SERIOUS STRIDES IN SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Origami dress made (by me!) from an Anthropologie magazine page with instructions from ideasmag

For the most part, flavor-filled concoctions and mouth-watering desserts made with eye catching artistry can be more appealing than a handful of unsweetened fiber cereal or dirt-encrusted fruit. Given the choice, what style-minded maiden would opt to reach in the dirt for a raw root vegetable over being served the mesclun medley at a Michelin-star restaurant… just because it’s “better” (for the body and the environment)? Welcome to the world of sustainable fashion...

Style Snaps: Holiday Nails

Experimenting with Essie polish

I've developed a hearty appreciation for nail art lately (the manual manicure as opposed to acrylics or press-ons) and wanted to try something festive for the holidays. After trolling through tumblr and pinterest... and pages upon pages of trees, snow people and santas, I decided to go simple. Using Essie's Ballet Slipper pink as a base, I dotted on Snap Happy (red), Blanc (white) and Penny Talk (metallic copper). Voila! Though conservative, this look will get me through the holiday festivities as well as a week at the office! Do you have any cute looks to share?

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

DVF Store, showroom and studio on Washington St. in the Meatpacking District 

All is quiet in New York City as the holidays breeze by. The quieter-than-normal streetscape reminds me of college--when the majority of campus vacates to respective homes, leaving a handful of stragglers and international students yearning for the possible extended invitation. DVF's window reminds me of the love rekindled during the holidays--between siblings, among families, towards one-another, in remembrance of the past and on behalf of strangers. Blow a kiss, smooch under the mistletoe and kiss 2012 goodbye!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Snowman created with the Ted Baker's Full Frosty Ap

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All! Be prepared for an exciting and stylish 2013!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Paul Stuart and Town & Country collaborative windows at 45th St and Madison Avenue

It's the final week before Christmas and here's one last set of holiday windows illustrating the classic American holiday. Over at Paul Stuart, old Town & Country covers accompany dapper mannequins and shelves of quaint curiosities in the windows facing 45th Street. The formal attire and traces of high society add a touch of maturity to the holiday celebration.

RECYCLING, RECONSTRUCTING & REMNANTS

Remnants and items sold at Anthropologie (image from www.anthropologie.com)

Anthropology is the study of humanity and, by a slightly different spelling, one of the leading fashion and lifestyle retailers in the U.S. Offering a specially curated collection of wares and wears, Anthropologie shares with customers sophisticated style and a creative curiosity, all set in a spectacularly well-designed and distinctly different shopping environment. Sunday afternoon, I head to the Rockefeller Center store and gallery space for a peek at the latest merchandise and the exhibit "Remnants" by husband and wife team Barbara and Richard Keal. 

PICK-A-COLOR \\ MONACO BLUE

Color swatch via Amazon.com

A fun color that highlights the best of each season, Monaco blue brings alive the icy cold of winter, clothes the sprouting bluebonnets of spring, pays homage to the ceremonial skies of summer and adorns the birthstones of babies born during fall. Almost a misfit between baby blue and navy, this vibrant hue is perfectly paired with a winter white or a bold black. Try it out, take a picture and post it to www.facebook.com/stylecurated ...Show off your style!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Mascot vintage eyewear on Delancey St.

The smell of wood and the upbeat sounds of the holidays resonate throughout the winter months as the new year approaches. This week as I walk through the streets, I take note of the festive wooden forms and the allusion to music in the windows. While some storefronts are still dressed for the holidays, quite a few retailers are starting to inch towards 2013!

Q&A WITH CONTINUUM FASHION

Logo of Continuum Fashion's design-your-own Constrvct line

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Jenna Fizel and Mary Huang of Continuum Fashion. The duo's Constrvct line launched right before Thanksgiving and is quickly gaining momentum. Last week Mary presented her take on the Future of Fashion at 3DEA's Holiday Pop up in Chelsea. Here's a quick Q&A with the innovative pair...

Fusing the Individual into the Future of Fashion

Top: My design created using the D.dress ap on continuum // Bottom: Digitally rendered dresses by the public posted on continuum

There were jeggings... and Rocco's. Louboutin's signature soles... and The Row. There were long lines for high-low collaborations and the birth of online sample sales. There was interest in pinterest, Stella's Fallabella's ... and all that rage that ensued. What will be the next "big" trend? What would you like to see in the forefront of fashion? One duo's concept of customization makes a great case for the fashionable future...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Dance of the Nutcracker & Sugarplum Fairy in front of store windows 

With bold colors and a festive spirit, Paul Olszewski and the Macy's design team crafts a collection of windows juxtaposing the most iconic elements of Macy's with recognizable hallmarks of the holiday season. Themed after "The Magic of Christmas" and carrying traces of "Make-a-Wish" (both the theme and the charitable organization), tourists and townies alike are attracted to the spectacular displays that make New York a bit merrier this time of year.   

ETSY FOR EVERYONE!

Etsy Holiday Shop at 131 Greene St., open from Thurs. 11/29 to Sat. 12/8

Nestled on Greene St., at the edge of the holiday shopping bustle, the Etsy Holiday pop-up adds a measure of comfort and "home" to the traditional commercialized retail scene. Featuring a specially curated selection of handmade style and goodness, an abundance of unique items are available for pick-and-purchase until December 8. Between friendly staff, well-crafted merchandise and fantastic freebies, Etsy successfully (and generously) imparts a little holiday spirit on everyone who walks in.