Zafu.com: Jeans for your Body Type

H. took the Zafu.com fit test today for jeans. My results were...interesting. I'm not sure if I liked the results, but I have to say, that is because I'm already partial to certain brands, and, because I feel like I know what my body needs already. Most of their recommendations were jeans that I'd never worn, but a few I had.

Here's the deal on zafu.com: You take a 3-Minute test based on how jeans (or bras) have fit you in the past, answer a few questions on what your ideal jean (or bra) would look like on your body and describe your own shape...then, VOILA! The perfect fit! Does it work? Not sure yet. Let me know if you've purchased or worn their recommendations for you!

Here were mine for a long, lean, yet perky look on the bottom:

Old Navy "Flirt" $30.00 at Old Navy Stores or OldNavy.com










Goldsign "Luna Trouser" Jean at Chickdowntown.com










True Religion Brand Jeans "Bobby" $196 at Saks Fifth Avenue










Check back next week for our Bra review at Zafu.com!

Net-A-Porter.com Introduces Lanvin Accessories

Net-A-Porter.com is turning up the volume a little bit more this week...well...a fraction of a bit more I suppose. Their cover pages and emails shout "Lanvin!" but unfortunately, we were slightly disappointed to find only a few accessories in the selection. Although, I can not deny that what is there is quite nice, and certainly, had I the extra cash floating around I'd grab a piece or two, but as for now, I'm not adding any of it to the Lusting It list yet. Hopefully, it is a preview of what's yet to come.

Pearls on a grosgrain ribbon strand Cute...but $1,220? I'm not sure about that.
Yellow patent ballet flats Oh yeah, I like 'em, can not deny it...but certainly not for $530.

You know how I feel about Net-A-Porter.com. I feature them every week. But the best part of Lanvin for Net-A-Porter? The little blue boxes.

Bought it: Dana*David Star Doodle Pendant

So, you already no how we feel about GOLD at Hyde Park Style, and after meeting Dana Melnick, Designer of Dana*David Jewelry at a Trunk Show last month, I just had to have a little something.

This adorable little piece is quite versatile and has two spots for closure, offering wearers alternative chain lengths. Although Huck did ask me why I (a Catholic Girl) was wearing the Star of David, I absolutely eschew the remark and love my shining little star. However, if you have a thing about that, you may want to opt for the equally lovely heart, cross or peace sign necklace, also available in the same style and price point.

It's perfect for layering beneath larger chunky pieces of jewelry, and goes perfect with some funky Me&Ro pieces that I already have in my jewelry collection.

Star Doodle Pendant $230
Available at www.zoeybloom.com

Lusting it: Hollywould Sale @ The Gilt Groupe

This just in: Hyde Park Style has been issued a Private Invitation to the Gilt Groupe Sales!

And if you adore Hollywould Shoes as much as we do, dive right in through this exclusive link
http://www.gilt.com/hydeparkstyle

I just love these Edita Kitten heels! And at www.gilt.com they are just $118 from $350 right now with our Private Invite!

Anna Wintour making an exit?

The rumor mill is pumping ladies & gents. And truly, it would be the biggest fashion editorial departure since Diana Vreeland. Is Anna Wintour leaving us?

Nothing is official yet, only rumors abound, but the woman who has fascinated nd intrigued us for years might be taking her final bow this year as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine.

I'd like to think it was all musing, but when insiders are saying she is making recommendations to Conde Nast's SI Newhouse, another contract seems unlikely.

Wintour, who turned 59 this year, is not only going to leave me devastated by her departure, but, she is going to leave in a whoosh of style, grace, and top knotch success. However, I will also put it to you this way, with Elle magazine's total editorial page count and sales volume slowly creeping up to surpass Vogue's, and publisher Thomas Florio making decisions about reality TV shows without Wintour's approval all that much board, there might just be a few people at the publishing juggernaut who have some other-Anna motives.

What do you think? Who might replace her? And seriously, would you ever in a million years have guessed she was near 60?!

Here are some Hyde Park Style guesses...

Will it be French Vogue Editor in Chief Carine Roitfeld?


Maybe Alexandra Shulman from British Vogue...


Will we grab Franca Sozzani from Italian Vogue's Pages?

Has she been grooming Andre to take her spot all this time?

Will Hearst lose yet another Harper's Editor in Glenda Bailey?

Chickdowntown.com

Well, if you've got Hyde Park Style, then you are already all over being a downtown chick. Miss Parker first saw the nationally placed commercial campaign for Chickdowntown.com and upon realizing they were carrying her fav, Catherine Malandrino, just had to log on. Have you caught a glipse of Proprietor Amy Reed's heavenly cyber helm yet? Please check it out. Or, if your lucky enough to be in the Pittsburgh area, maybe pop into the actual store on Liberty Ave.

At chickdowntown.com, you'll definitely be increasing the HP Style Lusting It list. Shoes, Apparel, and very cool, if a little offbeat jewelry pieces too...we especially like their sale rack and free shipping policy! Check out their 40% off Black Friday Sale around Thanksgiving time too with Promo Code BLACK40 at checkout.

Catherine Malandrino Flame Ruffled Dress and Guiseppe Zanotti Shoes
Chickdowntown.com LOOKBOOK for $495 & $595

Invitation Online Shopping & the Gilt Groupe

Recently I've noticed quite a few invitation only shopping website popping up in my inbox. Like every girl out there, Hyde Parker's always looking for a bargain...searching for that proverbial $5 flea market Chanel bag. Alas, it rarely happens, and when it does, the Purse Forum usually pops our bubbles of authenticity dreaming rather quickly these days...

Here is the concept with invitation only web boutiques: picture a private, yet real deal NYC sample sale meets bluefly.com. Site members only find out about a private sale that lasts less than 48 hours each typically, and if you are lucky enough to be a member and login before items sell out, you might just get one of the best bargains of the year.

As I mentioned, there are a few of these sites now, but, the best I've seen is The Gilt Groupe at www.gilt.com. Pioneered by two fashionistas, Alexis & Alexandra, their motto is "Luxury Brands, Hand Selected Styles, Member only Prices," and...it is all completely true. The first sale I stumbled upon was the most amazing selection of Chloe ever. If you can find a way in to the guilt free world of the exclusive Gilt Groupe, Hyde Park Style highly recommends.

Style File Interview with Vena Cava

If you haven't had Vena Cava on your radar this year, then we suggest you put it there. The casually dubbed "living room" duo is probably the next Proenza Schouler, and rightly so.

Although I absolutely can not navigate their website at all, I will pretty much tell you that I am in love with their platforms shoes from Spring and their little red flats from a few season ago. Their is also that adorable aesthetic that just goes along with these two, the same feel that Rodarte is carrying with them...two girls, hanging in Brooklyn, putting together some of the best we've seen...I don't know, it just makes us all feel swell inside about that beaming girlish whimpsy that still yelps, "My design concepts are really great too!"


[highlights from the SPR '09 collection]

In a recent interview on style.com [read it here], the girls, Lisa & Sophie were asked why they became designers...the girls' resounding answers were that they were influenced by the older women in their lives. Why did you girls start loving fashion? What was your influence?

Lusting it: Gold

I can remember when I would never wear gold. Not only would I never wear gold, but actually thought it was matronly. Did any of you also go through this purely silver phase? Still in it?

At the time in my life, my sweet mother was always trying to throw some type of weird gold plated dangling this or that on my lobe, usually with a strange '80's pink rose quartz rock attached to it (no wonder I was rebelling) and I swore I'd never be caught in the supermarket, let alone the office in such an item. But today, things have shifted. At least in my choice of metals.

As the cool weather is ushered in and time change sets it, I think a little warmth is exactly what we all need. The sweet golden tones of fall are swept away and yet we all have a chance to personally carry around some sunny tones as we head into the winter months.

Chunky gold bangles or a jewel toned brooch on long golden chain paired with your fav cashmere pullover sounds like heaven me. Add a dash of the right shadow and pull your hair back...and your ready to go.

Here are some of my favorite jewelry pieces of the year, in every price range:

First up is that Roberto Coin 'I Love You More' Bracelet. I've always had a penchant for poetry rings and bracelets. They simply have such a romantic feel. Roberto Coin hits an offbeat note with this bracelet...something different than we've seen from his collections as of late...$1340.00 at Nordstrom

The Fallon 'Dynasty' Cuff with definitely add some rock n' roll to your look. The studs and the cool pounded edges are tough, but sleek. For a mid range piece, priced $235.00 at Barneys Co-op, it would defintiely be something that I would wear for years.


This Flower Cluster Ring for a ridiculously low $3.80 at Forever 21 is on final clearance and is one of my personal favorites here.


This picture doesn't do the Dana*David Diamond 'Graffiti Scribble Pendant' justice. With it's matte texture on a black cord, it is a little bit edge and a lot of luxe. Designer Dana Melnick knows exactly what a girl wants. Check out my recent Bought It: Dana*David memo for other great pieces by Melnick
This one: $1595.00 at www.zoeybloom.net


This Alexis Bittar Anemone Flower Pin with grey faux pearls and garnets would look fantastic on a 26" long chain, for a pop of color, available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $225.00

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Bronzed Pearl Drop Earrings on Gold linking Chain Drop pierced backing,
from eluxury.com for $150.00. These would be a nice alternative to a traditional pearl earring or to the black pearl that has been popular for quite a few years now.

Bought it: Tory Burch Maddie Pumps

So, it's 45 minutes post purchase of my brand new Tory Burch Black Suede Maddie Pumps, and the first girl friend that I run into exclaims, "I can't believe you bought Tory Burch shoes...like everyone else in the world. With the big fat logos. I hate that."

I was more than a little devastated. I have been personally lusting after a pair of Tory Burch shoes pretty much since the day that I first laid my eyes on a pair of Reva Flats. And although I've never wanted to be a walking advertisement for one particular company, somehow TB's logo never struck me as gratuitous or obnoxious. And you know I'm honest. Instead, to me, Tory seems to be a symbol of all American glamour...a little bit New York, a little bit Florida. A brightly colored bohemian blouse, a demure croc Kelly bag. Kind of like me.

(Not Me)

When I went into Nordstrom that fine Florida weekend, I had no intention of purchasing at all, but the rich looking Black Suede Maddie Pumps with Gold Trimming were simply calling to me "Princess!" and I just couldn't stop my feet from falling into them.

Ok, ok, so it went more like: eye, size, hem, haw, credit card, pain...you know.

But now that I have them I think it has been a sensible investment. Everytime I wear them, regardless of my friends remark, I feel...pretty polished...and lovely. They are not only classic, but well made. Since that was 3 weeks ago yesterday, and I've put them on atleast one a day, even if only in my house, on the H. Parker calculation, they've only cost $14.04 per wear. That's awesome, cheaper than lunch for me and Huck at the Brunchery. What do you think ladies? Love 'em? Or over them?

Tory Burch Black Suede Maddie Pumps,
Available at Nordstrom or Neimans and a variety of other
oh so fine, fine retailers
$295.00

Alexander McQueen for Target

They're all doing it!

As a follow up to the last memo, we've received word today that Alexander McQueen (left) will be designing a line for Target just as Isaac Mizrahi is taking his final bow for the conglomerate. How exciting!!! ....umm...I mean for Alex, not for Isaac...

"The launch collaboration will be with Alexander McQueen, who will create a version of his McQ collection, called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target," said Sharon Edelson of WWD yesterday. "McQueen chose as his muse Leila Moss, the lead singer of The Duke Spirit, a British band known for mixing noise rock and grunge in the late Eighties and early Nineties. Moss’ style gave the line its rock ’n’ roll-punk vibe and hip-Brit accents."

Thus far, Target has introduced collaborative lines for the store from designers Proenza Schouler, Erin Fetherston, Luella Bartley, Richard Chai, Joy Gryson, Botkier, Behnaz Sarafpour and Rogan with over a $117 million dollar in revenue annually. And keep in mind that those numbers are only the numbers from these special designer projects (termed Go International), and have nothing to do with the rest of the stores revenue.

That's a lot of cha-ching for Target.

Will Leila Moss's (below) growing icon bring more?

It has been released that the line will include knitwear, dresses, accessories and denim, as well as outwear for woman. The men's line will have denim, outwear, and knits also. Unfortunately, we don't have prices or pics for you yet.

So sorry...stay tuned. But until then, definitely check out the McQ line at shopbop.com. I'm loving this dress:

McQ-Alexander McQueen
Bird Intarsia Kimono Dress $595

Comme des Garcons for H&M

It's Comme des Garcons turn to join the ranks of smart and influential designers everywhere who are now working with giants like H&M and Target to bring their otherwise unreachable, but oh-so-desirable pieces, to everyday budget-smart girls like me.

Now, after seeing the CdG line for H&M, I just want to put it to you this way: I actually felt slightly overwhelmed (and maybe even nauseated) by the idea that a) it was not available yet and b) even if it was there was no H&M near me or online shopping available. The pleats, the polka dots, the structure, the colors, it was everything that CdG is naturally, and yet more considering the price points. I just didn't know what to do with myself.

Hyde Parker HEARTS Comme des Garcons

Katie Holmes is wearing it already, and others are dying for it. Rei Kawakubo, the house's collaborator says that the collection will first debut in Tokyo on the store's November 8th opening and hit worldwide around November 13th. The collection includes a full womens apparel line in signature wools and gabardine textures. For men, there are classics like, "double-breasted belted trench coat[s], a boiled wool pea coat and pants" says Kawakubo.

Katie Holmes in CDG for H&M

High on my list are the wallets, fragrances, hats and scarving accessories too, that are sure to be amazing as well.

What do you think? Have you seen any of it yet? Are you as excited about it as I am?

Juice for your Face

Newest Facial Obsession-Juice Beauty Organics

Maybe some of you other HP's out there already knew about Juice Beauty, but we didn't. Not only do the products smell unbelievably divine, but they are good for you too. Paraben free, and completely Organic, the products slather on richly, yet have a great lightweight feel to them.

Feeling the effects of your weekend on Sunday? Put on a thin layer of the green apple peel for sensitive skin and let it take care of any irritation, puffiness and redness that is looming from those few extra drink or lost hours of sleep. We can guarantee you by Monday morning you will look as radiant as if you'd slept with cucumber on your lids all weekend. And...it is very cost effective too!

Green Apple Peel Sensitive-2oz-only $39.00
available at Sephora and Juice Beauty.com

Louis Vuitton Spring 2009

Everyone is talking about Louis Vuitton's Spring collection this year. And rightly so. The scene was crazy, and the emotions were high. Ah yes, Marc Jacobs' genius was surely out on full display for all of us revelers (as if we hadn't already noticed). As he tromped his girls one after the other down the runway to classic Parisienne tunes, it was both shocking and exciting--the attitude, the punch. From the polka dots to the feathers, from the sky high shoes to the African Bracelets and the teensy structured jackets, it seems both crammed with detail, and yet perfectly positioned. There was nothing all that was not fantastical, and nothing too far from the Champs Ellysees either.

Jacobs, who is now being compared to a young Yves Saint Laurent, with the potential to blow all of his contemporaries and critics away with the '09 collection, seemed to exude an and artistic infusion in this collection that has been unseen thus far. Fall 2007 was the closest thing to this type of extravagance, what with some feathered hems and tousled hats, furry pulls overs and chunky stones, but it was almost as if the designed was still keeping himself slightly at bay. Now in his 12th year, Jacobs seems to be settling into the fact not only can he spread his wings at Marc Jacobs, but that we all accept and actually crave his complete influence rectified on Louis Vuitton too. Was that Pietro Beccari, Yves Carcelle, and Antoine Arnault that I saw smiling like a group of proud papas after the show? Oh I think it was!

Watch the full video of the Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 Collection here and share if you loved it too. Dying to hear...


Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 Runway Show Video Part 1


Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 Runway Show Video Part 2

Gucci hits it right with Resort

H. P. is in love with the Joy bag from Gucci cruise this year. There have been varied reviews, but we think its genius. The golden shell details, the delicate turquoise jewel stones--just our style. With just the right maxi dress, a pair of Havaianas, and a demure chignon to balance your look, new Joy bag will look definitively posh.

For those of you who know me, you already realize that I am head over heels in love with resort, and anything bohemian for that matter really, but I will say that there have been other items and collections for resort this season that are less than desirable...

Take, for example, Zac Posen Resort '09. Now, we are not knocking his genius by any means, because we will first say as a disclaimer, that everything was obviously a labor of love and work of art too, however it just was not up to snuff. Really, in our opinion, it was almost over styled. The suits looked more unfinished than elegant, and the blouses reminded us of the sailor garb that I once found in my Grandfather's closet from 1968. The final gown was just screaming dynasty, and the first, goth.

Looks from Zac Posen 2009 Resort Collection, picture credit style.com

Possibly, with the right styling, things might look better, but as for that lightning white satin number, I'm still thinking Celine Dion's John Galliano backwards suit at the Oscars in '99 (was it '99?). All that's miss there is the outfit turned about face and the fedora. Thank goodness, for my love of Zac, that Spring was much more refreshing.

Don't Frette

It's that time again girls...Fall Sales! And nothing warms my heart more as the cooler weather starts to come than climbing into layers of comfort and simplicity at the end of the day. That's why the Fall Essentias Sale at Frette.com is definitely on our radar. With sheet sets priced from $350-$1500 and accessories on the rise from there though, is it deliciously worth it or just a monetary misuse? You decide.

Hyde Parker has a mixed experience. Our first pair of Frette Linens came to us under the Christmas Tree in December of 2007--the Bicolore Bed Set. We cried. I mean, have you ever seen a pair of linens wrapped so beautifully? And we're not talking gift wrap. No gift wrap necessary! I mean, as I was opening that box I can remember thinking to myself that Frette was a prime example of luxury and premier packaging. Just as many cosmetic companies strive to set themselves apart through their package branding, Frette does so with their packaging too.


The box that my sheet set arrived in was thick and wide--done in a wrapped parchment of ecru tone, emblazoned with the Frette logo and finished with gold accents. Upon opening the box, there were layers of French Tissue piled high and wrapped tightly around the sheets. I saved that tissue paper, with its signature auburn pattern...for what...I don't know. The crisp linens, neatly pressed and wrapped inside (in a way I could not get them back again) emitted a scent that I can not describe as anything other than pure and clean.

My set was everything that I wanted, from day 1. And I had never told anyone in my family what my color pallet was either. I believe that is because the design behind Frette is so classical and inspired, that you truly couldn't go wrong, no matter what you ordered. They were pure cotton sateen. They were ivory. They were framed with a burgundy single hemstitched border. They were simple. They were lovely. They even came with a booklet called "Care Instructions", which told me how to wash and "care" for my sheets.

Well...I guess this is where the SLIDe begins. Care Instructions.

To make a long story short, it took me about a month to get the sheets out of the box and then onto the bed. The first night that I slept in them, they were not all that comfortable. I found myself actually missing my $29.99 whites from Burlington Coat Factory (don't knock it). But, since I had been my oh-so-Hyde-Parker-self for so long about these Frette sheets, I grinned and bore it and told everyone that it was sleeping on a cloud. After deciding that all they needed was a bit of washing to soften them up, I threw them in the washer with some Woolite and Fabric Softener on the cold cycle (as indicated) and hoped for the best...but unfortunately got the worst.

Not only did they not soften up (at first...read on), but they came out in a wrinkled ball, the worst I had ever seen, and my beautiful burgundy stripe had ran in tiny little spots onto the sheets. I was horrified. My $850 sheets, ruined. I called Frette and asked them what to do, but was very ill received by the woman on the other end of the phone who curtly told me (I imagined her drinking a soy latte and eating a chocolate croissant all the while perched on a Eigg Cushion) they would take my sheet back to do testing on the color, but certainly not for exchange or refund. So, I kept them. And despite the small spots of faint red that had spread, and that they were not as comfortable as I had hoped...and that they looked wrinkl-y on the bed and I did not have time frankly to iron the sheet or money to send them out...I slept on them still. Because deep down inside, this Hyde Parker girl wanted to be a Frette girl too. I mean have you seen their new Gerda Classic sets? Eek! To us here at Hyde Park Shop it is kind of like walking in those 4" Christian Louboutin Anemone Pigalle's...when you bump the heel, and when your feet hurt so bad that you hate the designer's guts...do you stop wearing those shoes? Please.

I am happy to report today, however, that my Bicolore Bed Set and I have made it over the hump. After a few more washes, and many more sleeps the bleeding burgundy spots managed to lift themselves out of the sheets themselves, and they did in fact become soft as I had dreamed they would be from that first Christmas Morning when I saw them.

I do not know if every Frette product is like the set that I bought, and I will admit if I was willing to press the sheets, all the world of difference would be made. I also learned from experience too however, that little things like prompt removal from the dryer makes a world of difference. Maybe in the future I will iron, or lightly starch, maybe even send them out sometime for special treatment...you never know (most likely I'll save those pennies for another set, but you never know...) I will say that I am just a glutton for luxe though and I still frequent the stunning designs and sale section Frette.com and adore reading about their designer of month (ERIC ROSEFF this month) and...would, with a sigh, purchase again...afterall, they do look just unbelievably smashing in my boudoir.

To purchase your Frette luxury sets for the home, visit www.Frette.com and don't forget to check out their Fall Essentials sales featuring up to 60% off on selected items.

Hyde Parker's
Ivory & Burgundy
Bicolore Bed Set
available on sale NOW
at
Frette.com!

Let's talk about fashion & philanthropy

So Let's...

Fashion & Philanthropy have always gone hand & in hand. Every season there is a slew of fabulous parties dedicated to the most fantastic charities, clothing lines, websites, gift bags, make up lines...you name...tons of things...and as long as people are out there getting creative, donating and celebrating life for the purpose research & a good cause, why not show up looking our best too?

Here are some of the year's best effort, from some of the most important causes around...

New Yorker's for Children

It is the mission of New Yorkers For Children to improve the lives of children and families who are served by the Administration for Children’s Services by providing the private resources needed to assist Children’s Services and to increase awareness of child welfare issues.

There are over 17,000 children in foster care in New York City. New Yorker's for Children is a Not for Profit organization committed to improving the lives of these children one at a time. Through the funding and donations of this organization, the parties that the charity holds, the galas and the many many hours that the volunteers spend campaigning for the cause, the organization has been about to find homes and also meet financial goals for the homes of thousands of young children. Last year's gala raised just under 2 MILLION dollars. So for those of you out there who are not so crazy about "celebrity parties"...let's just say that this one party...helped...just a little.

Young Leighton Meester & Emmy Rossum shown here arriving at the New Year's in April: A Fool's Fete" presented by Missoni at the Mandarin Oriental on April 16, 2008 in New York City, looking lovely in light pastels...both wearing hair swept up in a soft chignon with drop earrings...

Tinsley Mortimer & Kim Raver arrive at the Gala looking silky smooth with deep dropping neck lines...

Katie Joel & Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman show off their long dark locks, the most recent trend of the season...

Please visit:

NEW YORKER'S for CHILDREN to donate and support the cause



The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Our mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar donated goes to research and awareness programs.


The BCRF is an incredibly powerful organization in this country. Unfortunately, people whose lives have not been touched by Breast Cancer, even those who may have been touched by it, might not realize the devastating effects of the disease.

First, women are not the only sufferers. The family's and friends are impacted forever and lives are eternally changed by this disease. In 2008, the BCRF tells us the 450 men are expected to die from the disease...will it be someone you know?

Please, support the cause, the cure, the research that can help end the problem. Just like New Yorker's for Children, above, supporting the BCRF is about triumph and beauty and changing one little life at a time, and it is possible.

There are some fantastic opportunities out there to support the charity by doing things like donating directly, or even indirectly. It is fun to do things with your gal pals like a 5k to support the cure and raise money, or their are even some businesses out there, where just by working with them, you are supporting the charity. Check out this very fantastic website... ORANGE NOTEBOOK (PS...how awesome is that web design?)

Ok...now...let's get to the parties...


From the pink carpet of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Annual "Hottest Pink Party", Elton John, Gwyneth Paltrow & Elizabeth Hurley...Gwyneth never seems to miss a beat...and as for the rest, well, we'll just say Gwyneth never seems to miss a beat...

Here is sweet Aerin Lauder and a friend, looking lovely in an off red strapless Valentino Column dress, just perfectly suited for her skin tone.

Padma Lakshmi & Christian Siriano of Bravo Television Fame...Padma looking breezy & boho in a vintage styled swing gown & Siriano offbeat & fierce in his own design.


Please visit:

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to donate and support the cause

Susan G. Komen for the Cure to donate and support the cause

Livestrong to donate and support the cause

Orange Notebook to support the cause through small business philanthropy

Marvelous Fashion-Remarkable Women 1

Hello Ladies,

Fashion is not only a celebration of clothes, shoes, accessories, and the designs that have made each item unique, but in my opinion, it is also a time to stop and look at the women inside the clothing. As Diana Vreeland said, " A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress..."

So, I thought it would be just smashing to take a look at some of today's most extraordinary women...those who have made a difference...but still managed to look just glorious while doing it. Once per month, we'll explore three women who are working towards common goals: health, change, a powerful woman's voice...and of course...fashion.


Let's talk Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer...

So, first...really, she's no socialite. She's a powerful CEO and Creative Director following in her Grandamother, Estee's, footsteps, and looking just divine every step of the way. Why do we love Aerin so much? She lets her hair stay long, doesn't overpluck those eyebrows, she hardly wears any makeup at all, and still favors her Levi's over any pair of $280 designer jeans out there.

But most of all...she's making Estee Lauder into a revolutionary brand, making it to the front rows at Fashion week all while staying married and raising her children at the same time. This is one girl who absolutely, without a doubt, respects herself, and stays true to her own instincts.

From making a quiet transition at Estee Lauder, to the bold jump this Spring in picturing herself in the Tuberose ad campaign, it seems Aerin Lauder's charmed life is certainly one of her own making.


Queen Rania of Jordan. And, no this list is in not in any particular order, just the lovely ladies as they came into our head. Queen Rania is not only over-the-top gorgeous and elegant, but she has been a prominent figure in womens' rights across the world. She has a degree in Business Administration, she has been awarded an honorary colonel rank by her military, is the mother to four children, and is strong willed and confident enough to fight for causes that would other seem strange or possibly just unorganic...but not so with Rania. Even when she is debating on the stage, she remains collected.

One that we found particularly interesting was her support of the micro-fund movement--this is a reform in both education and finance for those with entrepreneurial hopes and desires. Truly, a brilliant move on her part, to appeal to both a conservative and liberal mindset...a way to feed both the hungry and needy and also thank the self-sufficient. She opened the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship in 10/04 as an expansion to the Princess Sumaya University of Technology, as a way to evolve and help foster the Jordan economy through "capacity building"...oh how fantastic...

As far as her fashion sense goes, she has never missed a beat. She doesn't wear anything that screams labels or logos, but her hair is always done and her manicure is always right. She makeup is always flawless, and her clothes...always flattering. And...we're not quite sure, how after four children, she is looking like that.

And last but not least, for today...

Let's mention Christy Turlington Burns. Christy screams fashion. She is fashion. She is an icon and one of the supermodels of the '90's who helped mold fashion into what it is today. Without the supermodels, without the Christy's, Cindy's, Naomi's and Eva's, women might not have the place in fashion that they have today...which was once a world with mainly a man's voice, for a woman's figure.

In my opinion, Christy also represents health in a way that other fashion icons have not. She is not that typified waif that meadered down the catwalk...no...not at all. In fact, she is full of vigor, and she a real woman, no afraid to stand up tall and hold her body up fully in every inch that it has.

Christy is also an activist and an entrepreur, campaigning for animal rights, anti-smoking ads, the hot new (Red) campaign for a better Africa, and also partnering in more than one company: the Fashion Cafe, Sundari (a line of ayurvedic cosmetics) and Puma's line of Yoga clothing, named "Nuala". Christy is the wife of Ed Burns, and recently the mother of Grace & Finn too.


Please let us know who you'd like to see pictured in our next Marvelous Fashion-Remarkable Women, and what you think of our picks this month!