the most compelling September fashion issue.

Vogue, is trying to stay ahead of the game by releasing a documentary which Cathy Horyn from The New York Times gave only a luke warm review.  Elle, put America’s sweetheart Jennifer Aniston on the cover in a fitted leather ensemble…which probably inspired Angelina Jolie to wear her little black leather dress to Brad’s premiere a week later.

In an effort to keep up, Harpers Bazaar featured supermodel Naomi Campbell racing through Africa, wearing safari inspired designs while skipping rope with monkeys, wrestling crocodiles, and riding on elephants.  Everyone loves the original supermodels.  Magazines love them because they sell.  Therefore, my only question is: why isn’t Naomi on the cover?

Obviously, girls who love accessories are girls who love fashion. And we girls at House of Lavande are no different. We’ve all got our own style and look, ranging from hipster to somewhat preppy, and everywhere in between.  In fact, the outfit merely depends on the day!

I, Vanessa Nedvins, HOL Director of Operations, could be the more “super feminine”, “old classic” , most-likely-to-wear-a-pencil-skirt-and-pumps one of all of us. Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Sariah fill my closets…  What??!! You don’t know who Sariah is? Read on, fellow fashionista, read on…

Sariah Carson, a tres talented designer from Staten Island New York got her grips on me last year when I saw her at a trunk show at Henri Bendel. Her pieces are stunning, and I was shocked to learn that she handpaints each design and uses a unique screening process on the fabric to ensure the creative integrity of the painted work.  I knew I would be forever enchanted.

Her colors are just gorgeous, and far from ordinary, and she fully understands the intricacies of a woman’s body. The lines of each piece are crafted in the most artful, complimentary of ways.  Her pieces have been seen on Kerry Washington, Stacy London, and in Barney’s across the country.  And HOL is so happy to have been the jewelry partner for Sariah’s recent look books!

Make sure you check her out at www.sariahnyc.com.

As you can see, some trends are neither practical nor chic, but just plain fun.

You may have walked past a street vendor selling a pair of kitsch heart shaped glasses, spotted them at a novelty store, or handed out at a young girl’s birthday party as a souvenir.  But would you ever have imagined these shades to become the latest celebrity fashion trend?

Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie, Katie Perry, and Paris Hilton⎯to name only an influential few⎯have confirmed it: heart shaped glasses are cute.

These glasses are certainly not an accessory to a sophisticated look, it’s much more about wearing a smile on your eyes.

If you haven’t visited Vogue.com recently, you should take a minute (or 30) and give it a visit! Our personal favorite here at Lavande is the 10 best dressed list. A weekly collection of the most fabulous looks of the week! Check out a few of House of Lavande’s mentions from the past few weeks, and tell us what some of your favorite looks are!

Ever since “The Devil Wears Prada”, there has been a huge fascination with Anna Wintour, and people are still wondering: “is she really that mean?”

Following in the video footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld and Valentino, Anna Wintour is releasing a highly anticipated big-screen style documentary next month entitled “September Issue”. In it  we can see behind the scenes of how Wintour operates with her staff as well as with acclaimed designers like Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang– who by the way was once an editor at Vogue and was up for the editor in chief position that was given to Anna.

With September being the biggest month in fashion, and with magazine sales down across the board, this may be Vogue’s most ingenious and innovative September issue yet.

Picture this: You’re sitting at your favorite night spot, relaxing to some good music….a song comes on and you really don’t think your life can go on if you don’t find out what it is. WHAT do you do!?! (there is no dj at said night spot, by the way.)

If you have an iPhone or a Blackberry, download the SHAZAM application. Hold your phone out so it can hear the tune and within 5-7 seconds Shazam will not only deliver the artist and title, you can also purchase the song directly from iTtunes, share the song with friends through email, get lyrics, view the video on Youtube, get recommendations for similar tracks, and get biographies and discographies of the artist. All for FREE! And what is better than free!?! Happy SHAZAM-ing!!

Here is your chance to be part of the phenomenon that redefined NYC, and had everyone (not just tourists) ordering a Cosmopolitan!

The city is expected to be over run by crowds of ladies and gents wanting to be immortalized as fashionable background performers for the movie sequel.

Open Call:

Seeking SAG and NON SAG to play:  Fashion Models, Celebrity types, Upscale Socialites, Fashionistas, Urban Club goers, Gays and Lesbians (all types), International types (Middle Eastern, Arabic, Asian, European, British), Professional Soccer Players.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th ave)

SAG: 10am- 12:30pm

NON-SAG: 1:30p-4:00p

Email a recent picture and contact info to: sexandthecity2@gwcnyc.com if you cannot attend the open call.

Good Luck! and for more on how the casting went visit : InterviewMagazine

I recently had the pleasure of eating at the Standard Grill at the Standard Hotel in the ever-chic Meatpacking District. Under the Highline, the atmosphere was just perfect for a late night dinner with 6 of my girlfriends.  We started out with a great HMS Pimms drink at the bar…  No sooner had I ordered than I noticed patrons eating pickles with their drinks.  What’s a girl to do?  I ordered up “A Good Pickle” for a mere dollar. It was delish!

Dinner was fantastic.  We sat in the dining room with a floor made of 480,000 pennies, and had spectacular meal. The side of homefried potatoes with spiced paprika aioli, compliments of the house, was such a treat!  Much laughter, some incredible oysters, a snow pea salad, and a few drinks later, we were happily on our way to Jane Ballroom, with an anything but “standard” meal to start off our evening!

480,000 pennies on the floor

Let me begin by saying, this is no ordinary save the date folks! On August 12th Gilt Groupe will be debuting their newest guilty pleasure for all of us to enjoy. GILT FUSE. Prepare to make the mad dash to your computer at 12pm EST for the first sale…Plenty by Tracy Reese, Kova & T, Modern Amusement, CC Skye, TKO Orologi, RJ Graziano, and BCBG. All up to 70% off retail prices.

Gilt Groupe is by invitation only, so email them at membership@gilt.com, or ask a friend who is a member for an invite!

http://www.gilt.com/

http://giltfuse.com/

Fabiola Beracasa is well known for her distinguished style not only in New York, but among fashionable people around the world. As a student she interned for Karl Lagerfeld, working on the Chanel Couture collection in Paris. Now, it would be surprising to find someone in fashion who hasn’t heard of Fabiola.

Taking the time to answer a few of our questions, she goes beyond great outfits when talking to us about style and taste.

House of Lavande: Who is one of the most inspirational persons you’ve worked with?

Fabiola Beracasa: Lady Amanda Harlech

HOL: Compared to other fashion capitals, what would you say is distinct about NY style?

FB: NY style is distinct because there is not just one look.  Each neighborhood has a distinct style whether it be uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, midtown…etc.  Nobody in NY  is going to be alarmed that you’re not dressed like everybody else.  People are not afraid to experiment.

HOL: If you always had to wear the same outfit, what would it be?

FB: Tailored Menswear. I love a button down shirt, pants and jacket.

HOL: Can you think of a film or character whose aesthetic or style struck you as memorable?

FB: Marlene Deitrich because of how she wore menswear; and Evan Rachel Wood of late.

HOL: You collect a lot of vintage.  Is there a piece you would love to have but haven’t come across yet?

FB: I usually don’t know in advance.  I tend to find things in the moment, when I see them.

HOL: Is there a look or style you like, but could never wear yourself?

FB: No

HOL: One of your favorite style icons?

FB: Jaqueline des Ribes to Kelly Bundy — I have a few

HOL: When it comes to men’s fashion, what style do you find most appealing?

FB: I like genuine style that compliments a man’s life and personality.  He could be preppy, or dress like a rocker if that’s what he’s into.  It just can’t seem  like he’s’ trying too hard.

HOL: One of your favorite museums?

FB: The Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain

HOL: Is there an area of NYC you always try to avoid?

FB: Midtown

HOL: An outfit you’ve worn that later made you say “what was I thinking?”

FB: I would say it happens to me at least once a week. I like to experiment and try new things. You learn through your mistakes.

HOL: What do you like to read?

FB: I like to read non fiction literature that I can learn something from beyond the art of writing.  Subjects such as biology or psychology.

HOL: Other than NYC, is there a city you would live in?

FB: Paris

HOL: A trend you would like to see more of?

FB: I don’t particularly like trends, but I would like to see more people making an effort with their clothes.

HOL: A trend you would like to see less of?

FB: The “It” bag

Stella McCartney’s Fall ad campaign shot by Ryan Mcginley features model Sigrid Agren along side Bambi, Thunper, and many more animated forest friends. (Style.com)

Stella who is devoted to animal friendly designs (and is vegetarian) has definitely won a major victory against the skeptics who feel that animal friendly is ethical, but not fashionable. (Vogue U.K.)

Model Sigrid is definately on the rise,  having already been the face of Prada this year, and closing the Valentino couture show this month in Paris, but posing next to a cultural icon like Bambi….Sigfrid can’t help but look a bit disanimate.

With the release of the new Harry Potter movie July 15, it’s no wonder that there is so much buzz about Emma Watson.  In the past few months she has been on the cover of Interview Manazine, Teen Vogue, Tatler, and Elle UK⎯ not to mention the new face of Burberry’s ad campaign.

Emma has come a long way from the awkward adolescent in the first Harry Potter film.  She has made quite a splash on the fashion scene calling Chanel her “lucky” brand, and wearing the latest season of Rodarte and Proenza Schouler.  This girl seems to know her stuff, and it will be interesting to watch as her taste in fashion developes into a unique style!

I’ll take a dozen please!!!!

Nothing tickles our fancy more than the ladies who love Lavande, and we are totally loving Hayden Panettiere! Here she is on Letterman Tuesday night rockin her Lavande jewels and the oh so fabulous Carolina Seikaly black lace dress we are all obsessed with! Enjoy!

So it’s summertime, and all we keep hearing  is that now is the time to play with fun nail polish colors…to go bright! Have fun! Be  CRAZY, it’s SUMMER!!! So I finally listened.  I couldn’t be happier  with my latest impulse purchase, if for no other reason than the color is totally off the wall, and it’s so fun to wear! Mac’s violet fire is a limited edition color from the style warrior collection, and if you  can find it, it’s a must have for summer!

Yesterday in Paris, in the landmark HQ at 30 Avenue Montaigne, John Galliano kicked off the week by presenting the Fall 09 Haute-Couture collection for Christian Dior — in the very same salon where Dior staged his first couture presentation more than fifty years ago.

The decision to refrain from the large scale tented productions and present the collection at 30 Avenue Montaigne was not done in an effort to save money, says Christian Dior ceo Sidney Toledano, “We want to do it in this house again to feel ‘at Dior… We really want to transport the spirit.”

In that case, what better place for a Christian Dior couture presentation than where it all started.

It seems that becoming a music and style icon takes more than a hit single and a great outfit. If anything, Michael Jackson’s death last week reminded us that Lady GaGa is following in a long line of predecessors.

Her style is distinctive in that its very GaGa. The 8 minute movie-music-video “Paparazzi” has so many different looks that it feels like you’re flipping through a fashion magazine.

If we follow Michael Jackson’s evolution of style, we can easily connect the look to the song. And whether it was Thriller, Bad, Black or White, with him it was never only the song, it was also about a lasting image.

We may have to rethink the term “celebrity designers,” since nowadays many fashion designers have become more famous than the celebrities they dress.

It seems like TV can’t get enough of shows like Project Runway, Top Model, Rachel Zoe Project and all the other equally successful spin-offs, making household names of Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, and even Project Runway’s winner Christian Siriano.

And it’s not just about fashion anymore.  Designers are indulging in their celebrity status and branching out towards numerous projects.

Just last week it was annouced that Vera Wang will be on Dancing with the Stars, (hopefully even designing her own costume), and that Karl Lagerfeld will lend his voice to the French animated film “Totally Spies”— after already being a character in the notorious Playstation game Grand Theft Auto.

A model turned actor seems like a natural transition, but with two or more runway presentations a year, several labels under their belts, Home, fragrances, and beauty lines, it’s amazing these designers still manage to dance at all.

Karl Lagerfeld in GTA

Last night at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored the winners and nominees of the 2009 CFDA Fashion awards, hosted by Tracy Ullman.

Women’s Wear designer of the year went to Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte; Menswear Designer of the Year was a tie with Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders and Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein Collection.

The Accessory Designer of the Year Award went to Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, whose designs were worn by Fabiola Beracasa and Daphne Guinness.

Blake Lively, wearing Michael Kors, presented the three Swarovski Awards among which the Womenswear was given to Alexander Wang.

Stephen Gan, Italo Zucchelli, Cecilia Dean, Francisco Costa, and James Kaliardos

Last week Calvin Klein’s all white party for the release of “Visionaire 56: Solar” was a fashionable kick off to summer in NYC.

And as you can see, it’s safe to say that Wayfarer shades will be holding their ground as a dominating trend this summer once again.

When Audrey Hepburn first popularized the Wayfarer in the 1961 movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” they became synonymous with urban sophistication.

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Half a decade later, the Wayfarer has become a staple of “cool” for fashionable bohemians in cities like Paris, London, and especially downtown NYC.  This time being popularized by celebrities like Chloe Sevigny, Mary Kate Olson, and Kate Moss.

Unlike the Wayfarer’s design, which has gone through little modification over the years, our perception of its style has greatly changed from Audrey Hepburn’s day.

For more photos from Calvin Klein/Visionaire party : www.vmagazine.com/landing.php?c=13

Celebrity stylist and Creative Director of Elle Magazine, Joe Zee, took the time to share with us a few of his thoughts on everything from celebrities with style, new designers, and  even Minnie Mouse.

House of Lavande: What are you paying attention to in fashion right now?

Joe Zee: New talent. I’m very drawn to seeing creativity and design and vision through the eyes of new talent. Design-wise, I love the new breed of young designers emerging right now like Alexander Wang and Jason Wu who are so precise in their vision. But overall, I also admire the new crop of photographers and models we are seeing as well.

HOL: Off the red carpet, which celebrities do you think have great day-to-day style?

JZ: I’m a big fan of personal style and really appreciate personalities that take a risk, whether it works or not. Definitely the Olsen girls have great style, and lately I’ve been fascinated by a lot of Rihanna’s personal style. Also Katie Holmes.

HOL: What is the best way to look elegant and chic without spending a fortune?

JZ: Having confidence is probably the chicest quality you can have. If you feel strong and confident, then you can pull off something as effortless as jeans and a t-shirt. But on a more practical sense, accessories really are the answer to switching any look up.

HOL: Labels aside, how do you distinguish good design?

JZ: Quality. Craftsmanship. Design.

HOL: One rule about accessorizing what would it be?

JZ: Less is more. I love making a statement with your accessories – and I encourage it – but don’t overdo it. Its a fine line between chic and tacky.

HOL: Trends come and go, styles constantly shift, but is there one thing in fashion that you feel has always stayed the same?

JZ: Yes. Great accessories. There’s a reason why something like diamond studs or a Birkin bag will always be in style. Their fundamental  design is so rooted in a timelessness.

HOL: One good style tip that a girl can give to her boyfriend?

JZ: Wear something that fits properly. So many men have difficulty with that part of dressing.

HOL: What has been one of the most significant fashion moments of the last 10 years?

JZ: The explosion and mania of the red carpet. Celebrities roles in fashion has grown tremendously in this past decade.

HOL: What’s your earliest memory of being interested in fashion?

JZ: Loving the shape of a Minnie Mouse handbag I saw in a Disney store at 5 years old.

HOL: Who are some of the most inspiring people you’ve worked with?

JZ: Tom Ford. Richard Avedon. Polly Mellen. Great inspiring creative minds who didn’t understand the word “no” or the boundaries of which to do something.

HOL: Your dream job?

JZ: To be Steven Spielberg.

Ashley Tisdale and Kristen Bell last night at the MTV Movie Awards, both finishing off their looks with House of Lavande jewelry.

If you need as many reminders as I do for shows I want to watch, be sure to grab this countdown widget so you won’t miss out…..

Found this on a super cool blog www.mydailystyle.es…..

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Let’s us know which one of our LBD’s is your favorite….1. Vanessa’s 2. Tracy’s 3. LIndsey’s 4. Corrin’s

IN THIS OUTFIT:

• Christian Roth Gold Circle Sunglasses.jpg
• Phillip Lim Scharf
• 952467_fpx.tif.jpg
• Ysl Gunmetal Cuff
• Plaid Tank.png
• Sass & Bide Atom Of Loved Denim Shorts

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Well, it has been a bit of disco and 70’s week at HOL and Corrin’s Closet Couture look of the day says put on your roller skates and boogie….OR… just a cool outfit to go meet some friends for drinks after work. Love you Corrin!! xoxo

Olya Thompson is always so stylish and we love…that she loves…House of Lavande. xoxo

read the article at www.style.com

With so many lovely girls, lovely dresses and fabulous designers, it was hard to keep focus! However, the ravishing reds, pinks and purples caught our eyes this year as well as the many wonderful shapes and styles they took on..Nina Ricci, Ungaro, and Fortuny made for quite a scene, indeed!

All Photos Courtesy of Style.com 

Click on photos for links to site. 

and how proud we were!! On Friday, May 1st at The Bowery Hotel we hosted a very special gala. For those not familiar with the charity, please take the time to visit their site www.nestfoundation.org. Prior to the party, we viewed the Nest’s”Playground“, a documentary exposing the sexual exploitation of children in America. The film was directed by Libby Spears, produced by Martha Adams, Abigail Disney, Arden Wohl, George Clooney and Steven Soderberg.

A few of our lovely Lavande ambassadors attended and were  decked in their finest–and how thrilled we were–a little sparkle goes a much longer way when coupled with a fantastic cause. 

Courtesy of Sherly Rabbani, Josephine Solimene/Style.com

The ever-so-chic and talented designer, Rachel Roy, shared a few of her favorite things with us recently..

How do you incorporate a vintage jewelry into a day look? Evening look?

For daytime, I like to incorporate vintage jewelry a bit more subtly.  For evening, it needs to make a splash, like with a pair of beautiful House of Lavande oversized earrings.

How do you mix vintage with modern?

 I like to mix one statement vintage piece into a modern look.

 What is your favorite decade for vintage?

 Right now I am very into the 1970s – my Fall collection was inspired by one of my favorite movies from that era, “The Conformist.”

 What is your favorite vintage find (whether it be clothing, furniture—anything!!) and where did you find it?

 My grandmother’s wedding gown!

 What designer inspires you?

 I am truly inspired by all designers, as I know first hand the joy and the blood, sweat, and tears that they put into their passion.

 What artist inspires you?

 I am inspired by many artists’ ability to tell a story through a different medium.  I am a big fan of Cy Twombly and I love Monet’s Water Lilies.

 What is your favorite restaurant?

 I love Le Bernardin and Sant Ambroeus downtown.

 If you had to spend a night in a museum (or gallery) which would it be?

 The MET.

 Favorite Oscar dress of all time?

 Jean Paul Gaultier’s black gown for Cate Blanchett from the Oscars in 2000 – the gold Indian-inspired necklace draping down the open back was simply stunning.

 Best red carpet tip?

 Stay hydrated and eat a little something beforehand – standing in heels and posing for the flashing lights do not bode well on an empty stomach!

 What is your favorite scent?

 One my great grandmother always used, called 4711 – smells like fresh lemons.

 What is the most indulgent item you can’t live without?

 Love.

These are a pair of Rachel’s favorite earrings (worn recently to a New York event!) :

click on item for link to shop site

In Fall 2004, Rachel applied her sophisticated aesthetic to her own collection, Rachel Roy,  which debuted in department and specialty stores for Spring 2005. With striking silhouettes, a sophisticated color palette and inventive pairings which transition from day to evening, Roy has garnered editorial acclaim in publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, W and Vanity Fair.. RACHEL ROY NEW YORK has grown to include four full collections each year.

IN THIS OUTFIT:

• Boyfriend Jeans.jpg
• Women White Vintage Short Sleeve V-neck
• 1920's Unsigned Czech Turquoise Necklace
• Chloe Kathleen Shoulder Bag
• Christian Louboutin Greay Patent Horatio Slingback

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