Holy Moly: The Newest Menswear Fashion Blog Comes From A Pastor
Though most folks turn to pastors for biblical rather than sartorial guidence, Miami/Dallas megachurch minister Ed Young is doing his damnest (oops, darnedest) to preach a bit of style from the pulpit. Holding forth from Pastorfashion.com (can't believe that address was free), Young offers what he calls "Fashion Tips For the Faithful" tailored to an evangelical audience (a set not known for refined tastes). Unfortunately, we're not down with all of this lay pastor's commandments. He's against "sensual" dressing, belts with suits, and, one would assume, sex before marriage.But we, like Young, believe that bulky suits are unholy and that, "square-toe shoes are from the Devil". And, we applaud Young's effort to bring standards to his flock, even if he comes off like Ned Flanders trying to "kick it" with the kids. "If people take a step and think about it they would see it. God created color, God created design. He created things that look nice and we're simply doing what he wants us to do. Being a follower of Christ should be cool because God is cool, God is hip." We're no theologians, but we never thought of God as Karl Lagerfeld — or vice versa for that matter. Generally, though, we're going stick to Glenn O'Brien for menswear tips and keep our own counsel on the rest, if no one minds. What say you? Should religion and fashion mix, or is vanity a true sin? (ABC)
Video/Photo: Via ABC.
Video/Photo: Via ABC.
Red-Hot Accessories Line Miansai Wants You To Put A Lid On It
We're absolutely smitten with the Miami-based accessories line Miansai. The hand-crafted pieces are adorable and head designer Michael Saiger's babe status doesn't hurt either. And, overall, we just love seeing local companies take off, and this one is no exception.
So, naturally, when we heard the collection was expanding into other products, we jumped for joy — literally! The dapper dude just launched his even-more-dapper line of hand-woven straw hats, and they're perfect for a day in the Miami sun. The Panama-style toppers are trimmed with Miansai's signature custom-made cord and brass details and come in a rainbow of eye-catching color combos (40, to be exact).
Mark your calendars and get ready to pick your fave, because Barney's CO-OP will be hawking the exclusive designs come June (you can also scoop them on Miansai's website, too). And, while these caps would make a great gift for your main man, there's nothing wrong with scooping some up for yourself, as well. These babies just scream "Perfect for brunch!" if we do say so ourselves.
Photo: Courtesy of Miansai
Cynthia Rowley Makes Your Surf-Related Accidents All Better
Getting major reef burn does not rule, and splashing around in the water, playing volleyball on the sand, and getting your surf on isn't always accident-free. Which is why Cynthia Rowley, self-professed beach bum and board rider, has come up with a chic way to cover up any boo-boos when you are ocean-bound. In her second collaboration with Band-Aids, the designer has created eight designs that're meant to patch you up without taking on that dirty beige color your regular bandages take on after a few hours of use. The selections promise to be totally waterproof (so you can get back to your surfboard/game/lounging) and also come with Neosporin to kill any bad bacteria. With sassy offerings, like a technicolor seahorse or an X-ray jellyfish, the boo-boo coverups all certainly cooler than those Dora The Explorer Band-Aids you're still using. Cynthia Rowley Band-Aids, $12, available at Cynthia Rowley.
Photo: Courtesy of Cynthia Rowley
Bal Harbour Shops Plans A Massive Expansion, New Stores, More Luxury
Truth be told, no other retail center in Miami has as much classic prestige as Bal Harbour Shops. But its fate had us fashion lovers on the edges of our seats after Louis Vuitton made the executive decision to end its 30-year run with Bal Harbour and open locations in Aventura Mall and The Design District. Christian Dior and Cartier soon followed, parting ways over a strict “radius” clause which limits tenants from opening additional stores within 20 miles of the Bal Harbour Shops. Was America’s most luxurious fashion center losing its panache?Attention RiRi Navy! Take A Look At Rihanna's Armani Jeans Collection
Love her or not, any pop-culture junkie has to admit that Rihanna's rise to fame has been totally enrapturing. First, she was a Barbadian starlet with a pretty face, then she turned into a "Rude Boy" sex goddess. But when RiRi showed up in "We Found Love," rocking some truly in-the-know brands like Henry Holland, it was clear: The girl is now a fashion force to be reckoned with.
So to the Navy out there, get psyched, because the pop star has teamed up with Armani Jeans for her second capsule collection, this one recalling the spunky tomboy style that she donned in videos for both "We Found Love" and "Hard," with pieces including a beige-leather flight jacket and a sleek take on a denim jumpsuit. Super-faded jeans and cotton basics round out the casual collection — all of which prominently feature RiRi's signature "R." Summery, full of attitude, and definitely youthful, the Rihanna Navy will certainly be pleased. Take a look right here!
Photo: Courtesy of Armani Jeans
So to the Navy out there, get psyched, because the pop star has teamed up with Armani Jeans for her second capsule collection, this one recalling the spunky tomboy style that she donned in videos for both "We Found Love" and "Hard," with pieces including a beige-leather flight jacket and a sleek take on a denim jumpsuit. Super-faded jeans and cotton basics round out the casual collection — all of which prominently feature RiRi's signature "R." Summery, full of attitude, and definitely youthful, the Rihanna Navy will certainly be pleased. Take a look right here!
Photo: Courtesy of Armani Jeans
Free People's Online Scavenger Hunt Will Help You Win Big (In Miami!)
We already obsessed over Free People's Miami fetish when the label jetted south to shoot their steamy May catalogue, and it seems they've fallen in love. They're so enamored with our fine city, in fact, that they've decided to send their biggest fans down for some Magic City action. The bohemian-chic line just launched The Hunt Is On, an online scavenger hunt, and the (really!) grand prize is a two night stay at The Betsy South Beach, plus a $500 FP gift card thrown in for good measure. Even for those of us that have already dropped anchor here, this booty is worth hunting for — The Betsy is one oh-so-chic spot, and the super private rooms have all the trimmings for a luxurious and relaxing staycation.
To play, head over to the contest, where you'll be given a riddle that reveals a clue about where on the interweb you'll find a special hidden symbol (a gorgeous video below will explain more). The more symbols you uncover, the more your name will be entered in the sweepstakes. They'll draw for the big prize on May 31, so start sharpening your puzzle-solving skills now. Photo: Courtesy Free People
A Sexy, New Summer Collection Cures Your South Beach Setbacks
When you’re out looking for those effortless evening looks, you’re more often disappointed than not. Something doesn’t fit right, the bandage look is smothering in the heat, or you’ve tried on so many sequins, you look like you could be related to a disco ball. Thankfully, New York City native and University of Miami student Annabel Schwartz feels our pain, and with the recent launch of her clothing line Sibling Rivalry’s website, she may be able to help with our sexy sartorial woes.
"Despite my best efforts to shop the latest trends, there was always something that needed to be tweaked," Schwartz comments, regarding the motivation behind creating Sibling Rivalry. Her first collection for spring '12 features silky fabrics draped in all the right ways, revealing just as much or little of what you’d like to flaunt.
While Sibling Rivalry is definitely all about strutting your stuff, it does leave some room for interpretation. "Key features like plunging necklines, open backs, or shorter hems leave the pieces to be coveted, but room to make it your own," Schwartz adds about the ease of putting your own spin on the simple pieces. Dresses and rompers make up the collection and range from $200 to $700, all of which are now available on the Sibling Rivalry website. "The Sibling Rivalry girl is smart and cultured, and leaves an impression wherever she goes — she’s our It Girl," Schwartz says. We have no doubt that in these threads it'll be impossible not to feel like an A-lister. Leave the bandage skirt at home, people, these silky smokeshows are comin’ in hot, and Miami’s the perfect place for their debut.
Photo: Courtesy of Sibling Rivalry
Chanel's $50K Bag Is A Really Big Seashell
There are a few cutsey handbags that are worth the high-ish price point if you're into it — the Christopher Kane gel clutch, the Olympia Le-Tan book handbag, or Mandy Coon's adorable bunny bag. But how much would you pay to make a statement? If you're looking to impress the Maharaja or fool King Midas, then this clutch might be for you.
Deaf And Hearing-Impaired Students To Walk The Runway
Sadly, fashion does not often have room for outsiders. And this is a particular ill we like to remedy, because everyone loves clothes, and more importantly — everyone wants to feel like they look, in their own way, good. And celebrating differences is a factor in great design, right? So when we hear, er, read about Hear The Runway and its altruistic founder Dr. Leslie Walker, we remember how powerful fashion can be.
Who's Next? Luxury Watches Take Over SoFlo
Time, apparently, is flying to Miami. It seems the watchmakers of the world have finally figured out what the rest of us have known all along: Miami is the place to be. Tons of timepiece brands, such as Philip Stein, TechnoMarine and Corum, are starting to set up shop in the Sunshine State, both to grow their businesses and also to gain easy access to the burgeoning Central and South American markets. With the southern market booming, it's no surprise that American luxury brands want to come to our city for a Latin foothold. Designers also cite Florida's cost-efficient labor and real estate, and the "melting pot" culture as motivators — although we don't doubt that our constantly gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches had something to do with it.
Will Stein, president of Philip Stein, explained that "By pairing our Miami office with our international headquarters...we combine our quality and craftmanship with the cultural diversity and great fashion influence of a trendsetting American city..." We give major props to these brands for seeing the light on how fashion-forward the Magic City is, and we can't wait to see what kind of movement this kickstarts.
Tell us, what other industries do you think should make the move down south? (WWD)
Tell us, what other industries do you think should make the move down south? (WWD)
This Stylish New Beachwear Line Has Built-In SPF
Sometimes sun protection isn’t so stylish. Sure, you can sit under an umbrella looking as chic as you wish, but we all know that’s not going to happen the entire time you’re at the beach. And then, of course, sloshing sunscreen on yourself every hour isn’t necessarily the most convenient way to protect your skin either. But, alas, we live in Miami and something needs to be done to make sure we all don’t turn into wrinkly leather messes when we grow old and gray. Fortunately, we been hearing buzz about a new, stylish line of sun-protective resortwear hitting the beach scene, and while we may have a little past style judgment when it comes to "sun proof" gear, we were pleasantly surprised.
Created by Town & Country’s Creative Director Alexandra Kotur and partner Tiffany Moller, Parasol is debuting flattering and lightweight Italian knit pieces that protect against 98% of the sun’s damaging rays. With sensitive skin in mind, the line was created with zero chemical coatings and is available for both women and girls (you can match!) for prices ranging from $95 to $295. The collection has everything from swim shirts to dresses, mini skirts and sarongs, all with crisp, classic shapes, colors, and patterns. With summer right around the corner (and don't forget Mother’s Day), we’re looking forward to tryin’ out this new line for our next boat/beach/pool day. Photo: Courtesy of Parasol
Christian Louboutin Is Making A Real-Life Cinderella Glass Slipper
A pair of Louboutins are certainly the stuff that dreams are made of in Florida, so its no surprise that the hallowed house has announced its intention to take on the most sought-after and sigh-inducing shoes of all time. Can you guess which fairytale foot the brand is taking inspiration from? We'll give you some hints: Due to the material, this heel wouldn't be optimal for walking days or our yearly trip to the Magic Kingdom, they may be great to wear out (but not past midnight) and before Louboutin made the shoe, it only came from Fairy Godmothers (or, um, Marc Jacobs). Yep, in honor of Cinderella's appearance on BluRay and DVD this fall, Christian Louboutin is making the iconic glass slipper.
Of course, Christian's Cinderelly's slipper is supposed to have a "magic touch" on the shoes, and we wouldn't need any magic to guess that his special addition might appear as a bright and bold sole. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. (WWD)
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon
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