Say it Ain't So: Shu Uemura to Shutter Stateside Stores

My friend Shyema over at Beauty and the Feast reported this morning that cult Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura will be saying sayonara to the US market, closing all American doors within a matter of months. Products will remain available for purchase online, but where's a gal to turn when she needs a killer pair of false lashes on short notice for a last minute costume party/photoshoot/dress-up sesh? And what of their famed eyelash curler, a universal makeup bag staple? I suggest you start stockpiling now. 

Besides the aforementioned essentials, I've always coveted their hot red blush brush, $48. Now's the time.

Photo: www.shuuemura-usa.com

I'll Have What She's Having: Equipment Silk Blouses, a la Carine Roitfeld

You may have heard about French label Equipment being revived for Spring 2010. With founder Christian Restoin (Carine Roitfeld's beau) and Serge Azria (brother of Max and Creative Director of Joie and Current/Elliott) helming the relaunch, you can be sure it'll soon be a favorite among fashion's cognoscenti. In fact, Carine was spotted wearing one of the signature silk blouses (and making it look fabulous, per usual) way back in November, months before it would become available to the hoi polloi.

With its perfectly slouchy, boyfriend fit, in a silk that clings to all the right bits, it's going to be a great summer staple. I can picture this tucked into a mini (a la Carine) or worn over leggings or cropped skinnies, with stacks of bangles, hair twisted into a top knot, and a cool pair of sunnies. It's available in several colors, but my personal favorites are the nude and olive green.

Equipment Silk Oversized Shirt, $178 @ Intermix.

Pulling it off as only a stylish French editrix can:

Photos:
1) www.intermixonline.com
2) www.elleuk.com

Uncommon Taste: Common Projects Revamps the Desert Boot

I love Common Projects' take on the desert boot.  Part boot, part sneaker, they make for a great casual look. The price is a bit tough to swallow, but consider that they might just be the pair you reach for most this Spring.

Common Projects Desert Boot in grey nubuck, $363@ Gargyle.

Photo credit: www.gargyle.com

Sunday Linkage: Vintage Film-spiration, and Learning to Like LA

In which we take a break from shopping to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.   

Interiors envy: A unique light fixture adds the perfect touch to this lovely setting, via the ever-inspiring Nicole Sassaman of Design Life.

I've never been much of an L.A. girl, but there's something so fascinating about the vintage photographs in this Taschen title. I plan on stopping by the Soho shop to page through it in person, but you can head over to A Continuous Lean for a preview. 

I especially love this photo of Slim Arons' wife, Rita, floating merrily in their pool with a Christmas tree.

My co-worker Diana got me addicted to I Love Hotdogs, a blog featuring posters and stills from kick-ass old movies brimming with style inspiration.
 
Straw Dogs starring Dustin Hoffman, 1971.

Pandora's Box, starring Louise Brooks, 1928.

Dracula Has Risen From the Grave, 1966. 

Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina in Pierrot Le Fou, 1965.

Who Are You, Polly Magoo?, 1966

Saturday Street Style: Hat Tricks

Lovely hats, everywhere . . .

An old one I've been holding on to, via Lookbook.nu

Models make off with hats from the Kenzo show, via Jak and Jil.

. . . and another from 4th and Bleeker.

Fantasy Friday: Pepe is His Name

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

I've generally never gone for It bags (with the exception of a Balenciaga Classique in 2005, but who among us could resist its charms back then?), preferring instead its subtler, but no less attractive cousin in a collection. I am, however,  hopelessly obsessed with Givenchy's glorious V-shaped creation in wrinkled leather.  It takes all the strength I can muster to keep from flinging myself out of doors and dashing towards DUMBO just so I can cradle it in my arms at Zoe. Shopkeeps, if you are reading this, ready yourselves with a restraining order, for I may very well be lurking outside your store at this very moment, trying to peep into your windows for a glimpse of it. I fear that once it's dangling on my arm I won't be able to let go.

Curiously, Zoe lists it as the New V Pepe, but I can't seem to spot the difference between this style and the Tinhan Old Pepe. Anyone have a clue?

Givenchy New V Pepe Wrinkled Leather in black, $1, 270 @ Zoe.

Photo: www.shopzoeonline.com

Sneaker Obsession: Nike Toki ND in Obsidian/Vivid Pink

Nike's Toki ND is getting plenty of play right now, so I was hesitant to post it, but after spotting a pair in the Obsidian/Vivid Pink combo on a subway rider this evening, I couldn't tear my eyes away and felt compelled to share them with you. Though the style is available in a few different colorways (rendered in canvas or leather), the shot of vivid pink that wrapping around this one adds the perfect accent. They looked so great on Subway Rider that I briefly contemplated writing an ode to them in the form of a Craigslist Missed Connection post.


Nike Toki ND in Obsidian, $82 @ Need Supply.

Photos: www.needsupply.com

Rediscovery of the Week: Deborah Marquit at Steven Alan!

It's been over two years since I became a devotee of Deborah Marquit's exquisitely lacy, fluorescent creations, treating myself to a royal blue set that had me at bonjour. I recently fell in love all over again upon discovering that Steven Alan now carries select pieces from her line. The website currently offers her French lace bra and undies in violet (shown), pink, and black. I happen to think that pretty black bras are a dime a dozen, so if you're going to go Deborah, you should really try her fluorescents. The delicate lace looks all the more lovely when rendered in shockingly vivid hues. While they don't come cheap, you won't regret it. Ms. Marquit has really mastered her craft -- the fit is amazing and the fun, unique colors are a total mood-lifter.

Deborah Marquit French Lace Cup Bra, $175, and your choice of thong or boy-leg brief, $65 and $125 respectively.

Photo: www.stevenalan.com

Waist Watchers: Karen Walker's Chain Belt is a Keeper

Apologies for the week-long hiatus -- life got in the way. Between work, setting up the new digs, enjoying the phenomenal weather, and taking advantage of a free workout pass (six grueling days of everything from kickboxing to spinning = pure exhaustion), I haven't had the time or strength. In honor of the waist-whittling, I'll ease my way back into the groove with a cute tummy cincher.

Though Karen Walker's collections continue to delight me season after season, lately its been her accessories that have me swooning. My latest love: the adorable navy blue 3 Keeper Waist Belt, $150 @ Gargyle.

Photo: www.gargyle.com

Spring Fantasy: To Live Inside the Toast Catalog

Eat Drink Chic brought Toast's Spring 2010 catalog to my attention and I want to live within its pages! Its images conjure up the perfect springtime atmosphere and have me dreaming of skipping off to seaside towns, lounging languorously on sun-dappled grassy knolls, and playing house in exotic cottages. 

If only the English lifestyle shoppe had a stateside outpost, I could outfit my fantasy with the appropriate accoutrements. I can't possibly share all of its wonderful wares, but here are some that really tug at my imagination.

A meadow-ready dress to pair with bare legs and espadrilles or throw on over cropped denim. Shibori Print Shirt Dress, £125.

A topper to see you through the drizzle.  Tokyo Raincoat, £155.

The perfect Saturday morning robe for cooking up a patio breakfast. Thomasina Gown, £75.

A generously proportioned bag for toting seaside essentials,  £95.

A beach mat to unfurl once you've found the perfect sandy nook,  £35.

And of course, the requisite polka dot bikini, £32.

All natural glycerine soaps for after-sun sudsing. £16.50 for a set of three brightly colored bars. 

An old-fashioned shaving set to banish a traveler's scruff, £35.

A blanket to cozy up with on the porch swing when night falls,  £95.

Photos: www.toast.co.uk

Sunday Linkage: Spring-Induced Jubilation

In which we take a break from shopping to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.   

I've just returned from a restorative trip home to DC, where my family and I celebrated my dad's 60th birthday. In just the short few hours I've been back, I've been receiving good news right and left from friends and family (Pregnancies! Weddings! Career triumphs!), so I'm going to keep Sunday Linkage short and very sweet, as I'm basking in the good fortune of loved ones this evening. I'll be turning in early to stave off a head cold, but I'll leave you with some lovely, happy imagery to end your weekend.

My Anthro friend Beth introduced me to Max Wanger's magical photography and I can't stop looking at his work ever since. The lucky girl even got to talk to him and reports that he's a lovely person, which makes me love his photos even more. When my dear friend Sylvia announced that she'd finally set the date for her nuptials (and will be moving back from Japan!), I immediately pictured the wedding scenes through Max's lens. How I wish he could shoot Syl and Jake's wedding!

For a sneak peek into Max's abode, head over to Design*Sponge -- his deco-rific West Hollywood apartment was recently featured.

Photos: Max Wanger

New Blog Feature: Saturday Street Style

Between Fantasy Fridays and Sunday Linkage posts on the blog, there's poor, lonely Saturday, without a theme to call its own. I've decided that Saturday posts shall henceforth be known as Saturday Street Style, featuring a roundup of inspiring real-people looks culled from various street style blogs. When possible, I'll add info on where to buy the pieces pictured.

Hope you find some inspiration for your own wardrobe here. Feel free to chime in with comments!


Louise Ebel, looking as lovely as ever, in a Topshop jacket, Tara Jarmon skirt, H&M top, and boots from ASOS. 

via lookbook.nu

Amelie K. in an H&M sweater and necklace.

 via lookbook.nu

A couple of winners captured by Face Hunter @  Milan Fashion Week . . .

Fantasy Friday: a Birthday Frock from 3.1 Phillip Lim

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.
 
I had a lovely, low-key birthday last year, opting to quietly indulge myself with decadent treats rather than court a headache by attempting to plan a night out in NYC, but this year has me wanting to pull out all the stops and have a great big party. Whether I go bowling or dance til dawn, I'd love to do it in a sparkly, spangly, birthday-girl dress. In reality, I'll probably be far too busy to give it a thought until the last minute, but in my mind, I'll be twirling around in this gorgeous 3.1 Phillip Lim number.

 3.1 Phillip Lim Faux Wrap Dress, $895 @ Otte.

Photos: www.otteny.com