Laurela Fashion Guide

The new Sally Hansen “Nail Art Pen”, that we all have been waiting for since it was announced in January, is finally here! Available in drugstores in Sally Hansen section, this unique pen has a fast-drying formula that allows anyone to “Design & Go!”

Sally Hansen “Nail Art Pen” Advertising (above)

You can easily create nail designs over any nail color. The fine-tip Nail Art Pen makes it easy to control and draw precise lines for a French Manicure, if you want to do it at home. The conveninece of Nail Art Pen’s mistake-proof formula allows you to remove or correct any line with a moist cotton swab without damaging dry nail polish.?? The water-based formula is environmentally friendly. The Nail Art Pen is great for French Pedicure tips too! And last but not least, the Nail Art Pen is now available in 8 designable shades: White, Black, Light Pink, Hot Pink, Blue, Red, Silver and Gold.

8 New! Sally Hansen “Nail Art Pens” (above)

As per Sally Hansen’s official “Application Techniques” instruction, you should not apply the art pen to bare nail. First you need to apply base coat or polish. Then allow the polish to dry completely. Next, shake nail art pen well with cap on and then remove cap. Push pen on hard surface to displense color. Then apply desired nail art design to nail and allow to dry. Recap pen firmly after use so that it does not dry out. Seal nail with your favorite Sally Hansen top coat (which I am sure you will all agree are the best) when your design is complete. Allow to dry completely. Protect work surface while using this product.

8 New! Sally Hansen “Nail Art Pens” (above)

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The summer being around the corner and you successfully tried on that gorgeous pair of white jeans from the last year and found out that they still fit perfectly fit and you’ve been a good girl the whole winter season by not gaining extra weight, now it’s time to think what you can add up to your wadrobe to freshen up your summer look. I would go for turquoise, the color of summer, ocean blues, and careless travel time. Laurela Fashion Blog picks are:

1. Heidi Daus Mother-of-Pearl 10-Row Graduated Necklace.
The necklace, measuring about 20-1/2″L x 4″W, instantly captures your attention with an enchanting allure. This trully exquisite piece of jewelry features 10 graduated rows of round dyed blue mother-of-pearl discs (approx. 15mm).

Heidi Daus Mother-of-Pearl Necklace (above)

The scroll-design end stations and toggle clasp feature pave-set, round indicolite-, aquamarine- and chrysolite- crystals, CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski elements. Prong-set, round indicolite- and erinite-color crystals and aquamarine-color crystal baguettes stud the showstopping design.

Heidi Daus Mother-of-Pearl Necklace (above)

2. Emilio Pucci Metal-Arm Sunglasses.

These sunglasses have turquoise plastic frames with Emilio Pucci signature cutout detail, tonal gradient lenses, printed interior, silver-tone logo plate at temples, and 100% UV protection.

Emilio Pucci Turquoise Sunglasses (above)

3. Salvatore Ferragamo Mia Peep Toe Cutout Pump.

The jade colored shoes are going to take your breath away. Both contemporary and classy, delicate and making a statement, contained and flirty – this pair is truely a state-of-the-art piece. The shoes have a gorgeour Oxford perforated and cutout detail, as well as perfect 3 1/4″ stacked heel. Do not wait too long to add these to your collection – they are almost gone.

Salvatore Ferragamo Mia Peep Toe Cutout Pump (above)

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Dianne von Furstenberg Summer 2009 Collection is once again a total success. If is very feminine, elegant, vivid and incorporates popular fashion trends, forms and colors. Our favorite is a One-Shoulder Jersey Dress done in animal print pure silk jersey fabric. It features popular this season black-and-white zevra print and one-shoulder neckline. For a complete look, you may add bold red or gold earrings and your favorite bangle bracelets.

One-Shoulder Jersey Dress, Dianne von Furstenberg Summer 2009 Collection (above)

The Ink Floral-Print Blouse and Poplin Cuffed Shorts work together to create both feminine and contemporary look. The Ink Floral-Print Blouse is done in cream-colored pure silk with a romantic fairy ink floral print and jewel neckline. The blouse feaures bracelet sleeves. The Poplin Cuffed Shorts are done in black cotton and spandex fabric. The shorts feature a front zip, cuffs at hem and front slit pockets.

Ink Floral Print Blouse & Poplin Cuffed Shorts, Dianne von Furstenberg Summer 2009 Collection (above)

Dianne von Furtenberg elaborates further on Animal Print theme by brining us a gorgeous dress and slip in garden animal multicolor print. The pure silk dress features a spread collar, button front, three-quarter sleeves, button flap pockets on chest and tie detail at waist. The pure silk slip done in garden animal multicolor print, fetures v-neckline, spaghetti straps and straight skirt.

Garden Animal Print Dress & Slip, Dianne von Furstenberg Summer 2009 Collection (above)

Trully amazing pieces are Chiffon Top and Harem Pants. The Chiffon top is done in silk with metallic thread, featuring vivid mandala square yellow with multicolor abstract print. The chiffon top is adorned with a tie detail on bateau neckline. It also has a button-and-loop placket and puffed bracelet sleeves. More than that, includes silk and spandex camisole completes the polished look. The Harem Pants are done in chocolate silk and spandex fabric. They feature pull-on elasticized waistband, side slash pockets and elasticized cuffs.

Chiffon Top & Harem Pants, Dianne von Furstenberg Summer 2009 Collection (above)

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In April 2009, Guerlain has introduced the new all-in-one lipstick and accessory “Le Rouge G”. The beautiful case was designed by Lorenz Baumer, one of the most talented jewelers from the Place Vendome in Paris. The new lipstick is really unlike anything else on the market. An exceptional accessory in its own right, Rouge G de Guerlain’s packaging surpasses that of any other.

Guerlain, “Le Rouge G” Lipstick (above)

Guerlain, “Le Rouge G” Lipstick (above)

An exceptional accessory, Le Rouge G de Guerlain surpasses mere Beauty with a breathtaking formula. A precious ruby powder interacts with daylight to reveal spectacular radiance unachieved to date. At the first contact, lips are immediately defined, smoothed, plumped and hydrated.

Guerlain, “Le Rouge G” Advertisement (above)

Guerlain, “Le Rouge G” Lipstick (above)

At the first click upon opening the magnetic mechanism, the case first reveals a stunning mirror, a convenient promise of your own personal luxury, and then the exceptional lipstick nested within the case, making applying lipstick on the go easier than ever before, beyond the fact that it just looks so futuristically cool.

Guerlain, “Le Rouge G” Lipstick (above)

This is not merely an exceptional accessory, however. Rather, “Le Rouge G” lipstick itself is unique in its own right surpassing mere beauty with a breathtaking formula. Infused with ruby powder from real gems, glass microbeads, and liquid mother-of-pearl, all of which reflect light, this lipstick is formulated to interacts with daylight to reveal spectacular radiance unachieved to date. Plus, with vitamin A to stimulate epidermal cell growth, Tiger Grass to boost the synthesis of collagen, and wild mango butter, lips will also appear well hydrated and plumped. At the first contact, lips are immediately defined, smoothed, plumped and hydrated.

Lorenz Baumer, Jeweler, Designer of “Le Rouge G” Lipstick Case (above)

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The Loriblue company was founded in early 70’s. The business  started manufacturing 700 pairs of shoes per week, expressing the force of the product from the very beginning.

Loriblu Gold Leather Sandals adorned with Swarowski crystals ($768) (above)

In 1978, the Loriblue brand sucessfully introduced the most popular style “Mignon”, the extremely feminine shoe that was made of leather stripes plaited together that was immediately considered trendy and innovative:  a model that one could wear all year long, no matter what the season was. This was the year of the the Loriblu boom, when 110,000 pairs of “Mignon” shoes were sold. Loriblu became an international company, maintaining its creative heart inspired by the consumers’ taste for handcrafted details in footwear.

Loriblu Gold Leather Sandals adorned with Swarowski crystals ($966) (above)

While developing a unique style and brand maturity, Loriblu marches into the 80’s with another innovative choice from a creative viewpoint and from more research into handcrafts: this was the age of the “jewel sandal”. Rhinestones, crystals, Swarovski crystals started a lively but sophisticated fashion trend, which in 1996 reached its greatest expression through the creation of a unique style: “The golden shoe” was made in occasion of the “Scarpetta d’oro” award for style awarded within the footwear industry. The Golden Shoe was a symbolic shoe, made entirely of gold, diamonds and zircons with an estimated value of 50 million lira of the time.

Loriblu Spring-Summer 2009 Collection Ad (above)

The Loriblu’s precious footwear approached the 90’s and the new Millennium, enriching the brand’s personality by promoting research on the product and by paying attention to the company’s mood. During the 2007 Luxury Trade Fair a particular golden slipper was exhibited and admired, this footwear was created for a prestigious customer and was made with exclusive materials: black decorated satin on one ankle strap, 18k golden heels and natural river pearls.

Loriblu Spring-Summer 2009 Collection Ad (above)

Today, many Italian and International Celebrities are captured by the Loriblu shoes, the new object of feminine desire. The footwear goes beyond the boundaries of the accessories sector creating out of the ordinary and unexpected combinations that signifies Loriblu’s approach to the glamourous styling: an ethereal sensuality that now also involves men, ready to satisfy the most demanding tasted and most vivid imaginations.

Loriblu Sandals adorned with Swarovski Crystals (above)

The pleasure and elegance that has always characterized Loriblu, where the richness of every single creation goes together with absolute comfort, is clearly appreciable in the exclusive and precious “jewel sandals”. Even more than during the past, decorated like real art works, thanks to a particular research on stones and crystals all hand fixed. Jewel for feet, worn and loved by the most famous celebrities.

Printings playing with tones and the most luxury materials, where a joyful and forever young woman can look at her reflection in a pond full of light.

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Andy Thê-Anh was born in Vietnam and came to Canada in 1981. After graduating from college in science he entered LaSalle College where he graduated with a degree in design. As a young designer, Thê-Anh was the recipient of many high Canadian honours such as, ‘’Young Quebec Fashion Designer’’, ‘’Dubonnet Design’’ and finally the ‘’Fur council of Canada’’.

Andy Thê-Anh, Fashion Designer (above)

Andy also won the 2006 Fashion Export Award, Canada’s equivalent to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Award, in the category: Women’s Wear. In 2008, Andy Thê-Anh was also nominated for the Dallas Fashion Awards; Women’s Sportswear nominee. Before launching his line, Andy worked with Canada’s most prominent fashion companies such as Parasuco, Tristan America & Raffinati. Finally, in 2006, Andy Thê-Anh launched as a sexy, modern, elegant, luxurious and obtainable ready to wear and evening wear brand.

Andy Thê-Anh Fashion Show (above)

Andy created his own wardrobe when he was 17 in college. He dropped out of college to pursue his dream; “Creating Beautiful Clothing. I always want to express myself thru fashion; to be able to evolve thru time yet still keeping my own identity. I want mostly to create a style, a signature rather than a fashion statement.”

Andy Thê-Anh, Dress from the Fashion Show (above)

Upon arrival to Canada in 1981, Andy quickly became one of Canada’s most important designers with his trendy and ultra-feminine styles for the modern career oriented woman exuding refinement and glamour. He is especially known for his impeccable suits, his ultra-feminine blouses and his drop-dead gorgeous dresses.

Andy Thê-Anh Fashion Show (above)

The Andy Thê-Anh collection and the designer himself are media darlings in Canada. His work has received a tremendous amount of press in all of the most important Canadian fashion magazines and newspapers. Andy Thê-Anh is a regular guest at the Toronto Fashion Week where his shows are always the extremely popular. Through the years, he has dressed some of the most admired Canadian stars among them; Jeanne Becker, Helene Joy, Natalie Brown, Kreesia Turner, Mitsou Gelinas & Karine Vanasse. The brand is very active in various Canadian charities such as the Canadian Brest Cancer Foundation, Lupus Flare Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Andy Thê-Anh at the Fashion Show (above)

Andy’s Collection is currently represented by agents in Canada, the United States and Europe and is featured in over 75 stores in Canada and over 60 high-end stores in the United States. The collection is sold in England, Ireland, Germany & Greece. The designer has 3 free standing stores. Two of them are located in Montreal and a new address opened in Toronto last October in the chic Yorkville neighbourhood.

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Let me begin by saying that I was pleasantly surprised not to find any open-toe booties in Loretta Pettinari Spring-Summer 2009 collection. These ugly ‘creatures’ are quite impractical by not offering protection in rainy or cold weather, but also making your feet sweat if worn when it’s sunny and warm. Is there a better way to show off your fresh pedicure? Well, enough said about what I don’t like, let’s move on to Loretta Pettinari and savor the moment of discovering the brand and collection.

The shoes by Loretta Pettinari are characterized by their exclusive attention to detail. The artfully created products represent a mix of Italian creativity, search and quality. Loretta Pettinari brand has been developing and nurturing its very unique style for over 25 years, with the company’s main goal being to consolidate its position in a more and more demanding market, to acquire experince and expertise needed to help refine the brand’s style, and to constantly search for new materials and shapes.

Loretta Pettinari – Spring-Summer 2009 Collection (above)

The new Spring-Summer 2009 collection by Loretta Pettinari features bold colors and artistic combination of different materials and textures. The shoes and slingbacks combine metallics and patent leather for a chic look.

Loretta Pettinari Sandals – Spring-Summer 2009 Collection (above)

The sandals and matching bags feature a bold combination of red and snake-textured leather with metallic touch-ups. Pleat and bow details work together to create an elegant look.

Loretta Pettinari Shoes & Bag - Spring-Summer 2009 Collection (above)

The classic red shoes concept gets a contemporary twist being adorned with patent leather buckle details. The metching red bad will make almost any outfit look like you are dressed up for a special occation.

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“I wear whatever the hell I want.” Gaby Basora

Gaby Basora was born in Chicago. Her great grandfather was a tailor.  When she was a child, her family moved to Seattle, where her mother opened an art house movie theater in the now gentrified Pike Place Market. Gaby’s early childhood memories are all about roaming the stalls of the market with her sisters, soaking in the smells, sounds, colors and textures.

During her high school years, she moved to Amsterdam and then to Sarah Lawrence College. At the age of sixteen, she came to New York, where she began her studies at the university. Gaby Basora’s interest in fashion emerged naturally during those battles with her sisters or friends over what to wear, or the refashioning of odd bits found at the Salvation Army, or the desire to hold on to wrappers from an airplane nut package—blowing it up on the photocopier to see how it would look as fabric.

 Gaby Basora of Tucker (above)

After college when she was not working, she lived on her bike. She constantly found herself riding to Brooklyn, to Jackson Heights, the Bronx, to find fabric stores, obscure clothing stores, restaurants, music, faces, smells. All the things that make memories and feed the desire to bring the moment back again in a shape or a feel. About ten years ago, Gaby Basora started working as a styling assistant as a favor to a friend and pretty soon styling her own jobs became her job.

Gaby Basora of Tucker, wearing Barbara Bui outfit (above)

Tucker brand Spring-Summer 2009 Collecton features colorful prints and use of pure silk fabrics.  The cuts are simple, but feminine. Perfect for casual suummer wear, when you are looking for comfortable weekend and beachwear styles. 

Tucker, Floral Print Silk Camisole Dress (above)

Tucker, Butterfly Print Silk Camisole Dress (above)

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With spring being just around the corner, we all re-examine our wadrobes and do an inventory check on our collections of shoes. No matter how many pairs you own, and whether they are expensive or not, you just need to refresh your look by adding something special every season. So, here’s our top picks of the best Special Occasion & Party Shoes for this coming Spring-Summer 2009 season. Laurela Fashion Blog suggests, you decide.

1. Valentino – Jeweled Bow D’Orsay – $995.00

2. Manolo Blahnik - Jeweled D’Orsay – $715.00

3. Miu Miu - Jeweled Sandal – $750.00

4. Manolo Blahnik - Something Blue, Satin Jeweled Pump - $945.00

5. Dolce & Gabbana - Rosette Pump - $695.00

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Just as light, fresh, cheerful and sunny, as Spring itself, yet also as exquisitely refined, grounded and sophisticated as the classy designer Vera Wang is, her new “Look” fragrance comes as a perfect addition to our everyday perfumes collections this Spring. Her devoted talent admirers won’t be disappointed again. Vera Wang’s meticulous attention to every detail starting from packaging and presentation to balanced and thought through scent never stops surprising us with whatever new she creates.

Vera Wang “Look” Perfume Ad (above)

The secondary packaging  program, which is unique to Vera Wang’s new precious “Look” Parfum Elixir, was created by a design firm, Monahan & Rhee .  The simple, yet beautifully designed two-box system artfully employs the watercolor paper of the product line. The perfectly balanced combination of cool grey and bright orange color palettes work well together to create the signature look. 

Monahan & Rhee Secondary Packaging for Vera Wang “Look” Parfum Elixir (above)

The bottle is nestled in a two-piece sliding tray carton that leverages the bold colors to present the bottle. The outer box utilizes the ribbon handle technique created by Monahan & Rhee for Vera Wang’s Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Jewelry line. The product logo on the outer box is abstracted as a blind embossing, wrapping the entire exterior to present different cropped views.”

Monahan & Rhee Secondary Packaging for Vera Wang “Look” Parfum Elixir (above & below)

The new “Look” fragrance is a bold, modern, captivating scent of Vera Wang that embraces a woman’s confidence and creates a seductive effect through complex textures and layers of fragrance notes. The scent was developped by a world-reknowned Master Perfumer Annie Buzantian, who, for example, is also a nose (along with Alberto Morillas) behind the so popular Pleasures scent from Estee Lauder.

Annie Buzantian (above)

Top Notes: A sparkling elixir of mandarin and watery greens are layered with lush notes of lychee and golden delicious apple, fill with a burst of energy and freshness.

Middle Notes: The vibrant floral bouquet of lily, freesia and jasmine envelopes with femininity and elegance.

Base Notes: A natural sensuality is enhanced in the drydown with the richness of indulgent vanilla and skin musk. Touches of oakmoss and patchouli create balance with warmth, depth and character.

The Vera Wang “Look” scent is available in the form of:

Vera Wang “Look” Eau de Parfum (1.7 Oz – $70.00; 3.4 Oz – $90.00)

Like Vera Wang’s fashion, her new fragrance represents a measured study in texture, color, silhouette and proportion. Vera Wang Look unexpectedly reveals itself in fragrant layers. Luxurious and rich, yet modern and sheer. A blend of complexity and transparency in a totally modern new fragrance.

Vera Wang “Look” Shower Cream (6.7 Oz – $45.00)

Vera Wang “Look” Body Lotion (6.7 Oz – $50.00)

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