BrandHabit

All Tied Up...with corset laces

by Sara Caspi

First off, my apologies for this week's wildly sexy Wednesday delay, but I have good reason. You see, while introducing you to wonderful body-centric brands, I am also in the middle of studying the finer details of lingerie creation, and I had a final presentation this week for a corset of my own design.

But, speaking of corsets, for SF locals, you have a VERY special boutique under your noses! You may or may not have heard of them, but in the corset industry, Dark Garden Unique Corsetry, is one of THE top dogs world wide. Located in Hayes Valley, this established brand sells ready-to-wear and custom built delicacies, and you might recognize some of their handiwork on the likes of celebrity favorite Dita Von Teese, amongst other performers.

They use the finest materials in their work, and are brilliant at what they do. But while they can cost a pretty penny, there is nothing quite like something custom made and explain what you get for your money on their website. But they are multipurpose and can be used for a fun night on the town, period pieces, galas, symphonies, weddings, something kinky, you name it, they might have something worth splurging on, for women and men! You don't actually have to live in the Bay Area to work with them, and their fit is impeccable!

Fancy a gander? Check out their website, look at their calendar of events for ways to catch them out and about (e.g. at Dickens Christmas Fair this weekend) or pop to their shop for a chat and consultation. Also, for anyone recently engaged, or know of someone who is, they also have a bridal salon where you can even help design your own dress!

Enjoy the visual feast! 

Embrace Disco Fever With a Metallic Night-Out Ensemble From Halston Heritage!

While I wouldn’t say I always approve of every outfit Sarah Jessica Parker has ever rocked on the red carpet (this sentiment also applies to her equally fashionable onscreen alter egos), she always wins points in my style book for inspiring me to take fashion risks, whether it’s with show-stopping hair accessories, or a gown with classic silhouette in an unexpected pop of color like saffron. This makes her the perfect asset to the Halston Heritage creative team — a diffusion line that has reinvented the timeless label with hip, edgy takes on classic retro-chic glamour — just like SJP has demonstrated with her own sense of style over the years. And if there’s any time to take a cue from one of the high priestesses of fashion and be motivated to take a fashion risk and stand out, it’s holiday party time, where the occasion calls for a look that skillfully straddles the line between festively glamourous and refined. Halston Heritage has mastered this balance of glitzy Studio 54-inspired glamour and effortless elegance — making it the ideal source of plenty of perfect party frocks and stand-out gowns for the ultimate holiday party. I’m loving their selection of metallic night-out looks — some of which Sarah Jessica Parker has worn on the red carpet herself — like this floor-length lamé one-shoulder gown or this belted silver maxi dress. Or, if you’re really ready to embrace Saturday Night Fever, opt for a halter jumpsuit for instant 70s-inspired glamour!

Love these party looks? Step Into the Party Season with Style! Enter the NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by November 30th! In addition to the shopping spree of your dreams, the winner will also receive the support of a dedicated fashion advisor, and shop from the most coveted luxury brands in the world, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.

Sarah Jessica Parker image via WWD

- Alex Gambardella

From our friends at thefind.com

LASCIVIOUS las·civ·i·ous (luh-siv-ee-uhs) adjective: exciting sexual desires; salacious.

by Sara Caspi

"There is something about wearing sophisticated, provocative lingerie under clothes that gives the wearer a sense of knowing."  - Chloe Hamblen

 

An interview with:

Company: Lascivious

Owner/Creative Director: Chloe Hamblen

Category: Lingerie Brand

Location: England

Website: www.lascivious.co.uk

 

SC: Hi Chloe, thanks for taking the time for this interview. For people who may not yet be familiar with the luxury lingerie brand, Lascivious, what do you think is important for people to know about the company?

CH: We are an ethical UK based brand, which focuses on creating provocative and luxurious lingerie with a directional fashion edge.

SC: What is your perspective on how lingerie can impact on a woman’s mindset?

CH: I believe confidence is always elevated when you feel you look good, be it with a new haircut or outfit, and with lingerie this is heightened because it is worn next to the skin and enhances our assets. There is something about wearing sophisticated, provocative lingerie under clothes that gives the wearer a sense of knowing. I think in the bedroom, lingerie allows the wearer to direct things according to mood and get into a confident and sensual mindset.

SC: How do you want women to feel wearing your designs?

CH: Strong, sensual, playful and erotic.

SC: I know Lascivious is already a celebrity favorite, has been shortlisted for the WGSN Global Fashion Awards and been in numerous international fashion magazines. Has the speed of your success surprised you?

CH: Actually the brand is nearly 6 years old, so I feel it is more a reflection that it can take time for people to view you as a ‘new’ brand. I chose to be methodical about the development of the brand and go slow, to try and get it right before rushing in. I am always really pleased by any positive feedback we get, be it from customers, celebrities or the press.

SC: With your popularity, I’m sure you come across copycats in the field. How do you protect your designs?

CH: It’s a very difficult area to tackle, we try to protect our designs legally where possible and otherwise just try to stay ahead and fresh with what we are doing.

SC: How do you feel Lascivious stands out from other luxury lingerie brands on the market?

CH: I feel that we are more directional and fashion forward then other brands, and that we offer a full package of lingerie and erotic accessories. We also do several exclusive collaborations with other talented designers that can’t be found anywhere else.

SC: What was the inspiration for your current collection and where can people who don’t live in the UK find it?

CH: At the moment we are designing our Fall/Winter 2011 collection, so the concept of a ‘current’ season is a little confused in my head! The inspiration for our Fall/Winter 2010 range is dark, moody seduction, building on previous shapes, with our usual playfulness and attention to detail – for example a zip back bra and knicker, made with bespoke gun metal zips from Italy and a version of our best selling Kitty collection in black and white.

SC:  What kinds of things can we expect to see from Lascivious in the future?

CH: Ah, that would be top secret! There are so many things we would like to explore; it’s just finding the hours in the day.

 

 

Tease.Explore.Conquer 

 

 

Want to see more? Check out these gorgeous collections and more at: Lascivious <3

Fashion at Music Festivals

With all of the tie-dye, ikat and tribal prints hitting the runways over the last several seasons, I’ve been itching to do a report on hippy fashion from the source and breeding ground for this style:  hippy music festivals.

 

You might think that hippies don’t care about fashion but think again.  Some of the most creative forms of self-expression can be found at these events.

 

The last several years have shown a huge shift in style.  Gone are the days of tie-dye t-shirts and twirl skirts, the hippies of today have a much more urban and edgy style.  Granted: one will still catch a waft of burning sage and everything else you might expect at a music festival but don’t think you will be walking though a shuffling crowd of smelly, unshowered, strung out, long haired kids.

 

Quite the opposite, in fact.  This weekend, I went to one of the more traditionally “crunchy” of the Northern California Music Festivals:  The Harmony Festival where I saw classic reggae band, Steel Pulse and a more contemporary Reggae band called Slightly Stoopid. 

 

There were very few longhaired hippies and tie-dye was far and few between.  You are more likely to see clean shaved skaters on a skate board ramp than a writhing mass of sweaty bodies in a drum circle.

 

Clearly there is a trend towards Burning Man style (An event I have yet to go to but have on my bucket list) and I can only describe as “Mad Max” meets “Dangerous Liaisons”. 

 

Several vendors peddled their wears of neutral colored canvas clothing, tailored in boudoir renaissance details.  So, If you can imagine:  A bustier made of olive drab cloth, worn with combat boots and yet polished off with a decidedly goddess-like feminine vibe.

 

I’d also describe the style as playful-fantastical-fantasy, where Technicolor dreams one only sees in movies are played out in reality.

 

While we may think that Paris and Milan inspire US fashion, I wonder if some of these free thinking hippies are more on the leading edge of fashion than we might guess?

 

 

Gossip Girl's Blake Lively wears Bryna Nicole!

bryna nicole handbags

The Bryna Nicole Loyola Satchel "AS SEEN ON GOSSIP GIRL" has landed on Serena Vanderwoodsen and Blake Lively on the streets of New York in numerous colors, and is now coined the "Blake" Bag. Get it while you can in her latest favorite Chocolate Crocodile combination. On February 2nd's Episode, Serena chose to pair it with a stunny slate coat, a great combo back to the chocolate contrast.

Find Bryna Nicole at:

www.brynanicole.com

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xoxo,
Gossip Girl