How can you reach the recommended intake of water? Here’s a “Hint”

At times, the idea of drinking 64 ounces of water per day to me is laughable. (No, Diet Coke doesn’t count as water, good try). As a fitness junkie, I understand the importance of being well hydrated and the effects that not having enough water can wreak on my performance.

I can often be found guzzling crystal light just to meet the recommended eight glasses per day. But while I love Crystal Light, sometimes I’m just looking for something a bit more natural.

With no sugar or artificial sweeteners, “hint” is water at it’s purest. Accented with a variety of crisp, natural flavors, each bottle of “hint” provides a delicious thirst-quenching, calorie-free experience. The water comes in a variety of flavors including: Cucumber, Raspberry-Lime, Blackberry, Honeydew-Hibiscus, Mango-Grapefruit, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Watermelon, Lime, Strawberry-Kiwi, Pear. Each flavor is a guilt-free way to satisfy a craving for something sweet and refreshing. I am personally a big fan of the mango-grapefruit and currently have a bottle sitting on my desk.

When it comes to high fiber diets, getting enough water is truly imperative to healthy digestion. Many people make the mistake of increasing their fiber intake without adjusting their water consumption accordingly. Without the aid of water, fiber has difficulty moving through the body and could put too much stress on the digestive system leading to bloating and discomfort.

With zero calories, why not give every flavor a try? Go to www.drinkhint.com for more information about where to purchase “hint”.

Tank Tops in December

If I hear one more thing about global warming I am going to jump out a window. I couldn’t care less about greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, rising glaciers, and deforestation, I’m just happy that I haven’t had to break out the winter coat yet. All I know is that this global warming thing gives me an extra few weeks to run around the pool in my Malia Mills bikini…what could be so bad about that?

Well if the increased and unseasonably warm temperatures affect my day-to-day outfit choices, maybe global warming actually does pertain to me in some way. I am not about to go Al Gore on you and give you flow charts and statistics about the reality of global warming or tell you to go out and plant a tree and switch to energy efficient light bulbs. But I AM going to tell you that just as I realized when getting dressed this morning, global warming may actually affect your life more than you think.

Whether you’re a Chanel, Ralph Lauren or H&M type of girl has little to do with the fact that we all wear clothes and our choices depend on the weather. And if you work in the fashion industry, lord knows you’ve felt the heat (pun intended) of global warming during the most recent fashion week. The concept of “Fall” and “Spring” are changing and with them are the clothes that designers are showing. The division between seasons are blurring and people are no longer looking for a great fur coat to wear with their (ugh) Uggs.

Some companies have even gone as far as hiring a climatologist to predict the weather throughout the year prior to designing their collection. This is a) expensive and b) rather pointless as our weather has been…unpredictable…duh.

On a recent trip to Saks I found a desolate fur vault, which under normal conditions during the holiday season is chock full of ladies-who-lunch looking for a toasty mink. Fur designers could say goodbye to their income…the proverbial post-Christmas sales just got bigger.
Perhaps an appropriate response would be an increased use of sub-seasons. Yes Fall/Winter exists in the fashion industry but how many designers actually do go all out for Fall/Winter collections? Cruise and resort collections may not only be appropriate for that week in Aruba but hey, I’ll take that Missoni cover up right now please.

In typical Diesel fashion, a recent advertising campaign entitled “Global Warming Ready” portrays models posing in a world affected by rising temperatures. Diesel offers an online supplement to their advertisements which teaches customers about keeping their glam lifestyle but helping to cut down on their impact on global warming by: walking to their favorite stores, giving old fashion magazines to friends, eating steak in a restaurant rather than using a refrigerator or insulating their homes with recycled denim (that would be True Religion for me).
So you may be quick to rejoice in global warming every November day that you were able to walk outside in nothing but a Kain tanktop but nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of what’s really going on.

So you’ve seen how I’m effected, how about you? What are YOUR thoughts on 60 degree days in December?

Here are some things to keep in consider:
1) If you currently intern/work for a designer, PR firm , etc. have you noticed any changes being made in order to account for global warming?

2) Do you feel that global warming contributes to the current economic hardships facing the fashion industry? (ie. Heavier clothing not selling, stores closing, more sales, etc)

3) What is eco-friendly clothing and do you buy it?

Please take our survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2LHH8CJ

Thank you,
Alix & Kyra

P.S In exchange for your opinion we’d like to extend to you an exclusive $50 off of your next Malia Mills bikini. Thanks to the lovely ladies over at Malia Mills for offering us this exclusive deal. Just go to any Malia Mills location and let them know you're a Creature of Fashion reader! So until we can find a solution, let’s enjoy $50 off the swankiest of bikinis!

Week in review...oh wait, it hasn't been a week yet?

Amidst the mass chaos that is New York Fashion Week, I decided to start blogging more #manic #ballsy #stupid.

Highlights of New York Fashion Week thus far:

Fashion's Night Out...because you didn't know I was going to say that. When the most anticipated night of the season finally came, the SC offices were aflutter of emotions, nerves and excitement. Half the team headed to Cutler for free blowouts, all of the team was downing sugar free redbull and Starbucks, while I whipped out my astronaut dress for the occasion and made my way over to Foley + Corinna to be styled by the best of the best. Tom Soluri, stylist to the cast of Gossip Girl was throwing outfits at me left and right. Check out my style transformation here: www.stylecaster.com/news/4991/fashions-night-out-at-foley-corinna

From there it was off to Missoni for imported macaroons (die), champagne, knit bikinis and Kelly Bensimon. Next stop for us was Vivienne Tam with the uber-fab DJ Mick Boogie. As the night wore on and everyone remembered how cool StyleCaster is, the store was packed with fans.

I then took a cue from my wallet and decided it might be time to Mick Boogie over to American Apparel. Before that though, we made a pitstop at Eryn Brinie for the most amazing pink sparkling champagne and goodie bags full of Frizz Ease (they must have known about my ritual straightening). The true brilliance of the night came out though when I arrived at American Apparel where I filled my dressing room full of clothes and then proceeded to buy a dressing room full of clothes. Champagne + Shopping= Not so recession friendly but definitely closet friendly. Oh, that would be if I didn't share a closet with my roommate #college #gramercy #clothes horse #pack rat.

The night ended with a short stint at the Bryant Park Hotel and a divine, way over due dinner of hummus and special k.

Friday was full of hot yoga, press previews, fur vests, Bloomingdale's, equinox and of course, no class. The Echo presentation was fab (as was Carrie Goldberg) and Bernard Maisner who humbly penned Philip Lim's wedding invitations in calligraphy. Loved his new scarf collaboration, so fitting with the September 11th premiere date.

The Vivienne Tam show was nothing short of amazing and StyleCaster was equally ground-breaking, as per the usual fabulousity, being the first to live stream a fashion show. Go team!

Tomorrow is Sunday which means I still won't sleep, but I work better whe I'm manic anyway.

Peplum Power

All hail the almighty peplum dress.

They've been popping up everywhere latey. You've seen them for sure, but chances are, you had no idea what to call them. I personally danced around with a few terms, sometimes referring to them as tierred or layered. But it wasn't until I realized that my sister's Sweet 16 was dangerously close and I had yet to find a dress that I actually got on the internet and did my research.

According to Webster's, a peplum is a "short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress". The term came about in the 1800's and has since evolved. The modern peplum became popular in the 1940's when we began to see fabric extending beyond the waist on skirts and dresses. A peplum typically flares out at the hips, some more so than others, creating a variety of silhouettes.

After a brief hiatus, the peplum trend came back in full force in the 80's. And what seems to be the standard now, anything with a cool factor in the 80's is once again cool now. The popularity of the peplum was partially a reaction to the constricting menswear styles that were the norm during that time period. The new peplum was a quasi-feminist statement towards freedom of dress for women and the embrace of a woman's figure.

And they've got it absolutely down pat in the UK. Topshop, ASOS and NewLook have mastered the peplum style. A quick walk through Topshop and you'll see dainty floral peplum skirts and dresses lining the floor. Asos.com offers up their version of the peplum in a variety of colors. And I can indulge my love for fake leather (American Apparel style) with New Looks "Wet Look" peplum dress which comes in black and pink.

I don't know about you but my Forever 21 floral version is in my closet ready to be worn one last time. And as soon as this unsightly rain ceases, you'll find me in my peplum dress on the Great Lawn.

-Alix

Better than Saks during Christmas...

Look Mommy, I'm a pseudo celebrity!!

In today's day and age, it isn't rare to see some our favorite fashion icons rise to fame via the internet. First there was Cory Kennedy courtesy of Mark Hunter, the brilliant photographer behind the Cobrasnake, our go-to source for party photos and uber-cool-hardly-trying fashion inspiration. Scott Schuman a.k.a. the Sartorialist is a household name when it comes to street style. I could spot a Sartorialist photo from a mile away and don't even get me started on the impeccably clad 17 year old Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes.

Holt Renfrew, "Canada's leading fashion specialty department store for men and women." which houses a slew of designers including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, YSL is acknowledging our favorite bloggers turned fashion idols by fashioning "a series of blogger-inspired window displays for nine stores" {WWD}. Holt Renfrew's creative director John Gerhardt is the mastermind behind the display but he's not the only one paying homage to the blogosphere. According to WWD, a Munich art gallery featured an exhibition of 121 pieces created by 11 different bloggers last. Bryanboy, The Cobrasnake, Facehunter and Les Mads were among the headlined bloggers.

Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist), Bryanboy, Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil and Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes will all find a cozy spot in the Holt Renfrew windows. Today, fashion bloggers are highly esteemed, given front row seats at Bryant Park, landing awesome internships with Nylon Magazine and apparently collaborating with fashion giants like Urban Outfitters. The proverbial next step is to land a spot in Canada's biggest department store's windows.

You know you've hit it big when they start designing mannequins after you. -Alix

Bendel's Strips Down

In this recession, strategy is key.

When the news arrived that Henri Bendel's would no longer be carrying clothing in an effort to focus on accessories, beauty products and gifts, the entire fashion industry let out a big sigh. WWD reports that Bendel's plans to downsize it's preeminent flagship store located on Fifth Avenue in New York by renting out the third floor which previously housed apparel in an effort to concentrate on the more profitable sectors of the business which would include accessories and beauty items.

Perhaps the most notable part of the report though, was that Bendel's plans to extend this concept into shopping malls where little units will offer Bendel's merchandise. Manhattanites and fashionistas everywhere are mourning the loss of the Fifth Avenue institution to corporate America. While shoppers did not necessarily frequent Bendel's for clothing (sources say that apparel sales make up only 25% of Bendel's income), the aura of exclusivity and authenticity surrounding the fashion empire is not something that could be reproduced in a chain of mall stores. I mean really, looking out the brown and white striped facade to see a Claire's staring back at you is just not the same as Berdorf Goodman luring you in with promises of Hermes scarves and Manolo Blahniks.

The third floor of Bendel's was once home to Balmain, Alice & Olivia, Jason Wu and Matthew Williamson among other esteemed designers. Known for bold pieces and taking chances with unknown designers, Bendel's has helped some of today's most talented and revered designers who they are, just by giving them a chance. But with less of a demand for gutsy fashion with the faltering economy, it is a relief to hear that Bendel's will not be giving up with their "Open See" days which they held in order to give up and coming designers an avenue for discovery.
The hope for the new business plan is to take Bendel's global, reaching more people than the devotees who currently flock to New York to laud the brown and white. Bendel's will also focus more on handbags which they previously relied on "third-party" designers for but are now aiming to come up with designs of their own, furthering the idea of Bendel's as a brand rather than a store.

And if you hurry, Gabay's Outlet in the East Village is where Bendel's is putting to rest the remainder of it's clothing. There will be regular shipments of brands like GoldSign, Sass & Bide, Rock & Republic, J Brand, AG, Ya Ya Aflalo, Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren and the eponymous Henri Bendel knits {Racked}. If you get there soon, you just may be able to snag some merchandise for up to 50-80% off the retail price!

-Alix

Right In The Family Jewels

"Right In The Family Jewels" has been around on myspace since the days before facebook (when was that?!) took over the social networking world. The famous ribcage necklace (which can be found on her myspace) is something that has stuck in my mind since the first visit to the site and upon trying to make one of my own, my creativity failed me and I realized that I could never be as good at jewelry making as Amanda Davis.

Amanda Davis is the creative genius behind "Right In The Family Jewels", a Chicago based jewelry company that operates through myspace with a website currently in the works. In the past, Amanda has collaborated with companies such as Rockett Clothing, Johnny Cupcakes and Clandestine Industries.

Her creative parents were among her early influences for making jewelry along with the other creative individuals she surrounds herself with. It wasn't until she started cutting out different shapes by hand for therapeutic reasons, that she learned that she could take her ideas to the next level. Her hobby quickly snowballed into a full-blown online business. Through word of mouth and links posted on other myspaces, Amanda quickly garnered a community of fans that have stuck by her since the beginning. Although she does not plan to open her own boutique, she would love if stores would showcase her line as part of their inventory {Odd Notes}. When the website launches, she plans to keep the myspace up and running so fans could continue to post their pictures and comments in support of her art.

Amanda has taken jewelry making to another level. Each piece is completely hand-made and hand-shipped which requires alot of effort and time on her part. She takes orders through her myspace and offers free shipping to customers in the United States! At times, she even gives customers the chance to place custom orders. But by far, the most popular designs are the iconic rib-cage and skeleton hand necklaces, both of which Amanda thought up with while sitting in bed one night {Odd Notes} Replications of these designs have been found all over.

Upon a road trip to Chicago at age 17, Amanda immediately fell in love with the city. The notoriety that the windy city has received as of late for their emerging music and fashion industry is something that Amanda saw during her first visit, prompting her move from Georgia.
Amanda is no stranger to internet celebrities. Her necklaces which run the gamut from hearts, kitties, sunglasses, skulls, shark teeth, crosses, diamonds, lightning bolts, to name a few...have been spotted on the likes of Audrey Kitching, Jac Vanek and Hanna Beth Merjos {Odd Notes}. The attention that her jewelry received as a result of the promoting work of these "scenesters" catapulted her art even further into the public eye.

So don't wear your heart on your sleeve...wear it around your neck.

-Alix