Performancing Metrics

11.30.2012

The Cowboy Way


Can you believe both this jacket and this dress were picked up at clothing swaps? I remember the moment I scored this coat acutely - some other woman had been trying it on, carrying it around. I lurked behind her, eyeing her from a safe distance - I couldn't believe she wasn't very excited about the find! Finally, she put the coat down and I swooped in and snatched it up. I've been wearing it constantly this fall - it's crazy warm, and I love that the bright colors give an otherwise bland outfit a kick. This dress was from a more recent, and much more relaxed swap at a friend's apartment. (Need a fun Sunday afternoon? Invite a few pals over for mimosas and a swap. Instant fun!)



COAT:  Circle T (Swapped! Similar coat here) DRESS: Double Zero (swapped!) CARDIGAN: Hawico BELT: Gianfranco Ferre BAG & WATCH: Michael Kors BOOTS: Massimo Baldi SUNGLASSES: Gucci NECKLACE: Daisy Dreams in Color

11.28.2012

Win an Exclusive Dorus Mhor for ShopBevel Necklace


Now that you've had a chance to meet Dorus Mhor designer Liz Bloom, here's your chance to win a piece from her exclusive collection for ShopBevel! See that beautiful, long necklace on the model above? It could be yours. Enter below, and be sure to check out the Bevel Trunk Show launch today to see collections from a number of unique, cutting-edge independent designers.


This contest is now closed. Congratulations Dani T. for winning the gorgeous necklace! 






This post and giveaway is sponsored by ShopBevel
Photo credit: ShopBevel

11.26.2012

What to Wear to Your Office Holiday Party


We've talked about holiday party outfits, but neglected to give out any style advice for one, very specific event - the office party! You want to look chic, but still appropriate and professional. Enter, black pants and a black sweater. I know, it's not very exciting. But a good pair of black pants and black sweater can get you through any office situation. Do you work in a conservative office? Pair your pants and sweater with plain black heels and pearls. Is your office business casual? Throw on some brightly colored flats and a statement necklace. If you are one of the few who work in a 'creative' workplace, add some sky-high heels and long, dangly earrings. Whichever way you style them, you'll look sophisticated - even if the only thing that's glittering is your performance review!

For more on office party style, check out No Disassemble Charlie No. 5! My fellow Boston blogger Kathleen takes on office-party appropriate perfume. When it comes to scents, she 'nose' what's best*!

*I'm sorry. I couldn't resist!



PANTS: Alvin Valley SWEATER: Gap SHOES: Kate Spade PEARLS: Gift from my folks SCARF: ASOS SUNGLASSES: Gucci

11.21.2012

Interview with Dorus Mhor Designer Elizabeth Bloom

Dorus Mhor designer Elizabeth Bloom
Some passions are truly 'in our blood'. Some come to us in a flash. For Scottish born designer Elizabeth Bloom, a long road of family tradition, forked with a surprise revelation led to her unique jewelry line, Dorus Mhor. Bloom grew up in the town of Carlisle, in northwest England, famous for Linton Tweeds, a local factory that produced tweed textiles for Chanel. Her grandfather worked in another textile factory, and her mother was a dressmaker. This led to an appreciation for the craftsmanship of fine fabrics (and an ability to sew!) for Bloom, but what really moved her was sculpture. She set out to earn a degree in fine arts, studying at the same place her other grandfather had studied to be a silversmith. Over the summer, she worked in the textile factory. One day, Bloom noticed a bag of fabric scraps, headed for the trash. The pieces were too small to craft anything substantial but Bloom found them too beautiful to simply throw away. She rescued the scraps and tucked them away at home. 

A few years later, Bloom was traveling in Vietnam, when, strolling down a crowded, dusty street, she discovered a button maker. Suddenly, she had a vision for the bag of tweed scraps at home. Buttons progressed into bead making and Bloom discovered she could cover a variety of shapes with luxurious fabrics. "What really interested me," says Bloom, "Was creating a new platform for the use of textiles that would emphasize their beauty and craftsmanship." Using her sculpture training to design settings, she began her line, Dorus Mhor (Gaelic for 'the great, open door') as a nod to her hometown, and her silversmith and textile-making roots. 

After launching to great success in London, Bloom relocated to Chicago. But a small move across the pond hasn't kept her from her favorite fabric supplier, Liberty of London. She's used Liberty prints in her limited-edition Dorus Mhor collection for ShopBevel, set to launch November 28th. Bevel, a new company that brings the trunk show online, is a platform for independent designers. Bevel allows designers to host a trunk show for a bound set of time - the flash sale approach to purchasing hand-crafted, one of a kind jewelry. The Dorus Mhor collection for Bevel will be made with a Liberty fabric called 'Virtual Light' and the shapes are "adaptations of my most popular designs" said Bloom. The designs are exclusive to the Bevel trunk show. While some vibrant red and blue fabrics will be used in an upcoming Dorus Mhor collection, the print is also exclusive to the show. "There's something special about using textiles for jewelry." Bloom says. "You're not restricted by the limited types of stones out there - you can do colors, neons, prints, anything you want!" Sounds like a true marriage of tradition and surprise.

You can purchase the Dorus Mhor collection for ShopBevel starting November 28th. In the meantime, you can sign up for the Bevel waitlist - the higher you are on the list, the earlier access you get to the shows! 

Want to learn more about Dorus Mhor? Join me for a live Twitter chat with Liz Bloom and other Bevel designers on Wednesday, November 28th (Bevel's Launch Day) at Noon EST!





This post is sponsored by ShopBevel
Photo credit: Bevel Trunk Shows

11.19.2012

Boston Holiday Style


I saw it as I flipped through the mail Friday evening - the first holiday party invitation of the year. The advent of party season can send one into a frenzy (what to wear?!?!). But! Keep calm and read on - I've teamed up with my favorite local bloggers, Jeffrey Lyle Salon and Sarra Studios to provide a little holiday party inspiration.

The little black dress is a holiday classic for a reason, and my favorite this winter is from Lily & Migs. It's got a flirty skirt that you won't see on other dresses, and long sleeves, so you won't have to pile on a bulky cardigan! I'm also in love with these feathered heels from Moxie - they're a unique color and have just the right amount of whimsy. As you can tell from the photos, I am very into the retro / glam aesthetic this winter, and this long, art deco necklace (also from Moxie) really fits with that vibe. So does my 'faux-bob' and vamp-y make-up - I love soft curls and a red lip for the holidays!

If you're not into a retro look, we've got other styles, too! Check out my friends and their Boston holiday style! 

Lani (Mon Petite Chou Chou) - romantic, feminine
Renata (Scorpion Disco) - structural
Amanda (Spreedia) - tailored
Sean (@BostonMo) - preppy with a quirky twist
See even more at Sarah Winchester Studios! 





DRESS: Lily & Migs, $198 SHOES: Badgley Mischka via Moxie, $245, NECKLACE: Gerard Yosca via Moxie $205 STOLE: My own HAIR: Jeffrey Lyle Salon MAKE-UP: Sarra/Lauren Genatossio PHOTOGRAPHY: Sarah Winchester LOCATION: Marc Hall Design

Join the conversation on Twitter!
@bosfashionista @bostonmo @Cam_takes_over @mpchouchou @salonjlyle @scorpiondisco @Sarah_w_studios @SarraStudios @spreedia @timothyro

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11.16.2012

Black, Brown & a Cape (How to Wear Black and Brown, Part II)


To some, black and brown should never go together. Ever. I'm on record as loving these neutrals paired up. To me, it's an easy way to dress for fall (almost winter! shudder...). Everyone has multiple black and brown basics in their wardrobe - just throw on separates and you are out the door! 

What do you think? Do you mix black and brown?




JEANS: Zara TURTLENECK: Gap CAPE: Purchased on vacation in Peru (similar, around $50) SCARF: ASOS BAG & WATCH: Michael Kors SHOES: Kenneth Cole BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot SUNGLASSES: Gucci

11.12.2012

Choosing the Best Sunglasses for Your Face with Vizio Optic

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’sOliver Goldsmith launched ‘The Manhattan’ – an exact replica of the frame worn by Holly Golightly

Holly Golightly. Bob Dylan. Anna Wintour. Jake and Elwood Blues. When you picture these fictional and real life style icons, what are they all wearing? Sunglasses, of course! We wear sunglasses every day (or we should!) but how much do we really know about them? What makes a good pair? Why is it important to wear them? How do we find the best shapes for our face? I spoke with Dr. Galina Rabkin, optometrist and owner of Vizio Optic in Brookline Village for some answers.

Ultraviolet light from the sun damages eyes over time, causing cataracts. The best protection? A cool pair of shades. "Sunglasses are like SPF for your eyes," claimed Rabkin. "All of us should be wearing sunglasses, every time we go out." For the best protection, look for lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection (like all of the sunglasses at Vizio Optic). In addition, many brands offer polarized lenses, meaning the lens has a built-in filter that blocks reflection and glare. Polarized lenses enhance colors, and make everything look vivid - they are great for the outdoors, especially the beach. "You can see right through the water in polarized lenses and see all the fish swimming below the surface," said Rabkin.

When it comes to selecting frames, Rabkin recommends thinking about your face shape. "Oversized glasses are a trend, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. I recommend selecting a frame shape that differs from your face to balance your look. On an oval face, for example, a square frame works perfectly. If you have a prominent jawline, you may prefer a more rounded frame." With colorful frames so on trend right now, it's easy to find frames in every shade. But don't overlook the classics! There's a reason there are so many tortoiseshell glasses out there - the color looks good on everyone. Rabkin also noted, "Most people cannot go wrong with black, because it is classic and elegant. Timeless, really."

Most of the brands carried at Vizio Optic may be unfamiliar to consumers. "They are real, niche eyewear brands," said Rabkin. "Most of them are based in Europe. We introduce customers to really special brands that focus on creating beautiful glasses that will make you look great. After all, the first thing people see when they look at you isn't your shoes...it's your face!"

See some of the unique frames offered at Vizio Optic below - which one is your favorite?

Vue dc SLY c. 100 frames in black

Frederic Beausoleil CS12 frames in purple/silver with pink accents

Chanel 5229Q frames in yellow

The classic Ray Ban 'Wayfarer' frames in navy blue.

Oliver Goldsmith 'The Manhattan' tortoiseshell frames with green lens, $380
Vue dc SLY c. 100 frames in black, $354
Frederic Beausoleil CS12 frames in purple/silver with pink accents, $384
Chanel 5229Q in yellow, price upon request
Ray Ban 'Wayfarer' in navy blue, $119

Look One: CARDIGAN: Vince TEE & JEANS: Gap SHOES: Salvatore Ferragamo NECKLACE: Guess WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot

Look Two: SWEATER: H&M PANTS: Michael Kors Outlet at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets SHOES: Salvatore Ferragamo BAG: Kate Spade WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot

This post is sponsored by Vizio Optic. Opinions on the sunglasses are my own. 

11.09.2012

The Nutcracker's New Clothes 2012

Soloist Whitney Jensen (center) and Second Soloist Altan Dugaraa (right) dance in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker.

How do you re-make a much beloved classic? This was a question Boston Ballet's Creative Director Mikko Nissinen must have asked himself in 2011, when the company decided to retire the 16 year old costumes and sets from their popular production of The Nutcracker. Wanting to re-imagine the classic performance, the Ballet hired award-winning designer Robert Perdziola for the herculean task. "The company has had a well-loved and very good production for many years." Perdziola stated. "My challenge is to produce something equally as endearing, yet fresh and vivid and unique." Over 40 sketches, 2,000 yards of net and tulle and 200,000 jewels later, the challenge has been met. 

The Nutcracker's new costumes feature a more elegant and nuanced color palette. For example, Drosselmeier (the somewhat eccentric uncle of The Nutcracker's heroine, Clara) was formerly dressed in flowing, purple robes. In the new performance, he is more Mr. Darcy than dandy. In fact, the whole first act has a decidedly Austen feel, an effort to reference early 19th century Regency style. Party guests, previously in large, bright petticoats, now perform in more streamlined silhouettes (designed to better highlight the dancers' movements) in muted shades of brown, cream and gray with hints of pink and blue.

But don't think the new Nutcracker is drab. As they often do in fairy tales, things start to change pretty quickly around midnight. Says Nissinen, "When Clara falls asleep, that's the game-changer. That's where reality stops and the dream starts." Indeed, Act 2 is an explosion of color. The Flower costumes feature layer upon layer of pleated tulle, hand-painted in Boston Ballet's costume shop. Several costumes, such as the Harlequin and the Cavalier, were hand-inked by Perdziola to work with the dancer's individual proportions. A full 182 costumes appear onstage in a single performance of The Nutcracker and over 350 costumes were produced for multiple casts. 

Want to experience a little but of Nutcracker magic this holiday season? The Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker plays from November 23 - December 30, 2012 at the Boston Opera House. Tickets start at $35. Learn more at BostonBallet.org.

To read more about The Nutcracker costumes at the Boston Ballet, click HERE
To read interviews with Boston Ballet Corps de Ballet dancers Shelby Elsbree & Brittany Stone, click HERE.

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Corps de Ballet performer Brittany Summer and Principal Dancer Lasha Khozashvili perform as the Arabian dancers in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker.
Boston Ballet Manager of Costumes and Wardrobe, Charles Heightchew, shows off the new Nutcracker costume (left) and the old costume (right, from a December, 2011 TBF post).
Over 3,600 jewels adorn the tutu and bodice of the Sugar Plum Fairy costume.
Principal Dancer Misa Kuranaga performs as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy will wear two looks in the new production. Perdziola hand tipped each Sugar Plum Fairy tutu with metallic paint. 
Corps de Ballet performer Sarah Wroth performs as a Spanish dancer in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker (left); Robert Perdziola's sketch of the Spanish dancer costume (right).

Robert Perdziola's sketch of the Arabian dancer costumes (left); Corps de Ballet performer Brittany Summer and Principal Dancer Lasha Khozashvili perform as the Arabian dancers in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker (right).

Solist Sabi Varga performs as Drosselmeier in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of the Nutcracker.
Junior Stitcher Ezra Lovesky attends to one of the new costumes for The Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet.
Second Soloist Isaac Akiba (in the air) and Corps de Ballet performer Lawrence Rines (on the ground) perform as the Russian dancers in Boston Ballet's dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker.

Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker plays from November 23 - December 30, 2012 at the Boston Opera House. Tickets start at $35. Learn more at BostonBallet.org.

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11.07.2012

Bevel: Bringing the Trunk Show to the 21st Century


Don't you love going to trunk shows? Finding a new designer, getting an exclusive peek at their work, falling in love with a special, unique piece and wearing something that no one else has...it's such a fun way to shop! Now, thanks to a cool new company, ShopBevel, you can attend a trunk show any time.

ShopBevel, which launches on November 28th, brings the trunk show into the 21st century. Here's how it works: Designers create a sample collection, and Bevel hosts the trunk show online. You and I place our orders through the site, the designer creates our custom pieces, and Bevel ships our new treasures directly to us. Easy, right? And stylish. I've been wearing some Bevel designs this week, and I'm loving the pieces. From classic earrings, to fun, neon necklaces and the studded sparkler I'm wearing in this post - Bevel designers have distinctive points of view.

Intrigued? Sign up for the waitlist right now - the earlier you sign up, the higher up you are on the list to see the shows. And! Bevel and TBF have more to come - like an exclusive code that gives you early access to shows, and maybe even a shot at one of the unique pieces sold on ShopBevel!




This post is sponsored by ShopBevel. 

COAT: St. John (via Savers) BOOTS: Mario Bologna DRESS: Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart (for reals! It's $20!) BAG: ASOS (on sale) GLOVES: ??(similar) SUNGLASSES: Gucci NECKLACE: on loan from Bevel Trunk Shows