Back to School with Fall Fashion

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Friday, 23 August 2013 14:41

Written by Elaine Ing

Summer is coming to an unofficial close with the back-to-school shopping season already in progress.  Amidst the mandatory stationary product purchases, here are some great back-to-school accessory picks to keep the teen, mom or teacher always looking smart.

The Accessories Council and Lyss Stern, creater of of Divalysscious Moms (a luxury lifestyle company catering to stylish moms), offer the following choices to keep you warm and chic:

BCBGeneration Herringbone Fedora ($38)
What a perfect way to cap off a look (pun intended)! An angora-blend fedora is augmented by the jaunty herringbone weave and ribbon band. Available at fine department stores.

David & Young Scarves ($24-36)
Available in a variety of prints (animal, geometric/ Aztec, tie-dyes, etc), fabric and colors, David & Young Scarves allow you to create an infinite number of looks. Their Figure 8 infinity scarf is extremely popular given its versatility.
www.shopdavidandyoung.com, Nordstrom, Macys

Big Buddha Carmen Wallet ($30)
The faux croc wallet / clutch’s interior dividers and snap closure helps you keep fashionably organized. The perfect accessory that you can take from daytime to nighttime.
www.zappos.com

Boy Meets Girls ($18)
Tights are the perfect way to ward off chilly days. Add new looks to your wardrobe by adding a little pop of color or design to your legs. Boy Meets Girls, an edgy yet wearable, stylish yet casually classic young contemporary brand, launches a fun pair with their silhouette motif.

Empowered by You Panties ($20-26)
Panties with a purpose. These high-performance panties are sexy and comfortable due to its seamless fit, patented flocking technology that prevents slipping or bunching (the bane of many women) and performance gear moisture-wicking fabrications.  In addition, Empowered by You is donating 20% of net profits from every panty they sell, to global charities for underprivileged women via micro financing loans for women's businesses. Talk about empowerment. Each panty is packaged in a small, clear zip-closure smart-pack that is resealable and reusable.
www.empoweredbyyou.com

Calvin Klein Leather Bookfold Wallet & Key Fob ($45)
For the organized dad or teen, the sleek wallet and key fob combo with its 8-card slot and ID window is a perfect way to keep credit and id cards handy.
www.macys.com

Carlos by Carlos Santana Carryall ($108)
The rocker Santana obviously has an ear for music and an eye for fashion. The rocker chic carryall is roomy enough to carry everything you need for the entire day.  The faux leather bag features whip stitch chain detailing and stud accents.  A great tote and traditional backpack replacer.  Available at Macys.

RUUM American Kid’s Wear Sequin Dot Backpack ($44.50)
So chic that you may steal it off your kid’s back and wear it as your own. What girl (of any age) doesn’t like a like shine and sparkle in her wardrobe?  The sequin dot backpack features a front zipper, inner compartments and adjustable straps.
www.ruum.com

Steve Madden Canvas Backpack ($54)
If glitz and glam isn’t your thing, how about Steve Madden’s soft canvas backpack with faux-leather accents that comes with a matching cosmetic case.  Available in a variety of colors, prints and colors, there’s something just for you.
www.nordstrom.com

Robeez Soft Sole Shoes ($25)
Don’t leave the wee ones behind.  Robeez’s non-slip suede outsole and elasticized ankle band are a perennial favourite for infants, babies, pre-walkers and toddlers, and approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Available in cute, whimsical patterns, animal prints and colors for both boys and girls.   
www.myrobeez.com

Fossil Florence Collection ($75-95)
Now you’ll never have a good reason to be late for class or a PTA meeting.  Part of Fossil’s Fall 2013 collection, the Florence collection features a new case shape in eye-catching jewel-tone leather straps or metal bracelets.
www.fossil.com

DEOS Pink Leather and Swarovski Wave Case ($60)
You’ll always know whose iphone it is with this stand-out genuine leather / Swarovski-embellished iphone 5 case.  A great way to protect your phone while stating your style.
www.deosstyle.com

Electric Picks “Two Heads –Stars” women’s Bracelet ($60)
More rocker chic.  Electric Picks is a contemporary jewelry line with a rock’n’roll heritage. Its designer, MJ Barton, started her career working with a number of rock bands, starting from custom-designed guitar picks and then extending her line to bracelets and necklaces.  The Two-Heads bracelet features 2 gold plated skulls anchoring a hand-painted star bead, along a string of hermatite stones.
www.electricpicks.com

Randolph Bright or Matte Chrome Aviator Sunglasses ($129)
A classic style originally built for the U.S. Military, now a mainstream sunglass style.
www.shop.randolphusa.com

Roman & Sunstone Pinky Rings ($50)
Add a dash of pizazz with Roman & Sunstone’s Luxe Triangle Python pinky ring - a high polished 14k gold plate featuring faux python inlay. Or try the Roman Luxe Polished Square Front pinky ring which features a casted oversized square in the centre.
www.romansunstone.com

Stephanie Kantis Chain ($235-495)
If there was ever a piece of jewelry that gave you the most bang for the buck, Stephanie Kantis’ chain is it.  Stephanie’s talents in interior and home product design are clearly demonstrated in this one-of-a-kind versatile chain which can be worn 15 different ways for all occasions.  With interlocking loops, the innovative chain can be transformed into a multitude of looks either alone or mixed & matched with pendants – due to her signature “S” clasp.  You have to see it to believe it.
www.stephaniekantis.com and in finer boutiques and department stores.

Superdry Survives Superstorm Sandy

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Tuesday, 13 August 2013 14:25

Written by Elaine Ing

Just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Superdry on NYC’s famous South Street Seaport reopens after nine months of being shuttered.

South Street Seaport has gone through many transformations throughout its history. Once America’s leading port of call where historic ships docked, to being the most important wholesale East Coast fish market in the USA (Fulton Fish Market), the historic twelve-square-block district in lower Manhattan is now home to a picturesque cobblestoned tourist area consisting of indoor and outdoor shops, restaurants & cafes, and entertainment.

Superstorm Sandy devastated the area in October 2012 and shuttered the area to a virtual ghost town. With little or no federal, city, or state aid, the only activity in the South Street Seaport was construction in the following months as tourists stayed away. However, slowly but surely, many of the demolished retailers are starting to rebuild and re-open to bring back the vibrancy of the South Street Seaport.

Superdry is back, now better than ever.  The UK-based outerwear and denim label, known for its quirky fusion of Japanese graphics, Americana and fine British tailoring, hosted a part celebratory, part fundraiser event. With special guest Sports Illustrated model and actress Jessica White and featuring live music by DJ Hesta Prynn, attendance by Wilmer Valderrama, Miss Universe 2013 Olivia Culpo and representatives from the New York City’s Mayor’s office, it was the perfect way for Superdry to re-introduce its 4,049-square-foot South Street Seaport location as well as announce its partnership formed with the Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Sandy Recovery and the Department of Education.  For every purchase made that night, Superdry donated one piece of clothing to benefit young adults affected by Hurricane Sandy. So while guests had the pleasure of the being the first to buy the Fall 2013 collection, they were also doing their part in helping teens looking cool for their return to school.

“After months of anticipation, we are thrilled to have reopened our South Street Seaport location,” says Stephen Cox, President of Superdry USA. “Our arrival signals the return of retail in the area, in addition to jobs that were displaced due to Hurricane Sandy. We could not be happier to mark our reconstruction with this celebration, and look forward to many more landmark achievements in the future.”

For more information about the store and the event, go to: www.superdry.com

Gifts Made for Marvelous Moms

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Friday, 10 May 2013 14:37

Written by Elaine Ing

With Mother's Day just around the corner, the Accessories Council, in conjunction with stylist Alison Lang, helps you to choose affordable gifts for fashion-forward to eco-friendly to tech-savvy moms.

Bling it On
Everyone loves a little bling in her life.  One piece alone can totally transform an outfit from ordinary to extra-ordinary.  With these stand-out and versatile pieces, your mother will always feel extra-ordinary.

• Armitron 3689 Watch series: Keep time with the stylish and classic piece with gold accent accents, Swaroviski crystals, mother of pearl dials, luminous hands and sweep second hands. MSRP: $80 on Amazon
  
  
• Caroline Rocha Hand-Painted Signature Cuff Bracelets: Unique, one-of-a-kind cool leather cuff bracelets embellished with Swarovski crystals.  MSRP: $159-219  www.carolinerocha.com
  
  
• Eric Javits Mini Squishee Star Handbag: Always lightweight and durable, Eric Javit's handbags are always eye-catching.  The mini Squishee Star, the smallest version of the popular Squishee shopper, is accented by a gold-tone chain, protective brass and cute starfish logo.  MSRP: $335 www.ericjavits.com
  
• John Wind Maximal Neon Initial Bracelets and Neon & Pearl Necklace: Neon brights continue to be a fashion trend, so why not incorporate it with traditional pieces like silver and pearls?  The Initial Bracelet with a mixture of neon glass beads weaved into a chunky silver-plate chain and a personalized initial charm. How cute!! The Pop of Neon Necklace is a versatile 48" long jewelry piece consisting of pearls intermixed with pops of neon glass-based beads - can be worn as a necklace or a multi-strand bracelet! MSRP: $128  www.maximalart.com
  
  
• MCM Armour Double Bracelet: MCM is known for their luxury leather goods, handbags, apparel, and accessories. The 2013 Armour Collection is highlighted by a snake-embossed pattern giving it an air of exoticism and protection.  The bracelet is a double-wrap leather cuff bracelet decorated with 24 gold plate and gunmetal studs. MSRP: $220  www.mcmworldwide.com
  
  
• Roman & Sunstone Python Buckle Bracelet: More snakeskin print! A textured python print inlay set in gold-tone metal, set in a functional buckle closure MSRP: $20  www.romansunstone.com
  
  
•  Sprout Eco-friendly Watch: Well known for their high-quality, affordable and eco-friendly line, Sprout watches has something for everyone. MSRP: $40-80 www.sproutwatches.com

The Finishing Touches
Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. These gifts are for the mother looking for something less flashy, but still high in quality.

• BCBGeneration Striped Fedora: Add a splash of dash! Keep cool in this classic fedora set in au-courant stripes with color-blocking bands. MSRP: $32
  
  
• Bishop Aprons: For the culinary artist, Bishop Aprons are a perfect fit.  100% cotton in body-shaping silhouettes. MSRP: $25.95  www.bishopaprons.com
  
  
•  Echo Design Group Geo Circles Plastic Beach Set: These eye-catching vinyl/ plastic iPad/tablet holders allows tech-savvy moms to use the gadgets on the beach while keeping them sand-free & water-free.  Genius! Set includes a case for your digital tablet/reader (11"x 9.5") and a smaller one for your smartphone (6.5"x 4.5"). MSRP: $42  www.echodesign.com
  
  
•  Francesca's Tuileries Eau de Parfum: Tuileries is a fresh floral fragrance evoking the air of Paris' famous formal gardens.  Crisp top notes of sparkling citron and apple, and mixtures of soft white amber and musk.  MSRP: $28 (2oz) www.francescas.com