The Blog

Lauren Messiah: Shop Smarter and Save Money With a Stylist

2012-05-24T19:35:08Z

This may sound a bit backwards, but paying someone to shop for you can actually save you money. Yep. It's true. Most people believe that hiring a personal stylist is a luxury reserved only for the rich and famous. That having a personal stylist is somehow on par with, say, owning a yacht.

Well, I am here to blow that tired old theory right out of the water. Ready for a dose of truth? Here it is. Professional stylist = more cash in your wallet and a stylish wardrobe. Bam!

I know, I sound crazy. Looking fabulous on a budget can seem like a daunting task. I've heard it a thousand times before: "I need a lot of clothing for a little cash, so how could I possibly afford to hire someone like you?"

You see, stylists like myself are like highly skilled shopping machines. We know what works for you and we know how to find it; we save you time, we save you energy, and many of us know how to sniff out a deal from a mile away -- which saves you a lot of money.

Deal sniffing is actually my specialty as a stylist. I have a motto and it goes a little something like this: "Never pay retail!"

Alright, never is a bit extreme, but why pay retail if you don't have to? Stylists like myself have relationships and connections with retailers and boutiques where we get advanced notice to some amazing deals on stylish clothing that helps us maximize our budgets, whether it's YSL for 75 percent off or exclusive discounts. We also know when to splurge, when to save and where to find fashion-forward pieces that work for your body shape, lifestyle, budget and career.

Let's face it, people are busy -- you are busy -- so why spend hours on end shopping for bargains, all while trying to keep up with the latest trends? It's a lot of work (trust me, I know, it's my full-time job). Let a stylist do all that hard work for you. We keep up with the latest trends and know how to make them work for you. We help you to understand which pieces will work for your body so you don't end up buying clothes that sit in the back of your closet with price tags still attached. We also show you versatility with your wardrobe, so you get more variety in the looks you can achieve with the same amount of pieces! How cool is that?

I can't stress that enough -- trends need to work for you. Not only do they need to work for your personal style and your body type -- they need to work for your wallet, too!

Now, I will let you in on a few stylists' secrets for finding the current trends for less.

1. Use costume jewelry to introduce a trend into your wardrobe. It's an inexpensive way to update your look. I found a great piece of costume jewelry that hits the neon trend at H&M for less than $10. Score!

2. Search the clearance rack or sale section online. Trends are sticking around a lot longer than they used to, so often you can find pieces that hit current trends on sale. When retailers release new merchandise, it's often before the season starts, so by the time you need to wear the clothes in season, they're usually already marked down so the retailer can make room for next season's merchandise.

3. Get crafty! DIY is a huge trend right now, so get out your hot glue gun and get to work. There are plenty of amazing blogs that will show you how to create runway trends for pennies.

If you are anything like my clients, the thought of digging through a clearance rack or whipping out a glue gun is just about as appealing as a peanut butter and sardine sandwich. So shop smarter and save money, and hire yourself a stylist.

It will change the way you think about shopping -- we promise!

Rochelle Behrens: Made in NYC?

2012-05-24T18:44:01Z

To a fashion executive, 'Made in NYC' means a few things: It's good for the fashion industry as a whole. It's good for marketing the brand specifically. And... it's obscenely expensive. There is no way to sugar coat this fact. It costs a lot of money to make product in the States. The costs are exponentially higher than manufacturing overseas and it makes the price of goods which are 'Made in NYC' high for the manufacturer and ultimately, for the consumer. Fashion is a quickly moving industry that rolls out up to seven seasons a year for brand faithfuls with constant pressure to deliver high-quality goods for good value. But producing clothes in the U.S. makes producing cheap goods nearly prohibitive. The catch-22 is that even if a company wants to produce in NYC, the hit on margins coupled with the reaction from customers about how expensive the goods are make it a complex business decision. CBS recently reported that 2 percent of clothing manufacturing is now done in the U.S., an alarmingly low figure in contrast with the 41 percent recorded in 1997.

Most recently, 'Made in NYC' has gone viral -- not for the fashion community, but for Silicon Alley entrepreneurs, incubating their ideas in the streets of Manhattan (literally on the streets, offices are a hot commodity for start-ups!) I love the solidarity of 'Made in NYC' across genres but hope that this slogan does not dilute the idea of manufacturing in NYC.

The garment industry -- such a vital, entrenched industry -- is woven deeply into the fabric and history of New York. I absolutely support making space for the tech industry to anchor itself too, however I hope it will remain widely understood that 'Made in NYC,' when it comes to apparel, emphasizes a clear values decision, not to mention an adjustment in a fashion company's financials. Decidedly producing product domestically creates inefficiencies for the company and costs explode. It is a true sacrifice -- in the name of helping to sustain New York's garment district and U.S. manufacturing jobs -- to manufacture in the States. I can only hope that the now muddled use of a once explicit term is able to press the "refresh" button to underscore its original meaning.

Å #MadeInNYC campaign for this purpose, you say? Yes, please! Who's with me? Stay tuned YouTube viewers and high-flying tweeters...

Jill Donenfeld: Hummingbird Beats: Jessica Barensfeld

2012-05-23T23:47:53Z

Jessica Barensfeld is a jewelry designer working out of her studio with six lovely interns in Brooklyn, N.Y. That's the first mark of a solid hummingbird. Interns. Good call, Jessica. She surrounds herself with plants, two cats, and her best friend/boyfriend Simon. Together they started Lynn & Lawrence; a small, hand-knit Woolly Hat line. She is a live in the moment, not too serious type of gal. We likey.

What's in your bag? When you pack for a trip, in your handbag, in the pockets of your jeans...?

Addicted to Nivea Cherry Tinted Lip Balm and have about 10 sticks kicking around as I feel anxious without it. That's always in the bag! iPhone. Commes de Garçon wallet, which is ace when I'm running for the train as the side zip allows me to manically whip out the metro card using one hand without dumping everything. My knitting. I'm always trying to knit a hat with any spare time (on the train, in the car, on a long call, before bed... and so on... www.lynnandlawrence.com... our side business of hand knit woolly hats).

You have five minutes to pack up -- for a trip of which the duration you're not sure. What do you take?

A bikini -- If there is water I'll find it. A fist full of panties. Clogs, Converse and moccasins. A few rompers (long and short), my grey hoodie and my Fishtail Parka.

What is your most essential article of clothing?

Right now, my long denim button up shirt tucked into my boyfriends jeans. I find myself in this outfit (Canadian tuxedo) more often then I'd like.

What are the top five songs you need to have access to hearing at all times?

Oh. This is a tough one. Well, here are a few faves...

Trini Lopez -- "Greenback Dollar"

Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang

Bob Dylan -- "Don't Think Twice"

Leonard Cohen -- "Lady Midnight"

Cowboy Junkies -- "If You Were the Woman and I Was the Man"

What is your preferred hummingbird beat/cities you like to frequent?

I'll take what I can get and LOVE to travel. For some crazy reason I've been to Venice five times and I'm not sure how this happened considering there are so many places I'd like to explore and getting to Europe is not exactly a hop skip from New York, not to mention expensive. I'd love India to be our next big trip -- such an adventure and I'd love to leave with a tiny handbag and return with suitcases of stones and materials.

What's something crazy that you did to follow your passion? (like, did you live out of your car for a month? Drive 10 hours to pick up a certain, weird material you needed?)

When I was 26 I left NYC to live in a tent at an Ashram in the Bahamas for nine months. That was insane and I met a lot of loopy and amazing characters.

What is one tip you have for traveling -- a beauty tip, a survival tip, a culinary tip... ?

Traveling -- Drink an insane amount of water and make sure to book an aisle seat. (This tip however does not work when you are on a road trip with friends and have to stop at every exit.) Beauty -- Vaseline is the most amazing skincare product and actually doesn't clog your pores which isn't what you'd expect. It's also cheap as chips. Survival -- I dunno, get a gun and know how to use it. Culinary -- I know Iceberg lettuce is out of vogue but if you're using it here is a trick to effectively wash it: Smash the head on cutting board with the stem facing down. This will break it loose from all the leaves and you can pull the whole thing cleanly out. A long hole is now in the lettuce head and you run water through it cleaning all the leaves. It's almost like a weird magic trick.

What makes you a good house guest?

Respect and eagerness to be invited back. Always leave a gift or contribute in some way.

What's a recent or favorite meal you had while bouncing around the globe?

Malibu -- Neptunes Net -- steamed fish line and cold beer.

Where have you had your best night's sleep?

Anywhere actually, I can sleep like a bear in contrast to my boyfriend who is like a field mouse.

Who would you like to travel with -- three people (you guys can caravan together or on separate trips)?

Simon and or any of my lovely friends as they are all dynamite and baskets of FUN!

Matthew David Hopkins: Memorial Day Celebrations: 4 Tips for the Perfect Soirée

2012-05-23T13:22:51Z

Want to throw the party of the season, but feel fresh out of ideas? With Memorial Day this weekend and many more reasons to celebrate this summer, try my "perfectly imperfect" approach to entertaining and your guests will remember your celebration for years to come.

Here are my 4 tips for a unique Memorial Day Celebration:

1) Pick a star. Sprinkling your party table with equal parts red, white and blue is a safe way to create a traditional Memorial Day look, but it can also feel a bit predictable. Instead, make one color the star of the show (in this case red), and use the other two (blue and white) as accent colors. The difference is subtle, but very chic. Then, to give the all-American palate an extra jolt of sophistication, add a pop of green, by placing a pretty plant on the serving table. Bonus: a greens-only arrangement is an uber-affordable centerpiece option that can be picked up last minute at your local florist. Make sure it's a vibrant green to add the right pop! 2) Go natural. Rather than relying on the old standbys (think: paper stars and striped napkins) why not make party foods pull double duty? Cover the bottom of a white serving tray with blueberries, then place a second clear serving tray on top. The result: a super cool look that's still useful for corralling silverware, glasses and other party supplies. You can recycle this idea indefinitely, with any color scheme. Imagine it with lemon slices, or even herbs. 3) Mix high and low. As with fashion or décor, don't be afraid to blend the fancy with the not so fancy. On Memorial Day (or any other day), mix silverware, glassware, you name it. Everything comes out when it's time to party. My mother always said, 'Why have things if you aren't going to use them?' So bring out your nice red plates. But partner them with the cheap red plates you snagged on eBay or at a flea market. Keep your eyes peeled for certain colored pieces all year long -- you're building your entertaining arsenal. Tip: Red plates, glasses and candlesticks will work for at least three other major holidays; Independence Day, Christmas and Valentine's Day.

4) Your mood matters. Don't slave over a stove all Memorial Day, or fuss over every last detail, to the point where you're crabby and tired by the time guests arrive. Make a few things and buy a few things. Ideally, you'll be finished, and ready to spend time enjoying guests by the time they start trickling in. After all, isn't that sort of the whole point?

Adrienne Vendetti: It's Easy to Stay Young: Antioxidants to the Rescue

2012-05-22T18:44:58Z

As women age, their skin naturally loses some of the vitamins and other components that gives their skin a natural, young look. When these items age, so does the skin, and that is when wrinkles begin to form. With every women facing this problem, the beauty aisles are filled with anti-aging products and every woman is looking for the secret to looking young.

As a redhead beauty expert, many of the women I talk with are concerned that their fair, sensitive redhead skin will age quicker than other women's, and some of the women who have spent years in the sun are wishing they could take back the many days they spent outdoors. I always recommend natural products to combat aging, and after researching the topic of aging and speaking with many experts, I discovered the scientific backing behind the "magic," so to speak, of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the process of aging through donating an extra electron to oxygen, giving it the amount it needs. This allows the body to not attack the vital skin structures that keep aging at bay. It is necessary to do what we can to slow doing the aging process and put the goodness of minerals and vitamins back into our skin.

Here are the best ways to stay young with the use of antioxidants:

1. Skin Creams: Just like you do at the grocery store, check the ingredients for Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10. Many women have said to feel improvement in their elasticity and texture. It is very important to note that antioxidants prevent wrinkles, they do not treat wrinkles. If a brand is implying that its antioxidant cream improves wrinkles, it is because of the moisturizing effects and not the antioxidants.

2. Supplements: There are tons of antioxidant supplements on the market. I always look for ones with lycopene, vitamin C, pomegranate extract and grape seed extract, because they are all very high in antioxidants.

3. Diet: I am a huge fan of a diet high in antioxidants because it is always a healthy balance that is good for energy levels and for you skin. Aim for foods like fish, fruit and vegetables.

4. Vitamins: Looks for Vitamin C, E, lycopene, lutein, pomegranate extract and grape seed extract.

5. Green Tea: I put green tea in its own category because it has been proven to prevent aging because of its high dose of antioxidants. Scientific studies say that you should have between 4-9 cups a day, but for women who are just starting to drink it, 1-2 is just fine.

Next time you're in a beauty aisle or at the grocery store, keep in mind the items that are high in antioxidants and watch the anti-aging process begin.

Keep beautifully red and rock it like a redhead!

Mary Kincaid: Weekly Roundup of eBay Vintage Clothing Finds (PHOTOS)

2012-05-22T13:13:23Z

No time to page through thousands of eBay listings? Then just sneak a peek at my weekly eBay roundup of top vintage clothing finds.

This eclectic mix of designer and non-designer vintage clothing and accessories caught my discerning eye because of its uniqueness, contemporary feel and highly collectible nature.

As always, buyer beware! Be sure to read the listings closely and contact the sellers with any questions.

This week's selections include pieces Catalina, Christian Lacroix and Pierre Cardin. Be sure not to miss the gorgeous 1950s illusion beaded short wedding dress, the colorful 1970s maxi halter dress and the mint condition Lederer handbag.

Which item is your favorite? Leave me a comment below to let me know and please take a minute to rate your favorite slides.

Please note that Zuburbia does not endorse the use of fur, feathers, leather or animal skins in fashion. These selections are offered only as more thoughtful and eco-friendly alternatives for contemporary fashionistas who have not yet eliminated animal products from their wardrobes.

DISCLOSURE: Zuburbia is an affiliate member of the eBay Partner Network, however, editorial selections are made without direct promotional consideration from featured eBay sellers.

GET READY, GET SET, BID!!!

Brie Dyas: How Joan Can Seduce Don Draper

2012-05-21T18:47:57Z

In last night's episode, we finally get a Joan Holloway-Harris storyline. Kinda sorta. And you can leave it to Christina Hendricks to brighten up any scene she's in...even when she's throwing statues at idiot receptionists.

To be fair, that receptionist had it coming. She's the very definition of annoying -- whiny-voiced, meek and lacking common sense. It was only a matter of time before Joan told her off.

Stylistically, the mid-to-late 60's were hard for a woman like Joan. And not just for the impending youthquake that makes everyone over 30 (Joan is about 36) into a stodgy enemy, but because the fitted dress style fell out of favor. Tailored silhouettes transformed into dresses that were cut away from the body, and up very high on the leg. To quote my mom, "Even older ladies wore minis, because you really couldn't find anything else in stores."

Let's take a moment to let that sink in.

What's even harder for Joan is that the beauty ideal no longer favors the va-va-voom curvy silhouette. One could argue that it never really fell out of favor, but the fact was it was no longer fashionable. And for someone like Joan, who was "raised to be worshipped by men" (as she so eloquently put it to Don), it's going to be tough to no longer turn heads to whiplash.

Though Joan's wardrobe this season nods to the changes with abstract patterns and slightly less architectural silhouettes, her look is still largely in the early '60s. However, the wiggle dress with the three-quarter sleeves suits her beautifully. I can't imagine her in caftans or loose shifts. But, we'll see.

While we're talking about wardrobes stuck in the early '60s, we have Don still in his narrow lapels and skinny tie. And, a hat. Though initially I scoffed at the rumors that Don and Joan would possibly have an affair, I find myself wanting just that outcome. Both of them are, to some extent, very much stuck in their time. The hat, the wiggle dress and the jukebox choices all reflect that.

Elsewhere in the episode, we had Lane wearing a terrible tie, a gorgeous dress for Megan and a brief peek of a cute Peggy outfit. There was also a regrettable storyline involving Paul Kinsey, the charming beatnik-esque copywriter from the original Sterling-Cooper, becoming a Hare Krishna, but I'd rather not acknowledge that. But all of the aforementioned style moments -- and more -- are in the below slideshow.

And don't forget to come back here next Monday to chat about all things 60s fashion in our Mad Men Style Recap.

Sarah Leon: PHOTOS: Why I Still Wear My Prom Dress

2012-05-21T16:00:00Z

I went to high school in New Jersey, where there is nothing more important in the world of style than senior year prom (not even graduation or a new episode of "Jersey Shore"). Not even the many other formals I attended during those four years. Choosing a dress for junior proms, homecomings and for plus-one stints was easy enough, but when it came down to my senior year prom, things felt different. Namely, much more stressful. After all the movies that portray prom as the most epic day of the year, how could I not look my best?

So naturally I felt a lot of pressure choosing a dress. When I attended prom as a junior, I wore a gorgeous floor length Vera Wang gown. It was possibly the most beautiful dress I have ever owned, but it wasn't fun to dance in, and I knew that I wouldn't have many other occasions to wear it. In fact, I have only been able to wear it one more time to a black tie event.

With that experience under my belt, I wanted a more wearable, fun dress for my senior prom. Shopping for it, however, was not as easy. I spent a full day with my dad wandering around boutiques downtown and another on Madison Avenue. Nothing seemed to have the right balance of fashionable, flirty and formal.

Only a week before the big day, I was beginning to lose hope when I finally found this Alice & Olivia dress on a lone rack at Henri Bendel. I loved the almost Grecian draping, metallic color and flattering fit. I could see myself dancing in the dress, but also wearing it out to other future cocktail parties.

For the big day, I wore my hair up and accessorized with charcoal gray patent leather Mary Janes from Marc by Marc Jacobs and a tan, woven clutch. My updo was my favorite part of the outfit: it was braided around the crown, then teased and spun into a wild mess of braids in the back. I added pearl earrings, an art deco ring my grandmother gave me and simple makeup to complete the look.

Left: Senior Prom. Right: 2012.

Overall I was pleased with my senior prom style, but looking back I am particularly glad I chose a dress that I could get some miles out of. Although a low-cut, silver metallic mini dress doesn't seem like the most practical choice, this number has seen me through several fun, yet formal occasions over the years, including my senior formal in college, a Louis Vuitton Gala and even a cocktail party this week (pictured above).

When I wear the dress these days, however, I style it differently. This time, I paired the metallic dress with a black, drapey Alexander Wang blazer for more coverage (and warmth), light gray ankle strap Jil Sander heels to make my legs appear longer and a bright green Reed Krakoff clutch for a pop of color. Now that I am no longer seventeen-years-old, I think showing too much skin, especially for an early evening event, is inappropriate. The blazer makes me feel more comfortable walking around, and it's also easy to toss when it's party time.

Below, check out our nine picks for prom dresses that you'll want to wear after the big day.

Want more? Be sure to check out Stylelist on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Pinterest.

Yves Durif: The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key

2012-05-17T22:06:15Z

Bonjour mes amis!

Last time we met we discussed how you should approach your "first date" with a new stylist. This time I want to discuss what to expect from your new salon and some "dealbreakers" that you shouldn't tolerate... now, let's go, we have an appointment!

Every new stylist-client relationship must begin with a consultation. The consultation is like the first phone call before going on a date; it sets the tone and provides an opportunity for both parties to discuss needs, limits and expectations. The consultation is where you sort out the underlying problems and find out how the stylist can remedy your hair issues. It's the foundation of a successful style and without it you are almost guaranteed to leave unsatisfied.

My consultations are relatively simple and there's only one rule: I MUST see my client in her own attire. (If you go into a salon and are draped in a robe before your stylist sees you, your cut is not going to respect your head to toe proportions.) Once seated, I ask the client how her hair makes her feel, then I share my observations:

"How do you feel about your hair?" "Ugh! I can't do anything with it. It's too flat, it's frizzy, and it just hangs there!"

"Ok. When was your last cut?"

"About, three months ago. I liked it the first couple of weeks, but as soon as it started to grow out I was back to square one."

"Can I tell you what I see when I look at your hair?"

I don't criticize or dwell on what's already been done, that's all in the past, we're working in the present. I don't ask what she wants to do with her hair, that question puts the client in an awkward position -- you wouldn't want your accountant to ask you how you want to calculate your taxes, right? Once my client tells me what she dislikes about her hair, I use that information to create my plan. Then, I give her a mirror, turn the chair and show her what her hair looks like from all angles:

"People spend very little time observing you from the front; it's a little awkward to stare directly into someone's face -- try it on the subway, I guarantee the number of empty seats around you will double. Most of the time it's only acceptable to observe someone from the back or side... "

Try looking at yourself from a different perspective, get a hand mirror and look at your profile.

With your free hand manipulate the shape of your hair and you'll see how much a cut can change your appearance. This method is the same one I use to help people understand what needs to be done in order to create a great style.

Another important part of the consultation is hair color. Color is a simple way to enhance a haircut and when done well, it can be very low maintenance. The greatest color results come from synergy between stylist, colorist and client. When your colorist is present during the consultation they are able to understand where the focal points of the haircut are. From there, he or she is able to play up these points and create even greater interest within your style.

After your consultation is complete, you should know what is going to be done and why. If you don't have a clear vision of the end result ask your stylist for a simple summary of what needs to be done. Once you've gained a full understanding of what you're going to accomplish you are ready to start the service. From here your stylist will send you to get a shampoo. Your shampooer should take the time to evaluate your hair and scalp and recommend a cleansing system that suits you. FYI, if the salon uses the same shampoo and conditioner on every client you're not receiving the best care possible and your hair will not perform well.

At the end of your cut the stylist should take time to recommend styling products and walk you through techniques that will allow you to create a style at home. At the end of your service, the stylist will show you all sides of the cut with a hand mirror. Now, take off the robe, stand up, and look at yourself head to toe. Do you feel gorgeous? You should!

When you're checking out at the front desk -- before payment is discussed -- the associate should ask if you were pleased with your experience and address any concerns. They should also ask if you need any products and help book any future appointments before you leave.
Overall, your new salon should ensure that you receive treatment that respects your individuality, "one size fits all" does not work in a hair salon -- remember the '80s?

Next time, we'll discuss the easiest way to shed up to five pounds in five minutes! Ooh la la...

A bientôt!

Yves

Chris Greenberg: A Straight Guy's Reaction To Heavy Makeup

2012-05-17T15:36:25Z

As a guy, my understanding of makeup is admittedly limited to the way that I notice and encounter it on the faces of the women around me.

Over the years, I've probably too often tended to be the sort of unrealistic and willfully unseeing guy who would say unhelpful things to women like "I don't think you should wear makeup at all." This line of thinking -- often held by guys who think they are being enlightened and respectful -- seems to presume that the application of cosmetics is done by women solely for the benefit of men. But I've lately, and perhaps quite belatedly, learned that makeup can often be far less important for the way that it makes me feel than it is for the way it makes the woman wearing it feel.

In these cases, cosmetics can make a woman more comfortable in her own skin, enabling her to be more herself. Makeup can help reveal something inalienable about a woman's personality. Or simply express something that is fleeting but absolutely true about her mood or intentions on a given occasion. It would certainly be hard to argue against makeup under such circumstances.

Bearing these things in mind, I think that perhaps makeup is best deployed like punctuation -- a bold, crimson exclamation point of lipstick or perhaps some smoky, coy eye makeup operating like a question mark -- insofar as it adds meaning and emotion to prose. Like punctuation, this sort of makeup can clarify and emphasize rather than distract.

Bad makeup, on the other hand is like receiving correspondence in ALL CAPS. It is rigid and without nuance. The reader feels like he's being taken for a fool while also losing some respect for the author of the note. An overuse of makeup can be as garish and intrusive as an addiction to tanning. In these cases, it feels to me that it obscures or misrepresents someone's true character. It seems like they are less at ease, less themselves.

Certainly there are occasions for glamorous deceptions and frivolity, so I'll exclude any situations in which I, if present, would feel compelled to wear a tie or cuff links from such statements. Rather these impressions are more about the daily interactions of men and women. In those cases, authenticity is attractive, confidence is beguiling and ease can be an aphrodisiac. If makeup helps a woman with these things then by all means ladies, to quote Bruce Springsteen, "put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty."

Chris Greenberg is the editor of HuffPost Sports. Be sure to also check out his reaction to super skinny models.

Adriana Teresa Letorney: In Conversation With Danish Designer Rie Nørregaard (PHOTOS)

2012-05-16T20:03:28Z

© William Wegman 2012

Whether you're buying a walker for your father, a cane for a friend or a bath chair for yourself, you should feel good about it. Beauty heals. -- Rie Nørregaard. CEO and Creative Director of Omhu

Creative director at leading design firms such as Arnell Group, Smart Design and Frog, Danish designer Rie Nørregaard has created design solutions for Internationally known consumer brands. In 2010, Rie founded OMHU, a new brand and product development company. Nørregaard designed an edgy multi-color cane with Allen Zadeh for a senior citizen, which is unique in its design as well as efficient. I became compelled to converse with Rie about the mission of her company, her modern view on our perception of aging, as well as, her approach to designing canes.

Adriana Teresa: What is the mission of your company OMHU?
Rie Nørregaard: Omhu's mission is to change the way we think and feel about aging and disability through design.

© Adrian Wilson

AT: Why did you decide to design canes?

RN: The cane is the first item in a collection of products that a lot of people need when they have limited mobility. These products help you get around and do daily tasks, such as shopping, bathing and cooking.

We started with a cane because it is a very social object. A cane helps with support and balance of course, but it really allows you to be both independent and connected to others, and that is so important to a healthy and happy life; at the same time, a cane is something that nobody wishes for.

Our idea is that a beautifully designed and really well functioning piece of equipment can make you reconsider the object and the situation. If you feel good about the cane you use, if you are happy with the way it looks and the way it expresses your personality, then you are much more likely to use it. And that is the goal.

AT: OMHU means "with great care" in Danish. What does OMHU value?

RN: We value caring -- for each other and about the things we make. Products that are well designed can make you happy when you use them. The same is true for the materials we use. And we value the opportunity to make beautiful products for people who really depend on them. A lot of individuals write us to express how excited they are about their cane. It is very satisfying to know that all the thought and work we put into a product translates to joy for someone.

AT: How do you describe your canes?

RN: Very Scandinavian in inspiration, and unexpected in execution -- Omhu canes celebrate movement and product efficiency. The canes are made from the same materials as skateboards, bicycles and hiking boots. We use high performance materials, like aluminum, which is both very light and strong, and wood that is pleasurable to touch.

© William Wegman 2012

AT: OMHU offers senior citizens a product that is innovative and unique in its design as well as efficient. Many products created for senior citizens lack of a modern, edgy design. Does that say something about how we perceive and address aging?

RN: Absolutely. We act as if aging is a choice somehow -- as if it might not happen to us. Especially in the U.S., we have such a youth-focused culture; meanwhile, we are an aging society. However, it is not just about aging, it is about making products that help when you need it. If you are recovering from injury or need help with balance in general, you should not have to settle for products that are poorly designed. Nowadays, you have choices of styles in phones, glasses, and shoes. So, why not in a cane, walker or bath chair? We focus on ability rather than aging, since we have customers of all ages.

AT: Is the perception of aging something you would like to change?

RN: Yes, very much. My own perception of aging changes all the time of course. However, I do feel we can work towards creating a culture where people can live both independent and connected lives across generations. Designing products that allow people to do that is a very practical response to that idea.

OMHU believes that life is imperfect and beautiful. I think we need to show each other care and respect through the objects we create and use, especially when we need help.

AT: How does the design of your canes exemplify an alternative view to our perception of aging?

RN: Well, the cane is the first of a suite of products that many people need for very different reasons. If I use the cane as an example, first we created a much better cane, and then we designed it in six colors so that people have a choice of style. Everybody likes to choose a color, even when they are not thrilled about needing a cane. A cane can feel like an accessory, like a great pair of glasses.

Glasses were once only available in a few styles and considered a medical aid. Now fashion brands make glasses and market them like fashion. That's the kind of thinking we need.

AT: Recently, you collaborated on a campaign for Omhu with photographer and conceptual artist, William Wegman, who is known for photographing dogs. For this campaign, you featured your canes alongside William's dogs. Tell me more about this campaign.

RN: I have loved Wegman's work for a long time. I like the very graphic compositions and the humor in his work. I had in my mind the iconic fashion work Bill has done when I thought to approach him for the William Wegman + Omhu campaing.

On set, Wegman worked with movement. He photographed a jumping and dancing dog, which was a wonderful and playful surprise. I love the idea of playing with canes! The dogs as models make us look at fashion and style differently. They are beautiful, sophisticated and powerful. They are also high performance beings with a sense of humor, which is really important, because canes are not really a light topic.

AT: What is the intention of the new campaign William Wegman + Omhu?

RN: The intention is to make you look at a walking stick or a cane differently. We want people to see a cane as a design object as well as something to enjoy. It looks exciting and modern. So, the connection is between art and design.

AT: What's new? What's next?

RN: Omhu has distribution in Japan and Europe now, which is very exciting. Later this year, we are coming out with new products in the collection. What ties the products together is a simple modern approach to form, materials and color. We love color, and choice of color. Our products look like they belong in a home and not a hospital.

AT: Where can one buy OMHU canes?

RN: You can buy the Omhu cane on omhu.com. We also sell to museum and gift stores such as The Shop at Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, Just Scandinavian and the famous Bigelow's pharmacy in New York. Kuhl-Lindscom in Houston, the Seattle Art Museum and A +R in LA, the Danish Design Center in Copenhagen and Sempre and Seibu in Tokyo are some of the other retailers.

The "In Conversation Series" is a column of interviews in Visura Magazine published by Adriana Teresa.

Follow Adriana Teresa Letorney on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Visura Magazine

Sarah St. Lifer: Why Audrey Is The More Stylish Hepburn

2012-05-16T19:40:11Z

Without a doubt, both Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn have influenced my way of dress. But it's Audrey's joie de vivre that has had the most impact on my style. Before the capri pants, ballet flats and fitted turtlenecks there was Audrey's infectious smile and heart of gold. She once said, "I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it." The actress, with Oscars, Tonys and many other awards under her belt, was a devoted humanitarian and traveled the world for UNICEF, all while looking incredible poised and polished. In short, a true lady.

Although Katharine's borrowed-from-the-boys aesthetic has influenced some of my recent style icons including Renée Zellweger and Elizabeth Olsen, it's Audrey's balance of masculine and feminine has had much more of an impact in terms of style. Even Manolo Blahnik, the legendary shoe designer agrees, "The imprint of Miss [Audrey] Hepburn is absolutely, totally present. Like it or not, she will be the most important look of the twentieth century." Sure, Katharine's signature wide-leg trousers paved the way for Stella McCartney, Celine and Hermes, but it's Audrey's iconic embellished gown from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" that defined the LBD. And who could forget her all-black "Funny Face" ensemble? The mock turtleneck paired with cropped trousers and loafers showed off her playful and girly personality, while still being refined.

Photo: Getty

And although her wardrobe of Givenchy and Ferragamo is what dreams are made of, it's Audrey's approach to beauty that continues to inspire me. I've already written at length about her eyebrows (they're my idea of perfection) but her hair -- playful bangs that were anything but juvenile -- along with her wide, doe-like eyes shaped my idea of beauty from a young age.

Because of Audrey, I realized that natural beauty and simple dressing is far lovelier than any on-trend fad. In short, I've learned to stay true to myself and my style.

Condiment: Five Faves: Apt2b.com's Mat Herman

2012-05-16T19:23:26Z

The minute you meet Apt2b.com's founder, Mat Herman, you instantly get why the upstart retail site is getting the buzz it has been.

His background in the furniture industry is long and impressive. In just the first fifteen minutes of our conversation, we've already covered the broad range of offline and online stores in the market, and the pain points of furnishing a city-dwelling -- odd angled rooms, tight spaces, and the fact that if you're renting it might mean packing it all up and heading across the city (or the country). As a long time veteran in the industry, Herman knows all about this.

In fact, it was what wasn't available for home shoppers that prompted Apt2b.com's creation. Browse the store online and you'll find unique and interesting items that span a range of styles. That's another thing noted as we chat -- how difficult it is to find furniture and decor pieces in the mid-range price point that aren't modern, or corporate brand, especially online. Apt2b.com carries plenty of things that fit modern tastes, but you'll find cool, eclectic, retro and other pieces throughout the store.

It's all curated by Herman and the team at the company, hand picked from classic and upstart home brands. You'll find everything from furniture to dinnerware, towels, sheets, art and accessories. Everything has workability together, which makes styling your place easier as you'd get by shopping at IKEA or Z Gallerie, though there are plenty of individual items across the board for home shoppers that are out to find unique and one of a kind items nobody else has.

Given that Herman has seen it all and done plenty in the furniture business, I could hardly wait to find out what his Five Faves were for this week's edition of Condiment. Among his favorites? A cool mirror inspired by the old school, classic family crest and a chic coffee table we fell in love with at the company's LA pop up store party this past month.

"The goal was to create a store where style was affordable," said Herman as we wrapped up our chat.

Apt2b.com sells individual furniture and home decor items, as well as packages.To see all of Herman's Five Faves on this week's Condiment, take a look here.

Ellie Krupnick: I Went Ombre And My Mom Didn't Even Cry

2012-05-16T19:05:45Z

I really, really hate making my mother cry.

But when the chance to dye my hair pink presented itself, I took it -- even though the first time I colored my hair back in college, the streaky blonde highlights literally brought tears to my mom's eyes.

The idea to go pink had been brewing in my mind for some time, growing stronger with each Instagram pic Lauren Conrad published. Conrad, an MTV reality star turned beauty blogger, is a colored hair wiz: the bubbly blonde manages to experiment with wild-child hair while maintaining a fresh-faced, unthreatening look. If Lauren, the quintessential L.A. girly girl, could pull off pink ombre without looking like she just walked off the set of an Avril Lavigne music video... well, couldn't I?

BEFORE

Photo by Raydene Salinas

So on a rainy Monday morning, I nervously stepped into the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon in New York, plopped down in front of celebrity colorist Aura Friedman (she'd done color for Nicky Minaj and Lady Gaga) and surrendered my plain brown mane to the gooey pink dye.

After over four hours washing, drying, wrapping, heating and literally painting my hair, I emerged with the perfect pink ombre.

AFTER

Photo by Raydene Salinas

I couldn't stop grinning as I walked out of the salon -- Aura nailed the color, giving me the exact look I had requested. But I was curious and a bit anxious to see people's reactions. Of course, I live in New York City, so strangers on the street and subway didn't raise an eyebrow.

But when I showed off my new 'do to my co-workers and friends, it elicited two distinct responses -- unsurprisingly, men and women have slightly different thoughts on girls with pink hair.

A sampling of male responses:

"Why pink?"

"It looks like you've dipped your hair in a candy coating."

"It looks like a Fruit Roll-Up."

"Did you fall into nuclear waste? Is your hair now Spiderman?"

"IT'S ALLIIIVVVEEEEE"

And the female responses? They all went something like this:

"OMG I love it! You know, I've kinda been wanting to try it... do you think I should?"

Pink hair, for guys, is a bemusing curiosity. But for women, it represents risk, a walk on the wild side. When women ask me about my hair, I see a gleam in their eye, the wheels in their minds turning. Could they, too, take the colored hair plunge? Let loose and unleash that carefree girl inside? Change their appearance drastically just for the hell of it? Not care if people stare or judge?

Well, ladies, you can. It's just hair, so why not? I promise your mother will forgive you.

Brie Dyas: Why Katharine Is More Stylish Than Audrey

2012-05-16T17:31:48Z

Katharine Hepburn wore pants back when it was considered morally wrong to do so. But had someone had the temerity to tell Ms. Hepburn that, they would've been reduced to a smoldering spot on the ground from her glare.

And that was the thing about Katharine's style: It was effortless, confident and unimpeachably hers. While you could credit the other Hepburn's style to a designer (Givenchy), Katharine's was all her own doing. It's trite to equate power to clever tailoring, so I'll let this photo speak for itself.

Photo by Getty Images

Here we have the classic Katherine Hepburn stance: Defiant, leggy and completely in command of the situation. She doesn't love the camera; she dares it. At the time, her lanky frame and killer cheekbones made her an "odd" beauty, which is laughable nowadays.

Katharine defined power dressing before such a term existed. In movies like "Adam's Rib" and "Woman Of The Year," she wore sharp jackets and lean skirts. Strictly business, but without sacrificing femininity. The latter is key: Katharine always found the balance between strength and softness. Her trademark white button-down and slacks ensemble (worn off-screen and in her later years) might, on the surface, seem a touch masculine. But the pant always had a defined waist, the shirt was always just tailored enough. She was the living embodiment of "American style" way before Ralph Lauren got to it.

And boy could she do glamour. I feel that over the years, as Katharine Hepburn's sharp personality eclipsed her career, history has forgotten what she looked like in a dress. She stunned in pared-down, sleek looks that wouldn't look out of place on today's red carpet. She also never had "too much" going on: Never too much make-up (she usually favored a bare face with lipstick), never loads of jewelry. Simple.

That simplicity could easily translate to you, or to me. Unlike Audrey Hepburn, who was undoubtedly elegant, you don't need to have a certain willowy frame to pull off a Katharine Hepburn look. And much more, you wouldn't look as if you were wearing a costume (the very unfortunate effect of "Breakfast At Tiffany's," which I think only 3% of people have actually seen). To achieve a hint of Katharine Hepburn, you need little more than pants, a button down and confidence. And if that isn't style, I don't know what is.