Beauty Startup Birchbox Scores $1.4 Million” y 11 mas

Beauty Startup Birchbox Scores $1.4 Million
Last Night’s Parties: Elle Turns 25, Longchamp Loves Love, and Models Worship the Whitney
Target’s Reissuing 34 GO International Dresses, Here Are Nine We Hope They Include
Military and Maxis at Banana Republic for Spring 2011
Street Style: Meghan Listens to Karen Elson
Gucci Makes $225 Glasses For Viewing 3-D Movies
Jane and Judy Aldridge Sell Their Own Collection Of Vintage For WGACA
The Bum Belt: It Exists.
Fashion News Roundup: A New Chanel Shade, Hells Angels Sue McQueen, and Kelly Breaks Her Silence About Andrew Mukamal
Derek Lam Designs for eBay
I Need, I Want, I Have to Have: Lover’s Watercolor Silk-Chiffon Blouse
Adventures in Copyright: Nina Wedges In On Wang

Beauty Startup Birchbox Scores $1.4 Million

Posted: 28 Oct 2010 06:55 AM PDT

Birchbox, the beauty e-commerce site that launched this past September, just released some good news. They raised $1.4 million in seed money from venture capitalists First Round Capital and Accel Partners, as well as several other investors.

Investments like this are crucial for new businesses to stay afloat. After the site went live, the company had rapid growth in paid subscribers. One of the founders, Katia Beauchamp, said in a press release that they were going to expand their team and try to increase their membership base.

Early blog posts on the site show the co-founders and intrepid interns all pitching in to pack the gorgeous little sample boxes that have quickly become their trademark. Obviously this is going to start becoming an onerous task as their membership reaches the thousands, and it takes manpower to grow a company.

Just in case you didn’t read our previous article, here’s the deal on Birchbox: You pay $10 per month (or $110 per year) and get a box full of deluxe beauty samples. E-commerce and a point-based loyalty program round out the site. What is particularly unique about Birchbox is its well-executed beauty articles. Many beauty sites give you a few generic lines, but the "Haute Box" section of their site is dedicated to true beauty editorial. Highlights: Deborah Lippmann gives step-by-step home mani instructions and make-up artist Emily Kate Warren teaches you how to do fake lashes. And there are plenty of gorgeous still images, as well as video.

Obviously the investors thought Birchbox had a winning concept. It will be interesting to see how this company uses its unique platform.

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Last Night’s Parties: Elle Turns 25, Longchamp Loves Love, and Models Worship the Whitney

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:12 PM PDT

Last night felt like Fashion Month. There were about 14 parties going on. Luckily we managed to make it to a few.

First up, Elle‘s 25th Anniversary bash at MoMA. Loads of designers–from Diane von Furstenberg to Richard Chai to Christian Siriano–and Elle staffers packed the beautiful atrium. The rest of the guest list was the only sign that Elle might be suffering a bit of a quarterlife crisis. Some of the more A-list names expected, like Alecia Keys, didn’t show, and, inexplicably, Lennox Lewis was there (though that’s mostly because most of the A-listers turned out for Elle’s “Women in Hollywood” event held in LA last week). Padma Lakshmi handily won best dressed in a floor length backless black and gold embroidered gown by Naeem Khan. And fashion party musician du jour, Estelle, performed, but the acoustics in the atrium were sadly not doing her any favors.

Then it was off to Love‘s bash with Longchamp celebrating the French handbag brand’s new uptown store. We spied our idol Katie Grand looking fabulous in a white, furry dress topped with an anorak. There were lovely lavender candy champagne cocktails and lots to look at–particularly Love‘s gorgeous new take on Longchamp’s classic satchel. Oh, Palermo and Thurman were there, too.

After one too many glasses of champagne and a ten block walk uptown, we arrived at the Whitney‘s Studio Party. With Lily Donaldson chairing the party, it was all about models. We spotted Sasha, Stam–and of course Lily–looking even better than they do on the runway.

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Target’s Reissuing 34 GO International Dresses, Here Are Nine We Hope They Include

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:39 PM PDT

If you didn’t get your hands on one of the lust-worthy pieces from one of Target‘s blink-and-you-missed-it designer collaborations over the years, you might get a second chance. In celebration of Five Years of GO International®, Target is following in the footsteps of Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui by reissuing 34 dresses from the following 17 previously featured designers:

Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen and Tucker.

The collective will be available March 13, 2011 through April 10, 2011 at most Target stores and online at Target.com. We think this is an awesome idea, and great news for people who missed out the first time around. Click through from some of our favorite dresses from the past five years. We hope Target agrees with us!

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Military and Maxis at Banana Republic for Spring 2011

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Banana Republic previewed their spring collection yesterday and there’s plenty to look forward to come February when the pieces hit stores. As was the trend on the Spring runways last month, the show opened with a series of white airy looks. The opening dress, a white maxi dress with eyelet detail, will be a perfect summer staple.

Separates–boxy linen tops, military-style jackets and vests and cargo-esque shorts with tie-waists in neutrals, stayed closer to the brand’s heritage. The shoes, Belmont wood sandals, were all paired with socks (it’s still a thing) and looked mercifully easy to walk in.

The finale dresses were the stand outs. The bright water-color floral print maxi dresses in silk added some much needed color to the spring collection. Especially that last pink floral number on Hanne Gaby Odiele with delicate silver sequins around the neckline.

Take a look.
**All images from Banana Republic and WWD

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Street Style: Meghan Listens to Karen Elson

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT

Name: Meghan

Age: 21

Occupation: Sales Associate

How would you describe your style? Feminine, not girly. I don't like any ruffles. I love to look like a woman.

What are you listening to? The Karen Elson CD

What are you going to be for Halloween? I'm going to be one of the “Addicted to Love” girls from the music video.

What is your favorite type of candy? Werther's

How do you take your coffee? Splenda and a splash of milk.

Did you buy anything today at the Green Market? Yep. I just got some lettuce!

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

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Gucci Makes $225 Glasses For Viewing 3-D Movies

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:30 PM PDT

We at least have to give Gucci props for doing something original. Introducing what we're pretty sure is the first ever pair of luxury 3-D glasses. 3-D movies are increasing in popularity and people have speculated that, at some point in the future, all movies will be shown in 3-D. And even though movie theaters give you a free pair when you buy your ticket, maybe owning your own 3-D glasses will become a thing. It's more green, like taking tote bags when you go grocery shopping.

But, Gucci might be taking this a little too far. It's one thing to reuse your plastic 3-D glasses from Avatar, but another to spend money–$225 to be exact–on a pair of >glasses that no one will see. That's right. Unless you decide to pull them out for all of your friends to be like, "Hey! Look at my Gucci 3-D glasses," no one will see them because you can only wear them in a dark movie theater.

Still, Gucci is convinced that they are really onto something. The press release basically promises that Gucci is spearheading a new trend that will "signal a momentous change in the world of vision."

Key Features (taken from press release):

- Fashion forward, pilot-shaped plastic aviator in shiny black featuring an Eighties retro sensibility
- Produced under license by Safilo Group, the unisex 3-D glasses present the iconic Gucci "web" green and red striping detail along the temples and along the center brow bar of the frame.
- Personalized with the Gucci 3D logo printed near the endpiece of each temple and on the right lens.
- Optically correct 6-base curved lenses with circular polarized technology
lenses will contain a high tech multi-layered mirrored coating which allows the wearer to view themselves in a mirror without distortion. The mirrored coating not only provides a premium look as well as offers superior viewing and contrast enhancement, but also allows over 98 percent of visible light through, therefore not affecting viewing in a cinema environment.
- An anti-reflective coating has been applied to the back of the lens for additional overall image quality by reducing scattered light, glare and blue light.
The glasses are intended for movie theater use only and should not be used for any other purpose.

The glasses will be available exclusively in United States Gucci boutiques in December, so don't forget to stop there on your way to the next 3-D movie. Really curious to see how these do. Would you buy designer 3-D glasses in lieu of free plastic ones?

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Jane and Judy Aldridge Sell Their Own Collection Of Vintage For WGACA

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:45 PM PDT

I’ve never been one to consistently follow another person’s life. I don’t have a TV, so I can’t indulge in reality shows like The City, and most personal style blogs interest me for a minute until I get bored and move on.

However, I have one exception, and that is Sea of Shoes. Whether it’s because of Jane‘s enviable shoe collection, or her quirky obsession with bugs, I find myself intrigued by her life. So, I think it’s safe to say, I’m a fan. A big one.

So it’s safe to say that I was really excited to finally meet the brains behind Sea of Shoes, Jane Aldridge, and her mom, Judy Aldridge, at the event they hosted last night at What Goes Around Comes Around, a popular SoHo vintage hot spot. Jane and Judy presented an amazing selection of vintage pieces from their personal collection, which were all available for purchase. Pieces included a tweed Escada jacket, a Chanel sweater set, and a bunch of skirts in various fabrics.

I asked Jane how she felt about parting with some of her vintage, and apparently, she doesn’t really mind. “Once you accumulate so many clothes, you don’t mind getting rid of some of it,” she explained. I nodded in agreement, as if I have loads of amazing clothes laying around my tiny apartment. “It’s really scary walking into my garage. You can’t see anything because it’s all covered in clothes,” she added. I told her she’s lucky to have a garage to store clothes, as most New Yorker’s don’t even have a closet. “That’s one of the reasons I could never live in New York,” she said. I sighed as all hope of becoming bff with her diminished.

Soon after I had the chance to speak to Gerard Maione creative director and co-owner of What Goes Around Comes Around. He told me about Jane and Judy’s trip to Jersey City, where WGACA houses the rest of their collection in a huge 7,000 square-foot warehouse. “We have really amazing pieces in the warehouse. There’s super delicate pieces which we’re in the process of storing and photographing, as well as some really cool Victorian pieces that have really intricate details.” Seems like a good place to play dress up, right?

So bravo to Jane and Judy, along with WGACA, for hosting a fun event filled with vintage shopping. And while I didn’t go home with a Chanel sweater, I had a lovely time chatting.

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The Bum Belt: It Exists.

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:59 AM PDT

The most striking part of Grey Ant’s Spring 2011 collection was undoubtedly designer Grant Krajecki‘s hand made floral bum belts–thick floral belts that were actually molded to the model’s asses.

We figured this was just a fun runway gimmick (like the cardboard shoes the models walked in), but lo! the bum belt has made a red carpet appearance. Last night, supermodel Roshumba wore Grey Ant’s bum belt at the NYC premiere of For Colored Girls.

If anyone’s got the ass to pull something like this off it’s Roshumba. But Krajecki says he designed the molded belt to give some shape to girls lacking in the booty department. “One can just strap it on over any outfit without having to stuff your drawers,” Krajecki told us.

Officially called the “Grey Ant Bum Belt,” these out-there cinchers (if you can even call them that) are strictly made to order. Krajecki didn’t let on as to whether he crafted them off of actual tushies, but he did say that they were developed “using technical skills acquired while working with Las Vegas showgirls.” Krajecki created matching skull pieces (as seen on Roshumba) and arm bands to match.

“The idea for this particular belt came to fruition,” Karjecki says, “from the world’s obsession with having a great looking derriere.”

Fair enough. Would you wear one?

Check out footage of the “bum belt” in action at Grey Ant’s Spring 2011 show.

GREY ANT SS 2011 VIDEO SHORT from GREY ANT on Vimeo.

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Fashion News Roundup: A New Chanel Shade, Hells Angels Sue McQueen, and Kelly Breaks Her Silence About Andrew Mukamal

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:37 AM PDT

The New Jade? A new Chanel color called Riva, which debuted in Karl’s St. Tropez resort show, will be released December 1. The gorgeous super pale blue is limited edition. Expect a frenzy at Chanel counters. {Daily Front Row}

Hell Freezing Over: We never thought Alexander McQueen would be a defendant in a copyright law suit, especially against the Hells Angels. Yes, the motorcycle gang is suing Mcqueen’s brand along with Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com, for selling Hells Angels-inspired McQueen items. The items in question: the “Hells Four-Finger Ring” and the “Hells Angels Jacquard Box Dress.” {Racked NY}

Kate’s Loves: Everyone loves Kate Moss but what does Kate Moss love? Starting today, she wants to tell you all the things she loves. Kate’s first Love was the novel Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. Check in daily for the rest. {AnOther Magazine}

Anti-Abercrombie: A group of teenagers will stage a protest at Abercrombie’s 5th Avenue flagship Friday afternoon, and not because of labor practices or bed bugs. They’re protesting “Fierce,” an Abercrombie scent that contains harmful chemicals including one that might harm male reproductive health. Since Abercombie seems to spray the scent all over their store, assaulting customers without consent, a protest is definitely in order. Hopefully the members of Teen Turning Green don’t get sick. {Elle.com}

On giving Andrew the Ax: Kelly Cutrone, not surprisingly, is being a lot more open about the split with her former assistant Andrew Mukamal than Rachel Zoe has been about Brad. She told the Page Six, “He cared more about being a TV personality than being my assistant.” {Page Six}

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Derek Lam Designs for eBay

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:54 AM PDT

In an effort to introduce his clothes to a wider audience, designer Derek Lam has inked a deal with eBay to produce an exclusive collection.

Norma Kamali was the first major designer to collaborate with the online marketplace. And Narciso Rodriguez created a Spring 2010 diffusion line exclusively for eBay.

However, Lam’s collection will be “crowdsourced,” as eBay is calling it: “The designer will unveil a ready-to-wear collection of original designs at a presentation during New York Fashion Week in February 2011 and invite shoppers to vote for their favorites on eBay.com. The final collection will be available for purchase in Spring/Summer 2011 at accessible, fixed price points—delivering shoppers immediate, in season access to Lam's signature designs at excellent value, exclusively on eBay.”

This is just the latest development in a concerted effort by eBay to move away from simply vintage and used products to selling new, exclusive items. While eBay is undoubtedly the place to find flea market items, that market probably isn’t going to get much better. There’s more growth in new product.

Full disclosure: I contribute to eBay-funded website The Inside Source.

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I Need, I Want, I Have to Have: Lover’s Watercolor Silk-Chiffon Blouse

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:27 AM PDT

I’d say the number of silk blouses Leah and I have amassed over the last few months is pretty shameful, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want another.

In particular, Lover’s nude-y pink poet’s blouse. It’s simply ideal–I love the shape, the color, the way that it will look amazing with my grey leather leggings as well as a sleek pencil skirt. Lover’s known for their incredible blouses, so this season is their moment. Hopefully they’re enjoying it.

Available at Net-a-porter.com.

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Adventures in Copyright: Nina Wedges In On Wang

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:16 AM PDT

Alexander Wang knows how to make an “it” shoe and these lust-worthy Alla leopard print peep-toe wedges sold out the minute they hit stores. They’re still pretty hard to get a hold of. So Nina brand has created its own spin on the shoe called the “Yaneli.” The shape is remarkably similar, right down to the extra lip at the heel. The prints, however, are clearly different. Nina’s tight leopard print doesn’t come close to matching the three different animal prints on Wang’s wedges. Still, Nina’s take on the shoe retails for $109 and Wang’s for $650. Would you wear Nina’s version?