Wonderful Lifestyle

Amanda Brooks Is Blogging About Designers Collaborating With Designers From Her ‘Creative Sabbatical’

mysel — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:03:14 +0000

Amanda Brooks resigned from her job as vice-president and fashion director for Barneys New York in mid-March to move to England “in the interest of further pursuing other opportunities.” Now Brooks has resurfaced on the Interwebs with a pair of posts (so far) on her site, I Love Your Style. She initially explains what she’s up to:

So, recently my family and I made the decision to spend a year on our farm in Oxfordshire, England. I am calling it my “creative sabbatical.” First on my agenda? To get my blog and up and running again. I also have ambitious writing plans for the next year, and you all will be the first to know about them as they unfold.

She also shares pictures of her “future dwelling” and promises she’ll type more about it when she moves in next month. Post number two is about designer collaborations — no, not Alberta Ferretti for Macy’s or Marni for H&M. Brooks thinks it’s time for designers to work with other designers:

Its been done before in small ways (see below — I have a printed Alaia t-shirt made by Comme Des Garcons), but I’d like to see it in a bigger way. Come on Rick Owens + Lanvin! Proenza + Junya Watanabe! Christopher Kane + Narciso Rodriguez! Get it on!

Hey, we wouldn’t not watch. Or not buy it.

Blake Pindot Dress

mysel — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:51:01 +0000

A holdout among contemporary brands, Club Monaco finally introduced its e-commerce site last month. The spring collection is packed with easy, neutral-tone basics, like this silky, three-quarter-sleeve dress.

The draw is in the details, pairing a sweet pindot print with contrasting leather trim. Cinch it with a belt or the drawstring waist.

Blake pindot dress, $198.50 at Club Monaco or online.

The Best Bet

mysel — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:50:37 +0000

Killjoy Park Slope parents aside, who doesn’t like ice cream? Moreover, what mom or dad doesn’t love a shortcut?

Prepara’s Super Scoopers ($10 for four at Zabar’s, 2245 Broadway, at 80th St.; 212-787-2000) simplify the ice cream–frozen yogurt–Tofutti-dishing process by functioning as both a scoop and no-spoon-required serving vehicle. The loop handle is easy for pint-size hands to grip, and its deep ladle shape minimizes spills.

Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Nail Polishes

mysel — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:46:17 +0000

Designer partnerships with mass-retailers may be a dime a dozen, but Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen nail polish is a bright spot. The spring collection was inspired by Nobuyashi Araki’s photographic series Sensual Flower, described as “beautifully subversive, layered and at further glance very representative of Araki’s work — nuanced with a feminist twist and perverse undertone.” The result is three heavenly colors named Loves-Me-Not, a sparkly purple; Purple Posy, a violet creme; and Barely Bluebell, a crisp mint — all ideal for adorning fingers and toes this spring.

Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Nail Polishes, $7.99 each at CVS stores

Stuart Weitzman Capsize Shoes

mysel — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:45:30 +0000

These updated mary jane-style shoes are on-trend for the spring season, when you’ll be seeing lots of feminine pumps.

The pointy cap-toe is a quirky detail, and the rosy hue is neutral enough to wear with most of your wardrobe. Plus, a soft leather sole and adjustable buckle makes the four-inch heels manageable.

Capsize shoe, $375, at Stuart Weitzman or online.