Willow Smith - Whip My Hair

WHIP IT GOOD WILLOW

Go on Miss Smith...get it girl..get get it girl!!! This child is more fierce that most grown women I know three times her age. Sure, she probably picks up tips from the same "swagger coach" Justin Bieber employs, but who cares?!?!! She just signed to Roc Nation and she still wears a retainer. This song gets everyone is my Tracy Anderson class jumpin jumpin...This little diva is the petite definition of a female version of a hustler and she only just turned ten! Watch out...

SOS GLAMOUR OVERLOAD ALERT

If you should be out somewhere and see this group approaching...don't stop to think about it...RUN!! Picture this, you are sitting with your man, enjoying a romantic meal somewhere and around the corner with no warning at all....THEY STRIKE!  These fembots, straight from the runway at Dolce and Gabbana are here to takeover and they are NOT asking any questions.  

Seriously in addition to being troublingly beautiful...this much sex appeal should not travel in packs.  Its simply not necessary.

S.W.A.K.

I love these Lips Clutches by Lulu Guinness. They are super playful and flirty and can perk up any tired outfit. The bright red is perfect paired with chic red lipstick and short red nails.

We've Been Sleeping...Time to Get Moving

TOM BINNS-Modern Day Anarchy

CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Tom Binns's jewelry blends Dynasty glamour with modern day chic...just ask Michelle Obama.  The twisted effect of crystals mixed with pearls, chains, etc. result in show stopping pieces that will transform even the most simple of looks.  Beginning his revolutionary career in 1981, Tom Binns was and remains inspired by the early twentieth century Dada movement, the main theme of which includes deliberate irrationality, anarchy, and the rejection of standard beauty and social organization. Tom Binns has finally opened a 300 square feet jewel box of a store on Perry Street in New York, showcasing his stunning collection. 

 

http://www.tombinnsdesign.com/

J'AIME ISABEL MARANT

There are few designers that epitomize Parisian chic quite like Isabel Marant. Her s/s 2010 collection does not disappoint and is full of must have classics that I am dying to add to my wardrobe. Finding stores that stock the elusive collection in Los Angeles can turn into a virtual wild goose chase and I have bumped into many like minded angelenos on the hunt. Time will tell how the opening of the first US store in NYC this Spring will affect the madness. I'm booking my plane ticket now!

NEW YEARS IN NAPA

It has become tradition to head up north for New Years and this will be our fifth year. This year, we are heading to the Calistoga Ranch. This woodsy Shangri la is like an upscale camp for adults and it might be situated in the most beautiful place on earth. Activities will include wine tasting, bike riding and tasting more wine. Cant wait. Happy New Years to everyone and here's to a fabulous 2010!

W.W.K.W.- Superfuture

For some, sunglasses are no longer reserved for just blocking out harmful UV rays. Rain or shine, distinctive eyewear lets them know you mean business or not depending on the darkness of the lens....but I digress. Today I bring to you SUPERFUTURE. These sunglasses are a play on traditional shapes in a virtual rainbow of retro colors and fabrications. My favorite are the classic black with razor like 14 karat gold sides. These glasses give off the "business in the front, party on the side" effect for your face. As if thats not enough of an edorsement-Kanye wears'em. Check out http://retrosuperfuture.com/super/

Nothing Geeky About It-Marc Jacobs Computer Case

For many people, laptops have become an extension of self.  It's rare to find a plane, train, let alone a Starbucks without someone feverishly tickling the ivories.  Hello, Status Update!!  As a recent convert from my antiquated Compaq to a space age Mac, I feel I need the proper carrier case to make the transition complete.  Behold the Marc by Marc Jacobs Into The Wild Leopard Print Computer Case.  Keeping the computer safe and stylish all in one zip.  What could be better?

Super Stud

There is no better accessory than a great F off cocktail ring.  Worn alone, it means business and can add some instant edge to a glammed up look.  Now Stephen Dweck is answering the prayers of chic recessionistas everywhere by introducing his new sterling line. These suckers are affordable and pack as much punch as the real deal.  My favorite is the Super Stud ring, either plain or with a gorgeous mother of pearl accent. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

FALL INTO PHILLIP LIM

It's official.  Fall is upon us.  My wardrobe must-have list is in full swing and I could practically fulfill my entire wish list  with the AW09 collection from Phillip Lim.    Everything from this collection is perfect.  From the leather mini ballerina skirt to the gorgeous silk print dresses and feathered jeweled necklaces to the crazy military inspired waist coats, I am obsessed. Having already scored the aforementioned leather ra-ra skirt, I took a dip in the deep end with the leather mini shorts and shamelessly copped the bordeaux tights straight from the runway. I am still dreaming of adding to my collection.

At Home With Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

I recently came across these pictures of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld at home in her New York apartment on The Selby.  I am struck immediately by a few thoughts.  

First and foremost, I wonder why my own home seems so cluttered.  I day dream of clean lines and bare floors with just a few necessary pieces of furniture.  I contemplate holding a garage sale to dispose of all my knick knacks ASAP.  I curse the last few things I picked up at Anthropologie and make a pact with myself to acquire less and to lounge glamorously on my couch more often.

Secondly I wonder could it true that only french girls with fabulous and iconic mothers can possess that certain je ne sais quoi like Julia and Charlotte Gainsbourg.  Red lips and unfussy hair.  Platform shoes with shorts?  

Somewhere in Paris, do they wonder how we American girls pull it off?  I vow to try a little harder.

FASHION IS A RELIGION. THIS IS THE BIBLE.

The September Issue finally hits screens on August 28th in New York and September 11th in Los Angeles and select cities. I am so excited to see this film.  I just received my copy of the September issue featuring Charlize Theron on the cover and cant wait to get a behind the scenes look at how it was put together.  I hear the real story is the tug of war between Wintour and creative force Grace Coddington.   Counting down the days...

I HEART ILARIA

I am so excited to feature fabulous stylist and friend Ilaria Urbanati. In addition to dressing some of Hollywood's most fashion forward, Ilaria recently opened the Los Angeles shopper's paradise Confederacy.  Below she opens up to Intersection on some of the tricks to her trade:

NAME: ilaria urbinati

WHERE WERE YOU BORN: rome, italy

OCCUPATION: fashion stylist/store owner

BIGGEST PERK OF YOUR JOB: shopping for a living

WORDS TO LIVE BY:  i can never shut up until somebody asks me a question. then i blank. in other words, i cant think of any at the moment.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE:   my mom by being a workaholic and a power house and giving me all my favorite romantic epics to read. my dad by being a vagabond artist and the sheer opposite of my mom, introducing me to the Hemingways & Salingers of the world, and seeing the irony in everything. my aunt by teaching me who people like Steven Meisel and Martin Margiela were by the time I was 12. my big sister by being a genius and doing exactly what she wants with her life all of the time. my little sister by being as spazztic & obsessive as i was at her age but making it look cute. my entire crazy artsy family by teaching me how to be an artist with a whole lot of work ethic. my grandparents for putting family first.

NECESSARY INDULGENCE: first class on Virgin America

SIGNATURE STYLE: i dress in themes. with a lot of tomboy thrown in.

5 CLASSIC WARDROBE STAPLES: 

white Keds for summer

Rag & Bone blue a-line skirt (in general, rarely met a skirt i could refuse)

Kettle Black motorcycle jacket

knit thigh highs to get me through the winter with a little sex appeal

button-ups tucked into anything

SECRET TALENT: i have the memory of an elephant

SIGNATURE SCENT: uh, deodorant? not into perfume. except my boyfriend's Tom Ford black orchid

DREAM VACATION: cross country road trip through the south and up the coast with my boyfriend and my imaginary dog Waffles (named after Diane Keaton's dog in Manhattan)

PRIZED POSSESION: i collect books i read all growing up but didnt keep. everyone has these crazy libraries of books they've never read. i liked the idea of having a library of all books i have read. 

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:  i have the best friends on the planet. it took me years to pluck out the bad seeds.

WORDS OF ADVICE TO THOSE LOOKING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS PROFESSIONALLY: work your ass off. as with most jobs 8000 other girls would kill to do, you gotta always stay on your toes, you can never get lazy and you always gotta stay excited, inspired, and in love with your job. that said, you know, in the end - its just clothes. you can't lose perspective.

www.shopconfederacy.com

Sophie Dahl-ing!

This is one of my all time favorite British Vogue Covers. I love the colors and the lighting. Its just perfect. This is a few years old but I still think American Vogue could stand to take note. The UK book always steals the show.

Wingate Paine

I love this picture from Wingate Paine. Gorgeous.

Habitat for Humanity

This week I participated in my first Habitat for Humanity build.  We worked on a three bedroom house in Downey for a family that previously lived in a two room apartment.  Habitat is a non profit organization dedicated to eliminating homelessness and to improving the lives of families across the world.  

I am so impressed by this organization.  They don't simply deposit families into homes and move on.  They devote time and energy into giving families the tools and resources to take responsibility for the homes and their upkeep on their own.   Through affordable mortgage payments and "sweat equity," these homes are earned and not just given away.   Currently they have built over 300,000 houses around the world and provided shelter for nearly 1.5 million people.

It was very rewarding to be a part of this effort.  For the most part, my involvement was limited to shoveling and patting dirt for the area which will eventually become the front lawn. As much as I hoped to do more, my power tool skills are questionable at best.    Its so easy to forget how blessed we are and this was a great way to pay it forward and have a great time in the process.  I highly recommend volunteering.  For more information, check out www.habitat.org

Eye Masks-Nighttime Indulgence

Nothing is as restorative to the mind, body and soul like some good old fashioned beauty rest. A silk eye mask is like having someone pull the wool over your eyes...literally.   It is a transcendent experience likened only to sleeping in a wonderfully warm and dark cocoon. Word to the wise, once you are hooked...there's no turning back. 

My all time faves are by Cris Notti.  100% Hypoallergenic, these masks are specifically designed for the delicate skin around your eyes ensuring you wake up looking rested and ready to seize the day.

Available for purchase at www.crisnotti.com

Liya Kebede-Model Citizen

Ethiopian born Liya Kebede is not only disarmingly beautiful, she is making a difference in the lives of mothers and children the world over. As a goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization, she is diligent about improving the health conditions of impoverished women and children. "Every day we hear about the dangers of cancer, heart disease and AIDS. But how many of us realize that, in much of the world, the act of giving life to a child is still the biggest killer of women of child-bearing age? That over half a million die every year? Or that 3 million babies are stillborn? Or that another 4 million die during the first days and weeks of life?"

Recently, Kebede founded the children's clothing line, Lemlem to inspire economic independence in her country as well as to preserve the art of hand weaving. Lemlem, which means "to bloom" in Amharic is manufactured in Ethiopia and exposes local weavers to western markets. Most recently, J Crew announced that they would carry selected Lemlem pieces at their stores.

This model, actress, activist and mother of two young children knows a thing or two about multitasking. "Whether it's the foundation's needs or a speech I have to give or modeling, things get done according to priority. Sometimes I feel I should get more organized, but then I think, Why fight it? This is my system: Just do what needs to be done next."