Fad*ish- fashion and design

Hello Kitty strikes again -- this time at M.A.C. cosmetics. The spring collection's colors are electrifying, with sharp jeweled tones geared towards the young at heart. I visited my local M.A.C. store, and tried this new Kitty collection, only to discovered that I didn’t have that much kitty-cat in me. Rather than their ‘Wild’ collection, I was more inclined to their ‘Mild’ collection, which featured the same highly-charged colors, toned down a bit with soft pinks and earth-tones.

Whether or not you have the courage to wear the collection, doesn’t make it any less fabulous. As a matter of fact it is absolutely perfect for those felines wishing to look fierce for a night on the town. My favorite glosses were the Lip Glasses in ‘Mimmy’ and ‘Sweet Strawberry’, which were perfect by themselves for a day look and could be paired with ‘Cute-Ster’ or ‘Big Bow’ for an evening look. Check out the new Hello Kitty collection at a M.A.C. store near you.

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Labels: Beauty

For starters, Ornametrical is not your typical chandelier. It exposes things that other traditional chandeliers do not (wires), it is constructed from a material that most classical chandeliers are not (anodized aluminum), it comes in colors most chandeliers dare not (black and plain aluminum) -- and yet it still translates as a chandelier every time. Its oddities are not the mere charm of Ornametrical, they are its genius.

Designers Aleksej Iskos and Adalsteinn Stefansson have successfully created one of the most versatile lighting fixtures to come out of Denmark – and be distributed through the Netherlands. The geometric principle that is the foundation of Ornametrical’s design, allows it to contract and expand (from 84cm to 118cm), fold in and out, go from large to small, and change the shape of its silhouette. Granted, it is not as mind boggling a transformation as going to go from a caterpillar to a butterfly, but it is still enough to evoke a ‘that’s cool’, from many a partying guest. But perhaps the pinnacle of Ornametrical’s versatility is its ability to hang naturally in most settings -- be they elegant or deconstructed. The designers must have had this in mind, because their chandelier is currently hanging everywhere, from a medieval church to a jewelry shop – and of course lest we forget the private residences.

Retailing at around € 749,00, the Ornametrical chandelier is made available through the Dutch company BLOOM Holland BV. Additionally, information, product specifications, and an installation guide are available at www.ornametrica.com. Though you might need a little bit more than elbow grease for the installation (more like an electrician), the effect will be more intriguing than just the typical chandelier.

*ms.b

Labels: Decor

To truly appreciate all that is Ban.do, one must first throw out any thoughts of conservatism, and embrace all that is girlishly vintage -- because at first glance Ban.do will evoke a feeling of nostalgia. Whether you remember the twenties (few of us do), or want to recreate the look in your wardrobe, Ban.do brings us back to the days when rouge was cream, hair was newly cropped and finger waved, and hair ornaments were flirty statements to mirror a women’s new found sense of independence and sexuality. Even if you do not wish to venture that far back into time, Ban.do has a purpose in modern day. Although it is not suggested you pair one of these feather and rhinestone headdresses with a Michael Kors anything, there is definitely a need for it in pop-culture. Just be warned that wearing an oversized flower strapped to your head says you are the type of person who takes fashion risks, so the rest of your wardrobe should not be librarian (obviously not the stylish party girl librarian --ala Parker Posey, but rather think of the 1950’s spinster – in browns, taupes and tweeds). www.shopbando.com

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Labels: Style