Tuesday's Fad features ANN YEE

This Tuesday were featuring the beautiful drapery and funky, adrogynous fits of local designer Ann Yee.  While her first line launched only last fall, her experience designing for labels like LaRok, Elizabeth and James and Alice and Olivia made her a pro at draping knits and creating cool pieces for New York fashion lovers like herself.  


We're dying to get our hands on that white draped top--not to mention our obsession with the pockets sneakily hidden in seemingly every outfit!! We were lucky enough to catch a quick conversation with Ann and discussed her two loves: designing clothes and New York City.


Daily Razzler: 
We cannot stop gushing to our friends about how much we loved your line at Fashion Week. The cuts and colors are perfect for going from the office to out with friends or hanging on the weekends; we love!! 
Our adoration aside--what do YOU love most about what you do?


Ann Yee:

I love creating things that can make someone feel confident and cool. My biggest reward is seeing people wearing my designs in this way.  Also, the process is actually fun from start to finish, from researching, collecting fabrics, sketching, draping, trim shopping, etc.  It’s very hands on which keeps it personal and I’m lucky I can call it my job!  I don’t think I’d survive at a desk all day…

Daily Razzler:
Ummm yes we hear you on that one!  We're pretty sure the only thing that could make a lot of people suffer long hours at a cold cubicle is...New York City. So what is it that you love about this city??


Ann Yee:

Makes my job so much easier --- there’s constant excitement everywhere you go and inspiration surrounds you 24/7.  The people are definitely incomparable and something is always going on.  I LOVE the flea markets – from Hell’s kitchen to Chelsea to the Brooklyn Flea – there’s always great treasures to be found that can spark countless ideas!! 


Check out http://www.annyeecollection.com/ for more information on this designer to watch--and get peeks at her latest outfits.  Here's to you Ann...and more pockets, please!


XX at

Tuesday's Fad features ArtsEcho Galleria

As a New Yorker, we pride ourselves on being super fast-paced. We like everything done quick and efficiently—with no mistakes. I mean walking in this city is the equivalent to a slow jog! With this being said, I trust that a majority of us focus on the destination rather than the journey—am I right? Next time you find yourself hustling to get somewhere on time, take a brief moment to notice your surroundings. You’ll notice everything from a cozy coffee shop to a gallery full of colorful, intricate pieces. In my case, I found myself drawn to a small vintage shop in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.

ArtsEcho Galleria was too adorable to pass up—with its mod outfit on display outside to the flashy sign that drew me in. After speaking with the owner of the store, I learned that she and her business partner were famous theater performers in the 1970’s and had traveled all over the world accumulating pieces from Paris to Milan. I also learned that ArtsEcho is the only vintage shop in NYC dedicated to supporting fiber artists selling everything from unique jewelry to vintage clothing. Additionally, they promote sustainable fashion by providing vintage fabric to emerging designers, which results in a collaborative in-house line of couture apparel. They even use the space to host events such as concerts, readings, and fashion shows!

Vintage Valentino

I told her that while I studied abroad in Rome I worked at Valentino, and immediately the designer was pointed out all over the store—like this vintage lime green peacoat. 

I found so many gems; a 1950’s “housewife” winter coat, an original Halston classic, a Christian Dior suit, hats from the 1920’s and 30’s, and top it off a Pucci handbag original. She was so fun too, making me try on everything—like this leopard jacket she’s had since the 60’s, love it! 

1950's Jacket

Select Pieces

Leopard Wear

Halston Hot Pink Jacket

Hats from the 1920's

1930's

Funky Finds

Pucci

Dior Coat

So if you’re in Hell’s Kitchen and want a fabulous vintage dress for an upcoming party or just want to pick up some classic originals head into the ArtsEcho Galleria at 455 west 43^rd street.

Xx AT

http://www.artsechogalleria.com/

This Week's Juiciest Bite

Every women has their signature perfume; I have Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, my friend is a fan of a fruity little bottle she got in Paris, and let's just say my mother's Elixir Des Merveiles by Hermes still lingers in the air 20 minutes after she's left. However Gerald Ghislan, founder of Histories de Parfums, is doing something exclusively different. By traveling all over the world, Gerald listens, reads, and discovers; drawing inspiration from every one of his trips and encounters. Born in France and brought up in Morocco, Ghislan created a collection of twelve rare and delicate perfumes. Always having been surrounded by the Mediterranean, Ghislan developed a unique palette and nose for gastronomy, learning the art of mixing and distilling specific flavors.

Each one of these twelve bottles is dedicated to some of his favorite writers; Casanova, George Sand, and Jules Verne, to name a few. The bottles tell the brief history of each legend mixed with the aromas and scents of their childhood and overall life. All made in France, they are meant to compliment and work alongside one another to tease and awaken the senses, all while recognizing familiar flavors like; rosewater, lavendar, and vanilla. If you are not intrigued already, my beloved Bendels in hosting the juiciest party of the week tomorrow--Taste of a Scent starting at 5:00 p.m. Gerald Ghislan will be there discussing his praised adventures and handing out free martini's in similar flavors mentioned above. There will be travel-sized spray samples given out and the best part is it's open to everybody. See you there Razz girls. Xx AT

Casanova. Venice, the riparian city of love. Inviting to memorable pleasure. Contains tunes and touches of lemon sublimed by the elegance of lavender.


Taste of a Scent
Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Henri Bendel 55th and 5th Ave.

Tuesday's Fad features METALSKIN

This past Thursday, Big Drop NYC teamed up with the new leather accessory line, METALSKIN, to host a fabulous party that had shoppers like myself in awe over all of the colorful wrap designs. Founded in 2009 by designer Alicia Halegua, METALSKIN is the ideal integration of leather skins and metal elements—DUH METALSKIN.

Everyone was picking up some of these colorful bracelet must-haves that can be worn alone, stacked as bangles or snapped together. They come in what sounds like a burger joint menu; classic, double classic, thick, cuff, and vegan. I opted for the Cuff Shimmer Python, because it’s the perfect accessory to work alongside my new Haute Hippie jacket…plus it’s perfect for adding a little shine to any cocktail dress.

Rachel Heller models a double classic

CW's Alexandra Vissicchio

Available in a core selection of neutral colors as well as changing special-edition bolds, each bracelet is made from genuine leathers (embossed, patent, metallic, perforated) and exotic skins (python, lizard and karung) that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood/style. Look out CC SKYE, METALSKIN will undoubtedly be stealing your spotlight soon enough.

Cuff Shimmer Python: $139.00

Classic Black Matte Snake makes the perfect holiday gift: $98.00

For something brighter, try the Classic Ocean Blue: $48.00

xx AT

                                                                 Shop METALSKIN

This Week's Treat

Hide yo kids and hide yo wife, because Christian Louboutin is hosting a sample sale tomorrow starting at 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Shoes are starting at $200 so get yourself an early Christmas present.

www.christianlouboutintime.com

Louboutin Sample Sale: 306 West 38^th Street—NYC 

Spotlight Thursdays

Photography is the latest obsession in New York. If you don’t have a Nikon D90 digital, trust me, you’ll have one within the next three years. However, not everyone has an eye for photography. There are very few, and among those few are one of my dear friends, Chelsea Van Houten. Noise Girl is a brand that she started in 2009, which is her signature photography name. The Noise Girl blog, is a collection of fashion photographs, most of which have been taken on the streets of New York. 

I asked her about her initial inspiration and main muse—New York City.

“I initially started shooting fashion and style when I discovered The Sartorialist (The Sartorialist). I was fascinated by how Scott Schuman captured the essence of random people on the streets. By focusing on a unique jacket or a vintage top, he brought life to every piece that was featured. In a way, Noise Girl is quite similar to The Sartorialist, but it has an edgier and younger tone. I've always had an appreciation for the small details in an outfit and Noise Girl allows me to bring them out center stage so people can see: even the smallest things matter.” 

About NYC, “Shooting in New York City is amazing. I have so much fun roaming the streets and photographing strangers who have a unique style. At the end of the day, it's not just about the photographs but the interaction I get to experience with the people I photograph. I love seeing and hearing their reactions when I ask to take their picture, it inspires me to keep shooting.”

Nathan Jenden NYFW

Though Chelsea’s blog focuses mainly on fashion and photography, she also likes to include artwork, music, videos, fashion brands and any other object that inspires her.  Along with being a photographer, she is also designing custom reworked vintage clothing pieces that will be sold exclusively on noisegirl.com in 2011.

You can follow Chelsea on facebook.com/NOISEGIRL and twitter.com/THENOISEGIRL to receive updates on future blog posts and more exciting news. Chelly, take my picture.

Xx AT

I Love This City.

View from our apartment--get out there and seize the night.

Tuesday's Fad features Alabama Chanin

ALABAMA CHANIN-- Alabama Chanin is an eco-friendly company that focuses on designing an array of unique products through slow and careful design. What I admire most about Alabama Chanin, is that they craft limited-edition items for an individual as well as for a home. They even have a bridal line with gowns perfect for a relaxed ceremony outside.

All of the products are made by hand using a combination of new, organic, and recycled materials. Constructed by talented artisans, this line of sustainable style seems to exude a relaxed, playful feeling of being free—preferably in a whimsical garden somewhere down south.

Notable press includes; American Vogue, Japanese Vogue, Interior Design, Surface, Vogue Living, Bloom, NOWNESS, and the New York Times online.  

If you would like to see for yourself, Alabama Chanin will be featured tonight at Skylight West—500 West 36^th at 10^th Avenue at 7:00 p.m. Other eco-friendly designers will be featured as well; Behnaz Sarafpour, Costello Tagliapietra, and Johnson Hartig. Music will be provided by, Fabrizio Moretti (from the Strokes) with an open bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres, compliments of Lexus. If you would like to go and see Alabama Chanin rock the runway tonight, I would strongly advise you to join us razz girls. See you there!

Xx AT

Shop Alabama Chanin

*Photos taken from the Alabama Chanin Website



Also, feel free to click this link and vote for Alabama Chanin! They are tied for first and need to win!! You can say you did your good deed for the day...
http://www.articulate-sf.net/lexus/lhl3/competitions/competitions-fashion/vote 

Tuesday's Fad features James Coviello

After visiting the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side this past weekend, it was only natural for us to look forward to poached eggs and mimosas afterwards followed by a stroll down Orchard St. to peek into some of the boutiques. Since I am a certified Shopoholic, I squeeled—yes squeeled, when I reached the James Coviello shop located at 70 Orchard St. If the sign outside the door isn’t rustic and vintage enough, wait until you step inside.

James Coviello, is an Italian designer who surprisingly grew up in Fairfield, CT. Immediately after high-school, he enrolled in Parsons School of Design. In 1987, he left Parsons to design jewelry for Erickson Beamon. Soon after, his eye for accessory design gained him recognition in the press; especially with his hat collection. James eventually met Anna Sui, who asked him to help her create a line of hats and knitwear for her first runway show. To this day, it is still a flourishing line. Then in 2000, James created and put on his first runway collection that included ready-to-wear, knitwear, and accessories. His latest project, JamesCoviello.com, is a website designed to stimulate viewers around the world about his many-faceted interests and specific design philosophies.

His only shop, located on Orchard, is filled with carefully detailed floral dresses, vintage post cards and sunglasses, hand made headbands, and tons of one-of-a-kind accessories. I was in heaven. What it made it more heavenly, was the fact that James himself uses the space behind his boutique to design his latest creations. The girls who work retail there also assist him in designing. I picked up some sunglasses and a turquoise dress that had fall colors woven into the fabric.

If you are in the neighborhood, I would strongly suggest stopping into James Coviello’s expert shop. It is one of those rare shops that still represent the magic of a designer—not feeding into the desires of the public but staying true to his own.


http://www.jamescoviello.com/

This Week's Juiciest Bite

Factory Magazine, published by Tokion, has been advising New Yorkers about the endless art that street culture provides the creative community with for several years now. Its ability to dig deep into the worlds of contemporary artists, talented musicians, and daring designers, has given Tokion’s Factory Magazine an inspiring outlet to discuss these pressing issues. Demonstrated through colorful artwork, world-class photography, and cutting edge design, Factory Magazine is pushing the boundaries of art that incorporates every day life—which hopes to shape the way we see the world.

Published only six times a year, the magazine provides a one-of-a-kind platform for emerging artists as well as established icons in everything from design to film. Their goal is to generate the overall ideas of these artists and to present their unfiltered visions to an audience of cultural worshippers.

Over the weekend, Tokion held a release party for their latest issue, The Expressions Issue, which tackles all subjects “express yourself” related. The event was held at Greenhouse nightclub and offered cocktails provided by Bulldog Gin and music by DJ Tim Robert.

 The crowd was comprised of artists, editors, models, and bloggers. The night was lively and eventful—meeting interesting people that can actually hold a conversation about something they’re passionate about always does the trick. Pick up your copy of Factory Magazine out this week. In the meantime, get familiar: Tokion Art and Culture

Xx AT