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5.25.2010

NATTY NEWS: Double the Sex in this City


From a fashionphile's perspective, never was there a more beloved show, or cast of women than that of Sex and the City.  The cultish HBO series left millions of fashionable fans devastated when they decided to end after a mere 6 seasons in 2004.  An excruciating 4 years later, the girls (and their wacky and wonderful wardrobes) were finally back, with the Sex and the City movie released in 2008.  Unfortunately, it turned out to be a film that only true fans could appreciate.  The time apart had clearly affected the actresses as much as audiences, and the film suffered from a lack of chemistry between the 4 principal characters.  Nevertheless, did we (the fans) love it anyway?  Of course we did.  Did our hearts break when Carrie and Big's "Big Day" went the wrong way?  You betcha.  Did we crack up when prim and proper Charlotte had her oopsie poopsie Poughkeepsie moment?  Hell yes!  Because these four women were not only the stars of our favorite TV show, they're our friends. The ladies who's sometimes silly, yet always aspirational lives allowed us to live and love vicariously through them every Sunday night for 6 years.  

Now, 2 years after the first film, and 6 since the series ended - Sex and the City 2 brings about yet another dose of fun and fashion from the dream team; all but making up for it's truncated television run.  Last night was the world premiere of the highly anticipated sequel in New York City, at Radio City Music Hall.  I was lucky enough to attend the extravagant affair and preview the film, thanks to my adorable and talented boyfriend who plays a small role in the film as a lawyer in Miranda's office. 

I don't know whether I was caught up in the moment of overwhelming shared suspense - but I am surprised to say that think I enjoyed SATC2 better than it's predecessor.  The girls definitely got their mojo back, and riffed off of each other like the old pals we've missed.  Creator Michael Patrick King apparently made the decision to go balls-to-the-wall on all aspects of the film: from the glamour, to the star studded cameos (including Liza Minelli's hysterical opening number), to the audacious scene stealing jokes.  Most importantly, SATC2 didn't seem to take itself too seriously - and the result had the entire audience rolling from minute one.  I won't give away any of the plot for those who prefer a virginal movie going experience, but expect a gasp inducing moment or two, loads of laughter, and plenty of outrageous headwear courtesy of Patricia Field's costuming.  

As for the best dressed of the 4 ladies at last night's premiere?  My pick is hands down Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore a show-stopping, highlighter yellow gown by Valentino.  Kristen Davis followed the fluorescent fashion statement in a vintage piece by Jean Dresses.  Kim Cattrall was also colorful in Naaem Khan, but Cynthia Nixon seemed to have missed the memo, appearing in a somber (though classic) black gown by Carolina Herrera. 


Incidentally, I appear onscreen myself for a (VERY) brief moment in the very first scene, as an 80's power woman walking past Miranda in the flashback sequence.  (You may want to bring a pair of binoculars, and glue your eyes to the right side of the screen in search of a massive beehive atop a white vintage Thierry Mugler suit.  Hotness.)

Sex and the City 2 hits theaters TOMORROW, May 27th.  So grab your girls, your Louboutin's and your tickets asap for a night of decadence and over-the-top ... everything.

View the trailer HERE.

- Natty

5.20.2010

STYLE FILE: Thigh High and Not Shy

The thigh-high trend has dominated both footwear and hosiery the past couple of seasons.  But this style can be tricky to pull of without feeling like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman...
For a night out with my girlfriends, I combined cashmere stockings with knee high boots, and balanced the sexy style with a casual but cool silk and cotton t-shirt dress for a look that felt effortless and street chic, not street walker.


SILK BLACK COTTON/SILK T SHIRT DRESS - Alexander Wang
CASHMERE THIGH HIGHS - Kiki de Montparnasse
KNEE HIGH BOOTS - Christian Louboutin
BEADED CLUTCH - Club Monaco
JUMBO METALLIC BEAD & GUNMETAL CHAIN NECKLACES - Bought in Soho on the street
DOUBLE KNUCKLE METALLIC RING - Jesse James Boutique


-Natty

5.18.2010

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK: Dansez-Vous le Pas de Deux?


PAS DE DEUX
328 E. 11th St.New YorkNY 10003
nr Second Ave.

Wedged between vintage and resale boutiques on Manhattan's Lower East Side, lies a tiny bit of Parisian inspired perfection.  Pas de Deux is a petite boutique created in 2008 by the founders of the menswear shop, Odin which sits just next door.  Housed within dusty blue walls is a carefully selected variety of both American and European designers - curated with an air of modern simplicity that feels very French.  

On the day of my most recent visit, rows of Repetto's ran down the center of the checkered floor, flanked by racks and shelves stocked with more of my favorites:  From Alexander Wang, Boy. , Thakoon, and 3.1 Philip Lim to trickier-to-find lines like Etoile by Isabel Marant, Clu, and Vanessa Bruno.  As I eagerly flipped through the silky padded hangers, it seemed that each one was better than the last!  At the end of the room sits a rustic curio cabinet, displaying delicate delights from little known jewelry designers - a perfect final touch to what feels like a dreamy dressing boudoir.  

-Natty

5.11.2010

STYLE FILE: One Dress - 3 Ways

Since I began this blog, nearly 1 year ago - there has been one element conspicuously missing from Natty Style ... NATTY'S STYLE!  Introducing, Style File - a sneak peak at how I translate trends and wear what works for me.  

Here, a Catherine Malandrino sundress has nine lives ... or at least 3:


LOOK #1: Layered Up
LEATHER JACKET: Banana Republic
SILK SCARF: Cacharel 
BELT: Ralph Lauren
WOVEN LEATHER BAG: Andrea Brueckner
RIDING BOOTS: Theory
LOOK #2: Top - It - Off
STRAW FEDORA HAT: Flea - Market in Carmel, CA
BALLET FLATS: Bloch
LOOK #3: Belted & Basic
LONG DRAPEY CARDIGAN: Avita
BELT: Ralph Lauren
STRAW BAG: Vintage (Brooklyn Flea)
LARGE GLASS RING: Tre
SUEDE BOOTS: J.Crew
- Natty

5.07.2010

NATTY NEWS: The Met's Costume Institute Gala 2010


Of all of the opportunities to flaunt fabulous fashion; the Met's annual Costume Institute Gala has got to be the most exciting.  This week, the Met, in partnership with Vogue and the Gap, held the event in celebration of their latest exhibit - American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.  There were certainly many identities being fashioned at the event by the oodles of pretty-young-things and fashion elitists that make up some of this country's best dressed citizens.  So how does one choose a list of favorites when the selection is so divine?  It's not easy - but here are just a handful of the night's "identities" that made me smile...or at least smize.

Ann Hathaway - Valentino
ID: Cinderella 2.0


Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein Collection
ID: Covered & Classic


Chanel Iman in Michael Kors
ID: Bond Girl 2010

Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage
ID: Modern Day Fairy Princess


Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad
ID: Jenny, Ice Queen of the Block

Kate Hudson in Stella Mcartney
ID: Thigh High and Sly as a fox...

Kate Bosworth in Valentino
ID: Old Hollywood Glamour Girl

Dree Hemingway in Calvin Klein Collection
ID: Peek-a-Boo Penguin
-Natty

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]