Sunday, November 22, 2009

Martin + Osa Turkey Day Sale

M+O Cocoon Cardigan
reg. $120, now $59

On Thanksgiving weekend, Martin + Osa will be offering all denim (regularly priced at $89.50 - $120) and cashmere (regularly priced at $130 – $170) at a special promotional price of $59 each. The in-store sale starts on November 27 and at 12am on November 26 at www.Martinandosa.com.


M+O Skinny Fit Jean
reg. $99.50, now $59

All-American brand Martin + Osa is known for its unique, hip brand of classic clothing and accessories catering to stylish and adventurous 28- to 40-year-old women and men.

The designs are elevated and irresistible, with items like denim, sweaters and lifestyle accessories which incorporate high quality fabrics and materials including cashmere, pure wool, imported leather and premium cottons.
M+O Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
reg. $170, now $59

The fusion of fine materials and distinctive design creates a product rich with style, luxury and sophistication.

Now, for half the price but for a limited time.

What a way to kick off the holiday season!




Male Camouflage

By Laura Medina

Richard Paul Anderson, Perfekt Beauty's Founder/President, applies under-eye concealer
Suffering from weary skin? Need color without the pinks, the reds, and peaches? Have no idea what to do with fluffy brushes and squishy sponges?
Former Bobbi Brown and YSL cosmetic artist, Richard Paul Anderson, needed something easy and efficient to revive his face without logging around gallons of potions and lotions through the airport.
Of course, being environmentally-conscious as well as efficiency-conscious, he mixed up the original batch of Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel as a time-saver and a skin-saver in his house up in the Hollywood Hills, four years ago.
As a weary road-warrior, he wanted a facial corrector for busy women and men like himself, that gives people that flawless "Photoshop" skin in a light-weight, grease-free yet soft texture in a pinch.
His intent was differentiate his gel-to-powder from traditional water and oil-based foundation that covers and lays over the epidermis.
Whereas with his gel, Anderson packed antioxidants to minimize redness, pores, shine, and eases the edges of fine lines and bumpy zits.
Richard's Perfekt Eye Perfection Gel you roll up like a toothpaste tube
Anderson calls his facial camouflage, "slap n' go."
Where a man can squirt a pearl-sized dot, rub and spread to warm up the formula then pat and slap it on like aftershave.
Right off the bat, he purposefully packaged and sized the pumps and tubes no more than Transportation Security Administration's approved three ounces and less for dash and run skin care.
No girly sponges. No frilly brushes. Just use your fingers and hands.
He carries an one ounce pump in his truck and drops another in his luggage whenever running from airport to airport.
Anderson figured he makes people's lives easier if he makes the facial corrector wallet-friendly and space-friendly, this highly concentrated gel acts as a primer, foundation, and tone corrector in one that dries into a soft, matte finish, without the cakey appearance.
It's a rare gel-to-powder formulation.
Since he bundled a load of beneficial, pure Vitamins A and E and Alpha Lipoic Acid in his formula, it is not diluted with water nor pumped up with parabens, waxes, talc, petrochemicals, and mineral oils. It is quicker delivery and results with less waste and packaging in light finish.
With all these fancy, technically-advanced ingredients, Anderson's purpose is to make his camouflage-slash-corrector look clean and healthy and easy to use.
Testing it out, sitting in his car during traffic, Anderson makes sure it's just "slap and go" skincare that you don't have to think about and the durability does not smear on your shirt collar.
The male customers love this for it's easy application and that the fact that their skin looks like "skin" but healthier. No rogue, no blush, no sticky gloss or eye liner involved.
The "no-makeup" look. He wants his formula to look like skin, nothing "girly."
Men are even bigger fans of the quicker, easier magic bullet of the Eye Perfection Gel to hide those dark, sagging bags underneath the eyes.
The cucumber-enriched formula with the cooling platinum tip shrinks up the puffiness. The peptides and hyaluronic acid pump up the fine lines with hydration while building collagen. The ceramides traps in the moisture.
Roll up the eye gel tube from the bottom up, like toothpaste. Squirt out a tiny dab then draw from the outer eye corner to the inner corner then spread it out over the circles and lines for a more awake look.

Perfekt Body Perfection Gel

His second product is the Body Perfection Gel where you can smooth on some color on the rest of your body, freeing your legs from pantyhoses, bronzers, and mess self-tanners.

For this, Anderson loaded a wallop of shea butter and hyaluronic acid into this moisturizing yet transfer-resistant bronzer, just like the facial corrector gel itself.

Slap plain water on it, the bronzer stays. Add cleanser and soap, it will slide right off.

Another being a hit with makeup artists on "Ugly Betty" (Vanessa Williams uses Skin Perfection Gel in Rich), "Gossip Girl", and "One Tree Hill," it sells healthy in sweat-drench, humid areas such as Puerto Rico.

"Dream Girls" makeup artist uses Perfekt Skin Perfection Skin on top of Jennifer Hudson's usual makeup to enhance it.

Richard Anderson never set out to add garish bells and whistles but deliver a minimal, beneficial, multi-tasking corrector that enhances the skin that can endurance life's hustle and bustle without sweating off.

It's not makeup. It's a gel that looks like skin-healthy, clean skin in a squirt.




Monday, November 16, 2009

M is for Movember & Men

By Laura Medina

October was for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Now, November is "Movember." "M" stands for awareness for men's reproductive cancer awareness.

What grew as an Aussie pub game in to who can grow the thickest and longest mustache has spawn into an international underground but very serious campaign for prostate and testicular cancers.

The month of November is undergoing a transformation from a one-day feast of Thanksgiving and gratitude into a month-long, cheeky and cheery charity events and fundraisers for men's health issues.



Demistache's Rachael White playing on Marcel Duchamp’s "Mona Lisa with a Mustache."

Women can participate too.

Jewelry designer, Rachael White jumped on the bandwagon by designing a line of mustache-styled necklace pendants, Demistache.

Now, sisters, mothers, daughters, and significant others can wear their "'tache," to display their moral support and camaraderie.

"Demistache is more than a fashion statement, it is an emblem of strength and we are proud that we can utilize our moustache designs to help Movember raise much-needed awareness and funds for the cancers that affect men," says Rachael White. "Demistache designs are a way for both men and women to help show their support of this campaign."

Demistache will sponsor Movember by donating $8.00 from the sale of any Urban Demistache purchased from November 1, 2009 – January 1, 2010 at http://www.demitassejewelry.com/.

Women have their pick of mustaches based on famous mustached historical figures, ranging from Georgina—a regal tribute to King George; the Freddy—a shout-out to retrorocker
Freddie Mercury; the Dali'la—artfully inspired by Dali; and the Mini
Nietzsche—named for Nietzsche's iconic handlebar.

These witty whiskers are crafted from a base metal in rose, brass, gunmetal and silver color ways. The designs are hung from a ball chain or black, pearl, smoky quartz or garnet rosary beads. The Urban Demistache also flaunts versions that are blinged out with topaz, crystals, amethysts or jet pave crystals.

Retailing at a reasonable range of from $38.00 to $98.00, again, $8 of each sale going into the
LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the women in men's can have a mustache they can be proud to show.

If you want to learn more and find out where the "mustache" parties are, visit http://www.movember.com/ to see the each countries' participating events.

Not tied to Movember's charities yet so male but relatably so, Stella Nova of Charleston, SC, is hosting a guy's only "Men's Appreciation Night" this upcoming Monday.

Each Stella Nova satellite in Summerville, West Ashley, Downtown Charleston, and the super-successful Mt. Pleasant location will transform into "man caves" for this night only.

This is where boys can learn the fine art of being a man, or refine it into a sharper point.

Stella Nova has gathered everything that guys love from cigars and brew to golf and sports. Local businesses will be on hand to entertain while men get groomed by Stella Nova's beauties. Complimentary head, neck, and shoulder massages, scalp treatments, neck trims, brow waxing, and hand massages will relax and prepare men for upcoming holiday get-togethers.

At each site, men or guys will be fueled and refreshed with food and drinks from local restaurants, and manly giveaways.

Additionally, the men's skincare line, Jack Black will be demonstrating how to get the Perfect Shave. Oops Clothing Company will demostrate how to master a traditional Charleston bow-tie.

In between, the guys can brush up on their swings during the mini-golf clinics.

Not directly connected to the on-going Movember events but close to it, Stella Nova is also providing free health screenings.

Men-only grooming lines will be there, plenty to pick from without the guess work (let's the fine folks do it for you): John Allan, Jack Black, Bumble & bumble and Aveda, Geo F Trumper, , Ole Henricksen, eShave, Art of Shaving, L’Occitane, Santa Maria Novella, Creed, Santa Maria Novella, L’Occitane, Art of Shaving, Jack Black, and Geo F Trumper.

All these can be yours for one night for COMPLETELY FREE!

November is turning out to be what is great about being a guy and the people who loves him.






Monday, November 9, 2009

Happy Holidays from Martin + Osa!

Essential Cashmere Silk Cardigan, $140 (available in assorted colors)
Gifts for her for under $150.
‘Tis the season to start shopping for fashionable and luxurious holiday gifts at a price that everyone can afford. Martin + Osa, known for its unique, hip interpretation of classic style, has a variety of gift ideas that will fit everyone’s budget.

Shawl Collar with Tipping, $79.50
(available in assorted colors)
Gifts for him.
A Martin + Osa classic cashmere v-neck or shawl collar sweater is the perfect gift to keep him warm and stylish throughout the holiday season.
Classic Cashmere V-Neck, $170
(available in assorted colors)


Railroad Plaid Scarf,
$44.50

Accessorize with a plaid scarf to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Cashmere Pocket Scarf, $89.50 (available in assorted colors)

For under $100, Keep your friends and family warm and stylish in jewel-tone cashmere gloves, cozy pocket scarves and bold leather gloves.

Scarves to add a luxe touch.

Under $50, Accessorize your holiday looks with festive filigree and ribbon chain necklaces and skinny sequin






Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halle Barry's Maxi Dress

Berry is simply dazzling in her multi colored maxi dress, by Storee.

Storee is an fantastic line filled with young, stylish, and edgy pieces mixed with contemporary and feminine pieces. Storee is a brand that can make a statement on its own or add flare to any outfit. By maintaining a very affordable price point Storee gains an extra dimension of interest and is quickly becoming the go to brand for Hollywood’s elite. The Storee dress retails for $180 and is available at www.shopintuition.com.

Erge's Fall Offerings


Who says that style and comfort are mutually exclusive? Certainly not Erge Designs! The Los Angeles based brand comprised of not-so-basic basics redefines the art of casual dressing with its Fall/Winter collection. Maintaining its casual-luxe aesthetic while exploring unique patterns/color palettes, this collection of seasonally-appropriate long-sleeved crew-necks and hoodies will undoubtedly be the go-to pieces for any girl on-the-go this fall and winter.
This collection pairs classic silhouettes with regal patterns like paisley for a look that takes the frump out of fitness and weekend wear. For instance, when paired with leggings or skinny jeans, the “been dumped tee” looks effortlessly chic, but won’t hold you back as you move throughout your day. Also, the classic-v is a practical option for any occasion as the rich patterns complement both casual and formal attire. What’s more, with prices ranging from just $60 to $100, what’s a girl to do but stock up? Check out www.ErgeDesigns.com for key styles or www.ErgeRetail.com for purchase options!

Jessica Alba in Fall's Absolute Accessory- Erge Scarf


In true Alba style, the actress threw on her signature accessory - a lightweight charcoal and cream leaf patterned scarf by LA-based basics brand, Erge. Known for their unique prints and one of a kind graphics, this basic burnout scarf is the perfect Summer to Fall transitional piece. Available for just $26 in a variety of colors at http://www.nordstrom.com/, it is a must have for Fall!

Audrina Partridge's Divine Rights of Denim Jeans at $78


Reality show hottie Audrina Patridge is infamous for her rock n’ roll style without sacrificing her sexy and feminine flare. What’s her secret for the perfect balance? She sports her favorite pair of Divine Rights of Denim with a flirty blouse to create her rocker-chic glam look.

Audrina was recently spotted filming for The Hills wearing a pair of DRD Lust Fit jeans in the Roxette wash. Snag her style for only $78.00 available at Macy’s West! The ultra-distressed jeans are perfect for day or night giving just enough edge to any look you go with.

Emily Van Camp in cute Dimri Top at $49 at Intuition

Spotted… The youngest and most noticeably gorgeous member of the Brother’s & Sister’s crew, Emily VanCamp showed up at the official Brothers & Sisters Premiere on Tuesday looking sleek and sophisticated in a black Dimri blouse, skinny jeans, and open toed heels. With an impressive body of work in film and television, Emily VanCamp is quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents and her polished style shows it!

To get Emily’s classic style, there’s no need to dig deep into your wallets. For just $49 her Dimri blouse can be yours! Snag one online at www.ShopIntuition.com – available at the end of October!

Katie Holmes in Tulle

Hollywood power couple Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise were spotted with son, Conner and daughter, Suri strolling around Boston looking comfortably chic .

Katie keeps it sophisticated and stylish in her Tulle pleated skirt which originally retailed for $73.00 and is now only $29.20! Katie is wearing the skirt in Marigold and Dolphin, perfect for a beautiful Fall afternoon. Steal her style at www.tulle4us.com.

Tulle Sale Today

Start your early Holiday shopping with Tulle’s Day, an unbeatable sale featuring the season’s hottest skirts, sweaters, blouses jacket and more! The link will go live 12 AM and will remain active all day Tuesday, November 3, 2009. This is a one day only chance so be sure get your pieces quickly before time runs out.

Lean, Mean, & Sleek Yet So Comfy, J Lee Silver

JLee Silver is a modern, yet classically styled, collection of tailored wardrobe basics. Created to fill the void of reasonably priced, fashion-forward separates, J Lee Silver was started in 2008 by visionaries Melanie Menago and Jenna Lee Fowler. Each J Lee Silver piece is created for the modern woman, offering her versatility, comfort and style. The JLee Silver collection includes coats, pants, skirts, jackets, and blouses, but will eventually expand to include, shoes, luggage, and every aspect of a complete wardrobe.

The line reflects what is occurring in Los Angeles' fashion scene right now-black and silver sequins knitted on a bed of stretchy jersey and comfortably fleece. Low key somber glam in easy, everyday sportswear knits for something a little extra during the day and something to kick it up for night.

If you want to witness JLee Silver first-hand and have a feel for the line, JLee Silver will make it's debut at Chicago’ s Latino Fashion Week. The line’s spring 2010 offerings will be shown as part of “Retail Day,” a showcase celebrating collections that have a strong retail presence. Following the showcase, attendees can even shop the collection.

DATE: Wednesday, November 4th
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: Dana Hotel, 660 N. State St. Chicago, IL
COST: $25 includes cocktails

Jimmy Choo for H&M debuts in Hollywood

Paris and Nicky Hilton

"I love H&M already but the fact that they are doing Jimmy Choo as well I think is amazing - the purses, everything, the shoes. The clothes are so cute. They have so many fabulous things and I can't wait to get the whole collection,” said Paris Hilton who coveted everything from the highly anticipated collection.


Tamara Mellon and M.I.A.

"The Jimmy Choo for H&M collection embodies the attitude and spirit of laid back party glamour. Los Angeles is the perfect setting to launch the collection," said Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, Jimmy Choo.

M.I.A performing at the fund-raising event

Last night Hollywood rolled out the red carpet as Paris & Nicky Hilton, Hayden Panettiere, Kate Walsh, Olivia Wilde, Sheryl Crow, Cat Deeley, Angela Lindvall, Maggie Grace, Mini Anden, among others came out to celebrate the collaboration and the launch of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. The star-studded party hosted by Tamara Mellon and Jeffrey Katzenberg, in support of The Motion Picture & Television Fund, was held at a private residence high above the famous Sunset Strip in the Hollywood Hills and featured a Grammy-worthy performance by M.I.A. who dazzled the guests in front of the L.A. skyline.


Hollywood’s stars were given an exclusive sneak peak at the glamorous collection that will be unveiled in approximately 200 H&M stores globally on November 14th. The collection includes the most coveted shoes and accessories. For the first time Jimmy Choo has also designed women’s clothing to complement the accessories as well as men’s clothing, shoes, bags and accessories.


"Tamara is so brilliant and such a wonderful designer. Her shoes are incredible. I do my shopping sprees at H&M. I was recently in Italy and instead of going to other stores, I went to H&M," said Hayden Panettiere. "I am in love with these pants," in response to the black Jimmy Choo for H&M leather pants she wore to the event.

"Shoes are every fashionistas passion, and who doesn't dream about a pair from Jimmy Choo? The matching clothes are clean and sharp and work perfectly with the shoes that are heavily detailed with studs, buckles, prints, eyelets or perforated,” said Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor, H&M.





Monday, November 2, 2009

Super Exclusive Party for the biggest Halloween Carnival in the world

Photos & Reporting by Laura Medina

Charleston, SC fashion designer, Julie Wheat celebrating Halloween at LASC's Rooftop Party
It's not just local West Hollywood, California residents who flooded Santa Monica Boulevard for Halloween.
250,000 people from Las Vegas, from the greater state of California, the West Coast and all over the West Coast descended upon West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival, making it the biggest holiday in the country, rivaling that of Manhattan's Greenwich Village's.

Hunky '70's Guy
Diverging from it's Pagean roots, Halloween has transformed into the world's biggest fashion show, where undiscovered talents sprung once a year.
Making this a great trend-spotting event.

Willy Wonka

Los Angeles Sports Club was kind enough to open their rooftop, decked with bartenders, cabanas, and a concert stage to celebrate the holiday with loyal patrons and fashion professionals, watching the procession three stories up.

Edward Sissorhands

Johnny Depp was a constant influence, from Willy Wonka to Edward Sissorhands.
Swiss Miss and Marie Antoniette
The Rocco Eighteenth Century was a classic.

1700's Gentlemen


Beyond the banyans and the hoop skirts, humor run rampant.

Party-goers tip-toeing as kissing booths, Tron characters, people fanning out as peacocks and flashy, mirrored costumes.

The more glamourized the party becomes, the more world-reown it grows.

Three stages on the street. One stage on the rooftop.

A burlseque side show and a DJ/rapper upstairs.

A roving Marvellettes and locally celebrated DJs from the Roosevelt Hotel from Hollywood.

The people wave their freak flag, the more the humanity and generosity came out.

Get your parking early, because this party is only getting bigger.

See you next Halloween!






Designer/MultiMedia Showcase, Project Ethos

Photos & Interviews by Laura Medina
Cow Girl Couture
During the interview the day before the show, Mr. Peskin said the intention was to be what Gen Art was at its inception fifteen years ago, when they truly went out of their way to discover then promote emerging talent in art, fashion, and music but unearthing them with a Millennial/ Gen-Y methodology through Facebook and YouTube.
Calling his festival, “Ethos,” as representative of an era’s zeitgeist, he is proud to call his concept as an incubator of talent and a launching board for careers.



House/Hip Hop Band, The Electrolightz

Moving to The House of Blues from Hollywood and Vine was a step-up. Mr. Peskin wanted a classier venue to appropriately present the showcase in the heart of the Sunset Boulevard’s entertainment/media industry, shining the spotlight on the artists for the proper exposure to the management they need to advance.

Sensing the disrespect towards Los Angeles-based fashion, Mr. Peskin felt this was the right time to stage this media event, right in the middle of fashion week to suitably display the fashion talent that this town has to offer and the potential impact it has on the global fashion industry, especially in the trendy sportswear sector.

Painting by artist, Terry Kim

Mr. Peskin always held artists in high regards, not surprising that he is the product of two artists.

His mother is a photographer and his father is a musician who worked with the likes of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Thus, being a promoter comes naturally to him.

What started out as a straight-forward fashion show for a fashion designer who brought in artist friends, in August 2005, mushroomed into a media circus that many has been copied many times over.

To give the talent the respect that it deserves, Project ETHOS is run like a corporation. Mr. Peskin is the CEO who delegates to his Directors of Art, Fashion, and Music for their expertise and guidance. This is why its events are smoothly run and organization is polished.

GoCi Gown

Mr. Peskin is kind enough to think about all the undiscovered talent out there who cannot afford to travel to Los Angeles.

His next step for his company is to bring the show to you wherever you are in the country.
He and his Directors of Art, Fashion, and Music truly go out of their way to hunt and discover talent through word-of-mouth buzz, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube.

Or, you can simply go to www.projectethos.com’s homepage, click “Apply Now,” then up load your photos, drawings, and music. The succeeding process is review and evaluation among the team then finally inviting the talent for the next show.

Keep your eye out. You will never know.

Project ETHOS might be coming to your town soon.