SCANWICHES BOOK LAUNCH

Sandwich aficionado Jon Chonko has turned food into art in his new book, Scanwiches. Featuring over 100 pages of delectable delights like the classic cheesesteak, the Muffaletta, and even an ice cream sandwich, this book will leave your mouth watering with each flip of the page.  Sandwiches were cut in half and then scanned so readers could see each yummy layer.  The ingredients are listed as well as a short anecdote about each creation.

CELLURE STEM CELL SKIN CARE LAUNCH

Let's face it, there are a lot of products out there that claim to reverse the signs of aging.  Every other day there is a new lotion, cream or potion designed to make women look younger.  But Cellure is the first of its kind to use human stem cells to combat aging and skin imperfections.  

LONDON FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP

London Fashion Week was literally a blur.  It was over before I knew it but the clothes left a lasting impact.  For instance, Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum's collection blew me away this season.  The designer put a twist on his classic trenches by playing with different colors, fabrics, prints, and patterns (stripes anyone?).  He also took a step outside this realm with some very fashionable parkas although I don't know who will be wearing these for Spring.  Colorful beaded tops paired with tea length skirts and tribal prints rounded out this collection.  And I can't say enough about the accessories that came in the form of oversized tote bags, open-toe booties, beaded platform wedges, and wide belts.  

FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP: PART II

A look from Marchesa

Here's a few more collections from some of my favorite New York designers.  Carolina Herrera debuted her line full of fun cheery bird prints in green, yellow and red.  Her gowns were adorned with graphic patterns, geometric shapes and even origami folds.  My favorite looks were a slinky red floor skimming column with black and white bars gracing the front and a silky, belted emerald green banger with matching cuffs.

NEW RESTAURANT: VENTANAS

It seems every other day there is another restaurant opening up in New York and last night was no exception.  I attended the soft opening for Spanish tapas restaurant Ventanas located in the Meatpacking District near the High Line.  The name is a little misleading, Ventanas is Spanish for windows, however the space had a Moroccan decor.  The banquette was decorated in colorful pillows and multicolored lamps hung from the ceiling.  Candlelight added to the ambiance as well.

LOOK WE LOVE: CHRISTINE CENTENERA

Christine Centenera

Today I came across this photo on Style.com of Christine Centenera making her way through London Fashion Week and I was immediately intrigued.  Who was this woman in the Givenchy tunic and fly suede booties?  Turns out she is a fashion editor for Australian Harper's Bazaar, a stylist, and apparently a fashion consultant for Kanye West's new fashion line set to debut soon.  With quite an impressive sartorial resume, it's no wonder why the fashion week regular has such an amazing style.  Here's some more looks from her glamorous wardrobe.

FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP: PART I

New York Fashion Week has just wrapped up leaving in its wake a bunch of new collections for Spring.  Here are some of my favorites starting with Michael Kors.  On the heels of a strong Fall collection, Kors keeps the momentum going into Spring with a showing I will call Safari chic.  Who else can transform a tie-dyed garment from juvenile to swank or make a caftan sexy with a neckline that plunges down to the navel?  There were unconventional animal prints like giraffe and zebra stripes on flowing silhouettes, feathers and earth tones to balance out the collection.  All of this is a testament to why this designer has been around for the past 30 years and is not going away anytime soon.

A CELEBRATION OF FASHION NEXT

Fashion Week rolls on with an after hours bash at Lincoln Center to celebrate the Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Next Designers.  These six designers- Bibhu Mohapatra, Michael Angel, Juan Carlos Obando, Electric Feathers, Nomia, and Rochambeau were personally selected my W Hotels fashion director Jenne Lombardo to be a part of the program that "fosters and supports emerging designers."

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2011

It's hard to believe that Fashion Night Out started just 3 years ago and has now grown to include over one thousand stores and boutiques in New York and many more across the world.  There was pure madness in the streets of Manhattan as fans swarmed stores like Dolce and Gabbana and Dash in Soho hoping to get a glimpse of celeb participants Justin Beiber and Kim Kardashian.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO READY TO BUY FALL/WINTER 2011

While designers were getting ready to display their new looks for next year's Spring season for Fashion Week, Catherine Malandrino decided to take a step back and show looks for Fall.  This was a smart move considering most designers show their collections months before they appear in stores.  Why not display what's available now so customers can get a jumpstart their Fall wardrobes?  

ASTONISH MAGAZINE LAUNCH PARTY AND FASHION SHOW BY PHUONG MY

To kick of New York Fashion Week I attended a launch party for ASTONISH magazine featuring a fashion show by Phuong My.  Staged on the top floor of the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Ave with views of the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, models swarmed the runway in Spring looks from the Vietnamese designer.  Oversized bows, ruching at the shoulders, and flower embellishments were all a part of this collection.  Phuong's finale dresses were unique with their accentuated waists channelling Marie Antoinette and the days of panniers and petticoats.

CELEBS IN STYLE: LEATHER PANTS

Ciara

Labor Day marks the end of summer and although I am sad to see it go, I am excited for Fall Fashion.  One of the big trends that I am starting to see for the upcoming season is leather pants.  Ciara accessorizes her tobacco colored Rag & Bone trousers with metallic heels and a button down white shirt while Fergie pairs her pants with a pretty printed top.  Rosie Huntington-Whiteley went with a shortened version and Jennifer Lopez wore her Balmain bottoms adorned with zippers.  

VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS COVER HAMPTONS MAGAZINE

New York is a city where people look for any excuse to throw a party.  So why not have a bash for the cover girls of the latest issue of Hamptons Magazine?  Tennis fashionistas Venus and Serena Williams were at RdV in the Meatpacking District celebrating just that and Estilo had to be there to see them close up before they were whisked away to VIP.  Serena showed her famous curves in a sexy black catsuit while Venus chose a short, flirty, kaleidoscope print number.  

CELEBRATION FOR CHEF FABIO CAPPARELLI AT CITYHOUSE

Last week I attended a fabulous party hosted by Infiniti and Gotham Magazine in celebration of the executive chef of cityhouse, Chef Fabio Capparelli.  Situated in midtown Manhattan, guests enjoyed the indoor/outdoor space at cityhouse while sipping "citytinis" a specialty cocktail created for the occasion containing Ultimat vodka, ginger liqueur, apple and lime juice, peach liqueur and garnished with candied ginger.

LOOK WE LOVE: SELITA EBANKS

Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks is the epitome of summer casual cool in this flesh toned tank, denim shirt, emerald tea length skirt, and embellished sandals.  These simple separates when put together make the perfect outfit so versatile that it can be worn while running errands or even to a red carpet event.

BILLBOARD SUMMER BLOWOUT

Swizz Beatz

Billboard threw a summer bash to end all summer bashes at Pier 36 in lower Manhattan.  Guests got to enjoy free Slurpees and hot dogs from 7 Eleven, chapstick from Nivea, and a rousing performance from Swizz Beatz. LMFAO, and surprise guest, Estelle.  

LOOK WE LOVE: BLAKE LIVELY

Gossip Girl star Blake Lively hit up the Teen Choice Awards last night in this tangerine colored Gucci creation from the Resort 2012 collection.  She finished her look with cheetah print Louboutins and dangly turquoise earrings.  The rising actress chose the perfect summer hue and smart accessories to complement her outfit but her best addition was her megawatt smile.  

CELEBS IN STYLE: NEON

Kerry Washington

This summer it seems that the hottest hues are the brightest ones as several celebs have been seen rocking neon shades of yellow and pink.  Kerry Washington killed it at the BET awards in a sexy Michael Kors number complete with a keyhole cutout and thigh high slit.   An asymmetrical hem jazzed up Kate Bosworth's neon number, and soon to be wed Kim Kardashian livened up her all white ensemble with an eye catching neon Birkin bag.

LOOK WE LOVE: PAULA PATTON

photo courtesy of instyle.com

There's something about Paula Patton that I really like.  She just seems so wholesome compared to the hard-partying, publicity driven, crazy world of celebrity.  And her style is so effortless as evidenced in this sleeveless Ella Moss frock she wore to an event for the designer.  Patton keeps the look simple yet chic with a brown leather belt to cinch her tiny waist and matching peep toe booties.  Talk about coordination.

KARL LAGERFELD IS COMING TO MACY'S

Karl Lagerfeld

 By now if you haven't heard that Karl Lagerfeld is coming to Macy's you must be living under a rock.  But I still had to share this great moment in history if only because I never thought this would happen.  The iconic designer whose Chanel confections cost thousands of dollars is now targeting the mass market with a line for Macy's Impulse collection.  According to WWD the collection will feature 45 styles that will range in price from $50 to $170 and will debut at the end of August.  Here's a look at what's to come.

FASHION IS ART IN VIRGINE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

It's hard to imagine a dress made entirely out of coke cans or a teddy bear skirt but in the premiere issue of Virgine Magazine these images have become reality.  In the editorial spread entitled All You Can Get, Photographer Ryan Yoon makes household items and various other objects fashionable by turning them into wearable works of art.  Of course this has been done before (check out these pics of garments made out of other unorthodox objects) but never in such a glamorous and arty way.

LIA SOPHIA INDUSTRIELLE II LAUNCH

Ashlee Simpson, lia sophia Creative Director Elena Kiam, and Designer Dani Stahl

In West Coast fashion news, jewelry company lia sophia launched their Industrielle II collection at Sunset Marquis in Hollywood to a bevy of celebs including Kourtney Kardashian, Ashlee Simpson, Paris Hilton, Garcelle Beauvais, and  Lydia Hearst.  Hilton was seen wearing the wrapped linear earrings and matching bracelet with black diamond crystals while Kardashian was spotted in tier earrings with smoky crystals.  Simpson was adorned  with an eye catching beveled necklace with paprika red enamel and black diamond crystals all from the lia sophia line.   

MIAMI SWIM FASHION WEEK 2012

Poko Pano

As temperatures soar in New York, the scene was cool in Miami during Swim Fashion Week.  Veteran designers like Brazilian Poko Pano and celeb favorite Mara Hoffman as well as newcomers like editorial darling Tavik Swimwear graced the runway with their barely-there bikinis, one pieces, and cover ups.  A few trends emerged this season that I look forward to seeing on the beach including tribal looks, animal and graphic prints, and color blocking.  Suddenly lounging by the pool will be a lot more stylish.   

PARIS COUTURE WEEK

Couture Week in Paris brought out some dazzling pieces from top designers like Chanel, Elie Saab, and Armani Privé.  Designer Giorgio Armani was heavily influenced by the recent tragedy in Japan when creating his collection.  His work displayed rich colors and interesting origami inspired shapes especially with his headwear.  Meanwhile Karl Lagerfeld took the iconic Chanel tweed to a new level by making it neon.  He also played with proportions by adding peplum and shook things up with feathers, fringe, and sheer skirts.

CELEBS IN STYLE: SEQUIN DRESSES

Tika Sumpter

Popular amongst the disco loving children of the seventies and some of the most well know celebs, sequin dresses are a trend that is not going away anytime soon.  Transformers star Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore her floor-length Naeem Khan gown to a movie premiere in Germany, while supermodel Heidi Klum rocked her one-shouldered Monique Lluillier bedazzler with matching Jimmy Choo pumps.  Meanwhile actress Tika Sumpter (pictured above) stole the show at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans in her sparkly tank dress.

ESTILO GOES TO LONDON

photo courtesy of google images

Recently I made a trip across the pond to London to check out the fashion scene and was hit with a little bit of culture shock.  Coming from New York I was amazed to see how clean the city was.  Hardly any trash littered the streets and I didn't see one rat while I was there.  The weather was a shocker too.  Summer in NY has been a scorcher, but my first night  in London was cold and dreary and certainly didn't feel like the end of June.  Perhaps this was why I saw a lot of women wearing cute floral dresses with tights and flats.

SHECKY'S GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Celebrating it's 10-year anniversary, Sheckys.com, a website designed to "empower and reward women to discover and socialize with their girlfriends" held their Girls Night Out event last night.  Making stops across the country, this fashionable event touched down in New York at la.venue & Terminal Stores on the west side of Manhattan.  With over 100 vendors selling everything from apparel to shoes, jewelry and bath products, even hair extensions, there was something for everyone.  Guests sipped on complimentary wine from Prosecco and Polka dot and noshed on treats from Divine chocolates and Claudio's Cafe while they shopped.  There were even free manicures and massages courtesy of Oasis Day Spa.

FOURTH OF JULY FASHION

Independence day is right around the corner and there will be plenty of barbecues, parades and parties, not to mention fireworks.  I've put together a look using Polyvore.com that will surely sizzle this Fourth of July.  Pair this starred and studded Balmain tee with a simple pair of denim cut off shorts.  The braid detail around the pockets is mimicked on the shoes and cross-body bag.  I finished the look with a pair of metal framed aviators with blush colored lenses.

CELEBS IN STYLE: SUMMER WHITE

Michelle Obama in Tom Ford

Bright juicy colors have dominated for the Spring season so it's refreshing to see a switch to pure white on the red carpet.  Perfect for the scorching summer temps, (can you say heat wave in NYC) throwing on a white dress makes almost anyone look instantly cool.   Michelle Obama (above) is the perfect example of this.  The first lady looks absolutely regal on a recent trip to Buckingham Palace wearing Tom Ford.  The criss-crossed neckline and bow around her waist are intricate details that set this gown apart from all of the rest and the opera gloves are an unexpected accessory that takes her look to the next level.

MY OBSESSION: KEITH HARING BY PATRICIA FIELD CAP SLEEVE DRESS

I'm happy to say that I am the proud owner of this Keith Haring by Patricia Field Snake Dress I got at the Patricia Field boutique in the Lower East Side.  The cool graphics and intricate details of this piece first caught my eye but it wasn't until a friend pointed out that the design was created by the late artist Keith Haring that this dress turned into my latest obsession.

MY OBSESSION: PORTS 1961 WOODEN CLUTCH BAGS

On a recent and otherwise mundane shopping excursion on the Lower East Side of Manhattan I happened to come across two clutch bags that I have been obsessing over ever since.  At first glance I thought they were a couple of random pieces of wood, odd for a clothing store.  But upon closer inspection I discovered they were fully functioning clutch purses.  Who knew lumber could be so chic?  

CELEBS IN STYLE: STYLISH CELEB KIDS

Their parents are some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, rock royalty and a fashion mogul and former model, but to them they are just Mom and Dad.  Their style seems effortless yet unique.  They wear some of the hottest designer clothes and they haven't even reached high school yet.  Here's a look at some of the youngest fashionistas (and fashionistos) to hit the scene.



Jaden and Willow Smith


Whether she's clad in a gold romper with gladiator sandals, on in neon with lace up boots, it's clear that 10-year-old Willow Smith has a style that is as bubbly and fun as her personality, while her 12-year-old brother Jaden has developed his signature look in jackets, jeans, and high top sneakers.  This talented duo stands out on the red carpet no matter what they're wearing and are sure to make parents Will and Jada Smith proud.

LOOK WE LOVE: KERRY WASHINGTON

photo courtesy of instyle.com

Kerry Washington is stunning in this color blocked Gucci creation she wore to the Mary J. Blige Honors Concert.  Despite the fact that her dress dips daringly low in the front, Washington keeps it classy with bronze strappy heels, an oversized clutch, and a simple braided 'do.  This outfit, part of the Spring 2011 collection, will be sure to turn heads.

photo courtesy of style.com

MET COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

Alexander McQueen "Oyster Dress" from the Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met Museum

Only one event draws the hottest musicians, actors, top designers, and supermodels year after year and that is the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.  This year was no different as Rihanna, Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Karl Lagerfeld, and Naomi Campbell just to name a few, flocked to the red carpet.  The theme was Savage Beauty named after the exhibit that pays homage to Alexander McQueen, the late designer best known for his exquisite tailoring and unconventional pieces.

WHY ECO FASHION MATTERS

The panel (l to r) Jill Fehrenbacher, Summer Rayne Oakes, Kate Sekules, Clodagh, Eviana Hartman and Anne Keane

When most people think of saving the environment they consider recycling household items, conserving energy, and saving trees.  But where does fashion fit into this?  I recently went to a panel discussion on "Why Eco Fashion Matters" presented by eco fashion website ecouterre.com and sustainable apparel label hessnatur.  The panel featured Jill Fehrenbacher, founder of ecouterre.com, Kate Sekules, founder of refashioner.com, Summer Rayne Oakes, activist and ecomodel, Anne Keane, fashion market director at Lucky magazine, Eviana Hartman, fashion designer for Bodkin and hessnatur by Eviana Hartman and Clodagh, fashion designer for Clodagh design and hessnatur by Clodagh.

Some of the topics discussed were the importance of eco fashion and how to incorporate green into your wardrobe.  For the latter Keane suggested visiting this website for eco friendly fashion while Clodagh advised to read the labels of the garments and to know where your clothes are coming from.  

Clodagh stressed that eco fashion can be sexy.  Just because a garment is eco friendly doesn't mean it has to be shapeless and unflattering and made out of itchy and uncomfortable material.  "They're not just granola clothes," said Sekules.

The panel discussion definitely put a fresh spin on eco fashion.  I may have to include some sustainable apparel into my wardrobe for Spring.  Will you? 

Looks from eco fashion label hessnatur

Eviana Hartman (left) in dress by hessnatur

The crowd of eco friendly fashionistas

More looks from hessnatur

  

LOOK WE LOVE: BEYONCE

photo courtesy of google images

Pop singer Beyonce was recently spotted in Paris wearing this color blocked polka dotted dress by Marc Jacobs pulled from his Fall 2011 collection.  She completed her look with black peep toe Louboutins and a black leather Balmain bag.  I love how she looks effortlessly chic in this ensemble.  Sans the white shirt and spotted tights that graced the runway at the Marc Jacobs show, Beyonce shows that she is fashion forward and ready for Spring.     

photo courtesy of style.com

JOIN AUTHOR LORA CONDON AND THE WOMEN'S MAFIA FOR THE OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH OF "SPA WARS: THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY"

Estilo NYC is giving away 10 free tickets to the official book launch for "Spa Wars: The Ugly Truth About the Beauty Industry".  Hosted by Women's Mafia, a social club and online magazine, and Lora Condon, author of Spa Wars, this event is only open to Women's Mafia members and press.  But we are extending this invitation to our loyal readers.  The first ten people to "like" our page on Facebook will join us for this very special event!

The Women's Mafia is thrilled to be working with Patricia Field on an exciting and glamorous Beauty, Shopping and Book Launch event for "SPA WARS" by our own Lora Condon. Women's Mafia members and press are exclusively invited to this celeb-studded Beauty Industry event, and Women's Mafia members can book hair and beauty treatments at the famous Salon at Patricia Field, where numerous celebs including Ms. Field herself regularly get coiffed and primped! You can also enjoy a 20% discount on clothes, shop with a member of the Patricia Field Styling Team and support the Charity Beauty Changes Lives when you get a signed copy of "SPA WARS" by Lora Condon. You might even win the SPA WARS Fierce Photo competition!

Will we get to see you soon??

SHOP AND ROCK AT THE PATRICIA FIELD BOUTIQUE

Tonight I enjoyed a trunk show at the Patricia Field boutique in the Lower East Side of Manhattan   featuring designs by Rue 107, Natasha NYC, Noir NYC, and Stylist Owned by Alisha Crutchfield.  The boutique offers a wide array of merchandise.  While exploring the territory I came across everything from bow ties to wigs and turbans, candles, lingerie, and even penis arousal gel!  Decorated in loud colors and funky mannequins, the store is just as eclectic as it's owner, costume designer Patricia Field, best known for her work on Sex and the City and recently spotted here at the Richie Rich Villionaire fashion show. 

Patricia Field

A look from Natasha NYC

Marie Jean Baptiste (left), designer, Rue 107 in an original creation

Barbie Beach wearing Rue 107

A look from Rue 107 (left) and Natasha NYC

A look from the Stylist Owned collection

Que from Day 26 made an appearance

The ladies from Indique Hair 

Estilo NYC photographer Shaliga in a chic turban

This shopper looks dapper in a red bow tie

I love the pink frilly skirt