The Sartorialist is at it again...

By CoutureJive

Dear Reader:

Thou Shalt wear comfortable clothes, Thou Shalt wear comfortable clothes.

Dear Sartorialist:

You are brilliant.  But you are taking way too many photos of people smoking or hanging out with a box of tobacco in their hands.  Stop misleading people to think smoking is fashionable and sexy because there's nothing fashionable about stinky hair, yellow teeth and cancer. 

Yours,

CoutureJive

Photo: The Sartorialist December 2010

Photo: The Sartorialist November 2010

Drop the Bottle for a Glass!

By CoutureJive

Noticing an ugly, unattractive trend on my personal Facebook newsfeed.  The ugly images are bothering me so much, I had to say something about it.  Time has not been gentle on a few acquaintances and friends who have been partying like its 1999 since they were 12. These acquaintances and friends are no longer spring chickens yet they still continue to act like they never left college.  Why would some wonder why they can't find a significant other? I don't know if people understand Facebook is a PUBLIC place, and if you are an unemployed person or a potential candidate for a job or a mate,  there's a big chance someone is snooping through your personal profile to verify you are not a moral turpitude lawsuit in their hands.

Photos of women looking like this "classy" character to the right above us (tounge in cheek!) frightens the life out of al of us.  Also, keep in mind, photos like the one above is a demonstration to potential mates, your self abuse is not healthy enough to be in a relationship, or to bear children! 

College gals, I'm not saying drinking out of a beer bottle is permissible because you are a young. But think of this, there is something about beer behavior that becomes associated with crazy college girls who flashing boobies during a TV broadcast and embarrassing the hard work mothers spent on raising you right.

Also, there's something about the aesthetics of a beer bottle in public that screams "manliness" "chest hair!" grizzly growl!  I don't know if it's the phallic shape of the darn bottles, but when I see a woman drinking out of it looking just like one of the guys...well, that picture doesn't say, "what a classy lady", to the world.

Put this life lesson to the test.  Next time you are out drinking with your girlfriends, ask for your beer to be served in a glass and notice while your girlfriends put the glass inside their mouths, the aura of elegance will elevate from you.  

Also, put away that ugly red plastic cup, especially if you are about to take a photograph.  Your beautiful smiling face should be featured as the center of the photo frame, not the drink, woman!  

Let me know how practicing this life lesson goes in the process of being a more gentle lady and not giving anyone free, ugly advertisement in your world.  Friendly reminder:  Don't drink, text and drive.

Here's a toast, to living and loving life with class.  Till next time!

A Newfound Love in Coco...after Chanel

By CoutureJive


This past weekend, after taking a break from mundane television programming I opted for a quiet afternoon to watch the incredible story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  This woman despite all odds against her, defied the confines a highly aristocratic French society, and cut through the ropes of an extreme social apartheid by establishing her powerful individuality and independence as a business woman.  Ultimately "Coco" elevated herself from the "rags" through hard work and determination...building a global empire that defined the modern woman of today.


The film was set in a stunning and picturesque Victorian era, the music mixed with the romantic tragedy of her story, captivates the spirit of the audience sending us into a compassionate trip of despair that at times, makes it quite difficult to believe anyone could overcome such adversity.  Audrey Tatou, the actress casted to fill the role of "Coco" does an excellent job of walking and living the elegant essence of Gabrielle Chanel.  Although born into a bloodline of humility, she proves to the world that money does not buy class...class and elegance is something inherent within us.  Tatou  delivers a top-notch performance and indeed no person could have been better casted for the role as her acting is stunningly natural and her looks are elegantly beautiful. 


It was interesting to see how Coco shamelessly defied the mandated etiquette for the women of her days, work was seen as something preposterous if women wanted to achieve any class, and indeed..Gabrielle Chanel was a revolutionary, a saint of fashion who through a personal style of anarchy against the tyranny of sexism, she transformed the role of women in society...by daring us to wear less "fluff"...and become more elegant.

John Ortved, Stick to Your Simpsons, Don't Tread on Our Culture, Fashion & Music.

By CoutureJive

During the CMJ Music Festival last month John Ortved from the New York Times wrote a bit of a blandish and not so nice article on Fashion, its influence in music and several of the bands participating in the event.  

After reading this piece, it sounds as if Mr. Ortved with his sarcastic tongue in check remarks complained of the role and influence of fashion in the musical lives of up and coming talent.  Without reading about him, or finding out who he is, the first thought in my head was: "this writer is a newbie to the music industry, he sounds inexperienced with his comments, he can't be a music or fashion journalist"

I was amazed he recently noticed the big role fashion has in the music industry.  Where has he been living?  

Mr. Ortverd free advice for the future of your career: fashion and music are both inseparable from one another.

Having a background and vast experience in the music business, packaging and creating artists into a marketable brand, talent can have a wonderful sound, incredible dance skills, or a voice to penetrate the hardest heart of steel (like Ortved's)...but if the look is off...well people like the services we offer here at CoutureJive are brought in for a fashion consultation that will ultimately lead in the artist having a better following.  Making the job of their marketing people easier since they can adequately identify and target their artist's demographic much better.

Ortved, a self proclaimed culture critic (which includes art, music, fashion and the Simpsons) sarcastically bashes and in a way makes fun of the music of these musicians who are hard at work... while also being keen on their creative versatility in vintage wear and wardrobe.  (Does he not know most of these kids are from low low income households who are struggling to get by?)  He felt fashion related conversations in the CMJ  belonged: "In Fashion Week" not at a music event.  

Mr. Ortvert, before you pick on these musicians, I kindly suggest you stick to your own cartoon adoring pieces who don't reflect much culture and add little value to our world's emotional intellect.  

A message to the New York Times editor who hired you: find a person who lives, reflects and breathes music, (not from someone that looks like a cast member from the Jersey shore and poses like Zoolander).   This journalist should write with the true intent of a critic, not a piece by a mean spirited individual looking to pick on the little guys of fashion...and I wouldn't be surprised if Ortvert as a teenager probably didn't make it into the band, reason why he resorts to being mean as can be.  

Whomever it is you hire Dear Editor--Make sure they can write about art and music not only from a cultural anthropology perspective, but also from a "real person perspective" that truly appreciates the difficult lifestyle and arduous effort these musicians put into their work...all for a dream that may never come true.  As a matter of fact, dear editor...hire me for his job.  

Also, Ortved, if you want to be a real "culture" critic, you need a make over that says "culture" and "style" not mean Guido.  Style session was going to be free but now that we read this mean article, we will charge you $250 for an hour of trying to make you look good, well acculturated with music and semi-smart.

You can find John's mean spirited article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/fashion/31CMJ.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y

The Eyes, Window To The Soul..Now, Ladies Loose the Excessive Eyeshadow!

By CoutureJive 

I have noticed a very interesting trend lately, and it seems to be in the age of 18-20, or worse, 30 plus.  


It is a fact that women are wearing way too much eyeshadow, perhaps they think it makes them look "famous" or more appealing to the opposite sex.  But...think about this scene...how sexy is it for a man to be passionately kissing you, he romantically caresses your face and shortly after you open your eyes from the passion and notice eyeshadow on his hands?  (cue scratched record sound here).


How about after a night of splendorous galas you lie together, and in the morning, your sweety is surprised when he wakes up next to a wicked road of eyeshadow trails all over his pillows and his hands...oh and a woman that looks more like she belongs on an episode of COPS after being in a bar brawl...resembling nothing like the prior evening.   

Not Sexy...at all. 


I don't know where Hollywood or the trend gods came up with the idea that pounding on dark eyeshadows that conceal eyes and make us look tired and older is something really functional for every day or even evening wear.  Try making eye contact with a cute guy on the train...will he really be able to fall in love with you at first sight while he's trying to figure out what color your eyes really are, or why in the world you are wearing a lump of coal around your eyes? 


Smoky eyes are tricksters, you have to take into consideration not only the shape of your eyes, but your hair and skin color.  If you have bangs and you create an exaggerated smokey eye look, there is a chance you will get lost and resemble cousin "It's" long lost cousin.


However, if you want to show off your natural assets with a bit of glamourous colors, here are a few tip photos for a clean and well done smoky eye look.


For darker skin with brown tones and brunette hair, use lighter eyeshadow on the inner lining of your eye.  Make sure to use earth tones with hints of greens so the natural color of your brassy eyes stand out.  


















Blue eyeliner is also wonderful to use but keep it light and make sure after applying you dab some concealer and powder to set your eyeliner and prevent it from spreading in case of perspiration.

For lighter skin shade, you may use hints of dark browns with hues of plum and navy blue.  Yet always remember that your lips must not be dark since you risk looking older and as the evening goes by, your eyes will look tired.  Keep a fresh look by adding a high gloss lip color with a hint of pink.  We also recommend Nars Mata Hari color, excellent color to keep a natural rosy look without piling on blush.


   I also want to remind you that cosmetics have a ton of oxidizing agents that are harmful to your skin when used excessively, so be gentle with yourself, purchase make up that is hypoallergenic, and use skin care that not only prevents skin damage but also promotes good health for your healthy skin.  We prefer, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser...actually the entire Fresh line is amazing and isn't too heavy or smelly for the skin.  At the end of the day, the best make up is that which is subtle, does not rub off on your clothes, or leave your struggling with removing caky mascara at night (like Christian Dior's awful sticky mascara guaranteed to stay on for five days-stay away from it).




I end this post with several quotes for your reflection:


"My eyes are an ocean in which my dreams are reflected"

"My eyes are the mirror of my soul"

"I can make a scene that's not supposed to be sexy.  It is a power you're born with, it isn't a physical thing, because it comes from the inside, and its only found in the eyes."

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes, rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is great worth in God's eyes. 

Classy College Wear: Look Chic by Just Being You

Student (scad.edu) Savannah, Georgia.  The Sartorialist

I have been in deep thought lately, wondering why are so many young women these days purposefully making themselves and their body look so much older?  There is absolutely no need to be "old", when all you need is to be you now.  


Us women are such strange creatures...when we are little girls, we want to be "big girls".  When we become adult age, well, we try to look older and perhaps a bit sexier with the boys by adding a little cleavage here and there and hiking up that skirt.  But, when we are officially older, well there's no amount of money to spare in our La Mer cream to prevent the signs of aging.  


Aging catches up with all of us.  It's a painful degenerative process for some people (especially for athletes), and all women eventually experience it...even you.  This magnificent process of blooming into the ultimate desert rose begins at 27.5. Your body goes from youthful and energetic, to a bit lethargic and at times uncomfortable, and that is the exact time in your life when you are no longer as my mother would say: a spring chicken. 


Take care of yourself by exercising and creating a healthy life routine (gym, dance classes, good friends that make you feel good and for your heart....don't talk ill of others).  It's also important to have a healthy balance between school and homework.  not to mention young women need to become conscious of everything we nourish our bodies with, and expose our minds to.  Just like a car, food is nutrition...and by food I mean anti-oxidants like fruits, veggies and raw food that will detoxify your blood from cancer causing agents-not pizza, chocolate bars from the vending machine and especially chips or french fries!.


You can prevent loosing your figure by thirty if you take the appropriate measures.  But either way, if you happen to loose your figure, don't fret, if you're confident the world is yours.  Make sure to become really really smart READ...a lot!  Because being brighter as you get older, is one of the sexiest features a woman can have, (really do men want a pretty face who can't teach their children or do they want smart genes to be transferred to their kids?) and trust me no girl with a pea size brain can be more beautiful than you to real gentlemen (you read that ladies, MEN not Boys).  Continue to care about your personal feminine hygiene:  neat room, neat hair, clean clothes, clean shoes--radiate health!  It is important to feed our brains with great knowledge, so whatever information we learn, we use it to edify the lives of others, and in effect ours.   


In these times excessive stress, inner anger, no work out routine, or a great support of good friends mixed with an unhealthy lifestyle will increase your chances for breast cancer-so prevent it early!  And it there is already a history of it in your family (like your grandmother, or sister) there is a chance that you are in greater risk than others.


Back to the fashion issue, there is nothing wrong with dressing according to your age.  Especially if you are young and beautiful!  A girl can wear anything with creativity and it will look absolutely stunning-and cute!  Just make sure to smile and be nice to other people, (even if you don't like them-find something that you like about them and that changes your entire experience).  


I wanted to show you two great looks (featured on this post).  They exude so much of the individual essence of these young women.  Pictured above is a feminine yet, darling dressed college student with a whimsical air of flirtatious cute as she shows off her individuality and pride in being a schoolgirl.  The photo below on the other hand says elegant chic, sexy yet mysterious for boys, inspired by  a love for comfort-check the sneakers out! (Girls, also I will never sacrifice my child rearing age back for uncomfortable pair of shoes no matter who they are by!) accessories mixed with vintage jewelry from mom's closet and a bag from grandma's trunk!  So chic!  

Student.  Milan, Italy.  The Sartorialist.

I have been constantly amazed how girls of all ages have become incredibly creative with their look.  Especially when most are constrained by a low budget due to the great global economic recession.  For you ethical fashion conscious ladies, vintage is also another method of being "Green".  The movement is giving these beautiful vintage items a second life!  


With the wide array of opportunity stores (vintage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops) in small towns and hidden gems in large city we have inspired a new era of vintage cool, and you can be sure-no one is going to be walking down a street wearing the same outfit you have...It will feel so good to have everyone ask: "Where did you get this blouse?  Who's your bag by?".  Woo them, tell them your sister sent it to you from Italy.


If this post inspires you to rethink your look, the best way to redesign and redefine yourself is to think and be certain:  "I am a work of graceful art"  let my fashion reflect the best of me, my individuality,  my joy, intelligence and how I truly am inside:  Beautiful.  Believe me, you don't need anything else but yourself as a canvas, creativity as your armor, and conscious chic thrift.  


So gals we conclude this post with the message: be creative, smile, let go of the anger, don't drown in a glass of water, learn to problem solve early, don't cry over spilled milk, and make it part of your shopping consciousness to buy and wear things that no one else has and make you feel, like the princess that you are!   Because you are unique!  


Don't forget being a little different is better than all the copies out there...don't you think?  

Teenage Paparazi, Adrian Grenier's Redeemed Heart & Intellect

In a survey of 700 kids, 42% chose to be a personal assistant to a celebrity instead of being a University President, or U.S. Senator.

After watching Adrian Grenier's documentary on a Teenage Paparazzi, I have found a new respect in his sense of responsibility to society by portraying the empty life of a self absorbed teenage child who thanks to Grenier has an encounter with personal fame and experiences a complete personality change, and we can all witness it on camera.

Grenier realizes he is responsible for the monster he has created in Austin and attempts to find a solution.  During his conversations with Paris Hilton during the film (who cheerfully played into his paparazzi charades), compares this child with Narcissus, the Greek god who fell in love with his personal reflection on a river stream, fell in and drowned.  Adrian begins to feels a great sense of disconnect with his prodigy star during the film after the Teen Vogue calls and E! reality TV proposals start cluttering Austin's phone lines.  Immediately, Grenier is propelled to action and begins exploring viable options of personal and professional, sustainable growth for his film prodigy Austin.  With little success, Grenier he tries introducing him to photojournalism & social culture only to have the camera capture the inability of this child to concentrate in his schoolwork, or anything else besides Hollywood.

While wearing a t-shirt that says "Love is My Religion" Grenier sits down the newly famed monster Austin and his fame hungry mother to watch a run of the film to be aired.  The mother, brought to shame, realizes that she has lost control of her child, who can hardly focus on his personal schoolwork and asks him to reform his style seeing how her dirty laundry would be aired to the world.  Although the fame monster learned that he doesn't feel like he needs to impress people, it was refreshing to see a more mature and well balanced young man, a year later.  Hopefully Grenier does a follow up in which Austin overcomes his obvious ADD & learning disability and successfully graduates from college.  That's a future, the youth of America not only needs to witness, but one they really need to believe in.

Real People Style, This Week's Notable Couple: Lisa & Brad

While checking out the stores on the popular M Street in D.C.'s Georgetown, Today's adventure took me inside an Anthropologie.  
I was highly pleased to find a young dame creatively sporting a beautiful sweater that made an excellent contrast with her blouse and belt.  Although not pictured, her shoes were also fabulous.  Her style was clean, feminine, and her blouse's flair exuded pride in her simple femininity. 

It was quite pleasing to also see her gentleman companion wearing a well fitted suit...and not a cap, dirty sandals and t-shirt like so many men out there are trying to attract ladies with.  We commend this look, a gentleman should always look his best, sharp, clean and strapping.

Lisa and Brad, we give you a ten in the Real People Style Scale.

The Sartorialist is at it again, Capturing The Essence of a Dame

I only have a few words for this post, but one that reflects the ultimate image of it...stunning.  I was highly impressed by this beautiful shot.  Two ladies doing what all women should do best...be a dame and enjoy the femininity and freedom of being a beautiful woman.  

Ladies, this is the look for fall.  Being a Dame is in.

New York Fashion Week Has Arrived! But the Weekend Festivities Begin Here...

By CoutureJive

 

 I have been counting down to this weekend because its going to be Amazing.  Not only does it mark the beginning of socialite and "fashionite" mayhem...(Fashion Week!) I am also participating in Susan G. Komen's Race For The Cure in Greater New York, and I get to honor the memory of my darling grandmother!  Not to mention that I have the cutest running outfit sisters!

While I prepare for my race here are a few list of fave events for you to participate in.  Not only are these events fashionably fun, one of them is actually making a difference in our world with fashion!  So we send love and kudos to Designer Steven Alan for being...fashionably and charitably Awesome.

To do on Friday:

1. Designer Steven Alan and Goods for Good are teaming up to host a good-inspiring event for Fashion's Night Out.  Designers Steven Alan, Geren Ford, Soludos, Relwen, Rag and Bone and more are highlighting special items from each of their collections to benefit Goods for Good; 20% of the proceeds from these items will benefit G4G’s Tailor-in-Training program, which creates school uniforms from donated fabrics for orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi.  I think this may be one of my new fave charitable organizations.  For more information visit www.goods4good.org 

Steven Alan's Tribeca Boutique

103 Franklin Street

New York, N.Y. 10013

2. Burton Snowboards is hosting a great event celebrating their first participation in Fashion Week (ever).  They will be giving away a $500 shopping spree, this is worth passing by just for a chance for a shopping spree!  Must look cute when the slopes open!  Maybe this year I'll get my pink snowboard...

Burton Snowboards Flagship Store
106 Spring Street (at Mercer)
New York, NY 10012

7:00pm - 11:00pm

3. A goofy fun event, is look for Ken night.  Yes, we all want to find our real manly Ken who will treat us like a Queen...but in the mean time, we're going to have to settle for following this little guy around and having a few laughs in between.

Fashion’s Night Out in a Ken-tastic, glass-walled truck. Throughout the night you can track Ken's whereabouts via Facebook, Twitter and foursquare.  He will be showing up for photo opps at different stops including SoHo and Fifth Avenue, ultimately, his Ken-Tastic Truck ends the night with a bang in the Meatpacking District.  Don’t miss the chance to see the “real” Ken dressed for six different dream dates…remember, dolls, plastic boyfriends last forever!  Make sure to send us your photo; we'll make that bitch Barbie jealous!

Design by: Anna Sui

In the mean time, stay tuned for Fashion Week, we are looking forward to seeing the whimsical delicacies of Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Tory Burch, The Heart Truth Collection, Rebecca Taylor, Narcisso Rodriguez, La Perla, Elie Tahari, Diane von Furstenberg, Esteban Cortazar and Carolina Herrera.