Style-Oct-2009

CHEEKY CHIC: APRONS TO DIE FOR

Do you know a sexy mama who loves to cook? Well, Haute Hostess Aprons might be right up her alley. Made of silk, satin, lace and rhinestones - not the typical materials you would associate with aprons – designer Elizabeth Scokin has taken the apron to a whole new level. Wearing one of her designs you may never look at the kitchen in the same way again.

Aprons can be found in three categories: Glam it Up, Glam it Up Luxe and Give Me Sugar and offer a variety of colors, styles and themes that would appeal to any culinary fashionista. But don’t actually cook in these fabulous frocks. Scokin says, “Much like your favorite cocktail dress, Haute Hostess Aprons are meant to be slipped into moments before the first partygoers ring the doorbell. After all, every hostess should emerge looking as ravishing as the ravioli and ready to party.” And your husband will love it too. Whew… it’s getting hot in here. Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, there’s something here for everyone. . www.hautehostessaprons.com

JEGGINGS: MAD GENIUS

The bright minds in the fashion world have cross-pollinated two of last year’s most popular fashion trends, the skinny jean and leggings, to come up with Jeggings. Brilliant! First sold at England’s uber-popular Topshop stores (it’s first U.S. outlet is in New York City), Jeggings look like jeans but are leggings made from a cotton/polyester/spandex blend that’s comfortable and form-fitting. No more trying to decide whether to pull on your jeans OR leggings for casual weekend brunches. This twofer makes decision-making easy. Go to the Topshop site to buy online, www.topshop.com

MANTYHOSE: REALLY?

No, no, no. While we pray this won’t be a trend that catches on we felt some obligation in bringing it to your attention. Another British invention (tea wasn’t enough?) mantyhose or man tights, are sold at Selfridges in London. While man tight pushers are trying to spin these as just another way for men to keep their legs warm in winter, their secret agenda is really to start a style trend that will take off. Well, yes, we can see some very adventurous and quirky artists giving this a whirl but if your husband starts asking if his man tights will look great with a sweater, it might be time to rethink… everything.

OUTBACK LUXE

You’re going to see a lot of celebrity name-dropping throughout the magazine this month. That’s because several of our products and style items are being used or worn by them. For instance, Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Kate Hudson, Meghan Fox, Paris Hilton, Sienna Miller, Goldie Hawn and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few of the bold-faced names that have caught on to Australia Luxe Collective’s inventive and funky skeepksin boots and accessories.

Started just three years ago by Melbourne-based husband and wife team

Nicole Durand and Stuart Rush, Australia Luxe Collective features over 35 styles and we love almost every one of them. Custom embellishments, fur trims and specialty treatments make every boot different and we’re pretty sure you won’t see your particular style on anyone else anytime soon.

Look for Australia Luxe at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harvey Nichols and net-a-porter.com. Visit their website to learn more: www.australialuxeco.com.

GYPSY SOULE

Embellished boots seem to be very popular this winter. Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Love Hewitt (we warned you about the name-dropping) are just a few of the celebs who can’t seem to get enough of Gypsy Soule’s leather and hide embellished shoes and boots. Adding jeweled stones to classic favorites, the company has found a niche all its own by pairing country charm with rock star funk. Check them out at www.gypsysoule.com

KUZA

Tired of your skinny jeans bunching as you try to get them into your zipless boots? Threw out your stirrup pants in 1995? Then the Kuza Strap is perfect for you. This detachable stir-up keeps your pants in place while you slip on your winter sheepskin boots, willies or any other zip-free styles. Buy them online at www.shopkuza.com

THE BUCKLETTE: CUTE CARRYALL

Don’t you just get tired sometimes of searching for the right evening bag to go out; something that can fit all your necessities but is cute and makes the right statement? Well, if you have a casual night out planned, the Bucklette is the perfect non-evening bag we’ve ever seen. There are two versions of the Bucklette- a belt buckle that comes with a belt and a compact clip-on. Both versions are designed to hold a lipstick, key, credit card and ID, perfect for a night on the town or a day of shopping.

Crafted from recyclable, lead-free metal and packaged in a reusable jewelry bag it functions as a belt buckle and a purse. It’s available online and at select retailers. http://www.bucklette.com.