What an amazing collection. It was new to see longer slimmer skirts, and tones of clothes that were makeup colors like : blush, pale pink, and ruby red. The femininity in lace and the ladylike shapes are still a staple at Jill Stuart. It was exactly what I expected, and exactly who I want to dress like: pretty, soft, yet sophisticated.
Kelly Killoren Bensimon – model, fashion lover and author of the book “I Can Make You Hot! The Supermodel Diet” – dishes out style advice to amNewYork’s readers.
I want to get my stylish dad something beyond the typical tie for Father’s Day. Any ideas? I absolutely love the idea of gifting a cool, casual pair of shoes for summer. My faves right now are flip-flops from the brand-new Missoni Loves Havaianas collection and laceless shoes by TOMS. You also can’t go wrong with anything from the men’s store Saturdays Surf NYC (31 Crosby St., 212-966-7875), which sells everything from cool bracelets to fun tees. For the daring dad, go for a custom-made skateboard from Wampum, which opened in Bridgehampton last summer and also has a location in NYC (5 Cleveland Pl., 212-274-1544). Or, for the dad who loves to work out, buy him a pack of classes from the hard-core Barry’s Bootcamp ($150-$1,250, barrysbootcamp.com).
Missoni Loves Havaianas Flip-Flops, $70; at Bloomingdale’s (main image above)
TOMS Multi Renato Men’s Classics, $54; at toms.com
I don’t want my hair color to get bleached out in the sun. How can I keep my locks from getting fried? My rock-star hairstylist, Bradley Irion, suggests using a product like Pureology’s EssentialRepair ColourMax, which basically acts as sunscreen for your hair. It helps to protect the look of your hair, and – more importantly – your scalp from getting burned by the sun. Or, you can simply rub conditioner into your hair prior to hitting the beach or pool. Your tresses absorb the first thing they come into contact with, and you don’t want that to be chlorine.
Pureology EssentialRepair ColourMax, $22; at salons
I have tons of beauty products and makeup, but I only have one tiny vanity in my bathroom. Do you have any cute ideas for storing products so they’re not all over the place? Compartmentalize your mess with cool boxes from Pier 1.
Pier 1 Imports Water Hyacinth Box, $25; at Pier 1 Imports
Shorts and short-skirt season is here, which makes me anxious because I’m not exactly blessed with long, slender legs. What are some tricks to making my legs look longer, leaner and more summer-ready? First off, check out the season’s trendy high-low dresses, which are shorter in the front and drape longer in the back. They are perfect because you don’t have to show off your full leg. They’re the perfect solution because you don’t have to show off your full leg.
If you’re in the mood to do some easy workouts, my favorite trick for long, lean legs is squats. Use 20 pounds and do 30 repetitions. Another simple exercise is leg lifts. These will tone your butt and elongate you legs.
Willow & Clay Striped Skirt, $80; at opensky.com
I’d like to “summerize” my one-bedroom apartment without buying new furniture or rugs. Any tips for small, chic things I can do to brighten up my space for the season? Head to Target and pick up some cool, colorful towels. Fold them in half and make them into huge pillows. They’ll get your apartment looking like the perfect beach bungalow.
Photo Credit: “Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Exhibition at the Met. (Getty)
With Memorial Day approaching, what to wear this summer is on everyone’s mind. My inspiration comes from the new exhibit from the Met’s Costume Institute: “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” about Italian design icons Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.
I was in love with the show and its styles – from mixing masculine and feminine, to layering, to unusual textures – and it made me think about what everyone needs this summer to be chic. A la Prada, a long or tea length skirt is a must-buy. By showing off less skin, let those boys’ imaginations go wild at the beach or at the bar. Channel Schiaparelli by choosing a shrunken sweater – I love Ralph Lauren’s.
Schiaparelli also loved the charm of a pretty woman in a dress, but gave the look an edge. I say, this summer choose a gorgeous floral dress, but wear it with Keds or ballet flats instead of a heel. And, last but not least, when in doubt, play with patterns like Prada, who’s known for mixing prints.
This is a peek of me guest writing in the January 2012 Issue of Avenue Magazine.
The one thing I’m reminded of throughout the holiday season is to stand up for those who are less fortunate.
Since the age of 15, I’ve volunteered at the Salvation Army, and today, I’m lucky enough to work with organizations like the Food Bank for New York City, Generosity Water and MSG’s Garden of Dreams Foundation.
Which is why, this holiday season, I find myself dressing in an understated yet chic way. I do this to show thanks to all of the local heroes who go beyond their comfort zone to do something special for those less fortunate. Like Angelina Jolie, I’ve recently opted for suits because they embody sophistication. I’m loving dark blue and white versions by Rogan, chic Chloe tops and ’50s-inspired Marc Jacobs sweaters.
For this year’s Holiday Rock & Roll Bash, hosted by James Dolan of Cablevision (amNewYork’s parent company), not only was $1.7 million raised for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, but the party drew an amazing crowd with Jim at the helm of his band, JD & the Straight Shot. This week, I also took a group of children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and it was a delight to watch them enjoy the show.
And for those who love fashion and philanthropy (my favorite combo), I recently put a pair of worn-once Jimmy Choos up for auction on eBay, with 100% of the profits being donated to Generosity Water to provide clean water wells in Ghana.
I finally feel like Santa is coming to town in September. Missoni is coming to Target and America is now going to be exposed to one of the most luxurious Italian knitwear brands. Since I modeled in Milan at 21, I’ve been obsessed with Missoni. Wide leg pants were my uniform on every holiday vacation, and the pattern is unmistakable.
In the world of the uber edited and most travelled, Missoni is synonymous with luxury and cool. It’s the ultimate in hippie chic and Italian vacation destination look for summer and resort. Missoni is a rite of passage. Men always recognize Missoni and will never forget you in the “Missoni dress.” So if you are effortless cool, you can now enjoy a little bit of Italian chicness. It’s a once in a lifetime chance.
Ciao, Angela. We thank you!
1. Blue Shirt- Gap
2. Boots- Brennan’s Bit & Bridle , Pants- Tailored Sportsman, Belt- Hermes, Shirt- Tailored Sportsman, Jacket- Patagonnia
3. Shirt- Calypso St. Bart’s, Jeans- Seven, Shoes- Minnetonka’s
4. Sweater- Envisu, Shirt- Gap, Necklace- Kelly by Kelly Killoren Bensimon
1. Black Dress Azzedine Alaia
2. Beige Chiffon Dress Zac Posen
3. Beige Trench- Theory, Black Shiny Leggings- Skweeze Couture , Black Long Sleeve Scoop Neck- JCrew, Air King Stainless Watch- Rolex, Evil Eye Wrap Bracelet, Red and Gold Knot Bracelet- Masion 24, Necklaces and Pinky Ring- Helen Ficalora
4. Blue Button Down- Gap, Red and Gold Knot Bracelet- Masion 24, Necklaces and Pinky Ring- Helen Ficalora
5. Green Shirt- Geminola, Black Blazer- Rogan, Red and Gold Knot Bracelet- Masion 24, Necklaces and Pinky Ring- Helen Ficalora
6. Navy and Purple “Kisses” Dress- Jill Stuart, Hot Pink- Manolo Blahnik
7. White Eyelet Buttondown- BCBG, Red and Gold Knot Bracelet- Masion 24 , Necklaces and Pinky Ring- Helen Ficalora
This Stella McCartney jacket from last fall is a celeb favorite. Katie Holmes wore it to John Frieda event in NYC, Julia Roberts wore it on a talk show, and I wore it filming The Real Housewives Of New York in Morocco, paired with Squeeze Couture leggings and a bustier from my bestie, Jill Zarin. Get the look, black pants,and a tank, or chill it out like I did with jeans and Minnetonkas.
