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