What to Wear: The Best of 2011

Posted By: KK on 12/31/11 10:02 AM | Categories: What to Wear

We had such an exciting year, we thought we would share some of our favorites with you.  Press the start on the video to hear ‘Old Blue Eyes” croon as you scroll down the list and click on the photos to take you to the posts from the past.

Two favorites – Fireworks and Frank Sinatra

Who doesn’t love a good fairy tale wedding -  William and Kate Forever!  Remembering the bleary and teary 4:00 am start and worth every minute of lost sleep.

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The Daphne Guiness Exhibit at The Museum at FIT, so creatively curated by Daphne and Dr. Valerie Steel, The Museum’s dynamic director was a huge success,  and an inspiration for individuality.

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The heartbreakingly beautiful exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum,  Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty, celebrating the late designers innovative and utterly exceptional contributions to the fashion world.


And it created great excitement at The Met’s Costume Institute Gala, the most glamorous event of the year.

Another breathtaking  Royal Wedding.  Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

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H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover asked Jean-Christophe Maillot, the director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, to create the outfits to be worn by the seven maids of honour of the Royal wedding.


The costumes by Stella McCartney for Paul McCartney’s collaboration with Peter Martins and the New York City Ballet, Ocean’s Kingdom

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“It took 10 years to get to that stage and to have the confidence that [working with my father] wasn’t total nepotism,” McCartney said in an interview. “It was the right time. Definitely it was about having fun. And it doesn’t come around very often, the opportunity to do a ballet with the New York City Ballet with Peter Martins and the fantastic dancers they have.”

Valentino receives the 2011 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.

Dr. Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at FIT, announced, “Valentino was chosen in recognition of his status as a world-historical figure in modern fashion, a man who has dressed every beautiful woman of the past 50 years, from Jacqueline Kennedy to Madonna.”


In September, we announced that Jill Fairchild had joined us as a Contributing Style Editor for Jill Fairchild’s Closet. As a “daughter of fashion,” her pithy commenting brings a cool-girl depth to site.

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In December, along with her partner Karen Baldwin,  Jill launched the Fairchild-Baldwin line of handbags, available to order at the OC Concept Store on Madison and through our site.  Click on the “Izzy Bag” to see the selection of artfully crafted bags created by local artisans.

Fairchild-Baldwin Bags


We were absolutely thrilled to be included Quest Magazine’s September Fashion Issue as well as an article in Q Magazine, both  by Daniel Capello and Elizabeth Meigher. Photographer Hannah Thomson shot our Fashion Editors, Nicole Hanley Mellon, Hilary Dick and Kick Kennedy on location in Millbrook, New York.

Happy New Year to all and warm wishes for a bright and beautiful 2012!

Street Style & Videos: Monika Chiang

Posted By: KK on 12/21/11 3:21 PM | Categories: Street Style & Videos

W2WW Fashion Editor Hilary Dick was excited to see Monika Chiang‘s new NYC Preview Store downtown on Prince street to view her fabulous new finely tuned collection and to interview the designer herself.  The daughter of a globe-trotting artist, Monika’s aesthetic was influenced at an early age by the style capitals where she lived. Moving between the UK, France, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Monika found herself constantly styling her friends with looks that not only fit their personalities but also pushed their boundaries.  The result is a finely tuned collection of the kinds of bags, shoes and clothing she has become known for wearing: leather jackets, gently worn boyfriend sweaters, riding boots, cashmere coats, statement jewelry and oversized clutches. You can watch the video to see all of the wonderful styles or visit the website at Monica Chiang.com.

Monika Chiang

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This foursome will take you through a week of great looks. The Pajama Shirt is the latest style.

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Left to Right: Boyfriend Sweatshirt Sweater ($545), Riding Jacket ($595), Bohemia Beauty Fur Vest ($795), Pajama Top ($325)

Must have . . . all of them! The Studded Ballet Flat is the chicest, and it has a hidden heel for a little lift – also comes stud-less for the meek among us.

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Left to Right: Shearling Pirate Boot ($695), Clairmont High Heel Loafer ($395), L’eze D’orsay ($495), La Prima Studded Ballet Flat ($255)

The hardware on the bags is extraordinary – great detail and craftsmanship!

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Left to Right: Raja Clutch ($695), Quartz Pendant Necklace ($695), Artisanal Croc Cuff ($295), Biddy Satchel ($895)

What to Wear: Last Minute Gift Guide for Him

Posted By: KK on 12/21/11 1:36 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Okay, it is now officially “Last Minute Gift” time, and we are right there with you!    If you have left your special guy, husband, boyfriend, son or favorite nephew until the last possible moment – fear not here are great gift ideas for them all.  From the sporty to the foodie, there is something wonderful for all of the men on your list – just start clicking.  Please remember when you shop through our site, 25% of our commission from retail sales is donated to organizations helping women, children and the environment.

For the rugged outdoorsman in your life. He will appreciate an adventure in Fly Fishing or Wing Shooting and you can print the Gift Card online.

ORVIS.com Gift Card

Fly Fishing & Wingshooting School Gift Packages – You can choose from a variety of locations!

Gentlemen, start your engines! Your man will love you for this exciting Skip Barber race car driving experience.  PS: They also have a terrific  two day “Defensive Driving” course for the ‘new driver’ in your life.

Skip Barber Racing School – 20% off all Gift Certificated though December 30th!

This is the way to shop! Located under the coolest Sports Bar in the city, complete with bar, billiards and Sport-TV and oh yes, they really know how to style a guy.

The Windsor Custom Experience – A gift certificate to the luxurious way men were meant to shop!

A Feast Fit for your King! Imagine a personalized dinner with some of the best chefs in New York.  Lynn Ryan’s Chefs to Dine For makes it happen.  Your foodie will love it!

Chefs To Dine For – Make a reservation for a post-holiday date night and fabulous dinner event at Lincoln Ristorante on January 16th.

Don’t know have a clue? A Taigan Gift Certificate will let the special guy in your life choose his own special gift.  From gourmet food, to small production wines, to men’s fashion, electronic gadgets and one-of-a-kind items, he will enjoy perusing this fabulous emporium of unique shops.


If all else fails, take him to Willoughby’s! New York City’s oldest photographic emporium has taken a novel approach to creating a stylish environment featuring mini-boutiques, like the newly opened Cannon Boutique,  that put the fun back into shopping.

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What to Wear: New Years Eve 2011

Posted By: KK on 12/21/11 12:03 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Well, it’s the one night of every year that everyone celebrates so no doubt you are wondering what to wear this New Years Eve! We went shopping at SAKS.com and found the most fabulous collection of sparkly party dresses in a variety of styles and colors that will get you in the mood to celebrate.  We love the versatility of this collectionto wear throughout the year – we especially love metallics for an Evening Wedding. So whether it’s a figure flattering one-shoulder, glam golds, or simple sheaths,  here’s how to wear a little sparkle to ring in the New Year.

Palm Beach or New York City? Love this style that is so flattering to all body types.  Order it one size down for a flirty fit.

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Candela New Maria Sequined Mini Dress ($410)

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Left to Right: Milly Paillette Trimmed Wiggle Strapless Dress ($375), Rachel Zoe Yvonne Sequined Wrap Dress ($525), Halston Heritage Sequined One-Shoulder Dress ($525)

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Left to Right: BCBMAXAZRIA Sequined Reeve Dress ($468), Stella McCartney Sequined Sweater Dress ($1325), Carmen Marc Valvo Sequined Babydoll Dress ($295)

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Left to Right: Calulla Lilibelle Sequined Dress ($550), Theia Metallic Jacquard Dress ($695), Carmen Marc Valvo Sequined Dress ($330)

What to Wear: Windsor Custom for Men

Posted By: KK on 12/19/11 8:59 AM | Categories: What to Wear

As seen in New York Times.

Is it a Sports Bar?  Is it a Billiard Hall?  Is it a Custom Men’s Clothing Emporium?  Yes, yes, yes.  Meet Windsor Custom, the new way to a man’s heart.   This is the #1 gift on my list for all of the men in my life.  Imagine how you will impress your guys when you lead them through The Ainsworth, the  hottest bar in the city,   down the backsteps into a private club-like atmosphere to shop for custom tailored suits, blazers, shirts and ties.

“Windsor Custom is a by appointment only Men’s Custom Clothing Living Room nestled beneath The Ainsworth, New York City’s #1 rated sports bar.  An elegant lounge space featuring a private bar, HD flat-screen television, pool table, and specialized tasting menu provides the quintessential setting for the stylish, discerning gentleman looking for a truly tailored experience.”

“An ideal destination before or after your Ainsworth reservations, or a one-stop shop in its own right, Windsor Custom seeks to reinterpret the shopping experience with customized style and luxury. We invite you to experience dressing through our lens, or gift the deserving gentleman and a select group of his friends in your life with a Windsor Custom experience this holiday season. A custom wardrobe, tailored to luxurious comfort.

Have a seat. . . turn the game on. Let us pour you a drink.”

Watch the Slide Show New York Times Fashion & Style.


Windsor Custom

What to Wear: KK’s Best to Give and Receive

Posted By: KK on 12/14/11 5:46 PM | Categories: What to Wear

It happens like this every year!  We start our shopping for friends and family and then well, what to our  wondering eyes should appear but our  very own Holiday Wish List filled to the brim with all sorts of wonderful things.  Giving or getting?  Here are some splendid and spectacular picks.  Please Santa, we have been very good girls this year!

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Top to Bottom: Fairchild Baldwin Signature Small “O” Bag ($1400), Stella McCartney Lace Leggings ($1495), Sony Alpha NEX-3 Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera ($650), Indagare Membership ($275), Moncler Fur-Collar Belted Puffer Coat ($1495), Tom Ford Eye Color Quad and Lipcolor ($123), Vensette Membership, OC Concept Forever Tender Stream Earrings, Gift BirchBox

Not surprising that the Fairchild Baldwin bag is on both Jill Fairchild’s list and mine, the Signature Small “O” is my favorite, but I am tempted by the Izzy Tote as well.

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The Stella McCartney Black Lace Pants from Net-a-Porter are  show stoppers,  totally worth the price of admission!

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We went to Willoughby’s, NYC’s oldest photographic emporium, for this Sony Alpha Nex 3 Camera with interchangeable lenses, so handy for holiday candids and close-ups.

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Open the whole world for someone you love with  a membership to Melissa Biggs Bradley’s Indagare.  Total concierge travel.  Friends just came back from Havana raving about it.

This Moncler Fur Collared Puffer Coat from Bergdorf Goodman is an absolutely dreamy for walking in the winter wonderland.

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We are completely obsessed with Tom Ford’s line of makeup and giving a “Cherry Lush” lipstick  to all the girls on our list.

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Would love a gift certificate to  Vensette,  to have a hair and makeup artist arrive at home before a big event.   “Look like you, only better.”

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We adore  the dazzling simplicity of Orianne Collins‘ diamond drop earrings for OC Concept Store – so perfect for celebrating anything or nothing at all.

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Great to give or get, Birch Box‘s monthly delivery of hand-picked deluxe samples to your door for $10 a month.

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Book Club: Great Gift Books

Posted By: KK on 12/14/11 5:41 PM | Categories: Book Club

Who doesn’t enjoy a good book?   It is one of our favorite gift to both give and to receive.   Each one of these titles is an opportunity to curl up and savor the subject matter.  Art, manners, cooking, entertaining, history  and fashion – whatever your pleasure, you can find it in our collection.

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1. The Worlds of Hunt Slonem ($57), 2. Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style ($29), 3. Eleanor Lambert: Still Here ($60), 4. Daphne Guiness ($30), 5. Bill of Rites for the American Man ($12), 6. New York New York ($53), 7. New York Parties: Private Views ($35), 8. My Tuscan Kitchen: Seasonal Recipes from the Castello di Vicarello ($24)

Jill Fairchild's Closet: The Giving Season

Posted By: KK on 12/14/11 4:52 PM | Categories: Jill Fairchild's Closet

Jill Fairchild’s Closet: The Giving Season

There is one dreaded word that makes many of us feel like Ebenezer Scrooge – Christmas presents. Now, honestly, I much prefer to give than to receive (although admittedly it depends on the gift I’m receiving), but the entire saga of choosing, buying and wrapping presents for one’s nearest and dearest is overwhelming. Talk about pressure.

If that isn’t bad enough, consider how much greater the pressure is when you’re giving presents to people in the fashion world. Their entire existence is centered around the latest and coolest – and by the time you’ve found it, they’ve moved on to something else. It’s like grabbing mercury – they just keep slithering away. And you KNOW when you didn’t get it right, even before they unwrap the present. It’s as if they have X-ray eyes – or maybe it’s just the size of the box.

Even though I spend my days sourcing products, the holidays still almost cause me to break out in hives as I rush hither and yon, over the river and through the woods desperately searching for the perfect gift. And since this is the holiday season, my gift to you, dear readers, is to try to help you find the gifts you need. Here are some things that have caught my eye lately:

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Top Row: Ancient Watch by Peter Nappi from Taigan, Cashmere Loop Scarf by Vince at Saks Fifth Avenue, The “Jill” Bag from Fairchild Baldwin

Middle Row: Quill Cheese Knife Set from Anthropologie, Ikat Elephant Plate from C Wonder, Boxes by Imperio from Taigan

Bottom Row: Give a gift that gives back. Glass Bead Bracelets from Same Sky, Citrus Bliss Signature Candle from C Wonder, Wave Lacquer Tray from C Wonder

So while I scour the stores with nary a present bought (okay, maybe one or two), hopefully these things will help you finish your shopping so you can kick back and have a nice eggnog (or something a bit stronger).

Happy holidays – and Style on!

Jill

Street Style & Videos: OC Concept Store

Posted By: KK on 12/14/11 4:50 PM | Categories: Street Style & Videos

We had the most fantastic time at Orianne Collins’ OC Concept Store when we celebrated Jill Fairchild as Contributing Style Editor and launched the Fairchild Baldwin handbag collection.  There were so many wonderful and unique luxury items that we went back to do some shopping and talk with Orianne about her inspired collection of suberb limited edition and one-of-a-kind wonders.   From  exquisite D.L. & Co. Candles, to a chicly crafted lucite Foos Ball Table, to brilliant jewelry by Orianne and other designers,  visit the OC Concept Store at  655 Madison Avenue, for  their distinctive gifts and coveted possessions.

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Luxury Goodies!

What to Wear: DOs and DON’Ts of Office Parties

Posted By: KK on 12/14/11 4:06 PM | Categories: What to Wear

So many young friends have been asking about office party etiquette that we decided to publish our own guidelines.

Tory Burch Perfect Dress for an Office Party!

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Naomi Dress ($1095)

KK’s DOs AND DON’Ts FOR A COMPANY PARTY

DO:  Dress modestly.  Nothing low cut, too short or too tight – no matter what others are wearing.   Save your sexy dress for a night out with friends.   DON’T: Show décolleté.  It is distracting and sends the wrong kind of message.

DO: Dress festively.   Pick a LDB and put in some bling.  Fun sparkling earrings, some rhinestone brooches and a big crystal cuff, high heels and black patterned stockings are also a fun way to make an outfit special.

DO: Set up a strategy in advance.  Is there someone in the company that could help your career?   Remember this is an opportunity to socialize with some higher-ups.   DON’T: Be obviously sucking up to the bosses.

DON’T: Flirt – everyone is watching.  If you are interested in a co-worker make other opportunities to get to know each other – no making out in the corner!

DON’T: Pre-drink -  wait until you get to the party to start to party.    DON’T: Overdrink.  Start with water and alternate every other drink.  And going out to bars “with the guys” afterwards is also not a great idea.    DON’T: Eat seaford hor d’oeuvres, nothing is worse than fishy breath.

DO: Make it a point to thank the people who have put the party on,  whether it is the head of the company, the head of your department or your co-worker who helped with the organization.

DO:  Have a wonderful time and DO send us your DOs and Don’ts!

Tory Burch Stunning 6-Pack of Holiday Dresses.

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Top Row: Tory Burch Minnie Dress ($495), Myrtle Dress ($495), Denise Dress ($495)

Bottom Row: Tory Burch Sequin Dress ($895), Amelia Dress ($525), Kathleen Dress ($595)

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