There are so many things about the holiday season that are endearing and precious.  There are a few that aren’t.  In the interests of entertainment, I’m going to leave the Kumbayah scripts aside and take for granted that we already fully appreciate the time with family and friends, the copious feasts that surround us and even the gay elves dancing about and the holiday rinks and tree lighting ceremonies.  These are all just lovely enough to leave alone.

One of the drawbacks of the season of giving is the rabid and predatory way retailers come after their customers, almost as if in a trance walking towards them like zombies.  Come over here, see this, see that, must see this shiny new object that will complete your life, must provide me with a great commission for my greedy pocketbook.  The trick behind this agenda, of course, is for the sales people to make you believe that they really do have your very best interests at heart and none of their own.  Some are clumsily horrible at this.

For example, my brother recently told me he was kidnapped by a man named Bill, who he wasn’t dying to be on a first name basis in the first place with and who was insistent on selling him a bed:  “Hey there, my name’s Bill, what’s your name? Great, glad to know ya, ya doin some Christmas shopping today? Try kickin’ your feet up on the temperpedic bed, it’s how all the Europeans sleep.”

     Well, if the EUROPEANS sleep that way, then this deal is closed, you should have said that earlier. Where do I sign?  Seriously, where are these salesmen finding the maps to our psyches?  It’s entertaining to see them fumbling around with their big ring of keys trying in vain to conquer a sale by finding our achilles’ heel.  The other day I was walking through Macy’s just minding my own business when a woman practically knocked me over, “Want to sit down for a quick touch-up at the Christian Dior counter?”  “No, I really don’t have time, thanks.”  “It’ll just take a second.  So where are you going tonight?  Are you thinking about a casual yet polished look or going glam for a party?”  “Well, actually, now that you mention it, I wasn’t thinking about anything.” 

After practically pushing me into the seat and trying to entice me with a free sample to take home I gave up and decided I would just play her game.  The poor soul was salivating over the prospect of a sale and going full-tilt into the benefits of each product.  I let her go wild as she gave a full description of each product and what would befall my face, my dating life, and might threaten my very right to live if I did not buy this $200 skin serum.  The total amount on all of the products she slathered on my face was probably well over $500 and she didn’t even do that great of a job.  She really had no game at all as her eagerness to make the sale at the end reeked of greed and desperation.  I know that I was expected to feel I somehow ‘owed’ to her some sort of sale by being sucked into her make-up chair vortex kicking and screaming.  But I didn’t. I politely thanked her and even threw her a bone by asking her to write down all of the products – especially the shark-cartilage moisturizer based on 20 years of Belgian research – as a gesture of mild interest.  I then very quietly but directly told her I would not be buying any products today.  I watched her shoulders actually raise and tense up as her voice began to squeal, “Well, but you’ll probably want to get the serum today, you know, at least just to get started.  You’ll want to at least do that.”

Will I?  It was truly kind of her to offer to be the broker of all of my life decisions from now on.  She must have seen how moved I was by her keen interest in me as I fought to wipe away that tear sliding down my cheek.  Keeping my voice at the same quiet level, I said so calmly she probably thought I could have been saying something like, “Wow, I really like your bracelet.”  I said to her very sweetly and quietly, “Well, strong-arming me today is not going to work, and secondly I’ve already mentioned I wasn’t going to buy anything.  Have a great day.”  And I got up and bid her farewell. 

The travesty is that we are meant to feel guilt anytime we walk through the jungle of holiday retail and don’t buy anything.  They treat us as if we are the oxygen tank to their existence.  I really do understand they are just trying to do their job and make money, but I don’t take kindly to business ethics by way of guilt and manipulation which are blatantly based on their own gain without regard for the customer’s mindset.  The paradox is, if they would just reframe their sales approach towards genuine interest without asking or expecting anything in return and with no attachment around making the sale, that is precisely when they’re going to make the sale.  Shopping online is so much more appealing.  No pressure and no psychological warfare.  Yet another reason for staying away from the retail madness jungle this season.  This way you don’t have to disappoint anyone, hurt their feelings, or feel responsible they fell short of their daily sales goal.  Shop at home without guilt.  Keep It Simple Sugar.

From CHRISTIAN DIOR comes this stunning gold and white print strapless evening dress.  Absolutely elegant with a draped waistband and panelled full skirt.  Built in bustier.  (with separate closure) Hidden side zipper close. Fully lined.

As seen on Tinsley Mortimer in the December 7th issue of  Life & Style.

Made in France.

Fabric: 51% Polyester, 49% silk; lining: 100% silk

Condition:  Brand new with tags.

Retail: $5,785

Size: 38/4 (states US 6, but runs one size small, fits like a US 4)

Measurements:

Length: 31″ (from top of dress)

Bust: 32″

Waist: 26″

Hips: full

Email us for pricing madisonavecouture@gmail.com

Presenting the Boom Boom Room on the 18th Floor of His Excellency Andre Balazs‘ risque Standard Hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, recently dubbed “The New Studio 54” by Jacob Bernstein for Tina Brown’s The Daily Beast.

Inside the Excellent Boom Boom Room. Image by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for Dior via Tina Brown's The Daily Beast.

]]> http://whatwouldmarilyndo.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/statement-nails-go-planetary/ Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:32:14 +0000 whatwouldmarilyndo http://whatwouldmarilyndo.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/statement-nails-go-planetary/

Statement nails are one of the most attention-grabbing accessories this season and one  manicure that’s come full-circle is the half-moon manicure. This style  first became popular in the 1940s and has most recently been on the Fall 2009 runways at Christian Dior, Ruffian and Thakoon. Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese has been flashing her lunar nails for years.

Dita Von Teese

Best described as a reverse French manicure, the half-moon manicure is surprisingly easy to replicate on your own as long as you have the right tools. To prep, you need strong nails. I regularly use a nail strengthener because frequent abuse of nail polish and remover makes my nails weak. One of my favourites right now is Sally Hansen’s Quick Care Pen Strength Treatment, which is easily applied with it’s click-and-brush pen. You can have a painted half-moon or not, but if you want the full effect I’d go for the former. Beige and bordeaux were paired at Ruffian; white and navy at Thakoon and cream and purple at Dior.

Christian Dior Fall 2009

I chose white and a deep metallic blue with Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Colours in Whirlwind White and Blazing Blue. After painting my entire nail white I used Nailene’s Perfect Tips & Toes French Polish Guides adhesive stickers to make a perfect half-moon while painting on the blue polish. And voila! — the perfect half-moon manicure. Although it did take some time and patience, the end result is well worth it — just think of how great it will look while lifting a glass during the holiday party season!

Here is what I used to create a half-moon manicure:

• Sally Hansen Quick Care Pen Strength Treatment, $9.95 at select drug stores and mass retailers
• Nailene Perfect Tips & Toes French Polish Guides, $2.99 at Shopper’s Drug Mart
• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Colour in Whirlwind White and Blazing Blue, $5.95 at select drug stores and mass retailers

Here are some other colour combinations inspired by the Fall runways:

• Revlon Nail Enamel in No Shrinking Violet with Sheer Petal, $5.50 at select drug stores and mass retailers
• Essie Nail Color in A-List with Not Just A Pretty Face, $9.99 at select salons
• Maybelline Salon Expert Nail Colour in Hot Pink with Eternal Snow, $5.49 at select drug stores

— Jodi Goulart

This is a editorial for Black Magazine shot by Paul Empson it stars Marloes Horst who looks completely stunning, I love the shoot it’s edgy, fierce as hell, b*tchy, and super fresh, the perfect ideals we need to look forward to in the new year. Featuring designs by Chanel, Christian Dior and Azzedine Alaïa, the clothes are amazing, each piece is wardrobe worthy while seasonless so can be mixed and matched to work with whatever all year round. Another Great shoot.

Check out more shots after the break:

*EDIT* – NUDITY 

Styling: June Nakamoto

Photography By: Paul Empson

IMG|SOURCE: FGR

Pour une fois je ne vais pas faire l’article d’un nouveau produit mais plutôt vous donnez l’occasion d’aller les découvrir par vous même.

Dans les semaines qui arrivent vont se tenir de nombreux salons dédiés aux jeunes créateurs de mode, de bijoux, d’accessoires, de cosmétiques et j’en passe. Il se tiendra aussi  des marchés de Noël avec des produits dégriffés à tomber par terre et donc de bonnes affaires à faire si vous aimez flâner.

Je m’adresse souvent aux parisiennes mais là réjouissez vous, certains salons se tiennent aussi en Province

15ème Marché des Modes - Roubaix

Pour nos amies du Nord voici le Marché des Modes de Roubaix. Il se tiendra le vendredi 4, samedi 5 et dimanche 6 décembre à l‘Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries Textiles (ENSAIT), Avenue Jean Lebas, 59100 Roubaix. L’entrée est gratuite alors profitez!

La Grande Braderie de la Mode - Paris et Marseille

La Grande Braderie de la Mode se tient à Paris et à Marseille. Elle aura lieu le samedi 5 et le dimanche 6 décembre à Paris au BETC, 85/87 rue du Faubourg Saint Martin, 75010.  En ce qui concerne Marseille, cela sera le vendredi 11 et samedi 12 décembre à l’Espace Mode Méditerranée, 13001.

Cette braderie vous propose des vêtements neufs offerts par des créateurs et des maisons de prêt-à-porter, des objets pour la maison plutôt design avec des prix jusqu’à -80%. Vous trouverez aussi des marques de grands créateurs comme Chloé, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Yves Saint Laurent ou encore Chantal Thomass.

Les bénéfices réalisés seront reversés à 100% à l’association AIDES, qui lutte contre le VIH. Vous vous faites plaisir tout en faisant une bonne action.

Marché de Noël des Créateurs - Paris

Le Marché de Noël des Créateurs se tient à Paris les dimanches 6 et 13 décembre au Container, 9 cité des Trois Bornes, 75011.

Ce marché de Noël regroupe des créateurs de vêtements, d’accessoires, de bijoux, de lingerie, de décoration et de cadeaux de naissance. Un moyen plutôt sympa de trouver des cadeaux par un bon dimanche de décembre.

Atelier Terre de Sienne - Paris

L’Atelier Terre de Sienne aura lieu à Paris le vendredi 11, samedi 12 et dimanche 13 décember au 8 cours Saint Pierre dans le 17ème arrondissement de Paris.

Cette petite vente-exposition regroupera 6 créateurs d’accessoires fantaisie. L’affiche donne le ton et si vous êtes dans le coin ça vaut le détour.

J’espère que ces différents salons et ventes vous permettront de faire de bonnes découvertes, de bonnes emplettes et que vous en aurez plein les mirettes

Christian Dior Photograph by Bellini Archives Christian Dior

Nació en Normandía en 1905 y, aunque comenzó la carrera de Ciencias Políticas y la de Música ante la insistencia de sus padres, prontó las abandonó para dedicarse a viajar y después para dirigir una galería de arte. En 1935, habiendo dejado de lado este negocio, empezó a ganarse la vida en París vendiendo a los periódicos dibujos de figurines de moda.
Fue tal su éxito, que en 1938 entró a trabajar con el diseñador Robert Piguet. En 1942 pasó a hacerlo con Lucien Lelong, hasta que en 1946 el empresario textil Marcel Boussac le brindó la oportunidad de abrir su propia casa de costura.

En 1947 presentó su primera colección, llamada “Línea Corola” y conocida en el mundo entero como “New Look” (Nueva Imagen). Tal fue el impacto causado con ella, que Dior fue reconocido enseguida como un genio de la aguja gracias a crear una imagen de mujer muy femenina y coqueta; con faldas de mucho vuelo, cintura muy ceñida y hombros redondeados, que contrastaba poderosamente con los oscuros años de posguerra que se vivían en Francia.

Con el negro, azul y blanco como colores favoritos, y cuidando hasta el más mínimo detalle de sus creaciones -que adornaba siempre con broches y collares de perlas- Dior impuso un sello de elegancia cuyo legado aún pervive.
Christian Dior falleció en 1957. Su aguja fue sustituida por un jovencísimo Yves Saint Laurent, que trabajaba a las órdenes del gran maestro desde 1953. En 1960 Saint Laurent fue sustituido por Marc Bohan, que permaneció al frente de la casa hasta 1989, año en que Gianfranco Ferre fue nombrado director creativo. El italiano trabajó en Dior hasta 1996. Actualmente la marca es diseñada por el británico John Galliano.

( para mas informasion pueden ir a http://www.hola.com/biografias/christian-dior/biografia/ )

Christian Dior Photograph by Bellini Archives Christian Dior

Fashion Designer Christian Dior (1905-1957) was born in Normandy, France. At his parents’ insistence, he studied political science. After military service and several years of indecision, he returned to Paris in 1935 and began his design career by selling sketches. His hat designs were initially more successful than his dress designs. But he concentrated on his dress designs and was hired by Robert Piguet in 1938. During the war, he served in the South of France, then returned again to Paris in 1941 and worked for Lucien Lelong, a much larger design house. In 1946, he was able to open his own house, backed by textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac.

For his first collection in 1947, he created the extremely popular “New Look”, which featured rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a very full skirt. Dior created an opulent clothing style which contrasted the severe living conditions of post-war France. After the war, he helped to re-establish Paris as the capital of world-fashion . Dior became the last great dictator of style in the 1950s. Each collection throughout this period had a theme – classic suits, ballerina-length skirts, the H-line in 1954, and A- and Y-lines in 1955.

Together with his partner Jaques Rouet, Dior was the pioneer for license agreements in the fashion business. Already in 1948, he decided to arrange licensed production of furs, socks, ties, perfumes, and clothing in regionally seperate production centers. Thus spreading the brand name quickly around the globe.

In 1953, he hired Yves Saint Laurent as an assistant. After Dior’s sudden death in October 1957 in Italy, Saint Laurent became head designer and introduced the trapeze dress in his first collection for the house. When Saint Laurent was called for military duty in 1960, Marc Bohan took over, remaining until Gianfranco Ferre became designer in 1989. Ferre is to be replaced by the end of 1996.

After much talk about possible successors of Ferre, it has been confirmed in October 1996, that John Galliano will take his place as chief designer for Dior. Galliano, known as the current enfant terrible of the fashion business was responsible for Givenchy for two seasons before switching to Dior. It is believed that Dior’s parent-company LVMH wants rejuvenate Dior’s appearence, hoping it will create an equally astonishing run on Dior products like Tom Ford created for Gucci. Indeed, Galliano’s appraoch to fashion resembles Dior’s intention when he started in 1947. In contrast to Chanel for example, Dior established a romantic and very feminine look, which emphasised luxury rather than comfort. Galliano, as Dior’s successor, creates an equally feminine style, blending today’s freedom of expression with the reminiscence of past opulence.

Dior is a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter.

For more Info

http://www.infomat.com/whoswho/christiandior.html

or

http://designmuseum.org/design/christian-dior

摩羯座Capricorn|12月22日～1月19日

送礼点子 – 喜欢浮夸的示爱
• 情人的秘密心情
懂事又腼腆的的摩羯座情人，安静、守本份，做事谨慎踏实又有计划，但是在内心深处却藏着极端的心，一为积极、热情的个性，对自己喜欢的人或工作，那股不服输的劲，令人刮目相看，另一为冷淡不耐及脱轨的不屑态度，而不会勉强自己去接受一份不认同的感情，因此送他礼物时，以象征意义代表浮夸华丽的示爱为原则。
送他的礼物
o 一件纯羊毛舒适的毛衣，他常穿他，则对你重视，反之就算了
o 一条图案正式的领带，以中性系为主
o 一本照像本，写下一些情话和你们合拍的照片

属于他的香气
摩羯座的男生是标准的大男人，他们的样子像极了国王，跟射手座的男人不一样，他们没有一丝野性，倒是多了尊严的感觉。柑苔皮革香类的香水很多，像是ADIDAS就是其中的一种，大部分的男性很爱使用这一类的香水，因为这种香水能把男人那种尊严以及掌控欲表达得一清二楚。

适合的香水：柑苔皮革香类原料：麝香、柑橘类、薄荷油
推荐：CK Men by CK, Roberto Cavalli Men, Aigner in Leather，Envy by Gucci for Men, Armani Eau Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani, Chanel Sport by Chanel, Pursuit by Dunhill, CK IN2U by CK

送她的礼物
o 一瓶味道清柔柔的茉莉花香香水
o 一本印有可表达你的爱意的日记本
o 一条心形的项链，或手表、戒指
o 一副复古的太阳眼镜

属于她的香气
摩羯座天性安静而被动 ，其天生的敏感特性亦使此星座属性显得忧郁 。优点则是独立而勤奋，且性格极有耐性，偶而会和他人作比较，因焦躁而显胆怯。强烈而浓郁的木香可加强勇气和乐观；带有甜香草与麝香的白芷能帮助平衡情绪和舒缓疲惫而洋杉木的香息最宜镇静及减轻精神紧张；柏木浓烈的木香能抑制情绪低潮，使头脑清醒 。

适合的香水：木香调：柏木、麝香、洋杉木
推荐：Shalimar by Guerlain ，Montana ， Byzance by Rochas, Anna Sui by Anna Sui, I Love Dior by Christian Dior, J’adore by Christian Dior, Amariage d’Amour by Givenchy

Sunglasses are the latest fashion accessories. They help to create your own unique image . Really your personal taste, age and shape of your face depends on what’s your exactly style preferences. However, if you think buying sunglasses does not matter what style, it is possible you to select the best quality pair.

Some tips for selecting a quality pair of sunglasses is presented below. Knowing what makes a pair of quality sunglasses is important when looking for your next pair. Keep these tips in mind when you are browsing.

UV protection

Eye disease is a major cause of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore it is important to choose a pair of sunglasses to protect from the harmful effects of UV rays. Just because your sunglasses are dark does not mean that you’re protected against UV rays. To make sure you check the rating of your UV sunglasses.

What Sunglasses Are Made

Generally, the weight of the sunglasses determine the quality, the heavier they are the higher the quality. Make sure the materials are tough enough to withstand the constant knocks that sunglasses typically take.

Different Tints

Tints are the colors that are applied to thelenses of sunglasses to help reduce the amount of light that comes contact with the eyes. You should select a specific tint for your personal taste. However, the different color tints and perceived brightness and glare will have a different effect on different colors will be disruptive.

As an example, gray tint to reduce glare and do not distort color. On the other hand, yellow-colored lens will distort, but to sharpen the perceived view.

Polarized Sunglasses – Polarizing or not to polarize?

This will reduce the glare of the sun glasses polarized light that bounces off road and water. Usually preferred by people who drive alot during the day or boat on the water . You may want to investigate polarized lenses if you are around a lot of flat surfaces.

Brands of Sunglasses

Oakley

Armanii

Christian Dior

This absolutely incredible gown hails from CHRISTIAN DIOR’s Spring 2009 collection. In flowing silvery grey silk fabric, this grecian-inspired gown is perfect for every season. Gorgeous worn elegantly with a simple black clutch or with a hemmed inner lining for the sexy runway look. A spectacular and rare find!

Style: Composed of grey silk fabric this stunning dress features flat scalloped lace ribbon straps above a sweetheart neckline. Built-in corset inside the bustier-style, pleated bodice with lace ribbon trim. Amazing pleated skirt with alternating lace ribbon down the length to the bottom hem. Fully lined. Hidden zipper and hook and eye side closure.

Fabric: 100% silk.

Condition: Brand new without tags.

Retail: $19,150

Size: 36/4

Measurements:

Length: 66″

Bust: 32″ (30″ plus 2″ cups)

Waist: 26″

Hips: full

Please email us for the Madison Avenue Couture pricing.  madisonavecouture@gmail.com

better than the meal is dressing up for thanksgiving. dinner isn’t for another 6 hours, yet my mother is already walking around in her hair rollers. embracing my x chromosomes two, i fantasize having endless access to accouterments couture, you helping me pick which frocks to don. i imagine the following finery tormenting us to make a decision.

John Galliano for Christian Dior

Donna Karan

Donna Karan

Donna Karan

Christian dior Cannage handbag Boston bag Beige Patent leather (CD1552)

Christian Dior handbags at dellamoda.com designer handbag store. Purchase your favorite designer bags, purses, messenger bags and wallets by Dior at discount prices.

• Christian dior Cannage handbag Boston bag Beige Patent leather (CD1552)
• Christian Dior handbags are know as one of the world’s top fashion designer bags.
• An all leather bag made with the finest qualities of Italian Patent leather.
• Features leather handles.
• Zippered closure.
• Interior features 2 patch pocket and a zippered compartment.
• Directly from Dior, Authenticity card from Dior and dust bag included.
• Approximate Size: Length: 13″; Width: 8″; Height: 8″.
• MADE IN ITALY

More Information about Christian Dior handbags and Designer Handbags

I am actually worried about LVMH’s brand strength. The store on fifth ave. in NYC looked like a state fair the other day with all kinds of trash outside the door on the side-walk, something I’ve never seen… they also had fewer people than YSL, Dior, Dior Homme, Barney’s and Tod’s during Fashion’s Night Out. Perhaps the sneaker with Kanye was their brand tipping point. I have never been concerned for this company, their brand or their stock, but for the first time I am questioning them. -TJP

Nu doar un francez ci un simbol. Nu doar un pasionat ci un creator. Acesta este Christian Dior. Desi a crescut intr-o familie angrenata in business (producerea de fertilizatori) micul Christian a fost atras de arte si frumos, studiind flori, gradini si decoratiuni. Apropierea de moda s-a facut de timpuriu, inca din copilarie desenand costume pentru carnavalul din orasul natal.

Si-a dorit o cariera in muzica si arte frumoase, si-ar fi dorit sa fie si arhitect, a cedat insa dorintei familiei urmand Scoala de Stiinte Politice. Nu a fost suficient ca sa il deturneze de la drumul sau, in timpul scolii intalnind pictori si muzicieni printre care Jean Cocteau care, mai tarziu avea sa spuna despre Dior “geniul timpurilor noastre, al carui nume magic combina pe Dumnezeu (Dieu) si aurul (Or)”. Prietenia cu acesti artisti l-a facut pe Dior sa deschida o galerie de arta in care a expus lucrarile unor pictori ca Braque, Derain sau Dali.

Intrarea in lumea modei s-a facut in forta avand succes inca de la inceput cu rochiile sale neobisnuit de lungi pentru vremea respectiva si stramte. Revista Harper’s Bazaar a inventat expresia “The New Look” pentru a defini stilul silueta al creatiilor lui Dior si insusi Dior ar fi spus “I have designed flower women”. In doar 10 ani Christian Dior a avut 20 de colectii haute couture transformand numele si afacerea intr-un imperiu al luxului.

Dior a simtit necesitatea unui parfum care sa insoteasca creatiile sale in moda, prima esenta numindu-se “Miss Dior”. In ciuda dificultatilor economice ale vremii Dior a insistat ca parfumurile si ambalajele sale sa contina cele mai bune esente si materiale. Christian Dior spunea la un moment dat “It is difficult to imagine just how much care and trouble goes into finding a new perfume, creating a bottle, or even just the packaging. These activities so absorb me that today I feel as much a perfumer as a fashion designer”. In timpul vietii sale Miss Dior, Diorama, Eau Fraiche si Diorissimo au insotit colectiile de moda. Astazi..

Last month I did a post on six Spring 2010 FW looks I thought could/should appear on a red carpet-gracing starlet. Turns out, a couple celebs (or at least their stylists!) had the same idea. I’ve spotted at least two of the six looks at major film premieres in the past month. So cheers to Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Kristen and Charlize…

Kristen Stewart (left) in Oscar de la Renta

November 16, Hollywood premiere of New Moon

Charlize Theron (right) in Christian Dior

November 4, Hollywood premiere of The Road