Kara Ross, enchanted by her travels to the Sahara, introduced a Moroccan inspired collection for Fall 2012. Using vibrant colors such as deep purple, emerald green, indigo and sand she invokes the feel of foreign lands. The collection is true to Kara’s style, statement pieces using beautiful stones and exotic skins. These over-sized jewels are not for a wallflower! A bold theme throughout the collection was the carved stone scarab, an ancient beetle indigenous to the Sahara.
Scarab Ring Photo: Kara RossCrescent Necklace Photo: Kara Ross
Her classic handbag collection is offered in vibrant colored skins, which are custom died for the collection. Debuting a new style with the working professional in mind the “Trinity” bag offers plenty of space for necessities as well as a designated spot for an iPad.
Trinity Bag Photo: Kara Ross
What I appreciate most about Kara Ross is that she has unique investment pieces. You wear a Kara Ross, chances are that’s going to be the accessory you’re getting a compliment on for the evening. Look a these beauties:
Are you excited for latest designer collaboration for H&M? I sure am! Set your alarms and get ready to wait in line. Come March 8th at 8am, H&M is opening their doors to their exclusive Marni collection.
Featuring an eclectic collection filled with quirky pieces, the Marni collection at H&M is a modular wardrobe for women and men, complete with accessories. It is composed of elegant items selected by Marni’s creative director and founder, Consuelo Castiglioni, from her extensive repertoire to create a playful range of style possibilities. Famed for their original prints and bold colors, this collection is unmistakable Marni with the juxtaposition of shapes, patterns and materials. Price points for the line ranges from $19.95 – $149.99, and they look half as good as they appear in the look-book (photographed by fames photographer, Josh Ollins!), I very well would like to get my hands on as many pieces as I can! Ahhhhh I’m such a Marni fan, I’m so happy to see that this partnership hasn’t impeded on their sense of style or need to tone down their patterns for a more mass appeal.
Going backstage for the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is always a treat. Getting a peak at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection before it’s being released and watching all the action backstage as the models are transformed into works of art. Playing off this diverse Lolita-inspired collection which puts a fresh, mix-and-match twist on dressing up for a dinner party, Bendet collaborated with Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole to create a swept-back, loosely constructed chignons. Coupled with a dark, bold lip and black smokey-eye from Stila, the look balanced this combination of feminine and edginess we saw throughout the collection.
Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole touching up the models backstage at A+O
HAIR LEAD STYLIST: Anthony Cole for Sebastian Professional
HOW-TO:
1. On damp hair, apply a palmful of Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème throughout. Then, layer in a palmful of Mousse Forte. This combination will give the hair long-lasting, defrizzed body.
2. Blow-dry smooth using a large round brush. Once dry, divide hair in half horizontally, from recession to the back of the crown. Pin aside the top section and pull the bottom into a tight ponytail at the occipital bone.
3. Twist the ponytail around the base and pin to secure. Spray with Sebastian Professional Shaper hairspray for shape and hold.
4. Take down the top section and create a middle part. Taking one side at a time, smooth back each section to twist and pin around the chignon in the back. Be sure to keep the hair loose in the front so the hairline does not show.
5. Detail random pieces of the chignon with Sebastian Professional Craft Clay for matte hold. Pull pieces from under each top section loose to frame the face.
6. Once in shape, lightly spray Sebastian Professional Trilliant over the finished look for a touch of shimmer and shine.
SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS USED:
Whipped Crème – Ultra-light styler that nourishes and liftscurls and waves for a silky, shiny finish ($18.95)
Mousse Forte – Strong hold mousse that creates strong-lasting de-frizzed curls and waves ($13.95)
Shaper – Brushable working hairspray to create direction, lift and control with a medium hold ($15.95)
Craft Clay – Re-sculpting clay that redefines matte-hold styles to separate and re-style texture (15.95)
Trilliant – Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex for ultra-light body and a glamorous shiny finish ($19.95)
{DJ Mia Moretti getting her hair done backstage before performing at the presentation}
The alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet F/W 2012 presentation was a visual wonderland! The Lolita-inspired collection had a feminine edge that made me absolutely fall in love with fashion. With a focus this season on outerwear and chic knit dressing, Bendet puts her own fresh twist on ultimate party dressing, including the launch of the alice + olivia Gown collection. This season’s palette features a modern mix of bold jewel tones – rich emerald green, deep ruby red, midnight blue, lush plum, strong metallics and Bendet’s signature black + white color-blocking.
Complete diversity throughout the entire collection, mixing bright button down shirts with floor-length knit dresses, fun mini-dresses, and everything in between. In a world where collections are supposed to be cohesive and consistent, it was really fun to see a complete mix of personalities and silhouettes and have it work! Walking that presentation felt like a museum exhibit that was pure energy and fun!
