Auld Lang Shine
With a few more nights of Hanukkah to go and Christmas only days away, it’s hard to think about ringing and blinging in 2015. Procrastinators aside, the shopping is done, the baking is done, you’re exhausted. You deserve a treat. How about some to-die-for party duds for yours truly? There’s no better excuse than New Year’s Eve when it comes to getting decked out in your best metallics, LBDs, and deco-inspired jewels. Here are three great looks for saying goodbye to 2014 and kicking off 2015 with a bang! The only thing missing is a champagne toast!
Holly Golightly meets Zelda Fitzgerald in this sweet Lela Rose dress with gold Art Deco accessories. For an even more memorable look, add gloves and a bold red lip.
1. Lela Rose chevron-paneled dress / Net-a-porter
2. Diane von Furstenberg crystal evil eye clutch / Intermix
3. Sergio Rossi patent stiletto pump / Intermix
4. House of Harlow illuminating rectangle cuff / Revolve
5. Arme de L’Amour large cut-out earrings / Intermix
Soften an edgy leather look with vintage and boho accents like chandelier earrings or a beaded clutch. Style with simple textured waves and earth-tone makeup.
1. Zara faux leather dress / Zara
2. Anthropologie beaded lumen pouch / Anthropologie
3. Gianvito Rossi leather and PVC pumps / Net-a-porter
4. Erickson Beamon duchess of fabulous earrings / Shopbop
Go for broke and bring out all the bling. It’s easy to overdo, but if there was ever a night to get away with it, this is it. A matte metallic clutch is a great accessory to a glitzy dress.
1. Marc Jacobs embellished tulle dress / Net-a-porter
2. Anne-Grand Clement geometric triangle-embroidered zip pouch / Barneys
3. Zara jeweled leather heeled sandals / Zara
4. Melanie Auld black druzy dagger drop earrings / Anthropologie
5. Baublebar x Anthropologie fortuna bracelet / Anthropologie
White Elephant Gifts under $200
We’re in the gift-giving grind and we know you are too! But so much to do in so little time! Need some fun ideas for your upcoming white elephant party? From stocking stuffer steals to splurges, here’s an under-$200 mini gift guide for you:
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Marc Jacobs Don’t Panic Beanie, $88 / Gorjana Super Star Necklace, $80 /
Kate Spade Night Sky iPhone5/5S Case, $40 / NARS 3.1 Philip Lim Nail Polish in Hell Bent, $20 /
Tory Burch Gold-Plated Fitbit Case Bracelet, $195 / Rebecca Minkoff Star-studded Zip-off Leo Clutch, $89 /
Pinch Provisions for J. Crew Minimergency Kit, $18 / Eduardo Garza for West Elm Crystal Point Box, $40 /
imm Living Desert Aloe Jewelry Holder, $62 / Oscar De La Renta Hardcover Book, $125
Style files: South America
Trip planning already? If last winter is any indication of what this year has in store, then we think you have the right idea! Luckily, it’s high season for taking a trip down South (and we don’t mean Florida, though that’s a nice idea too!). As temperatures begin to drop up north, South America is kicking off summer. There’s more than enough to see, whether you choose a Brazilian cruise or an “around-the-horn” cruise from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso… or both if you have the time! (we wish). How about these duds for, say, a evening of Chilean wine tasting?
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Karla Colletto Reversible High Neck Monokini / Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress /
Proenza Schouler printed canvas tote / Tom Ford Rosie ivory and gold sunglasses /
Kenneth Jay Lane pave pyramid studs / Urban Decay eyeshadow in diamond dog /
Clare V. dot-print fold-over clutch / Givenchy Sara ankle-strap sandals
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LYCRA® moves you
Whether you love your Karla Colletto suit for its flattering fit and construction, its reliable high quality, or are simply in love with the design, one thing is certain: it just wouldn’t be the same without LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber. To support our longtime trade partner INVISTA’s new “LYCRA® MOVES YOU™” campaign, we thought we would dedicate a post to everything we love about LYCRA®. INVISTA did not ask us to write this. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our swimwear and believe that when our customers have all the right information, our high quality designs sell themselves. And we truly believe that our swimwear is made better with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber.
You may have already known that we import our fabrics from Italy, but you probably did not know that what we use is almost exclusively Sensitive® fabrics with a high LYCRA® content for the perfect blend of function and aesthetic. Here are some other great things to keep in mind next time you’re out swimsuit shopping:
CHLORINE RESISTANCE
86% of women use their swimsuits for recreational swimming, with another 21% using swimwear for exercise or competitive swimming. This means a lot of time spent in the pool (big surprise, we know) and exposing your swimsuit to chemicals like chlorine, which can break down elastane fibers faster. This can mean anything from color fading to a loss of recovery (a suit’s ability to return to its original shape after being stretched). Tests have shown that fabrics with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ retain at least 60% of their power 10 times longer than with non-chlorine resistant elastane. But please, remember to thoroughly wash out all chlorine in between wears for even longer-lasting results.
We’ve been told by synchronized swimming sensations, the Aqualillies, that after years and countless, sometimes back-to-back performances, our suits show no sign of deterioration compared with other brands. Coming from ladies who spend a lot of time in the water and probably wear more swimwear than any other kind of clothing, this means a lot.
UV RESISTANCE + PROTECTION
In addition to withstanding the damaging effects of chlorine, LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fibers hold up well against long-term exposure to harmful UV rays. LYCRA® fibers also show strong resistance to unsaturated fatty acids like sweat, lotions, and other skincare, all of which can lead to quicker break down of the suit.
Yes, it’s true that Sensitive® Fabrics filter the sun’s rays and provide UV protection with a rating of UPF 50+. However, exposing your skin for an extended period of time is dangerous idea and there is no fabric out there that can fully protect you from the sun’s rays. 83% of women already wear sunscreen while in a swimsuit and 82% reapply it at least once throughout the day. Of course, the chemicals in sunscreens can contribute to fiber breakage in your suit, but unless you’re spending all your time at an indoor pool or under shade 24/7, there is really no better alternative to sunscreen. That’s one reason we are sure to choose a fabric whose fibers can stand up well to these elements.
RECOVERY
The thing we love most about LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber is probably its excellent recovery. As with any stretch fabric, synthetic filament yarns can lose elasticity over time, and the damage is only sped up by exposure to harmful elements like those mentioned above: chlorine, lotions, sun, etc. “Bag and sag” is definitely the last thing women want when it comes to their swimwear.
77% of women expect their swimsuit to last for at least two full seasons, with 63% seeing their suits wear out before two full seasons. If having a suit that lasts is important to you, then identifying fabrics designed to withstand harmful elements is the key to your satisfaction.
A NOTE ON CARE
It’s important to keep in mind that your suit is not invincible and taking steps to clean and care for your swimsuit after exposure to sun, sweat, or lotions, is of equal importance when it comes to prolonging your suit’s life. Swimwear like ours, made with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber, is best if washed immediately in cool water, with a mild detergent (no bleach!), and then hang dried.
*source of statistical data: ICM Research via INVISTA
SPRING FEVER: Fashion week recap
We may have yet another brutal winter in store, but knowing what great things Spring fashion has to offer is of some comfort for sure. Here are just a few trends that caught our eye:
JAPONAISERIE
It seems appropriate and perhaps not so coincidental that oriental-inspired looks appeared all over S/S 15 runways… considering that the Met Costume Institute recently announced its 2015 exhibition, to be called “Chinese Whispers: Tales of the East in Art, Film, and Fashion.” This trend tends to recirculate every few years, so we say bring on those origami prints, kimono sleeves and obi belts (definitely the obi belts)! (Only in non-racist good taste, of course).
(from left: Carven, Gucci, Hervé Léger, Andrew Gn)
RED ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
It’s always exciting to see allover red looks on the runway, but we are especially loving this half-step down the color spectrum to red orange. If you’re going to eschew the spring florals then this is your ticket to statement dressing. This could literally stop traffic.
(from left: A.F. Vandevorst, Akris, Antonio Berardi, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi)
FLOWER CHILD
To paraphrase Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, florals for spring isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Not that the revival of 60s/70s hippie chic is terribly innovative either, but the combination of the two seemed like a popular theme this year. It’s a softer look for sure, but we could get on board with crochet dresses and fringed vests (fringe, always a favorite). The return of bellbottoms might take some more convincing… or maybe we’re extra excited about it.
(from left: Alberta Ferretti, Dries van Noten, Marchesa, Emilio Pucci)
JUNGLE FEVER
For lovers of jewel tones like us, the idea of darker shades like deep emerald is fabulous for spring. Fall/Winter collections showcased this hue quite a bit, but these looks move us more into ‘forest green’ territory, many even incorporating jungle-inspired details and prints.
(from left: 3.1 Philip Lim, Erdem, Tibi, Marni)
PLASTIC MAKES PERFECT
Save it for a rainy day. Transparent PVC details in jackets and tops are either an expression of futuristic fashion or a major upgrade for raingear. Or maybe both. Here at Karla Colletto, we love using less conventional materials like this to mix it up. Plus you can show off your outfit underneath (maybe a cute swimsuit too?)
(from left: Lisa Perry, MSGM, Osklen, Thom Browne)
Style files: Tahiti
Forget Oktoberfest, let’s go the South Pacific! Tahiti sounds nice… right before the rainy season and just in time for a pre-holidays detox. If you go in November, you could even get a good deal on cruises and airfare, not to mention a lighter crowd, though you might be in for rain as well. Believe us, if we could hop on a plane (or a boat) tomorrow, we would!
If you’re traveling to tropical places this month, what will you bring? This look is a great beach or pool outfit when paired with a wide-brimmed hat and thrown over a strapless Karla suit. With some minimal island-appropriate jewelry it can be a perfect ensemble for touring and dining on the mainland. You can even rock this dress into the evening–just update your jewelry, swish on some mascara, and swap out the sandals for some strappy heels.
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Karla Colletto Strapless Twist Bandeau / Mickey Lynn Crystal & Marquis earrings /
Oliver Peoples Marbled Square Emmy sunglasses / Diane von Furstenberg Annie washed silk maxi dress /
Chloe Marcie large shoulder bag / Melissa Odabash Laurianne wide-brimmed hat /
Ettika Hamsa layered necklace / Jules Smith slinky bracelet /
Sondra Roberts woven minaudiere / Marni ankle-strap gladiator sandals
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(photos via Tahiti Tourism North America)
Trunk shows coming up!
Don’t miss out on these upcoming events in the tri-state area!
The first one of the season kicks off in New York in just two weeks!
Whether you’re shopping for a winter getaway or just itching to try on your favorite piece from the Cruise 2015 collection, we always love to see you there!
Intimacy
Thursday, October 16 – Saturday, October 18
1252 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
Intimacy
Thursday, October 23 – Friday, October 24
1051 3rd Avenue
New York, NY
Great Shapes
Saturday, November 15
20 East Mount Pleasant Avenue
Livingston, NJ
Great Shapes
Saturday, December 6
190 Mineola Avenue
Roslyn Heights, NY
Shirley & Company
Friday, January 23
8120 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA
Shirley & Company
Saturday, January 24
42 Greenfield Avenue
Ardmore, PA
On Trend: Gingham
(from top, left to right: Altuzarra, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe, Bottega Veneta, Ashish, Sibling, Temperley London. All images from Style.com)
We’re just days away from October, which means our Gingham group will be shipping out soon! What great timing too, because judging by what we’ve seen on the runways, the Gingham trend is going to be big for Spring. Pink and blue, large and small, deconstructed and sequined… we spotted gingham prints in the collections of Oscar de la Renta, Altuzarra, Diane von Furstenberg, and others. What’s your favorite take on this classic?
View the rest of the Gingham group from the Cruise 2015 collection.
WINNER!
“Escándalo: A Cruise 2014 film by Karla Colletto”
Some exciting news in the world of fashion film festivals!
Remember our Cruise 2014 film “Escándalo”?
One year later and it’s still generating quite the international buzz!
The film was first nominated for Best Fashion Film and Best Makeup at The Berlin Fashion Film Festival in July. It was also shown as part of Miami’s Fashion Film Festival earlier this month and WON for Best Fashion Short! Just this past week, “Escándalo” was shown as a nomination for Best Film and Best Cinematography at the London Fashion Film Festival and WON for Best Editing at the Milan Fashion Film Festival!!
Watch the film here if you haven’t seen it! It’s gotten over 20K views on Vimeo/YouTube!
Great job to Dean Alexander Photography, Design Army, and the rest of our amazing team for this film!! Can’t wait to make another!
LUNGevity for Peter
As many of you may know, we recently suffered a loss in the Karla Colletto family. Peter Rovan, our dear friend and husband to co-founder Lisa, passed away on August 29, 2014 after a year-long battle with lung cancer.
Peter was one-of-a-kind. We will truly miss his charismatic spirit, his quirky sense of humor, and his carefree ability to live in the moment. We have received, on Lisa’s behalf, an outpouring of support from our friends and customers and we thank you all for your kindness and sympathy during this time.
Lung cancer is the top cancer killer, accounting for 14% of all new cancer diagnoses and 27% of all cancer deaths–approximately 160,000 lives per year. It is a devastating disease that can afflict anyone, regardless of smoking history, gender, or ethnicity. Currently, only 16% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive five years post-diagnosis, a percentage significantly lower than that for colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
Sadly, nothing can bring Peter back to us. To honor his memory and to make a difference in the future of lung cancer treatment, we encourage you to make a donation to the LUNGevity Foundation via Peter’s tribute fund page. The LUNGevity Foundation funds research to develop early detection methods and targeted therapies for lung cancer, advancements that could save lives.
Please follow to Peter’s Tribute Fund page to donate today!