Olivia Palermo's Style Blog and Website

Matthew Williamson & Benefit ‘The Rich is Back’ Collaboration Kit

Sarah Bertness — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:45:51 +0000

- By Sarah Bertness -

What happens when London-based pop-print perfectionist Matthew Williamson and San Francisco beauty magicians Benefit take a trip back to the disco days? Things get bold, sparkly and utterly covetable.

For the past few seasons, the team at Benefit have paired with Williamson to gloss and glam the designer’s runway show models, giving them that perfect free-spirited, fresh-faced beauty that shines alongside Williamson’s bright, boho-chic designs. This month, they’re bringing the creative collaboration to Sephora in a pretty little limited-edition beauty box that’s ready to take you from the streets to Studio 54.

Williamson’s “The Rich is Back” inspiration board.

With Williamson opting for a look that’s au natural with a kick, “The Rich is Back” kit includes four shimmery shadows, Benefit’s unbeatable bronzer, mini mascara and a red lip that would give anyone a flash of fever. Packaged in prints, the box itself is a kaleidoscopic retrospective of some of Williamson’s most memorable collections (and a keepsake of it’s own if you pop the makeup tray out).

For Williamson and Benefit’s first fashion-beauty collaboration, the day-to-night dazzle kit seems a perfect pairing of brands sharing what Williamson calls an “irreverent sense of fun, youth, and energy.” With a color palette that recalls the decade of Benefit’s founding, Williamson’s first ever fashion muse, his mother, and the spirit that defined the Seventies, it seems a match a long time in the making. Here’s hoping there’s more to come.

Benefit x Matthew Williamson – The Rich Is Back, $34, available May 23rd at Sephora.

Sarah Bertness is a freelance writer covering the arts, music, fashion and culture. She has a love for all things avant-garde, late night rock and roll, wanderlust, and a good dose of fringe and gold sequins. You can follow her musings on Twitter @sarahbertness

Seeing Red: Christian Louboutin x Harrods

Jillian Magenheim — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:33 +0000

- By Jillian Magenheim -

We feel a congratulations is in order to french luxury designer Christian Louboutin as he has just acquired his first standalone boutique in the world famous Harrods department store in London. Located on the first floor, the stage-like space is full of archived Louboutins as well as the designer’s latest shoe and handbag collections which will no doubt make you feel the need to treat yourself.

Using London landmarks as inspiration, famed product and interior designer, Lee Brom, has implemented a chic one-of-a–kind instillation for the luxury brand. Throughout the boutique you can spot the hints of homage to London’s most famous tourist attractions like London’s underground in the mixed tile as well as Big Ben which is etched into the arched window at the back of the room. The space itself is lined in red carpet with stucco ceilings, white archways and glass framed shelves (inspired by the Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House), allowing you the chance to peek in on all the goodies that beckon you to go inside.

Now while you can always casually shop and sit atop the beautiful ottomans to try on your fabulous Louboutins, there’s also another way. Slip behind a mirrored door and enter the private shopping room (that more so resembles an art exhibit) for the ultimate high-end shopping experience. Here, the couture crafted footwear perch precisely in wooden cubby spaces lit to perfection while a red velvet couch lines the wall giving ample space for the no doubt hoards of customers that are eager to try on their one (or seven) pairs of red-soled stilettos.

Whether you just want to browse or you’re there to add to your extended collection, if you find yourself in the area, it’s more than worth the time to pop in and immerse yourself in the suspended reality that is the luxe world of Christian Louboutin.

If you can’t get to London, you can still get your Louboutin fix by shopping our favorites:

Jillian Magenheim is the Editorial Coordinator for Oliviapalermo.com. She’s a New York City based editor, writer and blogger with a true love for fashion while remaining a foodie at heart. Follow her thoughts on Twitter @magenhaz

Snapped: In Cannes

Olivia — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:56:17 +0000

Hey Guys!

It’s a beautiful evening here in Cannes! Johannes and I are headed to the amFAR gala. I’m wearing a Roberto Cavalli gown with a Zara clutch.

Have a great Thursday!

Nailing It: Spreeberg Nails & Cosmetics

Andrea — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:11:04 +0000

- By Andrea Mestrovic -

When abroad, finding the perfect place for a fab manicure is a convoluted process. Options are endless, plus you are on unfamiliar grounds. Should you need a quick fix (facial or otherwise) while exploring the streets on Hamburg, Spreeberg Nails & Cosmetics is the best we found. They set a high standard for their team of magician beauticians, so the immediate effect is immediately visible.

We highly recommend their Parallel 1 compendium – a complete manicure (with a rainbow of colors to choose from), pedicure, customized facial, hand treatment and a deep shoulder massage. It’s a flawless afternoon of extravagance at an approachable price point.

For a full list of product offerings and services, check their webpage at Spreeberg.de And book in advance – it turns out Spreeberg is not a well-kept secret.

Andrea Mestrovic is a multi-lingual, multi-talented, but modest multi-tasker who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Andrea has a sure-footed instinct for discovering magnificent finds all over the globe. You can follow her on twitter @AndreaMestrovic or read all her posts on oliviapalermo.com/author/andrea

Time to Collaborate: J.Crew & The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Winners

Jillian Magenheim — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:57 +0000

-By Jillian Magenheim-

For the third year running, J. Crew has partnered with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to help launch the career’s of this years winners. This year, winner, Greg Chiat of The Elder Statesman along with runner-ups; Jennifer Meyer and Tabitha Simmons have the honor in collaborating with the international retailer in an exclusive capsule collection launching on JCrew.com today.

For those who don’t know, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is a program that was created in 2003 to allow up and coming designers the opportunity to win substantial financial awards, (1st place earns $300,000 and the two runner-ups each receive $100,000). In addition, all three candidates win business mentoring from a team of professionals in aspects of fashion marketing, planning, production etc. in order to help support their dream of one day having their designs recognized around the world and respected by the greats of the industry. After meeting the requirements for eligibility and the initial application, candidates proceed through four additional phases before a winner and two runner-ups are selected by industry experts to receive the grand prizes. Past winners include Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu – putting this group within an incredibly impressive circle of company.

With each designer producing such distinct groups of luxe products, combined, these three young designers should have no problem fulfilling J.Crew’s consumers wants and needs. As a small artisanal cashmere brand, Greg Chiat of The Elder Statsman produced beautiful pieces of ultra-soft cashmere in stripes and ombre with a relaxed west-coast feel to wear (and to lay on). Runner-up Jennifer Meyer created delicate yet edgy semi-lucite jewels in feminine colors while Tabitha Simmons rounds out the group with her micro floral printed and ruffle textured shoe and sandal collection.

Here are some of our favorite pieces – you can shop the entire capsule collection right now at JCrew.com

Lines We Love: Dion Lee

Sara — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:30:22 +0000

- By Sara Micelotta -

A look from Dion Lee’s winning collection for the International Woolmark Competition.

It’s hard to imagine the full extent of excitement (coupled with a hint of anxiety) that must have been going through fashion designer, Dion Lee’s mind when he debuted his womenswear collection in his native Australia back in 2009. The 23 year-old had just graduated from the Sydney Institute of Technology, and rather than ponder his next move like most college graduates, he dove headfirst into the women’s fashion industry and unveiled his first solo collection. Having since been praised as the future of Australian fashion by editors and buyers alike, its no surprise that Lee’s innovative designs have garnered quite the following. Not only have his impressively well-made pieces been picked up by high-end online retailer, Net-A-Porter and ‘straight from the runway’ pre-order site, Moda Operandi, but they’ve received editorial acclaim on the glossy pages of Vogue, Elle, and Grazia – to name a few. Most recently, Lee won Australia’s prestigious International Woolmark Competition for his sculpted, architectural designs.

Despite his fashion designer title, Dion Lee takes on the roles of both artist and architect when constructing each piece in his collection. At first glance, his designs appear contemporary and striking; however, a second look will exploit an innate traditional foundation. Because of this reliance on duality, Lee’s pieces can be seamlessly integrated into the wardrobes of the undeniably chic mid-twenties party girl, the fashion-obsessed mother of two, or even the well-established workingwoman. It’s safe to say that for those of us who need options, Dion Lee has us covered.

Click to shop our favorites from Spring 2013:

And get a sneak peak at the looks we’re loving for Fall:

Click to view slideshow.

P.S. We Love: Proenza Schouler Large Degrade Dots Clutch

Jillian Magenheim — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:56:36 +0000

- By Jillian Magenheim -

Oh Proenza Schouler – you just know don’t you? When it rains it pours and when we splurge, we splurge – and when it comes to handbags, sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. Hitting numerous trends in one bag – this envelope shaped flip locked ombre clutch studded with rubber dots (reminding us of our particular love for candy) and lined in matching buttery blue leather makes the price tag on this statement piece barely a hinderance in our attempt to purchase. We can see it now – matching it with every ensemble in our closet and knowing that no matter what we throw on, this bag works. Whether you plan on taking a walk through the city in your favorite leather skinny’s, loafers and Melissa Webb blouse or going out to an event in a chic high waisted short suit with fitted blazer and sky high heels – this is the clutch you’ll want with you wherever you go.

Designers To Watch: Isa Tapia

Jillian Magenheim — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:19:33 +0000

- By Jillian Magenheim -

“Part of me wants to be a practical person, and then the other part is the crazy side of me.” – Isa Tapia

Launched in 2010, Isa Tapia‘s shoewear line certainly represents the gemini-like split of her personality. From a basic ballet flat and sparingly embellished thong sandal to intricately cut, brightly colored tie back suede heels and thigh high blue velvet boots – Tapia fulfills your need for basic staples while pleasing your inner fashionista all at once.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Isa Tapia was groomed for the role of shoe designer. Having graduated from the Parson’s School of Design, she then went on to work for legends Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta. From there she spent time in Italy learning the ins and outs of shoemaking, followed by serving three years as the design director for Ann Taylor’s accessory lines. These combined experiences have allowed her the ability to create stand-out footwear collections that are now featured in major women’s fashion magazines like Vogue, W and Harper’s Bazaar while taking presence on shelves in Saks, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodmans.

No matter what you’re searching for, there’s no doubt Isa has something eye-catching to add to your collection. Seeking compelling prints or textures? There’s cowshide died in leopard prints along with snakeskin color blocked and topstitched upon leather that’s then jaggedly cut to look like feathers wrapped around your ankle. Maybe embellishments are more your style. How about laced up and brightly hand embroidered ankle boots showing rainbow colored birds and florals, while pumps, flats, kitten heels and boots are decked out in everything from pearls and studs to chains and buckles.

As each season comes and goes, we’re happy to report the brand continues to grow – continually providing us consumers with elaborate works of art to be donned on our feet. In fact, it’s Isa’s ability to seamlessly create these collections that delicately balance the kind of artful detail that is required by haute couture designs while remaining wearable and conventional that makes this line the perfect one-stop-shop for any woman’s shoe addiction.

White Hot

Teresa — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:27:33 +0000

- By Teresa Greenfeld -

Like any devout chic-ette, your shoe wardrobe was built on the basics – the black “go-with-everything stiletto“, the nude, pointed toe “make-your-legs-look-miles-long” pump. Oh, and a flat here and there for good measure.

But there’s another often overlooked basic many shoe cupboards are missing; the white heel. No longer reserved for little girls and their sunday best, white shoes are an unexpected and fresh touch to spring’s geometric and colorbock trend. Not to mention an obvious (and insanely chic) choice for an all white look.

And for those of you sticking to the old adage, memorial day is only a week away. Meaning you can order these white hot stunners now - the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Click to shop the story:

Shopping For: Tortoise Accessories

Teresa — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:30:36 +0000

- By Teresa Greenfeld -

Part classic, part nerd-chic, tortoise has come a long way from just eyewear. For Spring 2013, it’s been studded, embellished, and patent-leathered; been dressed up, rocked out, and made over.

Slow and steady apparently does win the race.

Click to shop the story: