Posts tagged ‘Newport ri style’
Pierre Cardin: A Gala Celebration in Newport
On Saturday, June 17, Newport was graced with a one of kind event celebrating famed fashion designer, Pierre Cardin. The 94-year-old impresario personally curated a collection of more than 80 pieces showcasing his 70-year career that graced the runway at The Breakers, the famed “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt family—a legendary venue for a legendary talent. Regrettably, Monsieur Cardin was not well enough to make the trip, but the show went on and his nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati, and his head of haute couture, Maryse Gaspard, were on hand to share M. Cardin’s best wishes to the audience of 250.
I was able to spend the afternoon with Rodrigo and Maryse as well as Matthew Gonder, the headliner at Cardin’s Maxim’s restaurant in Paris and the event’s emcee. Also joining us was Richard Raczynski and Dominique Raczynski from the House of Cardin (like Maryse, the couple have been with the designer for decades). We discussed Cardin’s prolific career, his broad spectrum of design inspiration (everything from vintage cars to the moon landing to science and technology has motivated him) and his penchant for always creating on his terms. Cardin took orders from nobody it seems, and while eschewing design trends and even sometimes considered a wild card (he had the audacity to introduce a ready to wear collection in 1959 as he felt designer clothes should be more accessible), the industry that once criticized him eventually honored designer with many prestigious award, chief among them the trio of Golden Thimbles (fashion’s answer to the Academy Awards).
As we walked through the leave-behind exhibit at Rosecliff, “Pierre Cardin: 70 Years of 
Innovation,” I learned more about the designer, who was the son of Italian immigrants and raised in St. Etienne, France. By 17, he was a tailor and moved to Paris. Soon he became an assistant to none other than Christian Dior and after three years, launched his own line. Earlier in his career he made costumes for Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film la Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), and later in his career created his own theater in Paris, l’Espace (and eventually, bought Maxim’s). The exhibit, a celebration of Cardin’s bold, avant-garde and forward thinking approach, features 42 pieces including 1960s space-age looks from the Cosmocorps collection, unisex jumpsuits created for the 1972 Olympics, and the technologically advanced Cardine dress, made of thermo-formed fabric that was worn by Lauren Bacall in 1968. It will be on display at Rosecliff through the end of the year.
We were lucky enough to be connected by phone to Cardin, who expressed his deep regret for not being able to attend the Newport gala. Our small gathering of media then engaged in a question and answer session which led to thoughtful discussion on the exhibit, the show, and Cardin’s legacy. Without further ado, here’s a smattering of images from the event:
Photos: JP Yim/Getty Images for the Preservation Society of Newport County
Namaste in the Neighborhood at The Attwater
Summer officially starts on Wednesday, and there’s no better place to savor the season of sun and fun, sailing and celebrating, and the spoils of the sea than here in Newport. While it’s the best time of year to relax and unwind, social schedules do indeed get hectic, so setting apart some time to be mindful, thankful and appreciate life in the moment and all the beauty that surrounds us here on Aquidneck Island is imperative.
I was reminded of how blissful if feels after yoga recently when I was able to practice with trees swaying in the breeze overhead and fluffy white cloud sauntering across the sky on the back deck of The Attwater. The boutique hotel on Liberty Street (steps from the Newport Art Museum) is known for its chic coastal meets contemporary interior design, the deck is spacious and secluded, and though just a stone’s throw from Bellevue Avenue, you’d never know you’re in the heart of Historic Hill.
Getting our “om” on…
On the third Thursday of each month, The Attwater opens its doors to the community for yoga from 6pm – 7pm, followed by an hour-long pop-up shop featuring local makers in The Attwater Café. Not very flexible? Yoga is a challenge for you? No worries – that’s why yoga is always called a “practice,” and besides, The Attwater’s Vinyasa-style yoga classes are taught by the AWESOME Emily Moyer (pictured at top) from Newport’s Community Yoga Center for WellnessNewport’s Community Yoga Center for Wellness, who walks you through each pose with gentle encouragement.
Cost: $20 per class for hotel and community guests. Classes are limited to 8 participants, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or can be paid in cash to Emily upon arrival. Enjoy your post-yoga
bliss with a complimentary seasonal smoothie made by The Attwater team. Guests are asked to bring their own yoga mat, but the instructor will have a few extra on hand as well.
The monthly public class dates and pop-up partners are:
- Thursday, June 15: Farmaesthetics
- Thursday July 20: Balance on Thames
- Thursday, August 17: Gather Apothecary + Tea Bar
- Thursday, September 21: Newport Sea Foam Trading Co.
The weekly yoga series will continue through September 29. Namaste.
PS: I posted some fun pics from the inaugural yoga session at The Attwater on my Instastories at @newportstyle!
One on One with Sips & Style’s Jill Marinelli
On Wednesday, April 26, personal stylist Jill Marinelli and beauty expert Kirsten Brusse brings Sips & Style, their fashion, beauty and skin care event to our neck of the woods. With a passion that lives at the intersection of personal development and image, Jill 
(pictured at top, right) helps women find beauty in the bodies they inhabit as well as the clothes that will reflect that beauty. Clients call the experience “life-changing, exhilarating, and uplifting.” I sat down with Jill to get a sneak peek at what to expect and to chat about upcoming summer trends:
Sips & Style has earned a reputation for being a fun girls’ night out, but also a helpful session for women of all ages. Why do you think it’s been such a hit in Providence?
I love this event because it’s casual and relaxed – it has always felt like we are just hanging out with our girlfriends, sharing our secrets. And we are! We give it to our audiences straight – we’ll tell you our favorites for the season, what’s worth a splurge (or not!), and where to find it.
And now you’re headed to our area?
Yes! We are now in our 6th season and so excited to have expanded into Newport. Newport Vineyards is hosting us in their gorgeous new space, and we have also partnered with one of the City by the Sea’s best boutiques, Pink Pineapple, who will be providing some of our fabulous giveaways!
It’s safe to say Newporters are excited for the warmer weather. What are some trends you see headed our way this summer?
Pom poms, tassels, beads, and stones! The more colorful, the better. The trend is colorful and playful; almost childlike, which is why I recommend wearing it in small doses. A necklace here, a top there, but not head to toe whimsy. These sandals are a perfect visual example of this trend.
Also, off the shoulder and “cold shoulder” tops are huge and everywhere this summer 
and I’m seeing a lot of patchwork denim and “step-hem” denim (shorter in front, longer in back).
Here’s the Sips & Style scoop:
Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Venue: Newport Vineyards
Tickets: CLICK HERE
And if you’re booked on April 26, the Providence event will take place Thursday, April 27 at Gasbarro’s Wines.
Jill is a personal stylist and style correspondent for CBS Providence’s The Rhode Show. Focusing on body image, the power of personal style, and social science research, she teaches her audiences and clients how to look great, project confidence, and ultimately change their lives through their look.
She has created workshops for organizations including Lifespan, Swarovski, Fidelity, General Growth Properties and the Bryant University Women’s Summit. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Psychology Today, Lucky, CBS Providence’s The Rhode Show and FOX Boston’s Morning News, among others. Jill has styled the wardrobe for NBC’s The Biggest Loser finalist Elizabeth Ruiz, Alex and Ani print ads, Rhode Island Monthly and more.
5 Fantastic “Wear Right Now” Pieces from J. McLaughlin (including my favorite) – And All On Sale
I knew it as soon as I saw it: the Betts Dress from J. McLaughlin would be the perfect winter staple. Classic A-line silhouette, knee-length and long sleeved—it was altogether elegant but with an eye-catching vegan leather collar and gold buttons complemented by sleek side welt pockets. It’s so very Claire Underwood. I wore it on this
episode of The Rhode Show and featured it on this episode. And the reason there’s not a link to the dress on this post is because it’s not even available online any longer. There’s some good news for Newport locals though- there are a few left in various sizes at the Newport J. McLaughlin on Bellevue, and marked nearly 50% off at $109.)
So the Winter Sale at JMcL is in full swing with 50% off hundreds of pieces. Four of my other favs right now:
The Elm Skirt ( pictured a top)is a textured jacquard pencil skirt with rich pattern of red, black and gray on winter white. Flattering and fabulous, the skirt is a statement piece that pairs best with a simple solid (likely already in your wardrobe) and is built to last. Originally $189, now $89.90.
Lila Wrap Dress
Not even DVF knew when she invented the wrap dress, the style would be one of the most enduring in women’s fashion. The Lila Wrap Dress in Pop Arcadia (this one: black and off-white) features a v-neckline with point collar, ¾ length sleeves, self-tie belt in reverse color pattern, and most of all, is made from J. McLaughlin’s signature (and super comfy) Catalina Cloth. Though part of the fall collection, this can easily be worn any time of year. Was $225, now $109.90.
I love pieces you can wear the whole year through. They’re more practical and offer much more bang for the buck. Stripes and Newport go together like peas and carrots (viva la Forrest and Jen-nay!). The Campus Sweater in wide stripes of taupe and off white is as perfect for now as it will be on a crisp summer night. Was $198, now $89.90.
The Casey Dress in Mayan Paisley (below) is brilliantly designed to be super flattering. The top half features an angular pattern that skews to the smallest part of the natural waist, while the bottom half sports an art deco-esque pattern that is timeless. Another piece made with JMcL’s Catalina Cloth (and with hidden pockets), this dress is a traveler’s dream. Was $225, now $109.90.
J. McLaughlin in Newport is located at 180 Bellevue Avenue. Happy shopping!
Fall Fashion Series: Feminine Fancies
Welcome to installment number two! The October issue of The Bay Magazine, on newsstands now, features my cover story on fall fashion. See below for a feature on Newport’s own Pink Pineapple. I’ll continue to share these fall fashion features in the coming days. For the complete story, pick up The Bay this month or CLICK HERE.As the owner of Feminine Fancies, Barrington’s leading fashion boutique for women for more than 30 years, Elaine Felag has seen it all, but as the saying goes, fashions come and go, but style is forever. “Longer length is making a comeback in dresses, which looks so chic, sophisticated and glamorous
,” says Elaine. Look for interesting fabrics, like crushed velvet, which she is seeing on pieces in black, brown and varying shades of berry with beautiful embellishments. Sweaters, which she says are one of her most in-demand pieces this season, are showing up in warm colors and many with sequins for added bling. (Sequin is also finding its way to jackets this fall, she adds.) Grab-and-go pieces, she says, like tunics and wraps, are decidedly contemporary with fur and fringe edging. “They even look great with jeans!” Speaking of jeans, boot cut denim this season seems all the rage. “[It’s] very ‘70s, as disco makes a comeback,” she notes. Many are embellished; some are distressed. An alternative to jeans, leggings are nothing new but Feminine Fancies stocks the comfortable pant, and similar ponte pants, in new, fresh styles. In the boardroom, Elaine sees inspired blouses in beautiful colors leading the way, most notably in teals, purples and burgundy hues. “Looks great with pencil skirts for an updated work setting,” she notes.
When it comes to outerwear, Elaine says military style coats, including bomber jackets, remain strong, while printed patterns, like oversized plaids, are hot. “My personal favorite is the new plaid in winter white, greens and gray, and the oversized coat – very chic!” But a new season doesn’t mean an entire new wardrobe. “I feel like you can have on the oldest outfit but top it off with a fabulous coat and you’ll catch everyone’s eye!” she declares. Footwear is also a throwback with the return of the chunky heel as seen in shoes and boots, but this time around in leopard print, suede and embroidered velvets. And when it comes to bags, you’ll see plenty of cross-body and box shapes in leathers, suede and animal prints with mixed metal. “Have fun this fall,” she insists. “Live a little and dress well!”
Feminine Fancies
290 County Road, Barrington.
401-247-1087
FeminineFanciesRI.com
For more on local shopping, dining and arts and culture, pick up a cop of The Bay Magazine at area retails and CLICK HERE for online reading.
Fall Fashion: Local Boutique Owners Talk Seasonal Looks
The October issue of The Bay Magazine, on newsstands now, features my cover story on fall fashion. I was delighted to highlight some fantastic local shop owners on what they see rising as the hottest fall trends. I’ll be sharing these in the coming days. For the complete story, pick up The Bay this month or CLICK HERE.
First up is one of Newport’s (and beyond) most loved boutiques: The Pink Pineapple. By Andrea E. McHugh | Photo above by Force 4 Photography
Pink Pineapple, with locations in Wakefield and Newport, has a cult-like following. Their Instagram account alone (@pinkpineappleshop) has nearly 27,000 followers, if that’s any indication. With a well-considered collection of cashmere, casual tops and bottoms, cocktail dresses and accessories, one might feel like you’re walking into your dream closet at the stores.
While a stalwart for preppy and nautical looks in the summer, The Pink Pineapple hits its stride this time of year. “We are obsessed with 
the fall color combos; they’re beautiful,” gushes Kristin May, manager and buyer for The Pink Pineapple. Kristin points to emerald green and cranberry tones as some of the strongest. The shop has already seen their stock of off-the-shoulder tops fly off the shelves, perhaps because the look perfectly complements the transitional temperatures throughout New
England this time of year. And there’s another reason: “They are really flattering on pretty much every body type,” she adds. Another well-received top there is one with a halter neckline and ultra-feminine scallop hemmed sides. As it gets cooler, Kristin says the nearly knee-length chunky sweaters return, this time with embedded paisley patterns and in subtle color combinations like camel and charcoal.
When dressing up, Kristin says one trend will absolutely be hot: long sleeves. “And 
bell sleeves are going to be huge!” When it comes to accessories, Kristin has already seen high demand for one of the season’s most talked about trends: chokers. “We predicted it was going to happen so we stocked up this summer and people are going so crazy; it’s unbelievable. That is going to be the ‘it’ necklace.” The trend was also hot in the ‘90s but the updated version is softer with a single strand around the neck and a longer piece that hangs to the décolletage to create a layered look.
Classic felt floppy hats polish off any look, and when looking for a simple but sophisticated go-to, Pink Pineapple’s signature cashmere is a girl’s best friend. “It’s a great basic,” say Kristin. “People come back again and again for it.” Paired with skinny jeans or leggings and cute booties? Congratulations; you’re the best-dressed mom at school drop off.
Pink Pineapple
380 Thames Street, Newport.
401-849-818
PinkPineappleShop.com
Embedded photos: Pink Pinapple
For more on local shopping, dining and arts and culture, pick up a cop of The Bay Magazine at area retails and CLICK HERE for online reading.
Off the Ropes: Meet Sailormade
Nautical style and Newport go hand in hand, so when I was first introduced to Sailormade, a nautical accessory line inspired by life in, on, and around the water, I knew it would be a perfect fit in the City by the Sea. Originally launched in 2011, Sailormade is now headquartered in Boston and the entire line of leather and nautical rope bracelets and leather belts for men and women are made in the USA. As the founders say:
Wearing Sailormade’s Cargo belt featuring the authentic No.2 snap hook.
“The essence of Sailormade is our collective connection to the water… Whether you’re into SUP, kite boarding, sailing, kayaking, swimming or just sitting on the beach staring out at the sea, you know water is part of your DNA. It’s the place that takes you exactly as you are but always leaves you somehow changed…for the better.”
The Brummel Hook clasp is the cornerstone of all Sailormade bracelet designs. Also known as the Inglefield Clip and the Sister Hook, the design dates back to the early 1890s and has been traditionally used to secure lines, sheets and signal flag halyards so that the flag can be hoisted. Sailormade’s Brummel Hook clasps come in solid brass, dark or powder Rhodium, rose gold, or stainless silver finish.
Sailormade’s leather bracelets are each carefully hand-braided while the nylon bracelets can withstand the harshest elements. I’ve been asked repeatedly about The Endeavor single twisted marine rope bracelet with the brass Brummel Hook I’ve been sporting this summer,
which is available at Style Newport on Thames Street.
Another new wardrobe staple of mine: the Sailormade Cargo belt (at left). Made with supple vegetable-dyed saddle leather and finished with a solid brass custom natural brass snap hook, the belt is undeniably nautical (by nature) with its No.2 snap hook.
The Coral Collection also merges rope detailing and cuff designs, rings and necklaces.
Check out the entire line here: sailormadeusa.com
See an purchase select Sailormade pieces at Style Newport located at 306 Thames Street in Newport and the whole collection at sailormadeusa.com. (Enter your email and receive and email for 15% off!)
