Search Natty Style

4.27.2010

LINE TO LOVE: Très Hot, Très Chic, TRE Rings!



Bigger is better...at least that's my opinion when it comes to statement jewelry this season.  And lately, I've been obsessed with rings - in particular, giant glass orbs by TRE.  These big bad baubles ad a bold pop to any outfit; and since they're thick, handmade Venetian glass - they won't tarnish or crack.  Which makes them perfect for tossing into your beach bag for instant seaside style.  

Available in a rainbow of delicious shades, TRE's treasures are superb alone or layered.  And the best surprise?  These lux gems ring it at only $85*!!  

To find out more about the TRE's (almost) too-good-to-be-true rings 'n things, I caught up with one-half of the design duo behind TRE, Marisa Brown (shown left):



NATTY: How did Tre begin?

MARISA BROWN: TRE started because Ulrica and I are both into different, fun "bang for your buck" fashion.  We don't like "obvious" head-to-toe looks, and we wanted to create accessories that were relevant, different, and really made a statement - something that would really impact your overall look without costing too much.  Glass was the perfect medium to begin with; it is a fabulous substance that can be played with in a variety of fun colors and patterns, and it doesn't tarnish or look crappy if you forget about it in your jewelry drawer (like so much other costume jewelry does).  

N: How did you and Ulrica meet, and what were you both doing before TRE?

MB: Ulrica and I have been friends for almost a decade!  We met out and about in the big apple - I immediately admired her style for being so different and chic - she always looked fabulous in an effortless way.  Before starting TRE, Ulrica worked first at an advertising firm, and then in home design and decor.  I have always loved fashion and been involved in the fashion industry in some way; I used to design and distribute hand smocked children's clothing from Brazil, hen I helped out my good friend, Allegra Hicks, with bringing her beautiful designs from Europe to the US.  

N: Where did the name "TRE" come from?

MB: TRE means 3 in many romance languages; we are 3 partners - Ulrica, myself and a third silent partner.  There has also always been something sort of mystical and magical about the number 3.  In fact, when we were choosing our company's name, the New York Times Sunday Styles wrote an article on just that - the power and magic of the number 3 - so we knew it was destiny!

N: What's the inspiration behind the brand and the designs?

MB: It's all about looking great and feeling confident without spending a fortune.  Our designs are chunky and bold, colorful and bright.  Our designs will never be too serious, just FUN!

N: Is there a dream person you would like to see wearing Tre?

MB: OPRAH!  She is absolutely my IDOL - both of ours - we love her passion for everything she does, and we share that same kind of passion for our collection.  Our designs can be worn on teenagers and grandmothers alike, and they can be worn to make an otherwise dowdy skirt suit look suddenly mod and chic, or they can make jeans and a t-shirt look more dressed up and put together.

N: Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

MB: All of our pieces are named after our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters etc.  My favorite piece is the GIOIA, named after my daughter.  Ulrica's is the ANITA in our new metallic line (the ANITA is our signature ring, the biggest and boldest of all, which the entire collection was based on, named after Ulrica's mother.)

N: Any styling tips for wearing Tre's designs?

MB: Wear any of our styles to take you in a different direction; sometimes you need a stylish accent for your jeans, other times you need a chicer look for your suit - we have a ring or a necklace that will make a huge impact on your outfit that day or night, and it will make you feel confident, stylish and fabulous!


Well speaking from personal experience, I couldn't agree more, Marisa!  
So stock up now, ladies, trust me - the compliments you will receive are well worth the small price tag...


PSST: Tre does more than just the Anita ring (pictured throughout post) check out the full collection on their website.








SHOP TRE
Additional styles available at the following retailers, as well as specialty boutiques across the country:

Bergdorf Goodman
Bloomingdales
Kirna Zibette
Henri Bendel
Neiman Marcus

*Collection prices range from $50 - $95 for different sizes and styles


- Natty

4.22.2010

NATTY NEWS: Earth Day the Fashionable Way


Let's face it; what good would fashion be without a world in which to wear it?  In honor of Earth day today - I dedicate this post to eco-friendly fashion.  By using organic or recycled fabrics, sustainable materials and production, reworked vintage and/or charitable donations - more and more designers are creating clothing that is both chic and environmentally conscious.  Gone are the days when "green" fashion meant only Birkenstocks and burlap: now it seems that just about everyone from the highest (Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney) to the hugest (H&M, Gap) are coming out with earth friendly collections.  Below is a list of lines to look out for, who promise desirable designs with an eco spin:
Alex & Ani
Alexx Jae & Milk
Ashley Watson + Lina Rennell 
Bodkin
Brigid Catiis
Coclico
Edun
Eviana Hartman
Ija Designs
Loomstate
Matt & Nat
Organic by John Patrick
People Tree
Stella McCartney 
Stewart & Brown
Tom's
Tre
Vogel10

For more ways to spend your green on style that is green - check out:
http://www.thegreenloop.com
http://www.ecouterre.com/
http://www.shopbop.com/shop-earth-friendly/br/v=1/2534374302060416.htm

Happy Earth Day!  Now go put some flowers in your hair.

- Natty

[top photo courtesy of Shopbop]

4.20.2010

LUST LIST: Big Peepin'





Flipping through the pages of an issue of Bazaar back in February, I was halted when I came across an ad for Donna Karan collection.  A wispy blonde peered out at me from the page - cinched waist, slender hips and long legs...and below it all, she was boosted up on the most perfect platform peep-toes I've laid eyes on in a while:



This wasn't the first time this specific sandal (officially named the Gueliz) had stopped my heart.  My footwear fantasy began back when the collection first showed in September 2009 - strutting down the runway, each incarnation seemed better than the last.  Rarely has raffia felt so right, or canvas so fresh...how could I ever wait 'till spring for them to be mine?  

Now that they're here, this shoe du jour is experiencing it's moment (with no surprise to me) it calls to me from spread after spread of editorials and magazine shopping lists.  Unfortunately, the $725 price tag will keep them on my Lust List a little while longer.  I won't blame you if catching a "peep" of these beauties begins a love affair all your own...


-Natty

4.14.2010

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK: Isabel Marant - Oui, Oui!

ISABEL MARANT
469 BROOME STREET NEW YORK, NY 10012
Monday through Friday, 11AM-7PM; Saturday 11AM-8PM; Sunday 12-6PM

After months of prolonged anticipation (enhanced by the signature, Mr. Hatman's, charming window-scrawled promises) the new Isabel Marant boutique, which was originally slated to open early February, is FINALLY OPEN!  A cult favorite for ages - this French designer has waited 16 years (!) to open her own retail store in the US. Which explains the fanatic fashionphiles who lined up on Broome Street last Friday, eager to soak themselves in a floor to ceiling Marant.  After debating spaces in the Meatpacking District, West Village and Brooklyn - the designer opted for the Soho spot out of admiration for the neighborhoods architecture.  The "quieter, spacey shop" as described by Marant, is around the corner from hubby Jérôme Dreyfuss' recently opened store - and shares a lot of the same vibe.  Jewelry and other accessories perch in a raw wood sculpture at the center of the room, echoing the overall accents of wood throughout the space.  But though the feel may be airy and almost empty - don't be fooled, as the inventory in this chic boutique is fully stocked.  Fringed booties, statement jewelry, mini skirts, fur jackets, cropped pants with sequins or bright colors!  There are no words except:  Merci, Isabel, merci!


-Natty

4.06.2010

LITTLE LUXURIES: The Newfound Scents of Style

Need a little pick me up, but don't want to break the bank?  There are plenty of Little Luxuries that can make you feel like a million bucks without actually spending anywhere near that much.  This Spring, get wrapped in luxury with every spray of Balenciaga's long awaited new fragrance, Balenciaga Paris.  

After 12 years of creating architectural but unscented designs for Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere finally brings us a fragrance beyond the scent of leather.  Still shivering from the chills of winter, we started seeing the romantic campaign images, shot by Steven Meisel, in the pages of our fave fashion mags back in February.  The brand's bevvy of loyal fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the self titled, BALENCIAGA PARIS, which finally hit stores this spring.  So was it worth the wait?

Charlotte Gainsbourg, longtime friend and muse of Ghesquiere stars in the campaign - personifying the fragrance's strange beauty.  Light, feminine and intentionally undefinable - Balenciaga Paris is housed in an equally covetable bottle, which echoes the house's signature exaggerated silhouette.  The first in a line of scents to be released by the brand, that will all share the same bottle.  And at $95 for 1.7 oz, its easier than ever to get your hands on the a little something from the world's favorite French fashion house.  Merci Monsieur, merci...

For more on the conception and inspiration of Balenciaga Paris - watch this video.

-Natty