Chic meets Purpose

article by: Ana Coe

pictured K2 Phat Luv


Bruce Springsteen and Natalie Cole had a #1 Hit in 1988 singing Pink Cadillac and now K2 has their own #1 Hit with the “Pink Cadillac” of Skis.
Some look to Europe for the latest fashion trends, some to NYC Fashion Week…but for outdoor trends…I look to Hard goods.
Hard goods set the tone for ski and snowboard fashion – shapes, colors, graphics…Hard good Designers are the equivalent to the Michael Kors’, Zac Posen’s and Calvin’s of the Fashion World. What they say is a “must-have”, becomes a “must-have”. Hard goods lead the way in the ski industry as far as fashion and function. K2 has accomplished this most gracefully by introducing the Phat Luv ski. I must admit I LUV it and haven’t even skied it yet. I LUV it if only for the cute “Barbie” pink color and flowers on it. Yes, these may appear to be skis that Paris Hilton may own (ewww), but only if Paris can keep up with backcountry “Barbie”. These are the highest performance woman’s powder skis on the market…you must admit it, we all ski better when we look and feel better, so bravo…K2…I can’t wait for the first Powder “Puff” Day.

The Revolution is here…and the forecast is calling for Purple Rain this 2009/2010 Ski Season. The Urban Dictionary defines Purple Rain as: n. A restless feeling. A non-descript feeling of boredom, restlessness and confinement. A feeling one has when wanting to escape from responsibility (chiefly emotional) by travelling. With that definition, it makes sense that Purple is the color of choice for girls this winter season. In fact, that definition sounds strangely similar to the feeling of a Telluride local around mid Novemeber, just before the first good snowfall, “Purple Rain”.
Purple is the Must Have color winter season. No need to buy all new outerwear every year, but a little pick-me up always helps. Whether you add some purple gloves, a purple jacket or just a fun purple hat – go for it. I promise you, you’ll smile every time you put it on. My eye is on the Universal Infusion Jacket from North Face. It’s cute, a few shades of purple and of course waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed. See, you can have it all …”Chic meets Purpose”


"Fashions Fade...Style is Forever" ~ Ana Coe

Pass the Shin Choi please...

Shin Choi is a Korean born, New York based designer. She designs the perfect attire for any occasion – whether it be an at home dinner party, a night on the town, or a day you just want to feel great about yourself. Shin’s personal energy is contagious. It is translated directly into her energetic styling. She is traditional with an edge – after all, aren’t we all? Clothing that fits a woman and makes a woman feel beautiful is what defines Shin Choi’s designs. Her designs are modern, clean and offer lots of texture. They are classic, but youthful; modern, yet traditional. Every woman from her 30’s through her 60’s will feel beautiful and special in Shin Choi’s designs.

For year’s bars, clubs and restaurants have touted names such as …”Living Room”, “Dining Room” and even “Bed”. Restaurateurs have strived to offer the comforts of a beautiful home combined with the gourmet tastes that only a restaurant can offer. Well, many of us are now taking those restaurant names literally… and entertaining at home. You don’t have to be a chef to entertain, just know how to play the role of the perfect hostess. Much of that role has to do with looking the part, of course…

It’s chic in 2009 to entertain in the home. Opening your home to guests can be a nerve racking experience, but not if you are prepared and of course….if you look your best. Celebs have been doing it for years to avoid the paparazzi…now it’s your turn. Just dress up, make it an event and wear the designer that Oprah, Julia Roberts and Katie Couric love to wear…Shin Choi, http://www.shinchoi.com/.

Excitement is what the market is hungry for and Shin feeds this hunger with her Fall 2009 collection. She offers amazing textures, mixtures of fabrics and special “must-have” pieces, always with the thought in mind that women love to feel beautiful and special.

Hmmm….now what should I cook, actually does it even matter? – since I’ll look so great at my next dinner party in my Navy Cashmere Shin Choi Dress. I just can’t wait to graciously say… “Pass the Shin Choi, please…..”

CELEBS WORKING AT RETAIL STORES?

CELEBS WORKING AT RETAIL STORES?
Free Advertising? Who wouldn't want to take advantage of that? Celebrities can provide free advertising for your store. Society looks to Celebs for everything from their fashion sense to their political views these days. The holidays are a great time to highlight seasonal trends in your store, on your websites and in your closet. This fall/winter season look to celebrities to help with merchandising ideas to spice up your store and excite your customers. The top accessory trends are:
Fashion Statement Jewelry Pieces and Long layered necklaces, which are often seen on Sarah Jessica Parker.(http://www.film.com/features/story/trend-watch-statement-necklaces/24469245).
Chunky Pearls are staples for everyone from Madonna to Oprah. You're not a "Gossip Girl" or a "Lipstick Jungle" maven without a necklace with broach and vintage inspired embellishment.
The Olsen Twins always look perfect in Chandelier and Hoop Earrings (http://www.icelebz.com/celebs/olsen_twins/photo26.html) as does Rachel Zoe, our go to celebrity stylist in her abundance of cuffs and bangles.
Last but certainly not least - stars like Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston (http://www.tolanicollection.com/) were wrapped in scarves in the hot summer months, so they are a definite must have now that it's winter!