Map Brown Boutique

CitiSweEP

2010-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

When you have a heart
you happen to love
when you go far you
happen to live
CitiSweEP Love Humanities.

Dedicated to Haiti Cherie (Jones) Sak pase Haiti!

Accessories the show/FAME/Moda Manhattan/Intermezzo Trade Show

2010-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

January 5th kicked off the new women's spring/summer 2010 accessory shows at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and the Intermezzo Collections at the Piers in New York City. Each show featured major design companies from all aspects within the accessory market, such as costume and fine jewelry, handbags, belts, and footwear. The shows were filled with intricate and innovative designs that transcend beauty into art.
There were dainty and lightweight jewelry that was feminine and stylish, as well as big bold urban pieces that were vivid in color. Materials like silver and gold is a common staple in the jewelry market, yet each designer introduced new and interesting shapes and patterns to continually innovate such a timeless mineral. Designers are also incorporating other unconventional materials such as fabric, wood, and stones into their designs making them exceptionally avant-garde. Handbag and belt designers are also offering new and whimsical designs to intrigue the consumer. New shapes and rich leathers in lavish color are sure to wet the appetite. Metallic straps, and various studs and sparkle on certain pieces are becoming trendy and are vital pieces of the season. Major shoe designers are using cutting-edge technology to create wearable shoes that reduce foot pressure and gives better balance. There is a multitude of colors to choose from this season in various styles and fabrics. But no matter what clothes you choose to buy and wear for spring/summer 2010, accessories are a must have compliment to your wardrobe, especially given the new trends and tantalizing colors.

Yuka, FIT grad, Designs Hats with Star Quality

2010-01-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

Just as clothing designers make names for themselves by getting celebrities to wear their garments, hat designers also gain fame when singers, actresses and others wear their hats. A Kurtz hats are worn by Enrique Iglesias, Lindsay Lohan and J Lo, while Madonna and Britney Spears wear Ed Hardy caps.That’s where Yuka Hasegawa fits in.
Her hats have been worn by Britney, Boy George and Scarlett Johansson, among others, and are sold in Barneys luxury department store. An award-winning milliner and graduate of FIT (New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology). Her company is YukaNY: www.yukany.com/Hats are like glasses in that they can be both functional and fashionable. With so many hats available, it’s relatively easy to find one to keep you warm. It’s a little more challenging to find a unique hat, which expresses your style.Yuka makes hats for both men and women. While I was at the NY Coo gallery, Yuka and a few women and a man she knew tried on some of her hats. So did I. The exhibit includes a variety of hat sizes and styles – knits, straw, felts, woolens – so there seemed to be one for everybody.I especially liked a nubby knit aviator style hat, which tied beneath my chin, and a felt cloche hat, with tucking and pleating on its side. Also available was a bucket-style hat with a dropped brim made with silk used for kimonos.Yuka, who was born in Japan, also paints. For the NY Coo exhibit, she painted hats on white paper shopping bags. What better holiday gift than a hand-made hat in hand-painted wrapping?

Stefano Marcantonio & Mimi So,hosted an evening soiree

2010-01-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

As I entered the Mimi So studio, checked in my coat, and turned the corner, I was astounded by the beautiful jewelry carefully displayed on the tables. One in particular caught my eye. It was the big, bold, geometric, multi sided, 18kt gold and diamond necklace from the Jackson collection.It was breathtaking.
The Jackson collection was inspired by Mimi’s holiday vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One can easily see the beauty of the landscape in the way each pc was cut. As I continued walking around sipping champagne from Bedell winery(http://www.bedellcellars.com/), I noticed another beauty, the Piece square necklace. Three squares, each one bigger than the other was in crusted with diamonds. I began to think how simple, yet there is a timelessness in its beauty. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere welcoming. I was pleased to learn that all of Mimi’s jewelry is hand crafted in her personal workshop, right here in the studio. Mimi personally works with her staff of master craftsmen to create jewelry that is uniquely special. Each pc is of the highest quality and with carful attention to detail. You can also have your jewelry custom made. When you purchase Mimi so jewelry, expect the best product and a most rewarding personal experience. Mimi’s jewelry has attracted some of Hollywood’s top celebrities, as well as brides to be. The product is well worth the price. To find out more information about Mimi So, and to shop her collection, visit the company website at http://www.mimiso.com/

Surprisingly amongst the jewelry was a small fifteen pc collection of luxury leather handbags that is equally beautiful. Hand crafted at Leu Locati, in Milan Italy, the collection was being introduced for the first time by Stefano Marcantonio. The bags are well made and of the finest quality. Each pc is of classic beauty, yet modern with a twist. My favorite pc in the collection was the Meredith strap bag in Python Bordo red, with solid brass hardware. For me the best thing about the bag was the brass skull closure that adds an edge. All the hardware in the collection was hand molded to perfection, adding to the unique quality of the bags. Although the collection was small, there is a style for every woman. One can choose the clutch, shopping bag, folder bag, and of course the strap. Exotic skins and leathers such as calf, crocodile, snake, ostrich, and python added to the luxury, as well as the refined skill in which each bags were made. The colors of the bags were elegant, and lush. Smoky grays to dark red, added to the overall character, and perfect for wearing year round. Because the bags are of such pristine Italian quality, the prices are ranging from 1, 800 and up. Each bag is a masterpiece worth owning. Pieces are available by appointment only. For more information, and to make inquire, you can e-mail Stefano at mailto:showroom@stefanomarcantonio.com fanomarcantonio.com or Sabrina Chapman at sabrina@sabrinachapmanpr.com. As I began to mingle, meeting Stefano and influential members of the media, and fashion industry, the night became charming and delightful. Each company represents luxury at its best.

The Kelacala Q exhibit at Jodi Arnold

2010-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

The Kelacala Q exhibit at Jodi Arnold was an intimate and fashionable affair. The company was created by designer Lara Kurtzman, who introduced her latest collection of beautifully crafted jewelry. Some of the pieces in the collection were classically timeless, and others were fun and original.
Some of the materials used were unconventional and innovative, such as leather, zippers, and buttons. Each pc was elegantly put together creating a unique and special adornment. One of my favorite pieces in the collection was the black feathered necklace that was inspired by cabaret, and Josephine Baker. The piece is elaborate, but can easily be worn with anything. The overall collection was breathtaking. What was most fun about the exhibit is that you were able to try on the pieces and get first incite from the designer on how best to wear them. For that special someone, this collection is the perfect holiday gift. Visit the company website at http://www.kelacalaq.com/.

The Jodi Arnold store is a small but exceptional venue. Fashion designer Jodi Arnold created her label MINT Jodi Arnold in 1999, and has had incredible success throughout her career. Jodi’s line of contemporize clothing is beautiful, wearable, and versatile. Jodie’s distinctive print’s, and hand made embellishments add a unique quality and timelessness to her clothing. However, what makes the Jodi Arnold store special is that she welcomes other creative artist like Kelacala Q, Jennifer Trausch, and Josh Hadar to utilize the space and exhibit their art. You can visit Jodi Arnold‘s web site at http://www.jodiarnoldnyc.com/ or shop in store at 56 University Place, NYC.

New York Shoe Expo, Spring 2010

2010-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

The New York shoe Expo is one of the largest footwear trade shows in the United States. Produced by the Fashion Footwear Association of New York, also known as FFANY, is a not for profit organization representing footwear manufactures globally.
Held at the New York Hilton hotel, exhibiting manufactures and retailers can buy, sell, and make distribution deals directly with sales executives from various brands. Shoes featured here will be in major department stores and boutiques in the spring/summer and fall of next year. Ladies, if shoes are your passion, it’s like being in a candy store. Manufactures such as Zack Lo created shoes that were colorful and fun. Another brand such as velvet angels has developed the diamond floating, and the open wedge platform shoes that women will go gaga for. Expect to see shinny patent leathers, whimsical flats, embellishments, and shoes inspired by Jackie O and NYC. Lots of suede/leather, and lots of shoe jewelry like chains around the ankle as well as sexy flats with corset lacing. Ladies and gentlemen, brake open your wallets and pock books, next year is all about style, glitz, glam and comfort.