Home Fashion

Fashion

66 Degrees North Winter 2011 Men’s and Women’s Collection

66 North Winter 2011 Collection Presentation

66 Degrees North, the brand that has been keeping Icelanders warm since 1926 unveiled it’s Winter 2011 Collection last week at the Scandinavia House Volvo Hall.

Creating an Icelandic experience –between the setting of the venue and serving REYKA Vodka with traditional Icelandic hors d’oeuvres (even the room was on the chillier side), their models walked the runway wearing select pieces from the 66 Degrees North Winter 2011 Men’s and Women’s collection.

True to their roots, 66 Degrees North is a response to Iceland’s challenging weather conditions (they can experience four seasons in one day!). The winter collection features a range of warm insulated and stylish protective clothing, comprised of a variety of down and nylon jackets, warm wool sweaters and accessories with accents of faux fur linings.

“We don’t let bad weather stop us from experiencing life!” – Halldor G Eyjolfsson, CEO 66 North.

I wish I could say the same! These recent storms in NY make me want to curl up by the imaginary fireplace (I wish I had) and never leave home. Although many pieces from this collection would have me singing another tune.

66 Degrees North Vik Women's Hooded Sweater

After flipping through the Look Book, I’m adding Vik Women’s Hooded Sweater ($168) in Red to my wish list! I love it!

The 66 Degrees North Winter 2011 collection is now available on http://www.66north.com/

Happy National Hat Day

That’s right, today is National Hat Day!  More heat is lost through your head than any other part of your body so carpe diem and stay warm while making a statement today.

I’m celebrating with a vintage cloche I purchased last year.

Here are some tips compliments of www.eHow.com for how to wear the perfect hat on National Hat Day!

  • Choose a hat that fits your face and complements your skin tone. For instance, a person with a long face shouldn’t wear a hat with a lot of height, but a person with a round face will look good in a tall hat.
  • Restyle your hair. For most hats, it’s best to pull your hair back or let it hang down without styling it around your face. You’re more likely to get the dreaded “hat hair” if you style your hair the same way you do when you’re not wearing a hat.
  • Wear the correct size. Your hat shouldn’t come down over your ears or fall off every time you tilt your head. It shouldn’t give you a

Lara’s Classic Winter Staples

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Coat in Red – $498 the one featured is no longer available
2. D&Y Cozy Crochet Beanie in White – $27
3. 66 North Kaldi Arctic Hat – $84
4. Hunter Original Tall Boots in Navy – $125
5. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote bag in black – $145
6. Theory Blazer in Black – $375 , the one featured is no longer available
7. Tiffany’s Bead Bracelet – $185
8. Tiffany’s Somerset Ring – $250
9. Knock Out Nail polish in Concrete – $14
10. Christian Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum – $59- $95

While I love to accessorize and get creative with my outfit choices (and makeup), there is something to be said about owning really great, quality basics that can be worn on repeat to build a variety of looks and outfits or be worn alone and look effortlessly chic.

A warm coat that fits and is made well, will go a long way in your wardrobe. I bought mine last year from Marc by Marc Jacobs (#1) and it still looks brand new.  Red has been huge this season and the shade I chose is a really happy one that works with my skin tone. No matter how disheveled I am, this coat instantly brightens me up and makes me look considerably more put together.

To compliment my coat, I opted for a crisp, white beanie from D&Y (#2). What I love about this knit is that it’s not too tight like a snowboarder hat or too big like an oversized beanie and I it’s light enough that I can carry it over into Spring.  For those really bitter cold days, I turn to my Kaldi Arctic Hat from 66 North –the Icelandic brand designed to deal with extreme weather conditions. And if it’s good enough to keep Icelanders warm, then it can handle this New Yorker. And the lining is

An Afternoon at Daffy’s

Have you ever been to Daffy’s? If you live in the NYC you’ve probably walked by their stores; there are several. They are the discount retailer with big yellow signs with their DAFFY’S logo in large print written all down the front. Up until this week, my only other knowledge of the store was that “the ones in Jersey are the best”. Or at least that’s what a former colleague once told me when I complimented her on a jacked she purchased there.

Having been given a $50 gift certificate, I took the afternoon off to explore their assortment and do a little shopping. For the men’s department, I was shocked to see Sebago (one of my favorite brands for boat shoes) priced at $49.99, then further reduced on clearance for $37.49 (they generally retail for $120).  For kids they had a great assortment of dresses and jackets. My big find was kids Ralph Lauren button down polo shirts for $16.99 (those retail for $40).  Then on to women’s to really get down to business and do a little shopping for myself.

Overall the clothing wasn’t my aesthetic, however I was impressed to that they carried a limited assortment of Patrizia Pepe and Les Copains pieces. Both of these brands are very well known in Europe, and priced easily at 50-75% off from what they would retail for abroad. Their fragrance wall carried a large variety of luxury lines including Chloe, Burberry, CK, and Ed Hardy all priced around $15-$20 below retail.

My Desk Before and After Purchasing Daffy's Desk Organizer ($11.99) and Wastebasket ($13.99)

After browsing the different departments of the store, I decided to spend my gift certificate split between the home department and socks. I found a great office desk organizer and wastebasket set, which perfectly complimented my New Years resolution of being more organized. There are actually way too many products on my desk so I plan on using the wastebasket to temporarily store any items I’m in the process of reviewing instead of for trash. Then headed over to socks where there was a large assortment of brands including

Lady Gaga’s New GL20 Polaroid Glasses

Lady Gaga sporting the GL20 Poloraid Glasses. Photo Credit: Polaroid.com/Gizmodo

Remember last year when Lady Gaga was named Creative Director, Brand Ambassador, and the ‘new face’ of Polaroid and everyone thought it was just some publicity stunt to get the otherwise bankrupt cult favorite back on it’s feet?

Well, as it turns out pop star was hard at work on the Polaroid Grey Label, a line of products that includes the GL20 Camera Glasses. Now how’s this for innovative? The sunglasses have a

Marc by Marc Jacobs Key Ring for $8!

Travelers, Marc Jacobs fans, boy do I have a deal for you! Recently in Boston, I popped into the Marc by Marc Jacobs store on Newbury Street and by the counter I found this adorable silver key chain. Designed similarly to the Tiffany’s Key Rings (where you unscrew the ball, to put your keys on the chain, then fasten it back on to hold them on the ring), it has a globe

Taking Time With Jac Vanek

Lara with Jac Vanek

Nestled up at the Ace Hotel, I took some time with cutting edge designer, Jac Vanek to talk about her jewelry and clothing line and latest collection for Bloomindale’s.

When did you start your line?

Jac Vanek (JV): I started with my bracelets about 2 years ago when I was still in college. I did it on the side until I graduated last May and was able to do everything full force. So it’s been a serious business for about a year and half and I’ve been able to expand into necklaces, rings, and shirts.

How did you get started?

JV: It was actually my mom’s idea (I know that’s really embarrassing to admit). I sourced a manufacturer in China to make my bracelets. I had $200 to put into the launch, and had to just hope that they actually would send me the products I ordered since I randomly found them online. I got 20 bracelets, gave them to some friends and the rest is history.

Jac Vanek Exclusive "You Fit Here" T-shirt at Bloomindale's

What was written on your first bracelets?

JV: ‘Ruthless’. The bracelet is still available. It’s named after the song ‘Ruthless’ from one of my favorite bands, ‘Something Corporate’.

Tell me about the quotes and sayings on your shirts.

JV: I incorporate a lot of different things into my collection, some of it has a party and have fun sort of vibe, and then I have a lot of products with different literary or pop culture references on them. I’ve used quotes from anything from Jack Kerouac’s book, On the Road to the film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s a mix of everything that encompasses my personality.

You recently launched in Bloomingdale’s. That’s so exciting!

Jac Vanek at Bloomingdale's. Photo Credit: Hilary J. Corts

JV: So exciting… I launched with Bloomingdale’s last month and just wrapped up 3-days of in-store appearance at their Roosevelt Field Mall, Short Hills Mall and White Plains locations. I did a special order of exclusive t-shirts for them. They have variations of my existing shirts in different colors and styles.

What’s next for you?

JV: I have so much in the works this summer. In February we’re going to Australia for the music festival, Sound Wave. Otherwise, I’m working on my summer line — It’s going to consist of a lot more v-necks and girly, flowy shirts and everything is going to be custom cut.

Well Jac Vanek, I think you rock! It’s very inspiring to see a young designers getting her name out there and developing a brand so organically, but with a lot of heart and ambition to succeed. Best of luck to you, this really is ‘only the beginning’.

Learn more about the collection at JacVanek.com

Carine Roitfeld to Leave French Vogue

Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld

Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) reported this morning that Carine Roitfeld, Editor in Chief of French Vogue will be departing from the magazine in a few weeks to “focus on personal projects”.

You may remember Carine Roitfeld’s rumored character, Jacqueline Follet in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, nemesis to Anna Wintour –I mean Miranda Priestly. Friend or foe, I wonder how this will all play out.

We will have to wait and see. WWD’s complete coverage of the story is not available until Monday. Stay tuned!

Alfred Kenney Event – FRIDAY 12/17

Last month, I posted about the launch of ultra chic jewelry line Alfred Kenney. Friday night (tomorrow), they will be hosting a holiday sale from 6-10pm at Perry Gargano’s Studio Shop in Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Have a drink, buy me a necklace and all will be merry! Okay fine, buy one for that special someone on your list. Enjoy!

Blake Lively the New Face of Chanel Handbags

As if my girl envy for Blake Lively wasn’t already off the charts, it’s now through the roof. The actress will be the new face of Chanel Handbags. Although no acting required, Lively obviously has mutual affection for the brand, regularly making red carpet appearances in Chanel and sitting front row during Paris Fashion Week. The photo shoot for the new ad campaign happened recently in Paris, and is scheduled to debut early next year.

Well Karl Lagerfeld, we always knew you had great taste. Now if only I could afford a purse.