Red Carpet Must-Haves…. Part 1

In just 6 days everyone will be focused on the 81st Annual Oscars at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. Over the years, we’ve witnessed glorious red carpet triumphs as well as numerous red carpet fiascoes. With just a few days remaining until the broadcast, Tres Chic Style would like to congratulate all the nominees and dedicate an entire week of giving our readers a glimpse at some haute products celeb stylist rely on to assist their clients on The Red Carpet.

While full lips have been all the rage in Tinseltown the past few years, they have some sizable competition with the latest “It” accessory…..full luxorious lashes!

Many fashionistas denote their eyes as their best feature. We’ve spent countless dollars on high-end mascaras and lash applications. Lash extensions are unforgiving on the eyelashes amd tend to leave you with dry, brittle and damaged lashes. The fab folks at Lashfood have unveiled a natural conditioning stimulant guaranteed to enhance your lashes in just 2 to 4 weeks.

Lashfood is very similar to liquid eyeliner. For best results the makers advise you apply the serum morning and evening. I’m actually in my 2nd week and I’ve noticed a considerable difference in my sparse lashes. My lashes appear thicker and I can even apply it before my mascara application in the morning.

Best of all……Lashfood can also be used to improve thin, overplucked eybrows. The natural ingredients are safe and easy to apply to the root of the brows to stimulate hair growth.

Tres Chic Style Reader Giveaway……..

Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club brings the French Riviera to the upper east side. Where else can one dine in style until 3am with delectable cuisine such as chocolate soufflé and Foie Gras? The service and décor are equally impressive. The restaurant received the “Best Interior Design” award by Hospitality Design Magazine. There is also live entertainment on Monday nights with the best of jazz and soul. On a cold winter’s night, allow debonair owner Bruno Jamais to make you feel at home and beat the doldrums of winter.

Celebrity patrons have included: Billy Baldwin, Joan Rivers, Cindy Adams, Chazz Palminteri and even former President Bill Clinton. *Reservations are suggested and chic attire is requested.

Bruno Jamais
24 East 81st Street
New York, NY 10028
212-396-3444

One lucky winner wil receive a $50.00 Gift Certificate to Bruno Jamis by entering our Tres Chic Style Reader Giveaway.

The Rules

• The contest starts Sunday February 15, 2009 and ends Thursday February 19, 2009
• Email us (treschicstyle@gmail.com) your favorite Tres Chic Style Post. It can be a post you found informative, something that made you smile or a useful fashion tip.
• Be sure to include your name and contact information.
• Emails must be forwarded to the Tresc Chic Style email account no later than, Wednesday February 18, 2009 12 midnight (EST)
• One winner will be selected at random.

*Stay tuned for a full week dedicated to Red Carpet must haves and Fashion Week Updates…

Fashion Savvy or Eco-Friendly ???

Like many fashionistas, I have been sporting my chic eco-friendly tote in my handbag for about a year now. Not only is it the “politically correct” thing to do these days, the bags actually come in handy and look so much better than the cheesy supermarket/drug store bags.

This brings me to my point…..When we shop in stores like Forever 21 for 2-wash pieces (apparel that never make it to the washer for the second time) and costume jewelry that will tarnish at the sprinkle of water…..could we possibly be contributing waste items to our environment.

Let’s face it, while we all have been known to frequent a Joyce Leslie, Rave, Rainbow or Forever 21 we enter the premises knowing the clothes are literally disposable. Now does this mean we shouldn’t shop these retailers?? Not at all…..

It just makes you think twice about splurging on a luxury item that will stand the test of time. For example, Is it wiser to purchase a classic well tailored coat that may last 10-15 years versus the money you’ll spend on trendy coats for the next 5 years? You do the math…..

Buying well means only buying once! Of course we shudder at the thought of paying full price, so we shop the infamous Sample Sales, Outlet Stores and become budget savvy….eco-friendly shoppers…..

The Style Challenge….

What is Style?
Style is not just about clothes, nor is it something bestowed upon you if you are the correct shape or size. Style is about the way you hold yourself and move through the world.

Are you a sleek and stylish fashionista or do you prefer function over fashion? Are you all about brand names or does affordable and practical win out? What is your style?

Take the test, here.

2009 Fashion Must-Have’s…..

2009 promises to be a yet another fabulous year in fashion. Several trends will return and classics will remain a vital force on the fashion scene. Fashionistas scramble for the latest magazines detailing what’s hot and what’s not for the new year.

Here are a few of our favorite must-haves…..

Above -the-Knee Boots…. This year, above the knee boots are most popular in heeled versions (rather than small or flat heels) with suede the material of choice. Perfect over tights, skinny jeans or skirts.

Skinny Jeans are here to stay…. I’ve been a little wary of this trend, with much convincing I sashayed on over to Steve & Barry’s a few weeks ago and snagged an awesome pair of SJP’s Bitten skinny’s for a mere $8.99. Not only do they look great with my boots, their comfortable too!

Statement Jewelry has returned and it starts at the neck…..Just about every designer featured some kind of heavy neck adornment. Finally we can bid farewell to those dowdy long strand pendant necklaces…

Chic Holiday Ideas….

The Sex and the City fashionistas introduced us to the uber-chic hand bag rental Bag, Borrow or Steal, now Ilus New York brings you New York City’s newest rental phenomenon…Designer Dresses!

Ilus New York affords you the opportunity to borrow designer dresses, evening bags and genuine Swarovski crystal accessories to meet the needs of your holiday social calendar.

Here’s How It Works:

• You can browse the designer dress selection online or in their Nolita boutique
• Reserve or order your selected dress
• Enjoy for 3 nights from the date of rental, when it’s time to return your dress, simply choose from the following options: Drop off at their Nolita boutique, or
  schedule a pick up by phone or email.

This seems like an ideal solution for fashionistas on a limited budget during this tight economy. It allows you to look your best without the hefty price tag associated with most designer gowns. For about $100 (rental & cleaning fees) you can borrow the dress of your dreams and still have change to splurge on some accessories.

Here’s a few from their collection that I’m totally smitten with….

• Crimson Pleated Silk Cocktail Dress by Badgley Mischka Platinum
• Gold Sequin Charmeuse Gown by Marc Bouwer Glamit!

Note: Most of my favorites were only available in a size 4 or 6, so it looks like Ilus New York may need to up the ante on some realistic sizes. I only found 2 dresses in my size.. What a pity!

No worries….I’ll make it my mission this week to bring you another rental website with realistic sizes like 8, 10, 12 and up……

And here’s a few Cyber Monday deals for my fircely loyal fashionistas…..

• Gap: Get 15% off your order at Gap on Cyber Monday with code GAP15, and right now, pick up holiday sweaters buy one get one half off.
• Piperlime: Cyber Monday get 20% off at Piperlime with code MONDAY at checkout, and as always enjoy free shipping.
• Old Navy: Get 20% off at Old Navy on Cyber Monday with code SAVENOW at checkout.
• Steve Madden: 20% off at Steve Madden with coupon code: MADDEN20
• Banana Republic: Save up to 40% off select styles—last day!. Pick up workwear, casualwear and fab accessories for up to 40% off.

Chic Beauty Finds Under $5…..

Just a few chic tips & products to keep you looking fabulous in this tight economy

• Are you totally smitten with eyelash extensions?? Save a few dollars and head to your favorite drugstore and snag a pair of eyelashes. They’re simple easy and can be applied in less than 5 minutes. $2.69 & Up….

• Keep it chic and simple with everyone’s favorite mascara. Maybeline Great Lash is tried, tested and true…. Priced under $5, it will keep your lashes looking great and clump-free.

• Want a fabulous pout?? Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm conditions and helps smooth dry cracked lips this winter season. $2.99

Haute Halloween Costumes & What Nots….

Need a quick fashionable costume in a hurry, try one of these…

Hollywood Fashion Disaster
Think Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Amy Winehouse. It’s easy – just pile on seemingly random items, like a mini dress, Uggs or cowboy boots, scarves, belts, bracelets, cut-off denim, a big bag, a bad wig, and sunglasses. Then grab a Starbucks, a cellphone, and wander around like you’re all that.

Tabloid Queen
Throw on a short trench coat, over-sized sunglasses (think Nicole Richie), gather one or two tabloid newspapers, and pretend “like your trying hide, while secretly wanting to be noticed.” You can turn this into a couple costume by having your partner act as a member of the paparazzi or your publicist.

It Girl

Get your fashionista on and pretend to be the “It Girl” of the moment. Channel your inner Chanel Iman, Zoe Kravitz or Style Icon Rihanna. Rock the season’s best trend, practice your pose and get ready for the paparazzi….

Tres Chic Style Mail

Dear Tres Chic Style,
I’m having a difficult time finding a winter coat that’s looks stylish but will also keep me warm. I am looking for a coat that will work during the day yet look casual for a simple weekend look. Please help!

Tamara,
Flint, Michigan

Hey Tamara,
I absolutely adore a great coat, I am totally guilty of purchasing a few beauties that don’t necessarily keep a fashionista toasty on a blustery day. Rest assured you need not suffer, there are endless options to keep you warm stylish and oh so chic….

The High End…. A coat is an investment! It’s the first piece people will see plus a great hue gets you noticed in a crowded room. J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Bridget Coat, $365

Puffer’s have returned in a big way…. Cole Haan Women’s Long Pillow Collar Down Jacket, $475

Soia & Kyo Women’s “Ines” High Waisted Wool Coat, $360

Some equally fabulous styles from our wallet friendly friends at Forever 21……

Staples of Great Style & The "Tres Chic Style Anniversary Give-Away " Day 2

Does your closet need an update for the Fall season? You probably already have a few key pieces that can salvage your look even on a day when your closet decides it hates you….

Here’s a few of my favorite Staples of Great Style…..

Sunglasses

Nothing completes a look like a fabulous pair of Sunglasses…….
Sunglasses are now the ultimate fashion accessory. No time for make-up in the morning or do those 3am feedings have your eyes a little puffy??? Snag the season’s hottest frames and get your Jackie O glam on……

The White Shirt

Crisp, Clean and Effortless….

The Trench Coat

Add’s a little mystery to what’s lurking underneath….

Chandelier Earrings

The perfect lil’ touch of bling can transform your look.

Black Pumps

Every fashionista must have a go-to pair of pumps in her closet. They’ll pull your look together in an instant!

And in honor of Great Style, we’re giving away one copy of Isaac Mizrahi’s “How to Have Style” for Day 2 of our “Tres Chic Style Anniversary Give-Away “.

Isaac’s new style book boast tons of images sans the lengthy text most style guides have. A picturesque case study that employs a myriad of before-and-after photos.

Find out how to enter for your chance to win, here.

Recession-Proof Fall Essentials…..

Just because summer’s over it doesn’t mean you still can’t get a some mileage out of your fab summer wardrobe. The key to fall dressing is mixing & matching while using existing pieces.

Now, does that mean your white skinny jeans can make yet another romp on life’s super fashion highway? Nope! (pack’em a way and leave them there)

Here’s a few summer pieces you can pull to the front of the closet and make them work for the Fall….

Sandals- Last year I mentioned wearing sandals in the fall with tights. Well it seems like the trend has returned and oh so fashionably!

Here’s a few tips “To Make It Work”

• Stay in the same color family ex: black/suede sandals paired with charcoal grey tights
• No stilettos and no hideous Birkenstocks either…
• Stack heel, platforms (maybe a wedge depending on the style)

No need to retire your sundresses just yet…. A cute cardigan or the season’s best blazer can transform that summer look into a casual Fall ensemble. Or you can even pair it with some boots for a different look.

And lastly, We appreciate your comments! The purpose of a blog is to engage readers while creating dialogue. That being said, I appreciate reading a comment from you from time to time. It’s really simple, quick and let’s me know I’m doing a great job.

Kindest Regards,
Kishana