I have an inexplicable fear of insects … to the extent I can barely dispose of one unless I am faced with the realization that if I don’t, it might very well crawl into my bed at night and take a bite. Contrast this to my Mother who has a “pet” spider who has taken up residence in her shower and who scoops up found insects in her bare hands. Ewwww, it’s enough to make one’s skin crawl…at least mine.
Knowing I have no predilection for insects, it surprises even me that when it comes to accessories: I swing the other way. I have been amassing bug- and spider-themed accessories for years. Every season – whether ladybugs or spiders — insects have persevered in fashion. In the recent past, we saw butterflies in the 1980s with Dolce and Gabbana taking the lead. The motif persists for the brand today. In this very column about a month ago I covered the Academy of Art’s student exhibition that featured some outstanding and excessive bug-centric garments. This season I am seeing some extreme (see above for an ant crawling experience) as well as beautiful options.
photo credit: japanprobe.com
Not a modern day phenom, Egyptians embellished jewelry with scarabs and often depicted the beetles as pushing the sun along its course in the sky… an ode to the Sun God Ra. In Japan, Samurai warriors adorned their armor with dragonflies as symbols of strength and bravery. But it was the beetle that was prized and remains so to present day. Recently, I read about the annual summer bug season in Japan where they sell bugs everywhere — from grocery to hardware stores. It’s a status symbol and a national obsession. The commonly found beetles live but a few months and can be purchased for less than five dollars a pair, but the more majestic beetles with long mandibles run in the thousands of dollars and force some connoisseurs to seek bank loans.
Bottega Veneta is having its own Beetlemania this season and it’s worth taking note. These fine specimens are an easy way to get on the bug-wagon for fall. You can be sure that imitation will be sure to follow at lower price points.
The dung beetle, seeing its child on the wall, thinks it sees a pearl on a thread. ~ Arabic
Whether you’re roughing it or relaxing in a hotel, traveling can take a toll on your hair. Specifically, how dirty it can get! In between the beach, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping, your hair can get unpleasantly greasy. But who has time to get back to the hotel when new opportunities present themselves around every corner?
Dilemma solved: dry shampoo.
While not a new concept, companies are still trying to perfect the dry shampoo product. Some are too stiff, some are too weak, but some can be just right. Some finds that got it right:
Best Powder: ALTERNA CAVIAR Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo
Powder can be messy, but its effectiveness in absorbing oil is undeniable. This formula is gentle on hair and noticeably improves softness after use. If you have hair that needs long-lasting help between washes, this dry shampoo is a good option, especially while traveling, as it’s packaged in a small bottle. And it smells good, too!
Best Invisible Sprays: Salon Grafix Dry Spray Shampoo
This shampoo spray is clean, easy-to-use, and invisible. It works for all hair types because it’s a lightweight spray. For curly or styled hair, powder can be hard to comb out or disguise, so this works well when you need some freshness to your style without having to completely re-do your do! They also offer an invisible dry spray conditioner to moisturize hair when parched from soaking up the sun.
Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Cleaning Spray Vogue stated that Kevin Murphy is the one who invented the iconic “beach hair” look (a travelers signature look, no?). This spray kept my hair soft and fresh. Antioxidant rich, paraben free, and for every can sold a financial contribution is given towards reducing global carbon emissions. So shake well, and be fresh!
Best for On-the-Go: Batiste dry shampoo original, On-the-go size
Excellent at absorbing oil, but not invisible. This is best for women who have no problem brushing through their hair after spraying (i.e. straight, un-styled hair). It makes your hair perky and soft, but I love how you can keep it in your purse for touch-ups anytime, anywhere.
Best Alternative:
“Cornstarch! I swear. I use it almost weekly to extend the time between washes. Cheap, natural, throw it in a small bottle for travel. It is my miracle secret. One diva to another.” Kate Horan, Tango Diva Style Blogger
Pickpocketing is a major problem in certain cities. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the land, it’s important to prepare yourself. As women, one of the best ways to avoid theft is (as silly as it sounds) accessorize correctly! Certain purses can make you more of a target.
Check out this pickpocket-proofing article for tips, suggestions, and Tango Diva discounts on featured purses! Happy (and safe) travels!!
Summer travel is particularly hard on feet. Liberated of socks and the protection of boots, peds are front and center and therefore demand attention. Besides, most likely you packed a great pair of vacay sandals with high hopes of adventure. Do those sandals justice and assemble this survival “foot kit.” You’ll find yourself in good standing.
My good pal gifted me with the PedEgg and – I must admit – I was skeptical as I peered at what reminded me of the goose egg-sized shells from the 70s that held supermarket pantyhose (maybe they’re still around?). The PedEgg, actually closer to the size of a duck egg, removes calluses, rough spots and dry skin for smooth civilized feet. It has more than 135 stainless steel precision micro-files that are not unlike a small cheese grater. The marketing materials claim it’s so gentle it “won’t even bust a balloon” (not put to the test by this writer). It fits into the palm of your hand and a storage compartment collects the shaving debris so you can use it anywhere with no mess. While I’m not recommending this sort of grooming should be done outside of the bathroom, this actually does give you some mobility. Note: held at a particular angle, the shavings do fall out. Measures 4″ L x 2 1/4″ W x 1 1/2″ D. Priced from 7-13 dollars at various retailers and online.
Summer begs for painted toes yet it’s a challenge to keep up polish over a several day trip, let alone a few weeks abroad. Paint & Peel takes half the hassle out of the equation by simplifying removal. This product requires no nail polish remover when the time comes to change your polish. Two coats are needed for complete coverage. Paint & Peel is a “Big 3-Free” formulation which means it is free from Formaldehyde, Toluene and Phthalates. It is also free of the remaining cancer-linked ingredients still found in standard polish. For longer wear, either apply a new coat of polish daily or use a base and topcoat (though may make it more difficult to remove). My color choice: Dove … a neutral gray/taupe color that will carry through fall. (Heavy on the bird references, I know.)
While the aforementioned nail polish negates the need for this product, the Girl Scout in me always wants to be prepared. Tuck a few Cutex Nail Polish Remover Pads in your nail kit for good measure. Individually wrapped pads soaked in nail polish remover get the job done and there is no danger of spillage (disastrous considering the strong chemicals). One pad removes nail polish for ten nails.
Scaly and chalky looking heels will detract from all the hard work you’ve devoted thus far. Shea it isn’t so has the trifecta of ingredients: shea butter to moisturize; avocado oil to condition; and eucalyptus extract to refresh and cool. Apply after bathing or at night, before bed. Feet will not only look but also feel better.
Also in my travel kit:
A washcloth. I wash my feet nightly after a day of open shoe walking and nothing does the job better than a washcloth. Interestingly, my international travel often takes me to Italy and I find washcloths are seldom available. The washcloth not only removes dirt but also exfoliates which is the perfect preparation for realizing maximum benefits from a moisturizer.
Emery boards. Perhaps an obvious but I always bring several. Indispensable for maintaining nail shape and smoothing out breaks and peels.
I’m a multi-tasker. Aren’t you? Dodge a bullet, spin plates on sticks, keep an eye on the ball, hop up and down on one leg and smile all the while. It’s expected of of us these days, and we’ve dutifully risen to the occasion. We must to survive in our fast-paced, changing environment… and as women, we’re the best at it.
Should we expect any less of the items we so carefully chose to pack in our ever-shrinking suitcase? Absolutely not. I have always sought out travel items that do double-duty. Hair conditioner I use as shaving cream; belts that can be worn as necklaces; pareos that transition from sand to dance floor; scarves that serve as a hair accessory, a makeshift top or an arm sling after a tumble on cobblestones (check out this great instructional video starring very clever founder of Splendora for six ways to tie a scarf).
As a sundress with sandals and a straw hat, or shimmy it down to your hips as a skirt with a breezy top or tank. Winterize it with a heavy sweater or turtleneck, a wide leather belt and boots and it’s carried you into another season. Material is cotton/rayon/spandex.
Brilliant solution for anywhere, anytime. Moves from day to night, casual to dressy. Accessorize with flats to heels, jean jacket to sequined wrap. Layer with a thin jersey top (as shown) or under a structured jacket for business.
The dress morphs into at least six different styles. The jersey fabric is ideal for packing and provides a flattering drape.
Victoria’s Secret introduced a “7-in-1″ dress that gives Donna Karan a run for her money, coming in at a fraction of the cost. Same concept and an array of available colors (pictured above in red, green, fuchsia and black),
This active-fit pant (read: close to the body) has two hand pockets, one back hook and loop pocket and one side-zip security pocket. The pant legs zip off just above the knee to transform to a longer length short. Synthetic fabric wicks away moisture and has a UPF of 50 to provide sun protection.
Wear them as pants with athletic or walking shoes, zip off the legs, add heels and a sequined tank and you’re set for a night out.
Two styles are currently shown on the website — this red bucket tote and the fold over. Both are convertible and reversible to an alternative color.
But my favorite for function is the more roomy, backpack to shoulder bag which debuts in August. Made of nylon, it’s all-weather and seasonless, easy to pack, provides numerous pockets and storage and can be wiped clean. I see this making its way on a back along the cliffs of the Cinque Terre and then over the shoulder shopping through Portofino.
A chain belt has been one of my travel staples for more than 10 years. Slung around the waist with a bikini, Ciao Capri! It’s the perfect accent for jeans or skirts and worn long around the neck it can up the style quotient on a simple button down blouse.
Double-wrapped it makes a chunky, more substantial statement and balances a shift dress. If the chain has a secure clasp, it can also be wrapped multiple times around the wrist for maximum impact. One piece, many looks.
With the “what to wear” part of your trip figured out, you can now focus on what to do.
As consumers, we are quickly moving from a group that pushes carts to one that pushes computer keys.
Online shopping, in some categories, has usurped the bricks and mortar experience: think movie rentals and travel. Consumers opt to buy online for convenience, price and broad product selection. With the present economic downturn, price has come to the forefront as the driving force for online shopping.
Shopping online for deals: How low can prices go?
For those who have made the transition to online consumerism, obtaining a promotional code is the Grail Sangraal of Internet shopping … ensuring the lowest possible price on the purchase being made. Offered by retailers, those short strings of numbers and/or letters are proffered to thank consumers for past patronage, as a promotional offer or to make amends for a service problem. Promo codes most often come in the form of a discount or free shipping. The downside is that they are bestowed upon us at the retailer’s whim and tend to appear post-purchase. They are only of use if we plan to return to the retailer to purchase again, and usually within a limited time window. Bottom-line: we are not in control.
Ever the deal hunter, I was thus intrigued when I learned about CurrentCodes.com. Touted as a clearinghouse for promotional codes, it follows more than 2,000 top retailers – everything from fashion and computers to travel and food – and offers timely and accurate lists of coupon and discount codes. The site also lists sales and other discounts that are in effect at the retailers it follows. Now, with some sleuthing, the “control” shifts back to the consumer.
According to CurrentCodes, when the site launched and began sharing promo codes with the public, retailers resisted. Promotional codes are a marketing and customer service tool and there was a logical desire by the retailers to control distribution and usage. However, once the benefits became evident – increased traffic to their sites and a measurable uptick in sales – CurrentCodes was seen an ally. Now, mega-stores such as Amazon.com and Overstock.compay CurrentCodes for every customer who links to their website from CurrentCodes and makes a purchase. The site also receives a certain percent of the amount spent. The customer saves money, and both CurrentCodes and the retailer make money.
A visit to the site on July 5 – with fashion as my focus – found promo discount codes at numerous retailers, including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Bloomingdale’s, BlueFly, Chico’s, Gap and Saks Fifth Avenue. The site is easy to navigate: browse by merchant, alphabetically, or by category. A quick Google search uncovered additional sites such as promotionalcodes.com, RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com and DealHunting.com and using similar parameters (women’s fashion) found Calvin Klein, Linea Pelle, Kate Spade, Steve Madden and many others.
Now if only I can locate a code for that cute Pucci handbag….
All newspaper writers have heard that the stuff they compose today has an excellent chance of being used to wrap tomorrow’s mackerel. ~Ira Berkow
These days, newspapers should be so lucky!
The state of journalism and in particular, newspapers, is tenuous. With everyone now having a “voice” online – be it blogging, tweeting, you tube, etc. — traditional news channels and the journalists they employ are scrambling to find their footing and a new niche. Newspapers – news actually in printed form on that antiquated standby called paper – have been folding across the nation. The remaining are making the transition to online in an attempt to recapture relevancy and more importantly for survival… an audience.
I am a holdout for the newspaper in its traditional medium. Sundays are relished for the morning ritual: 8 a.m. retrieval from my front door the thick and rubber band-bound New York Times. With a steaming cup of coffee I spend the next several hours prioritizing sections and working my way through the news of the week, the personal profiles, the lifestyle features and inserts. Sitting at the computer scrolling through pages just doesn’t have the same effect. I’ve tried.
Apparently I am not alone in my passion for newsprint. Newspaper dresses were a trend in the 1960s. Since then, I’ve stumbled upon many creative results of repurposing discarded newsprint. From my beloved boots purchased in Paris to a host of fashionable accessories and clothing items, there is a collective ode to newspapers.
Reproducing the print on fabric has met with great success. John Galliano’s collection, launched in 2000 (and worn by SJP on Sex and the City), was inspired by people living on the street and is a theme he has reintroduced through several line extensions (including underwear).
Newsprint by very nature is graphic, often meaningful (depending on content, origin or time period) and surprisingly wearable. Not to mention, in-step with the green movement.
Imagine my delight when I discovered last weekend the LA based Dahli Coles, an artisan who has taken these very pages from newspapers and created an extensive line of accessories. Called “THE NEWS,” the line started six years ago as a school project. Made from recycled newspapers, the material is treated with a water resistant finish and sewn into one-of-a-kind handbags, wallets, pouches and more. The collection numbers about 40 different styles with prices from $18 to $220.00. The hot item of the moment: the clutch.
The next evolution for The News will be to go global with international papers.
Custom items – think local papers or newspapers saved from travels, historical moments, vintage magazines, company publicity, press materials, wedding announcements — are available with turnaround typically 4-6 weeks.
The traditional newspaper may go the way of cassette players, rotary dial phones and typewriters, but this is one obsolescent item you can wear evermore.
About the author: As seen on ABC and in Marie Claire, Lucky and numerous other media outlets, Kate Horan has established herself as a resource for Italian travel and fashion. Following a successful run in public relations, she launched her artisan accessories business, Sorelle Bionde, with an eye toward Italy. Since then, she has immersed herself in the pursuit of uncovering new talent and unique expressions of style to ensure her clients have the most interesting and unique accessories available. Find Kate on twitter @sorellebionde and at her website: www.sorellebionde.com
Summer is upon us, and with sun comes all new fashion and beauty finds! We explored Shecky’s Girls Night Out in San Francisco for fabulous products to fit a Diva’s lifestyle.
BellaSole Shoes
Shoes
If you’re anything like me, you avoid heels on nights out because the dance floor is calling your name. Luckily, BellaSole shoesare made for divas that don’t want to compromise fashion for comfort. These stylish flats fold up into a tiny wristlet to bring anywhere. Put them on after a long night out, or while hitting the dance floor! They’re also perfect for saving room in suitcases and walking to and from the office. “I’ve bought 3 different brands of folding travel shoes. These fold the smallest, have more than paper on the sole, and the carry bag is perfect,” attested Lynn Friedman, our fellow diva from ABC 7.
Sold online in four colors (Chat Noir, Smoking Gun, Shiny Penny, and Chrome), each pair costs $21.99.
Plus: Tango Divas get a discount! Enter the promo code: TangoDiva when checking out and receive 25% off!
As travelers, we know the importance of proper sunscreen. Most of our travels are spent frolicking in sun-drenched villages or lounging on palm tree lined beaches.Making Shade is an ultra-sheer, water resistant sunscreen perfect for all skin types with protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Also check out their Anywhere, Anytime time-released moisturizer. All products are sold online, but Beauty Society also has a “Beauty Bar” located in Huntington Beach, California.
Celestial Design’s original sandals
Shoes, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, fashion
These cute sandals come in plenty of original designs, from studded to braided to hand-painted. My favorite were the bedazzled sandals below. Accessories also feature Italian sunglasses, handbags, and jewelry. Designer Sofia Amadi’s boutique is one that travels (just like us Divas!) with her next stop at Shecky’s Girls Night Out in New York. Not to worry though, her look book can be found online along with contact info and future events.
AKnot Jewelry
Jewelry, Stonework
Aknotfeatures amazing silver and metal work containing stones, crystals, shells, and “all things beautiful.” The stone-adorned necklaces caught my eye as perfect accessories to sparkle in the sun. Aknot prides themselves on versatility, creating necklaces that double as wrap bracelets and a multitude of pieces to layer on each other.
Created by an Etsy merchant, the store’s name came from a word game. Mahoohoo is a rare African white two-horned rhinoceros. And what’s not to love about a store born out of a really cool name? At Sheckys they had lots of popular triple wrap leather bracelets and whimsical stationary.
Shecky’s Girls Night Out will also be coming to The Hamptons, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, and Atlanta.
To say San Francisco’s Academy of Art is omnipresent is an understatement. Between student housing, numerous campus outposts and signature black buses, one can easily start considering the institution just part of the landscape that is our City.
Last week, in just such an unaware state, I passed the Academy’s windows. As if a tractor beam of style had me in its sites, I halted and was pulled into the school’s gallery space. Two insect-infested garments (Kaori Chiba) confronted me at the entry. I had stumbled upon the 2010 Annual Spring Show for the Academy of Art.
The bug bit me, so to speak.
The show, which started June 14 and will run through July 31st, is being promoted as the “best of” student works in the areas of animation, graphic design, photography, sculpture and more.
I must say, for me the accessories (which fell under the fine art jewelry classification in many cases) were the draw. The creations rival anything found in London or other European hotbeds of forward thinking design. It is all the more exciting to have this work emerging from our local talent pool. A surprise to me – most pieces had prices and clearly are available for sale (and several marked sold but remained for the exhibition).
I’m keen on one-of-a-kind artisan pieces since they are timeless and unexpected, often have interesting back-stories and thus are excellent conversation starters. The student created accessories I found certainly made the grade. Fancy yourself a present day Isabella Blow? Here is where you too could become a muse, collector or steward of one of these very talented students.
Caught my attention: An interlocking bronze crustacean bib necklace by Kaori Chiba contrasts with Mariah Groves dramatic neon-orange plastic “spine.”
A very wearable two-toned cuff – Mad Max meets Pandora — by Nimontra Sethi or a bird talon embellished minaudiere by Meryl Pataky are perfectly in-step with a growing interest in artisan pieces.
The 2010 Annual Spring Show can be found at the 79 Gallery at 79 New Montgomery Street. The gallery is open to the public from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed on Sundays and holidays.
I have long wanted to check out the Faire – touted as Northern California’s largest antiques and collectibles show. More than 800 outdoor dealers sell their collections on the first Sunday of every month at the site of the former Alameda Point Naval Air Station. A recent count had 10,000 people pass through during the course of the day.
A flea market or swap meet this is not. It truly is an antiques and collectible fair and the prices and vendor knowledge reflect this. But as a result, it is a more “curated” experience. Everything sold must be at least twenty years old and no reproductions are allowed. That said, I am not sure how they verify or police adherence. I spied a few items that looked “younger” than 20 years of age. I was delightfully surprised by the creativity of what I found: bracelets made from vintage typewriter keys; re-purposed leather gloves treated and formed into sculpture; vintage lamp bases converted into necklace T-bar stands; crowns and tiaras pieced together with aged metals, grandma’s jewels and trinkets. These joined a vast variety of furnishings, art, collectibles, kitchenware, costume jewelry, clothing and more. If you have the time to hunt, it is most likely going to be found.
I was warned the APACF was large. I would say for the novice it could be overwhelming. There’s a tremendous amount of territory to cover, visual stimulation and as the day yawns on, the elements take their toll (heat, unobstructed sun … or rain … unforgiving concrete surfaces). If you plan to persevere, heed the advice of dressing in layers, donning a hat and comfortable shoes. Sunscreen, check. I saw several people with umbrellas for sun protection and wheeled baskets for toting of found items. We arrived at 10 a.m. and encountered bumper-to-bumper traffic that added at least an additional 30 minutes to our travel time (same when we departed). NO PETS ARE ALLOWED EXCEPT SERVICE OR GUIDE DOGS.
My discovery of the day – actually a RE-discovery – was Danski Blue Beautiful Clothes. I first encountered Danski Blue several years ago at the Fillmore Street Fair – and picked up a skirt that has since been in heavy rotation in my city wardrobe.
Danski must have been a creative Thumbelina: she tells me she was collecting fabrics at the young age of 13. Her outfit on this day consisted of black and white tie-dyed pants, a patchwork coat in earth colors and Carly Simon-esque floppy hat. Her creations evoke fantasy and whimsy – many of the skirts and wraps reminiscent of something imagined for a fairytale wood nymph.
The line is characterized by slightly unusual shapes, unexpected combination of color and textiles and well-placed embellishments: no two pieces are exactly alike. Designs utilize vintage fabrics, trims and beads, and include the reworking of existing styles as well as entirely new design construction. Prices range from $90 – $400.
Find Danski Blue near the entrance gate of the monthly Faire as well as at the Roy Helms Contemporary Crafts Market at Fort Mason, San Francisco. She also has a 1,500 square foot warehouse and is available by appointment: Phone 323/533-6504.
Runway 7/25 Alameda Point
Enter at the end of Main Street
thru the gate extending 2 miles west
For G.P.S. directions use:
2900 Navy Way, Alameda, CA 94501
is clean, easy-to-use, and invisible. It works for all hair types because it’s a lightweight spray. For curly or styled hair, powder can be hard to comb out or disguise, so this works well when you need some freshness to your style without having to completely re-do your do! They also offer an invisible dry spray conditioner to moisturize hair when parched from soaking up the sun.
! I swear. I use it almost weekly to extend the time between washes. Cheap, natural, throw it in a small bottle for travel. It is my miracle secret. One diva to another.” 
