Posts tagged ‘Newport’
Body & Soul: Global Wellness Day
- Rooftop Yoga (8:00 AM) – Practice yoga on the rooftop of Vanderbilt Grace with the fabulous Meredith Nordhem Ewenson
- Balance Before Burnout Wellness Workshop (9:30am) – An hour and a half class offered at Vanderbilt Grace with Melissa Kitchen
- King Park Wellington Paddle around Goat Island (10am) – Offered at leisure by Newport SUPper Club
- Creative Dance for Children (11:30am) – 45 minute dance class for children at Vanderbilt Grace with Revka Hovermale
- Balance Before Burnout Wellness Workshop (2pm) – An hour and a half class offered at Vanderbilt Grace with Melissa Kitchen
- Organic Wine & Cheese Tasting (4-7pm) – Presented by Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet . Stop in and try some of the best clean wines and cheeses!
- Rooftop Yoga (11pm) – Vanderbilt Grace will offer yoga on the roof and bubbles to close the day with Meredith Nordhem Swenson
It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World
It’s not often you find a bath and body specialty shop with an idyllic blend of well-known luxury brands alongside tomorrow’s next “must haves,” and it’s especially rare for a shop to offer such a diverse range for men’s grooming . That’s one of the best things about Soap + Water on Newport’s famed Bowen’s Wharf: the unique mix of finds all with the two common denominators—high quality and easily accessible.
One of the best known lines they carry for the well-groomed male is Jack Black, offering advanced skin care including shaving creams, moisturizers, grooming sets, cleansers, anti-aging, hair care and body care. As we’ve just jumped into the beginning of “Movember,” right now is the perfect time for Jack Black Beard Lube, a pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner all in one that penetrates whiskers to soften even the toughest beard. Macadamia nut oil and jojoba oil work below the surface of the skin to soften 
new whisker growth and minimize irritation—ideal for guys who are tenured manscapers as well as the rookie goatee or moustache grower. (It’s a great gift for friends and family of “Newport Muzzy” participants to show your support—and to show that the philanthropic endeavor doesn’t mean grooming goes out the window.) Jack Black’s MP 10® Nourishing Oil helps tame facial hair flyaways and moisturize the skin underneath.
When it’s time to bid adieu to the new beard (or simply give it a good grooming), Italian-imported Poraso Shaving Cream, a “concentrated, creamy soap which brings to mind classic barber shops (especially the Italian variety) with its tingly sensation and old-school packaging.”
But perhaps one of the most interesting brands at Soap + Water for men is Truefitt & Hill. Named after the oldest barbershop in the world (certified by Guinness Book of World Records) which was established in 1805, today the brand is known for the highest quality luxury grooming items for gentlemen: aftershaves, colognes, shaving accessories and hair products. Considering its royal roots (founder William Francis Truefitt established himself as “Court Hair Cutter” and “Court Head Dresser” and Wigmaker by Royal Appointment to His Majesty, King George III), it’s no surprise Truefitt & Hill products are so highly praised and coveted—and in demand at Soap + Water.
And to complete a fresh face, there’s what might the world’s most “contemporary” toothpaste by Marvis. People who use Marvis tend to become voracious loyalists to the brand (seriously, check out the reviews). Made in Italy and decidedly stronger than American toothpaste brands, there are five “Masterpieces of taste” by Marvis currently (and exclusively in Newport) at Soap + Water.
Only seven more shopping days til Christmas (just sayin’)!
Find Soap + Water at 16 Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, on Facebook and online web-store here.
This post was sponsored by Soap + Water Newport. All opinions expressed are independent and my own.
Inspired by Celeb Style: Fabulous & Flattering Winter Outerwear and Accessories
I brought some fabulous and flattering winter outerwear and accessories to The Rhode Show this morning to show staying warm in the cold doesn’t mean you have to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The best thing about sporty puffer jackets, a favorite of celebs, is that you can find all different variations: some with belts and spiffy hardware, others with faux-fur trimmed hoods (check out Reese Witherspoon above, and sexy Sofia Vergara below left), and some that are lightweight but that will keep you just as warm thanks to innovative fabric technology–and all at a wide range of price points. They’re perfect for ice skating at Newport Skating Center (check GoNewport.com for details!) or on local ponds, for walks to keep up that New Year’s resolution or just when you want to be about in about if comfy clothes but look put together at the same time.
You’ll be warm and chic in this Michael by Michael Kors puffer style down coat. Note the quilting detail, the long sleeves with ribbed knit cuffs, eye-catching gold zipper closure and symmetrical pockets with gold button detail. Similar styles have been seen on a ton of celebrities including Reese and Sofia (pictured) as well as Jennifer Aniston, Leighton Meester and more. I found this one at TJ Maxx on clearance for $59.
For a much trimmer, practically feather-like version that just as if not more warm, 
check out this ultra-light 650 fill goose down coat by nau. The unique quilting, slim shaped cut that accentuates the waistline and tailored fit chevron quilting that slims the body, it’s actually called the “Cocoon Trench” because it wears more like a cocoon than a jacket. Sarah Jessica Parker (right) was spotted in one very similar taking the kids to school in NYC. $300, from Potter & Co., 172 Thames Street, Newport.
I wanted to bring a much lighter jacket for when it’s unseasonably warm like it has been this 
winter, and what better than this funky Bench BBQ jacket as worn by none other than Lady Gaga (and Fergie, Anna Lynne McCord and more). It’s has a roll out hood, 6″ zipper sleeve vents, all-over screen print and bright pink embroidery. Just $125, from Island Outfitters, 473 Thames Street, Newport (and additional locations in Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Connecticut).
I didn’t forget the men, and I showed this awesome Commuter Signature Active-Cotton Hooded Jacket by Bench. It has multiple pockets, plus a high collar to block wind with ribbed knit trim on the cuffs, hem, and collar. $179 from Island Outfitters, 473 Thames Street, Newport.
This is a new take on the old Ugg. The Bailey Button can reach over-the-knee height or have a more traditional mid-calf height with the flexible convertible 
shearling cuff. The same boot was seen on Vanessa Hudgens and similar styles on Sienna Miller and Eva Longoria. Regularly $350, on sale for $262 at Sole Desire, 131 Swinburne Row in Newport’s Brick Market Place.
Love this hat and scarf by Swedish company Holebrook. Island Outfitters in Newport is the only U.S. retailers of the brand. Couldn’t you see Prince William wearing this scarf? They’re 100% cotton and super soft.
Texting, Tweeting, Word with Friends—it’s nearly impossible to do it all with gloves on, but new touch screen 
gloves are changing all that. The North Face has these Etip gloves that the crew at Island Outfitters says are flying off the shelves. $40. I also love these decidedly low-tech, fingerless knit versions by Pistil from Potter & Co. are super sweet and just $26. Pair it with a matching crisp, white knit brim hat.
(oh, and if any was wondering, I’m wearing Newport’s own CK Bradley!)
Action! Fall Fashion on the Silver Screen Highlighted in RI Style Magazine
Challenge: Pair local looks from Rhode Island boutiques with the fashion found in this fall’s film line up.
When my editor in Portland assigned the piece back in July, I quickly started researching fall movies with eye-catching wardrobes. After all, as the opener sa
ys, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, Kate Winslet in Titanic—in some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, the fashion has been as memorable (and in some cases, iconic) as the movie itself. You can get a better look at the issue by liking its Facebook page here, or picking it up on newsstands, but here’s the abridged version:
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo A metallic jacquard bustier dress by Tibi from ZuZu’s Petals (Cranston & Providence)
Footloose I’m sure the remake is great, but for this one I channeled the original, choosing a bold, one shoulder Amber dress by Kara Janx from Chace N’Lulu, Newport (ps: now through Sunday, all dresses are 30% off at Chace N’ Lulu!)
Higher Ground For film adaptation of Carolyn S. Briggs’ autobiography, I picked an Aryn K. studded sleeve Ikat maxi dress from Queen of Hearts (Providence)
I Don’t Know How She Does It So it wasn’t exactly the blockbuster the studio was hoping for, but for the mommy-meets-mogul character, it’s all about this ruffled shirt dress with a sexy slit from White House Black Market (Cranston)
Wanderlust For this power couple meets flower power pic, the clear choice was global tunics from Rib & Rhein, Newport
One on One with Designer Amy Smilovic of Tibi
Although Tibi’s flagship store is located on Wooster Street in New York City’s Soho neighborhood, the line has an effervescent appeal that complements the Newport lifestyle. 
When I learned designer Amy Smilovic (left) grew up on a small island off the coast of Georgia, it made sense that Tibi seems right at home in the City-by-the-Sea (where she hopes to visit). So I interviewed the designer of this much loved line, and here’s what Amy had to say:
How would you describe the Tibi aesthetic? Tibi has been going through a transformation for the past few seasons. We’re working with new silhouettes and fabrications, while remaining true to certain aspects of the brand: undeniable-pops of color, a mix of masculine and feminine and effortless dressing. The Tibi girl (or woman) is someone who wants to have fun. Clothing, of course, serves a very basic function, but beyond that it’s about feeling great in what you wear.
What inspires your design in general, and what is the inspiration behind your Spring/Summer 2011 collection? For me, inspiration can come from anywhere—much of the time it’s travel. When I started the line in Hong Kong, I was 
inspired by the juxtaposition of all the Balinese artisans, locals and the ex-pats. Other past collections have stemmed from trips to Palm Beach, Russia, Paris—anywhere. It’s not just travel though; I’m constantly flipping through books, looking at photography, drawings, paintings and watching old films.
Tibi is well known for feminine silhouettes, bright colors, rich prints—pieces that make women look beautiful. Would you describe your work as a celebration of the female form? I love that idea—to celebrate the female form, but I don’t necessarily approach designing that way. When I hear that phrase, I think of some someone like Oscar de la Renta. I focus on making Tibi chic, feminine and wearable with a hint of coolness and edge.
Olivia Palermo (pictured above) is the face for Tibi’s new ad campaign—clearly she’s beautiful and possesses a keen sense of personal style; h
ow do you feel she personifies the Tibi brand? I love the way Olivia embraces personal style–she really mixes and matches brands, always has amazing accessories and understands fit and proportion so well. That’s the way I think a lot of our customers approach dressing, mixing Tibi pieces in with their closet classics and feeling great about the way they look.
What can we find you wearing on a comfortable, relaxed Saturday afternoon? I have a pair of Tibi pants from our last Resort collection, they’re cropped jersey, a loose fit with suede cuffs and waistband. They’re deliciously comfortable but still look put-together. Those and a cropped, loose knit sweater or ¾ sleeve boatneck tee.
Images courtesy of Tibi
One on One With Designer Rebecca Taylor
Maybe it’s the subtle scent of spring in the air, or the vivid yellow daffodils peppered throughout Newport, or perhaps it’s the anticipation of a fresh-faced bride about to walk down the aisle with the eyes of the world on 
her, but there’s an ode to feminine dressing that’s palpable of late. I’ve always admired designer Rebecca Taylor’s take on creating for the female form—she always seems to fuse a hip, unexpected twist into each carefully crafted piece; this California girl meets disco diva vibe. I caught up with the designer, asking five simple questions to find out her take on the much-loved line.
1. How would you describe the Rebecca Taylor aesthetic? The Rebecca Taylor aesthetic is modern, feminine and flirty. It’s pretty but with a downtown cool. It’s perfect balance between urban and glamour.
2. What inspires your design in general, and what is the inspiration behind your Spring/Summer 2011 collection? I am inspired by books, movies, art, people on the street … There are many things that inspire me on a daily basis. This spring, I really started off with a girl in my mind. She’s the 70’s Charl
ie perfume girl. It’s everything that’s great about classic American Sportswear. Neat high-wasted pants, mirrored color evening gowns, and sheer pleated skirts. I’m in love with clean, fresh and modern.
3. Rebecca Taylor is well known for feminine silhouettes, bright colors, rich prints—pieces that make women look beautiful. Would you describe your work as a celebration of the female form? I design clothes that are wearable. I want women to feel confident and beautiful when they wear Rebecca Taylor.
4. What can we find you wearing on a comfortable, relaxed Saturday afternoon? My Italian army pants, our striped tee and our glitter ballet flats … for a bit of sparkle!
5. Finally, have you ever been to Newport? I have never been to Rhode Island, but I have heard Newport is a beautiful beach town. I will have to get there one of these days…
For shops that carry Rebecca Taylor near you, click here.
Spring Cleaning: Time to Donate & Consign
You won’t usually find me doling out unsolicited advice here, but I spoke at the Southern New England Women’s Expo over the weekend for a seminar titled, Five Fast Tips to Your Best Dressed Self. I wasn’t asked any questions about the talk, but was asked about a dozen times what I was wearing, which is pictured here. It’s the appropriately named ‘Newport Rope’ Gilchrist shirtdress by J. McLaughlin.
The timing for the topic was actually perfect because spring is the best excuse to take a long look at the closet and edit, edit, edit. Call a worthy organization, like Big Sisters of Rhode Island, and schedule pick up for added motivation. Looking for a little extra cash? Consign pieces in near-perfect condition and be sure to donate or give away pieces not taken by the shop—nothing comes back home. Closet cleaning can be daunting—invite a friend over for some added help.*
*works best with wine.
(oh, I included the Five Tips after the jump. Hit more to check them out)
