Ivi Varda

GLADIATORS

ivivarda — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:19:18 +0000

Sandal by Steven MaddenSandal by Nine West

Gladiators are the shoe of summer 08. They come in all forms, shapes and sizes, colors and brands. They complement perfectly your daily summer dress (flat is better), your summer evening dresses (flat and a long airy dress is fabulous when you are on beach vacation, heels and a sorter dress is perfect for the city), and they can go to work (add a little sexy gladiator with slouchy and manly pants).

Avoid them when you are attending a wedding (too sexy or to casual depending on the sandal for that), when you are interviewing for a job (too much foot showing), or when you are meeting his parents (too fashion victim).

Here are some fun ideas. Stay cool…

The Wright Gems

ivivarda — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:37:22 +0000

Two piece necklace by artist Cara Tilker

Ever thought that you could take a piece of the Guggenheim at home with you? Or wear it to a party and have everyone fall head over heels with… your jewelry? (Not you, sorry…) Check out the Restoration Rocks limited collection, which features unique pieces in silver or gold, acrylic, and gunnite as it was collected during the 2007 restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind. Unique and breathtaking as Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique building. I am currently eyeing this two-piece necklace.

Check it out at the Guggenheim Museum store at 88th street and 5th avenue or go on line: www.guggenheimstore.org

The Return of the Superhero

ivivarda — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:48:52 +0000

Have you ever had the urge to dress up as Bat-Girl or Wonder Woman even if Halloween is over? Apparently you are not the only one…If the answer is yes, go check out the Superheroes exhibition opening on May 7, 2008 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They promise to please the eye and to explain why people go crazy about superhero fashion. And as the Museum’s website puts it: ‘ the superhero serves as the ultimate metaphor for fashion and its ability to empower and transform the human body’. That sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Just don’t start dressing up as a Super Gal all the time. It is only for special occasions…

For information: www.metmuseum.org

Bold Brights for Eyes

ivivarda — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:38:44 +0000

Dior sunglasses Neimanmarcus.com

One of the new trends for the season is bright sunglasses. Keep the color solid if this is your first time, or try a couple of combinations if you are more riske. A couple of tricks to get the trend right, so you don’t end on the fashion faux-pas list:

- If the hue is bold, the frame should be simple.

- Find a hue that complements your skin tone. If you are unsure, or your personal shopper is not at arm’s reach, ask the store associate for help - they are usually pretty good.

- If you are unsure about the pair you are trying on, leave them and come back another day. If you still like them, then get them.

Remember: brights and colorful sunglasses can become the outfit, so keep everything else simple. HAPPY SHOPPING!

D&G sunglasses from Neimanmarcus.com

A High Waist

ivivarda — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:59:23 +0000

Want to update your office look this spring and summer? Get a couple of basic skirts (skirt left by Anglo Gena, bottom by American Apparel) and trousers (pants by DVF), but make sure that they are high-waisted. Play up your femme fatale side by adding a belt, a crisp white button down shirt and stiletto heels and you’ll be turning heads. Your look will be preppy with a good dose of mischievous.

Happy Spring!

Cool Pants

ivivarda — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:24:07 +0000

Larkee jeans/Diesel Paid/UrbanOutfitters

Cool guys who want don’t want to wear jeans all the time, have some wonderful options this spring/summer season. Welcome to the new crop of cool pants!

Here are some tips when you are shopping for your new cool pair.
The new pant is…:
- Colorful & funky: if you like jeans, and want a bit of an edge try some colored jeans. I really like stuff from Diesel and 7 for All Mankind. Start from green or grey hues, like the Diesel jeans featured here, and then you can move to something organic, white and cotton.
- Plaid: this is a cross between 50s cool with a 2008 edge and you have to have a nice figure. A beer belly and this kind of style does not work. I mean this. But, if you have the bod, check out urban outfitters for styles similar to what we are showing here.
- The New Cargo: the new cargo pant has shape, the material is soft and the color is dark blue, grey black or mocha my favorire. John Varvatos has the best.
- Cotton, pistripe & stretch: this is another style which reminds me of the French Riviera of the 1960s. Pair them with a white linen shirt and aviators and you’ll be the coolest on the block.

FORGET:
- Chinos: it is so last year. Don’t even think about them anymore
- Corduroys: they are cool for fall and early spring, but as soon as the temperature rises above 60 degrees, they automatically look heavy and warm. Not a good option for summer unless you live in Canada or Vermont or you’re re-living the Woodstock era.

Happy Spring!

Pinstripe/Theory Cargo/John Varvatos

Enjoy the April showers

ivivarda — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:23:20 +0000

< Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. Burberry rain shoe, both at neimanmarcus.com

Shipley & Halmos trenchbarneys.com Rain Hathatagories.com

An umbrella is optional but a hat is a must. Happy shopping!

A dream wardrobe

ivivarda — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:55:56 +0000

I don’t usually comment on other blogs, but this time, I want to share with you this video. Pat Field you’re the wizard of clothes! I want this wardrobe. Enjoy!

Ladies & Gentlemen: what’s hot - spring 2008

ivivarda — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:43:17 +0000

Hello readers! Many of you have been asking me what are the Trends for spring 2008, because you want to have a list handy when you hit the stores. Keep notes please.

Ladies

The new shift dress from Liz Clairborne
 - Neutrals, black and white, hues of jewel colors - High Waists are back, the real waist is defined by belts - Thin belts wrapped around the waist a couple of times is very 2008.
- 30s, 50s and 60s inspiration
- Bohemian chic is always a spring/summer favorite
- Safari pants paired with stripy tops & a tailored jacket
- Fedoras will keep you looking cool and keep the sun off your face
- Kaftans & gold sandals are one of the hottest looks when the temperature rises
- Bold colors in ladylike classics will spice up your office look, I.e. a red trench coat, or yellow pumps
- Floral dresses. They are back and totally hot

Gents
The white shirt & vest combo by Paul Smith

- Crisp white shirts with tailored vest & pants in a sand shade
- Woven accessories, i.e. a bag or shoes
- Sleek tops & jackets paired with tennis shorts for the weekend chilled look
- Charcoal or black jacket + white shirt + colored denim + sneakers = urban dandy
- The pinstriped suit. Always a classic
- Don’t bother with ties. The designer Yamamoto never wears one, even when he meets kings, queens and emperors

Last but the most important point on both lists: Be true to yourself: if you are not sure about a look, don’t bother.

Happy Shopping!

Oscars 2008: the Good, the Blah and the Inexplicable

ivivarda — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:53:26 +0000

So we had the Oscars after all…Despite rain or shine we sat in front of the telly for 6 hours – I am including the red carpet + the ceremony time + all the commercials… We saw all the stars clapping one another, giving boring speeches and being ‘entertained’ by hideous dancing and singing. Why do I bother watching them every year then? The clothes baby…the clothes.

The clothes made me think, ONE MORE TIME: where are the runway looks? Where are the risks? Where are the really outrageous and riske outfits? The fun? Most stars played it safe, so safe in fact, that most looked like clones.

Here are my nominations and you can be the judge of who wins the style oscar this year: The Good, the Blah and the Inexplicable. Click on oscar.comred carpet for pictures.

The Good Gals:
- Kristin Chenowerth in Armani Prive. Stunning.
- Penelope Cruz in Chanel couture. Absolutely beautiful and a lovely smile. She always gets it right
- Jennifer Hudson in R. Cavali. I loved this dress and she looked cute with her bangs, but…it was a bit tight. Watch out for the spillover effect Jen and get the dress a size bigger next time.
- Ruby Dee in Kevan Hall. Stylish, age appropriate, the dress fitted beautifully. Well done.
- Anne Hathaway in Marcesa. Divide and regal.
- Heidi Klum. Heidi you were the fairest of them all. Wow!

The Good Boys:
- George Clooney in a classic tux: always a favorite, always a classy guy.
- Collin Farrel: this guy knows how to mix bad guy looks (a bit scruffy, long hair) with a very preppy suit. Fantastic suit Collin. By Dunhill.

The Blah:
- Diane Lane, Cameron Diaz, Ellen Page, Renee Zellweger. We’ve seen you look like that before. Many times in fact.

The Bad Gals:
- Julie Cristie: How to wear red shrink wrap? With sheer pink gloves and crazy hair!!! Julie, please stop designing and focus on the movies.
- Diablo Cody: Would the devil wear that leopard Galliano? I doubt it. I can understand the print, maybe the diamante detailing. Maybe the bright red lip. But all together? And to top it off, the cut was so high up your thigh Diablo, we almost saw your undies. EW!
- Faye Dunaway: Bad plastic and bad hair. Go to the salon and chop it all off. And while you’re at it, take off that dress and never-never wear that shade again.
- Tilda Swindon: Tilda, how did you come up with this rag???

The Bad Boys:
- Johny Depp: Why?!? Why do you want to make yourself ugly when you are gorgeous?
- Wasley Snipes: what were you thinking when you put on a checked bow tie and a cheesy blue suit? That Fashion Police won’t arrest you?

That’s all folks! See you next year.