Last week, The Blonde & The Brunette sat down in LA with renowned fashion designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra, who have launched a new capsule collection called C&T Costello Tagliapietra at Barneys nationwide. Jeffrey and Robert have had a signature collection for 10 years, but this new capsule collection of 15 dresses are priced at a relatively much more affordable $298.
The juxtaposition of their personalities (they are two of the sweetest giant lumberjacks you’ll ever want to meet) and the collection (feminine draping and vivid colors and floral prints) is quite intriguing and refreshing. Back at the office, we were all buzzing and texting about it non-stop because you gotta love the irony. We do!
This new line shares the same quality attributes Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra’s namesake brand are known for: vivid colors and exquisite draping that flatters every figure. The collection offers a wide range of silhouettes, from asymmetrical, long sleeves, deep-V necks, low scoop backs and feminine waist ties with wrapped bodices and keyhole cut-outs. Skirt lengths range from knee to ankle-length, The C&T Costello Tagliapietra capsule dress collection features fluid draping styles and a rich color palette of forest greens, grays, oranges and browns which are all perfect for summer or well into Fall. Everyone also asked us about their backgrounds, Both Jeffrey and Robert were taught at an early age by their grandmothers the finer points of tailoring, couture pattern-making and construction and wouldn’t you know it, have designed and dressed many celebrities and notables including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Rose Byrne, Kerry Washington, Angelina Jolie,and Oprah Winfrey.
B&B: Tell our readers about the brand C&T and how it has evolved.
C&T: The brand launching C&T came out of the desire for designing something more attainable. We have had years of working with girls that were so disappointed that they couldn’t afford our collections, so to be able to do something that is not going to be a ‘rent’ payment is a reward for us; to make people happy and have the ability to buy our brand.
B&B: Tell me about the first collection for C&T. I especially love the color palette you have chosen for the debut.
C&T: The First collection for C&T is based on creating a garden. The next delivery which is this month has prints in the collection. We see each dress individually; we call them ‘Our Ladies’. They are like little flowers that make up our garden.
B&B: Ooh! Will we be seeing floral prints!? Everyone is loving adding florals to their wardrobes right now. So , refreshing.
C&T: Yes, manipulated florals that we hand painted, so there is a beautiful textural quality to them.
B&B: Tell us more about the color palette.
C&T: There are colors that have a lot of depth to them because we mixed these colors. It is interesting to hear different interpretations of the colors; people see the colors in different ways. For example a sales lady called this dress brown, when we saw it as a deep grey.
B&B: Tell us why you have chosen a dress as a debut, is there a significance to a dress?
C&T: Well our families were dress makers and we are painters so our background has dictated our path. Modern piece of wardrobe, you can’t get much easier that a dress. It’s really easy to see a dress as a canvas for us, which goes back to our background as painters. Some dresses even look like a two piece outfit. Each dress has its own moment and body type that is addresses. They are open to your interpretation!
Available exclusively as Barney’s Co-op nationwide and Barney’s online, we noticed they were already starting to sell out. They’re the perfect combination for on-the-go women or anyone who wants something a bit more forgiving to flatter their figure. C &T. Tough not to love!
Here’s a sneak peek from The Blonde and the Brunette! Next week is the launch of my new fragrance, “Astrid in Wonderland” by Astrid Bryan! The perfume is fresh and light; perfect for Red Carpet events or just going out clubbing. I designed a totally different long bottle; perfect to put in your evening clutch or purse! It gets even better. Story and Flair will include exclusive coupons in next week’s magazine, so be on the look out. Now you can “Spray the Hollywood” on you☺ Available for €19.90 at:
Of course, we also couldn’t miss the chance to also do a giveaway. One lucky reader can win my new fragrance along with a special note from me. To win:
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Telling us why you’d love a “touch of Hollywood ” by leaving a comment.
Good luck! Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, June 5 at 5pm PST. We’ll announce the winner Wednesday, June 6 at Noon PST.
Where do you think the name powder room came from? No joke!
OK, The Blonde & The Brunette are on a quick “beauty fixes” binge this week and we found this celebrity secret. Enter Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder. What is it? None other than a great product for instant fullness, no-slip up dos, blended roots, and dry cleansing. The other secret, which no one is talking about, is the powders are all colored, so you can literally touch up you color or hairline with a few quick sprays and your hair lasts so much longer after being styled. I found out about it at the Garren Salon in New York City while I was getting ready for The Met Gala. Why didn’t I know abut this sooner? I just had to share. Here are the things you need to know.
The product is designed for styling ease, dry cleansing and tinting.
Who: Ideal for oily (or less-than-clean) hair, styling fine hair and root touch-ups.
When: On dry hair.
There are four perfect shades. Brown for chocolate, mahogany and chestnut brunettes. Blonde for for darker blondes and lighter brunettes. Black for inky brown (that’s me), Asian, Hispanic, afro and goths. White for silver, platinum, ash and champagne blondes.
How to style or tint: The Hair Powder requires a slightly oily surface to adhere to (we recommend a light application of Styling Wax as a base if hair is clean); section dry hair at the scalp; hold can 10-12 inches away from hair and spray thoroughly, being sure to penetrate all layers (if an overall effect is desired); let dry; shake out excess with fingers and style.
How to absorb oil (dry cleanse): Hold the can 10-12 inches from dry hair; spray thoroughly, concentrating on oily areas; let dry; brush out thoroughly and style.
Important note: Be sure to protect clothing, bath and bed linens during use (spots can be easily removed with a mild soap and water).
Available for brown, blonde, black and white hair on BumbleandBumble.com. It’s also perfect for travel when you have a hair emergency. I’ve already taken it to New York and London. It literally saved the day after my recent and very spectacular fall that left me unable to wash my own hair for a few days. 4.4 oz for $35.
Turn up the heat on modern cocktail with Herve Leger’s sculpted silhouettes from STYLEBOP.com. The master of sexy reinvents that signature bandage dress with fresh new attitude in bold shapes with plenty of impact and we also saw lots of this look at the Victoria Secret’s What Is Sexy? party a few weeks ago. Pair with sky-high stilettos and get ready to get noticed.
Growing up behind the Hollywood Hills didn’t keep Kimmy ErinRatican from being in the spotlight. At 16, Kimmy was already styling magazine spreads on the beaches of Malibu and in 90210’s most famous hotels. As a stylist, her fresh take on fashion and steely eye for detail has been sought by stars such as Josh Kelley, Katherine Heigl, AnnaSophia Robb, Michael Yo, Sally Pressman, BC Jean, Jasmine V, Jessie James, Haylie Duff, Olivia Munn, Mary Steenbergen, and Lauren Conrad, to name a few.
I sat down with this beautiful fashionista to get all of her tips, tricks and secrets! And she knows some good ones!
FASHION QUESTIONNAIRE
How would you describe your personal style? Colorful and detail-oriented, daring with masculine influences.
Celeb fashion crush: Lake Bell.
Where is your favorite place to shop? In Paris, Maje and Printemps. In L.A., American Rag, Stacey Todd and Curve. New York and London, Topshop. Everywhere: J. Crew.
Favorite designer: Can’t pick one, but the houses of Lanvin, Chanel, Dries van Noten, Valentino and Prada (and all their labels, too!) continue to inspire.
You would kill for front row at: Valentino.
Most flattering Jean style and brand: Classically, I love Citizens of Humanity and their Avedon Skinny, as well as Paige Premium Denim’s Verdugo skinny. At this very moment, I’m obsessing over !item denim’s racer skinny and twisted drop crotch (they are ¼ of the price of DSquared2’s!).
Go-to travel outfit: Citizens of Humanity skinnies, James Perse tank, oversized cashmere sweater, slip on boots with socks.
Fashion jewelry:Catbird’s tiny letter earrings, Renee Sheppard everything, Dani Stahl’s Lia Sophia collections for events.
Accessory you most adore: Valentino handbag.
Secret to hide least favorite area: I love tops that are shorter in the front and longer in the back to hide my butt.
Outfit your man wants you to wear: He’s cutely protective in public so nothing uberly sexy, but he loves when I wear short LBDs.
Favorite heels: Gucci sandal stilettos with butterfly ankle clip from 2001. They’ve still got it.
Do you have a signature fragrance? Two! Dior Addict and Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower.
Curling iron, blow out or flat Iron? All of the above.
Out-of-the-shower hair product: Shu Umera Hair cream.
Favorite dry shampoo: Oscar Blandi. S mells so good.
Sunless tanner regime: NEVER. Nope, hate. I use a slight white shimmer lotion from Burt’s Bees for special occasions. I can’t stand my skin looking unnaturally tan.
Can’t live without beauty professional: Myself. I’ve learned that you can’t rely on anyone, and I don’t mean that cynically, but there are just so many opinions, styles, techniques, etc. that you really just have to educate yourself and then follow your gut.
Most effective face product:Sunday Riley’s Good Genes, Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Cleanser, No No Zit zapper, Koh Gen Do’s cleansing wipes and Massage Milk Moisturizer.
Favorite beauty treatment: Glycolic Peels and Vitamin C masks.
Favorite drugstore Product: Burt’s Bees and Alba Botanica’s moisturizers.
Nail polish: CND’s Shellac in ‘Romantique’ and ‘Iced Cappucino’.
Necessary pamper: Pedicures!
Secret weapons: Red lipstick.
Eye cream: Somme Institute and Revision Skincare’s Teamine.
Lip regime: Sally Hansen’s Overnight lip treatment at night, brush my lips with my toothbrush in the morning, and light application of Make Up For Ever’s waterproof, lip-colored pencil.
LIFESTYLE/HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE
Favorite workout: Runyon Canyon and any first 5 minutes from one of Amanda Russel’s YouTube workouts.
Best diet trick: Water and gum. And more water.
Best Diet advice you have gotten: Eat organic as much as possible, avoid white flour and sugar, and use digestive enzymes.
Favorite Vacation Destination: I just love a vacation. Every vacation is a favorite.
What is your necessary extravagance? Mineral water, blow dry’s, handbags.
What book is on your nightstand? Vogue’s March issue. Does that count?
Do you have a motto to live by? Many. But the one I keep coming back to is “Do good.” Simple advice. But whatever the situation, just do, be, act your best.
What or who inspires you? I find many of my friends keep me inspired. I keep myself in good company.
The Kardashians and Jenners have joined forces with Nicole by OPI to launch “Kardashian Kolors”, 14 new nail lacquer shades inspired by Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie, Kendall, and, of course, Kris Jenner. They all have incredible style and these nail polishes are fabulous! My favorite is Nicole Nail Lacquer “Kim-Plenty in Love”, a fabulous pink, NJ loves “It’s All About Glam”, and Kathryn’s favorite is “Listen To Our Manager!” What’s yours? Each at $6.99 at Drugstore.com.
So I know Valentine’s Day has come and passed, but shouldn’t everyday be reason enough to express your love? I came across this ring the other day, and thought how simply beautiful it was. Naturally, I had to share it.
The basis of this ring is an inner message about love. Created by Jungyun Yoon, a very special artist and her memories of a beautiful romance, it is a deceptively “simple” ring that leaves an impression on the finger. It is comfortable to wear and you’ll always feel like you hold an impassioned secret in the palm of your hand.
Imagine your lover giving you a ring that on the surface seems plain, but later, when you take the ring off, it says, ‘Marry me!’ Imagine every time you take your ring off to shower, or clean your hands, you are still wearing an impression of the words, ’always’.
Does it get any more romantic? Choose from imprints that say “Marry me”, “always” and “♥”. Customized imprints are available too, and can be 8-10 characters (dates, initials or words). They are also perfect as the most romantic wedding bands ever. Prices starts at $72 for the Sterling Silver ring and they are also available in pairs and in 14k gold. You gotta love it!
The Blonde & The Brunette team is seeing sunnies on a whole new level these days. Sunglasses are jewels on our face and this special pair by Lanvin are no exception. Even at $450, we are lusting for these Swarovski Crystal Detail sunnies as the newest bling!
In true Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn or Kim K style , big lenses are so in and these Lanvin beauties fit the bill with their shiny black resin frames, tonal square lenses, fabulous logo script detail at the upper left corner, to die for emerald-cut Swarovski Crystals and hinge detail at the temples, 100% UVA/UVB protection; and, a statement pair of sunglasses are the perfect accessory to wear daytime, at weddings (for hiding happy tears) or sunny formal occasions. Plus, you’re going to love the attention that these bring to you!
Today as we all enjoy the long holiday weekend, The Blonde & The Brunette would like to take a moment to honor all of the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country and make it possible for us to enjoy our freedom.
One of the causes close to our hearts is the Semper Fi Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The program provides support in a variety of ways including: Service Member and Family Support, Specialized & Adaptive Equipment, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Education and Career Transition Assistance, PTSD and TBI Support and Team Semper Fi.
For more information or to donate to the Semper Fi Fund, visit semperfifund.org. It’s a very special way to say thank you to our armed service members and their families.
The Blonde and the Brunette have another new nail obsession. They’re perfect if you want to try something fun, or if time is not on your side and you can’t get to the manicurist for an über unique look, OPI has just introduced precut, nail laquer apps. They are easy and the perfect at-home solution for Instant Nail Art.
It’s really simple. For instantaneous manicures and pedicures use the precut nail strips made of 100% real nail lacquer. They provide a high-gloss finish, long-lasting wear and zero dry time. Offered in both cream and shimmer finishes, the Nail Apps are available in 14 different styles – ranging in design from edgy snake print and fishnet to feminine gold lace and floral. Depending on your mood or the event , it gives you so tons of flexibility for your ever changing nail wardrobe.
The directions are really easy. Because the Nail Apps combine base and color in one convenient product, they adhere to nails in seconds and can be stretched for a perfect fit. Each pack contains 16 strips to ensure perfect sizing for all finger and toe nails. For best results, this product should not be finished with top coat. When you are ready for a change, simply remove with an acetone polish remover before trying a new design or to go back to using one of your favorite nail lacquers.OPI did let the B & B know, if you do want to “to make Nail Apps last even longer, upgrade your service by having your manicurist cure the nail strips with a GelColor Top Coat. With this addition, Nail Apps will last up to two weeks.”
OPI/Pure Lacquer Nail Apps are available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA. for the suggested retail price of $11.95.or visit www.opi.com for more information or locations. We love getting creative!
