Archive for September, 2009
Gotta Getaway On A Budget? Stay In Style At The Ace Hotel In Palm Springs!
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Imagine if a group of artistically minded and communal living skateboarders renovated an old hotel and decided to make it the hippest place to stay. The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California would be something like what you’d get. Known throughout the Pacific Northwest, The Ace is renowned for their stylish yet budget friendly boutique hotels in Portland and Seattle so when they decided to revamp an old hotel in Palm Springs, I was intrigued. Palm Springs always reminds me of retirement communities and golf courses, but the Ace Hotel definitely dispels all those preconceived notions. The interior walls are covered in a tent canvas for the illusion that you’re camping somewhere far far away (but with hot water showers!). The theme extends to the rest of the room with antique steamer trunks that store extra pillows and plenty of vintage National Geographic magazines that can help you plan your next getaway. Dine at the King’s Highway, formerly a Denny’s, where they serve roadside diner food with local and organic ingredients. Lastly, relax at their spa, by the pool, the stargazing deck or on your private patio. With rates starting at under 0 per night, it’s easy to get away from it all. Click on my slideshow to see more! |
Kristin Brady Pushes The Edge Of Sexy With Her New KTG Line
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Kristin Brady redefines what it is to be sexy with her clothing line KTG. Kristin does not employ methods of western tailoring such as zippers, buttons, or hook and eye. Instead, KTG utilizes an approach akin to sculpture. All Kristin’s designs are handmade in her California studio. Organic and asymmetrical, the Apron Dress is sure to be the right choice for dinner and the theater. If you are looking to go the sexy route, then the Brown with Applique piece is definitely your dress of choice. Check out the slideshow to see more of Kristin’s work. |
Collab Update: The Jimmy Choo For H&M Lookbook!
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What’s better than news of a hot designer collab, a.k.a. a collection of pretty things I can suddenly afford? How about an impeccably styled lookbook to go along with it? Images from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection (set to arrive in select H&M stores November 14) are circling the web, and here’s the rundown. Lots of leather? Check. Hot male models? Check (okay, model). Studded accessories? Check. And while the London-based luxury label is certainly known for its shoes above all else, I have to say I’m much more impressed with the belts, bracelets, and bags. That cross-body hobo and stud embellished belt will be mine, and if I have to camp out all night to get them, it will be worth it. Oh, and prices haven’t been released yet, so I can still make mental wishlists of everything from the collection I’m craving and actually believe they’ll end up in my closet. Sweet! Check out the slideshow to see the lookbook for yourself! |
Lighten Up! With Illuminated Furniture For Every Room
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Need to brighten up a room? Better than a lamp may just be a piece of illuminated furniture! As there are plenty of sconces, table lamps, ceiling and floor lamps to wade through in your quest for the perfect one, perhaps thinking outside the conventional lighting department could help. No, don’t rip down your curtains. Try instead a table with the glow of a lamp inside, but be warned– tracking down these fancy furnishings isn’t easy as they’re certainly a not on top of everyone’s list. They are, however, if you’re looking to transform your place into a posh pad. Illuminated furniture creates an ambiance unlike that of any spotlight. And, if your lighting concept involves your tabletops, the things that adorn them will see a new light of day. Click through the slideshow for a sample of some shiny surfaces! |
Fall 2009 Trend Report: Leather Leather Everywhere!
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve noticed that leather is coming back in a major way. It dominated the fall ‘09 runways and will make a huge statement this fall. It’s the perfect way to add some rock and roll style to any outfit. There are the old standbys like leather (or faux leather!) jackets and leggings, yet the best way to wear leather this fall is in non-traditional shapes. Try a loose fitting menswear trousers (like the pleated trousers from Geren Ford). Leather skirts have a bad rap and aren’t usually considered to be the most classy choice, but can look totally chic when it’s artfully draped or cut like pencil skirt. Want something even more non-traditional? Then leather shorts are for you. Paired with some black tights and killer heels, you have a look that’s tough, quirky and chic! Charlotte Ronson’s high waisted shorts are your best bet. Check out the slideshow for more ideas! |
ShopDiary Is Hooked On Looklet!
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It’s fun creating different outfits at Looklet, a brand new styling studio where you can combine every piece in the fashion collection to mix, match and create your personal looks. All clothes are real, selected by stylists, from real designers. The site is based in Stockholm so you’ll find Swedish designers like Ann-Sofie Back and brands like H&M. I’ve only created two looks so far. Have you tried it out yet? (If not, watch out — you might end up spending the whole day on it!) Click over to the ShopDiary blog to see what they’ve created, and share your own looks! |
Hot In The Hive: Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothies
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One of the beauty world’s biggest frustrations (other than, you know, constantly having to shave your legs and pluck your eyebrows), is the concept of products made to look, smell, and sound good enough to eat… but actually aren’t edible. What a tease! In fact, one of my friends learned the hard way that the Body Shop’s Nut Butter lotion really doesn’t taste as good as the name and scent implies. What makes the Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothies slightly more tolerable than other hunger-inducing beauty products, however, despite my sudden urge to hop over to the corner Jamba Juice, is that the brush-on lip color actually contains all the moisturizing properties and conditioning antioxidants of a hydrating smoothie without the sticky-sweet fruit flavoring that would normally tempt you to lick it off your lips all day long. True, I’d have an easier time curbing my hunger pangs if the bright shades were named after inedible flowers instead of juicy just-ripened fruit, but at least I’m not tempted to eat it instead of wear it!
Price: .50 |
Coquette Is Lovin’ The Zipper Look!
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Earlier in June I posted some cute outfits and accessories with zippers. Well the zipper trend is even stronger this fall, making its way to even more clothing and accessories. I love this Mason by Michelle Mason Zip Shirtdress (7 at Shopbop) to pair over leggings or tights and this simple Loeffler Randall Double Zipper Top (On Sale for 0.40). Both say stylish without going over the edge in punk. As for accessories, these grey Ruffle Zipper Pumps are beyond adorable… and if you have any money left after splurging on all these cute finds, keep your change in this Colorblock Zipper Wallet! See more at Coquette! |
MCM Launches New York Collection At New York Fashion Week
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It was a glittery scene that only a luxury pairing such as MCM and Saks Fifth Avenue could draw when the iconic leather goods brand launched its New York collection at the upscale retailer’s Fifth Avenue flagship store during fashion week. Talk about stars upon stars: I spotted everyone from models (Lydia Hearst) to fashion bigwigs (Fern Mallis) to socialites (Ann Dexter-Jones, otherwise known as mom to Charlotte, Mark, and Samantha Ronson) milling about, not to mention the gorgeous handbags from the collection displayed around the room. MCM, which gained a huge following in the label-loving ’80s, has re-branded itself somewhat and evolved from its signature, logo-heavy bags to pieces that are more subtle and focused on craftsmanship rather than flash. And they’ve succeeded: they’re made from the softest, “like buttah” leather that already feels broken-in, coupled with simple, quality stitching and understated hardware. When I wasn’t gawking over the bags, I spent time chatting up a few folks, like designer (and Kanye West’s former fiancee), Alexis Phifer. She dished that she’s actually got a new line coming out in early 2010, this one a bit edgier and with more of a rocker-chic feel to it (and will include denim). No name for the label yet but more news to come towards the new year. Definitely one to look out for — and you heard it here in the Hive first! Check the slideshow for a few of the party pics! |
Update A Black Jumpsuit Like Kristen Bell
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At the Teen Choice Awards, the adorable Kristen Bell kept it funky, fashion-forward, and just the right touch of sexy with an ensemble that mixed high and low-end buys. Kristen went for one of this season’s must-have pieces, the black jumpsuit, opting for a plunging style from Topshop. She enlivened the look with some standout accessories including a colorful Vera Wang rhinestone necklace, gold and diamond necklaces from Jennifer Meyer jewelry, metallic strappy sandals from Jimmy Choo, and a lime green Bally frame clutch. A black jumpsuit like this one is highly versatile and is the perfect backdrop for an array of fabulous accessories, giving you the freedom to express your personal style. Pair it with heavy chains and a leather cuff for an edgy style, piles of bangles for a more boho look, or with muted accessories for a polished look. Check out my slideshow to rock it like Kristen! |










