Silk

Walter Steiger Leopard Print Pumps

Filed under: Shoes

Although leopard is a bold and trendy print, it is just as classic and timeless. Whether found in a handbag, a skirt, a scarf or a pair of pumps, leopard creates an effortless sense of sex appeal. Walter Steiger's Leopard Print Pumps ($804) encompasses this sexiness beautifully. Styled in a silk satin leopard print, Steiger's peep toe pumps have a 1/2 inch platform sole and a slightly arched heel that measures over 4 1/2 inches. To maximize on its wow factor, pair with a monochromatic outfit for a stunningly chic look.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

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Tags: leopard print, pumps, satin, shoes, silk, walter steiger

How to Clean and Care for Your Luxury Silk Garments

by J. Conboy (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

How to care for your luxury silk garments.

Lightweight and lustrous, it's easy to see why silk is the fabric of choice for shirts, sheets, dresses, and many other luxury garments and home items. As is the case with many high end fabrics, such as suede, silk requires a fair amount of care whether you are wearing, sleeping in, or storing it. That said, keep these tips in mind when using, cleaning, or storing your garments, bedding, or other luxury silk items:

Silk can be easily damaged by . . .

Chemical and alcohol based products: Hair sprays, nail polish remover, perfume, aerosol deodorants, etc. can all stain your silk items beyond repair. Silk is a very absorbent fiber and as such, will absorb even the finest mist from personal care products with ease. If you must use alcohol or chemical based products, do your best to not let them come into contact with your silk items (i.e. put your products on before dressing, or place a cover over your silk garment when using such products while dressed.)

Sunlight: Like a fine painting on canvas, silk is prone to damage from constant sunlight. Too much sunlight will easily fade and/or yellow even the best silk. As such, you may want to hold off wearing your best silk shirt until the evening, if possible.

Perspiration and deodorants, especially when combined, are also dangerous to silk fibers. The combination of moisture in perspiration and chemicals in deodorants (particularly Aluminum

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How to Store and Protect Silk

by Annabel Ascher (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Love Silk? Follow These Easy Steps to Enjoy your Silk Garments for Years.

Silk is made from the secretions of silkworms and was first discovered in China thousands of years ago. The Chinese kept the secret of silk to themselves until the 13th century. Silk has always been a luxurious fabric, but it does require special care. Though it is a strong fabric it is sensitive to light, to chemicals such as hairspray and bodily fluids such as perspiration.
Though silk is used most often for clothing it is also used for other purposes such as curtains and bed linens. The following tips apply to all types of silk items, though some of the risk of staining won't apply to household linens.

To protect silk clothing always use any chemicals such as hairspray or perfume before getting dressed and allow these substances to dry thoroughly. Never use nail polish or nail polish remover while wearing a silk garment, because any spills will cause a permanent stain.

If your silk garment gets stained in spite of all your precautions there are steps you can take before turning to your local dry cleaner. The treatment depends on the stain. Fresh perspiration stains can be removed by washing the garment. For older stains you'll need to sponge the area with diluted vinegar. For more stubborn discolorations, use a mixture of cream of tartar, crushed aspirin, and warm water. Apply to the stain for twenty minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Of course if the item is dry-clean only you really have no choice but to spend the money.

Tags: accessories-pedia, awards-main, garmentcare, luxist-awards, main-pedia, silk, stainremoval

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Missoni Silk Knit Sweater

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Layering is key for surviving in transitional weather. It allows you to be prepared and comfortable no matter what you may encounter. While you'll need a little extra time to figure out what to wear, without looking like you just threw anything on that would provide warmth, it's worth the extra minute or two.

Missoni's Silk Knit Sweater ($450) would serve as a fashionable layering piece. Made with lightweight silk knit in a rose and coral shade, you can pair with a long sleeve shirt or a tank depending on the weather.

I especially like the unexpected pop of color given by a vibrant coral strip running along the side. The batwing sleeves are full with a scalloped edge with a cream trim along the bottom. Thankfully, Missoni's oversized sweater has a belt, which will offer you some shape.

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Tags: crochet, knit, missoni, silk, sweater

Agent Provocateur Unveils Feisty Fall Collection [video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Video

Luxe British lingerie designer Agent Provocateur has unveiled its "lavish and luxurious" collections for fall, designed to inspire desire. Some pieces like the "Maddy" model above are interlaced with eye-catching fuchsia silk while others are finished in a leopard print. Several designs are inspired by the 1950s while others evoke the glamor of 1930s Hollywood. The promotional campaign for the collections has a voyeuristic theme and features several steamy "homemade" stag film-type video clips. In fact, they were shot by music video director Johan Renck, the man behind Kylie's "Love At First Sight" and Beyoncé's "Me, Myself And I", British GQ reports. Nightdresses, slips, corsets, kimonos, garter belts and even a barely-there "playsuit" comprise the rest of the eye-popping offerings. Check out one of the racy video clips after the jump.

Tags: Agent Provocateur, British fashion, lingerie, sex, silk

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Dior Couture Pleated Dress

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

True fashion is timeless. When you find a piece that is a classic, the momentary trends take a back seat. You imagine yourself wearing this garment for years to come because you feel exceptional in it as it works with your body perfectly. We all have that one piece, and for the lucky ones a few pieces, which make you feel as though you have truly gotten your money's worth and then some. Take for example, Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress that was originally released in the 1970's and has maintained its appeal and wearability nearly 40 years later. Amazing!

Another dress to add to that list is the Dior Couture Ivory Dress ($2,976). It's exquisite! The Dior Dress could easily being seen on a celebrity walking the red carpet or for us non-celebrities attending a formal event. Michele Meunier and Olivier Chatnenet are the designers behind the Parisian label, E2, who have reworked this vintage Dior Dress making it wearable for today. The contrast between black and ivory make for a striking presentation. Overall, the dress exudes a delicate and ultra feminine feel with an empire waist, black lace along the neckline, and silk flowers along the sides and at the waist with numerous eyelets accentuating the panel belt all topped off with a black silk ribbon at the rear. Although this dress is a hefty investment, it's one that will last through generations.

If you're interested in other dresses where the Parisian Fashion label E2 have been able to rework and restore, view the gallery below for one of kind garments.

Gallery: Vintage Dresses by E2

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Tags: chloe, christian dior couture, cornucopia, couture lab, dress, e2, hermes, jacques molko, lanvin, mr blackwell, Pierre Cardin, silk, valentino, vintage, Yves Saint Laurent

Calvin Klein Silk Flutter Dress

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Red has such vibrancy that it's hard to resist; especially when it's beautifully paired with a gorgeous summer dress such as this one by Calvin Klein. Silk effortlessly drapes around the body creating a clean silhouette that is both flattering and timeless. Simple details such a removable belt and layered flutter sleeves add a sense of delicateness and femininity.

You could wear this for the office, a special occasion, or even causally with metallic flats. And at an unbelievable price of $60, the Silk Flutter Sleeve Dress is a steal that will last for years to come. Also available in dark brown.

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Tags: calvin klein, dress, ruffles, silk, spring, summer

Fabric Frontline, Buy Next Year's Fabrics by the Meter in Switzerland

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Sometimes, a fabric can sell a whole outfit. Whether it's a simple dress in an enchanting blue-green or a necktie with a labyrinthine print, designers know that the right fabric makes all the difference. They scour the globe for the perfect shades and patterns and weights, and we found one of their secret weapons: Fabric Frontline, a small, family-owned business in Zürich which curates and designs some of the best -- and most expensive -- luxury fabrics in the universe, specializing in silk and cashmere.

You have to be in-the-know to find it. The little shop's window, near the culturally diverse (and sex shop ridden) Langstrasse, seemingly leads nowhere; you have to go through a small courtyard to get to the showroom. Inside, you'll find a dazzling assortment of colors and prints which will take your breath away -- and which you'll see the following season from designers like Vivienne Westwood (who I'm told is a particular friend of the shop), Nina Ricci and Helmut Lang, just to name a few. In fact, according to our hostess, the fabric Isabel Toledo used to make Michelle Obama's inauguration ensemble came from here. Naturally, the fabrics travel to the most exclusive trade shows around the world, which is where the elite designers tend to shop. The public aren't typically allowed into such events, but they are allowed to shop at Fabric Frontline.

Gallery: Fabric Frontline - Zurich, Switzerland

Fabric Frontline gets their silk yarn from China and has it woven in northern Italy with all-natural dyes. A clerk was kind enough to show us how printed silks are screened, involving layers of stencils and meticulous craftsmanship -- and a lot of patience. Sometimes designers buy the fabrics right off the roll, while others will approach them with drawings like these:

Tags: cashmere, fabric, Fabric Frontline, silk, Switzerland, Zurich

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Alexander Wang Front Tie Shirt Skirt

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Alexander Wang is a designer who seems to enjoy pushing the boundaries of fashion. We recently covered his Velvet Sandals where he used shoelaces as a decorative ankle accent and now we feature his skirt-shirt. Made from triacetate, a fabric that rarely wrinkles and looks like silk given its sheen, the Silky Front Tie Shirt Skirt ($385) has center buttons, a full cut and curved hems that falls nicely around the body. The front tie is actually two shirt sleeves with 2 button cuffs for extra quirkiness. It also features deep pockets on either side that makes it more casual and perfect for slipping on with a pair of lace up or sandals and a tank top.

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Tags: alexander wang, fashion, silk, skirt, style

Hermes Fairytale Pocket Squares

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

I'm usually drawn to anything with a whimsical nature or especially imaginative theme, and so it's no surprise that I love these Fairytale Pocket Squares from Hermes. Available in two designs, 'The Princess and the Pea' and 'Puss in Boots', they're a great way to add some understated style when just a little touch is needed, or to honor one of your old-time favorite stories by tying it onto the handle of a handbag for a splash of color. Silk twill in a 16" x 16" square, $125.

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Tags: accessories, fairytale, hermes, pocket square, PocketSquare, silk

Annie Havlicek Roxie Dress

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

With a recent winter storm hitting the US East Coast and temperatures ranging from the teens to thirties, it seems strange to feature a sleeveless silk dress. But as we are only days away from Christmas, it's hard not to think of the festivities for New Year's Eve - especially dressing up. When we came across this gorgeous dress by Annie Havelicek, our minds jumped from holiday shopping to partying the year 2009 away. Made of silk with beautifully arranged embellishments in all the right places, this flapper inspired dress is a show stopper. Price: $460.

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Tags: Annie Havlicek, AnnieHavlicek, new years eve, NewYearsEve, Roxie Dress, RoxieDress, silk

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Satin Evening Mindanao-Print Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Satin Evening Mindanao-Print Bag by Emilio Pucci is a pretty thing with a surprise snap compartment on the bottom that has just enough room to stash a few beauty essentials and includes a vanity mirror. The main compartment is a round satchel with a drawstring closure via double straps in matching silk-print fabric and a silk lining.

I really like it except the mirror on the bottom concerns me -- it's attached to the bag and you have to tip the bag to use it. Won't that spill the contents all over the place? $1,495

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Tags: bag, bags, emilio pucci, EmilioPucci, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, handbags, satin, silk

SoLace Marbled Silk & Accessories

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

I first met Barb Polin when the two of us were stationed next to each other at a craft fair. I was showing fine jewelry and she had these gorgeous silk scarves... I basically spent all the money I made that day selling jewelry at Ms. Polin's booth. I should have known better than to actually visit her store, where I'd find more than small accessories -- whole outfits of the most beautiful marbled silk material I'd ever seen. Goodbye, paycheck.

I may have parted with more than I could afford at the time, but it was money well spent. Years later, everything I bought from Ms. Polin's studio, SoLace, is still holding up marvelously. The silk that she uses is extremely lightweight, but also very strong and sturdy, so these clothes are really an investment.

Most of her designs are made from a marbled fabric, which she dyes herself in her studio, making every piece one of a kind. She also marbles leather for accessories like wallets, photo albums, and various types of cases. Clothing styles are available for both men and women, and Ms. Polin has been known to take custom orders. You can browse and buy on the SoLace website, or catch her at a craft fair or in her studio in Elkton, Virginia, where you'll find an even better selection than what you see on her website.

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Tags: accessories, craft-fairs, dresses, handmade, leather, marbled-silk, silk, SoLace

Emilio Pucci Silk Clutch Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

A clutch is really the only acceptable handbag option when it comes to accessorizing a formal dress for a black tie event because large bags, regardless of how well they match, simply don't look as elegant as small bags do. Emilio Pucci's Silk Clutch Bag is relatively understated for the designer, though it is made of an aqua silk satin fabric. Those missing Pucci's more dramatic patterns will be pleased to find and a multi-colored print lining inside. The vintage-inspired clutch has a matte gold frame with an oversized snap clasp at the top. The clasp's balls are embossed with the designer's name. It measures 8" L x 4" H x 1.5"D. Price: $690.

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Tags: Bag, Clutch, Emilio Pucci, Emilio Pucci Silk Clutch Bag, EmilioPucci, EmilioPucciSilkClutchBag, Handbag of the Day, HandbagOfTheDay, Silk

Should Precious Jewels Be Strung On Shoelaces?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

This necklace was the subject of some debate in my house this afternoon. As much as I love the designs of James de Givenchy for Taffin for the most part, this one just seems foolish to me. The necklace, which I spotted in the February issue of W but which also appeared in the October issue of InStyle is a big rubellite tourmaline set with diamond rondels. No problem there. The problem is that it is strung on rope. Silk rope, but rope nevertheless. The necklace sells for $50,000. Does this seem like lunacy to anyone else, to string a gorgeous and very expensive pendant on something that can fray or stain. Something better used for handmade beads or a kicky sterling silver charm. While I understand the cheeky nature of the high/low, of combining the precious with the ephemeral, I think that serious gems are a serious investment and should be treated as such. Stainless steel and diamonds I can live with because at least steel is tough. Can we really imagine this hitting the auction market in 20 years?

The argument in my house? While I was very loudly proclaiming why this was wrong, wrong, wrong and an insult to a stone which took nature years to create, miners great effort to find, and a jeweler time and skill to cut and polish, my significant other went outside, picked up a rock lying in the dirt and said, "It took nature a long time to create this one too." And now you know why I buy my own jewelry.

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Tags: diamonds, jewelry, rubellite, silk, taffin