I’m Bringin’ Sassy Bax…Yeah!
I was at a fashion event recently where a model strutted down the runway looking fabulous in a floor-length, flowing, strapless, silk chiffon gown. She was glowing, and that’s what was most important, but she also had a critical fashion faux pas: VPL (visible panty line, for those not in the know). It was unfortunate because VPL is completely avoidable and runway lighting is notoriously unforgiving. The dress kept bunching on the back of the model, so instead of a smooth silhouette, her underthings were creating a distraction.
Shaper Tank
Everyone has “le whoops” moments, but this time of year, when lightweight fabrics are commonplace (especially for formal occasions like weddings and showers), meet you new best friend: Sassybax. This line of seamless shapewear was developed for real bodies in 2004 by Amanda Horan Kennedy. It’s debut piece was a seamless bra inspired by control top pantyhose. And let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room—yes, Sassybax is like Spanx; like the friemy of Spanx. The pieces, however, have unique designs and benefits. Click here to explore more of each facet of the line: body shapers, bras, panties, legwear, and apparel. Sassybax is available in Newport and Portsmouth at Deborah Winthrop Fine Lingerie stores and directly online at www.sassybax.com. I have not tried Sassybax just yet to compare it to other shapewear lines, but am looking forward to it!
Milly, Milly, Fresh & Frilly
I have long had an affinity for Milly, which you may already know as I interviewed designer Michelle Smith (read it here) on the eve of her New York Fashion Week show. Why my admiration? Smith’s designs epitomize femininity with bold colors, smart silhouettes and timeless style (read: not trendy, but enduring). As I’ve noted before, it’s no wonder 
Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Beyoncé clad themselves in Milly.
But there’s a price to pay for quality and craftsmanship, which is why a Milly dress might run $275-$550 (unless you score it on sale—like I have at one of the Kristina Richards blowouts). That’s why I’m psyched about the new Milly/Banana Republic collaboration. The limited-edition Milly for Banana Republic Collection — inspired by summertime in the Hamptons (or Newport, if you ask me…) — features over 60 pieces for men and women including maxi-dresses, cocktail dresses, tops, skirts, scarves, handbags, totes, clutches and accessories. Womens clothing ranges from $45 – $165 and if you subscribe to BR’s e-blasts, then you likely receive a coupon/discount offer at least once a week for added savings.
So, if you’ve been wondering why the BR windows at the corner of Thames and Touro Streets have been so colorful lately, consider yourself officially in the know.
Sew Fabulous! Au Courant Returns
It’s always a treat when the stars of StyleWeek head to the City-by-the-Sea—especially for an extraordinary cause” Child & Family. On Friday, June 28, 2013 from 6-11 p.m., StyleWeek returns to Ochre Court with a runway show featuring debut pieces (read: wearable art) by:
Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to discuss fashion trends with and purchase one-of-a-kind designs. A live and silent auction includes enviable experiences like lunch with the lovable dandy doyenne of fashion himself, Tim Gunn.
Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, killer ocean views and fabulous fashionable friends. Tickets start at $100 and can be bought by clicking here.
It’s in the Bag
They say a woman can never have too many shoes, and while I’ll agree, a closet full of kicks is fun, I’m much more of a handbag connoisseur. From night-on-the-town clutches to over-sized canvas totes; lusted over lux lines to quirky Esty finds, I find bags irresistible, and I’m not the only one.
Hillary Clinton has been a First Lady, presidential candidate and Secretary of State, but according to an article in Harper’s Bazaar magazine, staffers say nothing makes her happier than a good handbag. Clinton says:
“I think [handbags] could be either a great divider or uniter,” she replies. “I’m on the uniter side. I think no one should make fun of anyone else’s handbag choices … I think we should be united in our support of one another, because [handbags are] like a deep psychological need. It’s a desire to kind of organize and contain that which is important to you in your daily life. I have a philosophical view about this, and I have this Ferragamo hot-pink bag that I adore. My view was that I would carry it around only in spring, but it makes me so happy, I’m even now lugging it around in January. I mean, how can you be unhappy if you pick up a big pink bag?“ (See said Ferragamo bag at above)
I’m loving bags I’m seeing around town, including the ones featured int his post all from Aqua Boutique on lower Thames Street. Aqua just opened a sister store, Salt, in historic Tiverton Four Corners, so if you’re up for a peaceful drive and want to pick up more than just delicious roadside stand foodstuffs, pop into Salt for some new treasures. (Union Jack bags below, $78.)
Meet the Designer: Ruchika Singh of RÜCH
I was first introduced to RÜCH by fabulous Boston Based stylist Christina Pierce. It’s a relatively new line, launched in 2010, that merges classic and contemporary design. Mostly comprised of cocktail dresses, it makes sense that the collection is posh but not pretentious. Designer Ruchika Singh is a former investment banker who believes “luxury should not be the privilege of a few but an experience for all.” A girl after my own heart!
So I was delighted when Christina told me Stalise in Portsmouth was carrying a select number of pieces by RÜCH. Sophistication, simplicity and sensuality are the hallmark of this colorful line that includes tops and jackets as well. Stop in Stalise at Clock Tower Square to check it out!
Sara Campbell Sets the Tone for Summer
Since settling into Newport just two years ago, the Sara Campbell shop has earned a loyal following, and it’s no surprise why. Smart silhouettes, detailed craftsmanship, timeless appeal– it’s no wonder this Boston-based designer has made a name for herself. Though not inexpensive (dresses can range from around $178-$445, tops $118 and up, etc.) her pieces are the kind you’ll have for ages. Sara has two teenage daughters, so it makes sense her pieces transcend age. Pictured here are just some her new spring and summer designs. The yellow dress up top I simply adore–just add a yellow pillbox hat and you could see Jackie O in it, but at the same time, it’s thoroughly modern.
Pop into the Newport boutique at 115 Bellevue Avenue if you haven’t since it reopened in April, or visit http://www.saracampbell.com to view recent collections. Locations also in Boston, Nantucket, throughout MA, CT and more. CLICK HERE for more. Follow the Newport boutique on Facebook for events, new arrivals and more!
Above photo courtesy the Sara Campbell blog
Obsessed: Sperry Tuckerfish Thong Sandal
Flip flops are like socks: over the years, you tend to acquire quite a few pairs–good quality ones, old favorites, and cheapies, like the ones you buy for a $1 when you get a fresh pedicure and forgot to BYO flippies. They’re also like socks because it’s not uncommon for one of the pair to go missing. How? The question is never answered, but it does give us an excuse to invest in a new pair.
As I was walking past Helly Hansen last week, I stopped in my tracks after spotting the Women’s Tuckerfish Thong Sandal by Sperry in the window. Classic braided nautical rope detail with Wave Siping™ technology that provides ultimate wet/dry traction make it the perfect pair to wear to a lobster bake, out sailing, to the beach, or bumming around town. The Sperry Women’s Tuckerfish Thong Sandal retails for $50 and rope colors come in black, white (as shown), navy, red, neon green, neon blue and neon salmon. (BTW: this is a new shoe, and it seems to cost $50 across the board, even online at Zappos, Peltz, Polyvore, etc., so if you’re going to pick them up, buy local.)
