Converse Valentine's Day Collection

While the candy companies are churning out those chalky candy hearts and boxes of chocolate that are  like life, our favorite sneaker brands are busy  bringing us the hottest releases for the lady or gentleman who  has everything. Nike, Vans, Converse, Puma and Adidas are all dropping candy sweet colourways that, while inspired by the holiday, you’ll be sure to wear year round.

Puma Valentine's Day

Each collection sticks with the typical reds and pinks associated with Valentine’s Day while also putting their own spin on the traditional themes. Converse urges us to forget chocolate and give rubber by covering their classic hi and low tops with everything from the word of the season to chalk hearts, without going too overboard on the V-day thing. Puma and Vans also kept the Val day inspiration limited to the selected colourways and trims. While Vans’ high-top is white with red trim, Puma placed a kiss on their high-top very apropos of the holiday. I must say that understated is the way to go when copping a pair of these for your guy, unless he’s into sneakers that look like they are fresh from a Lisa Frank folder.

Nike Valentine's Day

While Converse, Puma and Vans played it cool, Nike went all out with the Valentine’s theme and produced a collection that looks straight out of a pack of cards you hand out in elementary school.  The ladies Aerofit High in both varsity red and lilac along with the Air Force 1  Lows that come in leather with giraffe like patent details and canvas are a nbit too obivous for me, although they do come in a super awesome box. The standout of the collection and all of the Val Day drops as far as I’m concerned is the Nike Big Nike Valentine’s Day which while obnoxiously pink feature an ode to love n the tongue. Poetic and adorable will always win me over.

Adidas Valentine's Day Collection

Last but far from least, Adidas delivers another red and white collection featuring two Superstars, a Nizza Hi and a Nizza Lo. This collection is classic Adidas with added love. Both Nizzas feature “I love you” lace locks and the Nizza Hi is covered in hearts and the classic Adidas stripes.

All in all I’d totally rather a fresh pair of sneakers than a heart shaped box of chocolates when February 14 rolls around.

CTRL Spring/Summer '10 Collection

I got really excited when the CTRL lookbook landed in my inbox. The Spring/Summer 10’ lookbook is fire! Colours and prints and patterns – oh my!

This ‘Fistro Papi, Anthora‘ collection boasts collaborative t-shirts with UK photographer Gavin Watson and illustrator Jesse Auersalo. The rest of the cut and sew collection offers us a feast of stone wash denim, patterned leggings, harem pants, button up shirts and printed singlets.

A nautical theme is evident with an anchor print being featured on a few pieces including a cute little sailor dress that would look so very cute with a pair of tights and boots in this questionable weather.

My favourite number is a little denim overall dress. If I was to get my hands on one I’m pretty sure my milkshake will bring all the boys to the yard – here’s hoping!

Icelandic electro-pop singer, Bjork

Björk is the epitome of “fashion meets music.” The beauty is, Björk doesn’t try so hard to captivate her audience. She has a distinct voice that depending on the atmosphere could send chills down your neck. Luckily for the entire world, her meek demeanor is overshadowed by her expressive lyrics and appearance. Whether she’s walking a red carpet in a dazzling get up, or with her daughter, Isadora down the street, Björk has an unmistakable look.

Tribal, draped, colorful, sparkling, innovative, grotesque, the adjectives could go on and on, but with a career in music spanning three decades she is undoubtedly an icon whose artistic contributions to the industry can be credited here at M.I.S.S with a few captivating photos and videos. Björk started her music career at age eleven. Eleven. In America, that’s SIXTH GRADE. Half of you were probably coloring your hair with highlighters in sixth grade. What?

Unmistakeable style; Swan dress by Marjan Pejoski

To her credit musically, she is best known for her six solo albums, two film soundtracks, and some acting work. Her husband, are they together or not? is Matthew Barney, an American mulitmedia artist.

Björk’s “outsider” style has struck a chord with the indie/avant garde fashion set whom regard her with much esteem.To many she has taken the form of a muse. Fashion designer extraordinaire, Alexander McQueen directed her music video for “Alarm Call,” and the two have carried on a working relationship that I only could only dream to be a fly on the wall to listen in on!

It was rumoured to be a sequel to “Bachelorette”, because of the lyrics that make a little allusion to the events occurred in past Isobel adventures (”Human Behaviour”, “Isobel” and “Bachelorette”). The video also has some signs that make people think about this fact. “Alarm Call” shows Isobel back to the nature after having disillusions in the big city, so this video is the fourth and last of Isobel’s adventures.

Icy Atmosphere

Adventure seems to be synonymous with Björk. Her sound, vocal delivery, and the visual imagery she provides with her music really take you to another place, which is what music, art, and fashion should always do.

This performance of “Undo” at the Royal Opera House in London is so hauntingly well done that it lingers in my mind well after the video has ended. Beautiful delivery matched with sensational instruments and background singers.

Mechanics done stunning. All the pieces fit together.

FST Handwear Winter 2009-2010

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy! Then again, the late King of Pop made it trendy to rock one glove as the pièce de resistance of one’s outfit no matter the weather. FST handwear, hailing from Grenoble, knows how to protect you when it’s cold outside with their stylish gloves, which could be described as gorgeous patterns decorating your hands until the very tip of your fingers.

The first designed city gloves ever, FST, which stands for “For the Street”, features both men and women gloves. Their latest collection winter 2009-2010 showcases splashes of color on a black backdrop. The concept behind these gloves, made in quality French material, is strongly anchored in artistic expression, and is inspired by the sneakers and caps culture.

To check out their online stores or to find a store near you visit the FST website.

If you missed out last year’s Silver or Gold release, you are in luck. This Valentine’s Day TOOFLY will re-release a new acrylic version of the original pieces.  The Artist/Designer also set the prices at a fraction of the original, so you can buy both (jk, but not really)!  Both the  classic black and fire engine red are laser cut, acrylic and set on 18″ sterling silver chains.   Another great perk when purchasing the Love Heart necklace is that for every piece sold $1 will be donated to Yele to help Haiti families rebuild.

Both are set at $30 and are sold exclusively at: The Toofly Shop.

Tatty Devine Spring 2010: Cocktail Umbrella

Here at M.I.S.S., we’re always sure to bring you the latest and greatest from UK-based jeweler Tatty Devine. We’ve fallen hardcore for the brand’s jewelry and unique pieces, and we’re happy to bring you the newest collection from the brand for Spring 2010. (If this is your first time reading about Tatty Devine, here’s a M.I.S.S. refresher: we’ve written about Tatty Devine’s Nameplates and hairstylist Charlie Le Mindu’s residence at the boutique.)

M.I.S.S. is loving Tatty Devine’s latest collection, particularly the presence of mini-themes and thus variety throughout the collection. Starting with some tropic influences, Tatty Devine brings an assortment of cocktail umbrella accessories. We love the bright, summer-y colors on the Cocktail Umbrella Barrette (£45.00) and the delicious pink hue of the Cocktail Umbrella Brooch (also £45.00) and Cocktail Umbrella Pendant (£27.00). Opt for a more wallet-friendly option in the Cocktail Umbrella Ring at £15.00. Want to match your man? Then go for the Cocktail Umbrella Cufflinks (£21.00).

Tatty Devine Spring 2010: Pandora

One of our favorite trends of the new collection is the homage to the flappers of the roaring ’20s. Bob haircut have been sported on multiple starlets (Rihanna, Ginnifer Goodwin, etc. etc.), but if you’re hesitant to chop your locks opt instead for the Pandora pieces, which feature the head of a woman in a chic, bobbed flapper haircut. Bearing sultry red lips, the Pandora is available in a large and small brooch (£36.00 and £21.00, respectively), as well as a large and small necklace (£39.00 and £21.00).

Tatty Devine Spring 2010: Lace Doily

The Lace Doily pieces are ladylike and trendy, while simultaneously universal to withstand the test of time and other passing trends that may be considered ‘out’ by next week. For a Valentine’s Day-appropriate accessory (without the cheesiness factor), scoop up the Lace Doily Heart Barrette (£33.00) or the Lace Doily Heart Brooch (£27.00). Channel your conservative – yet stylish – side in Tatty Devine’s Lace Doily Collar Necklace (£96.00). Also available with the Lace Doily Heart detail are drop earrings (£30.00), a pendant necklace (£21.00), stud earrings (£24.00) and the ever-popular cocktail ring (£15.00).

One trend M.I.S.S. is diggin’ in Tatty Devine’s latest collection is the appearance of hand silhouettes. We’re jonesing for the Pearl Hands Earrings ’cause come on- who doesn’t love pearl anything? A few pieces that caught our eyes: the Pop hands Barrette in glitter, a gold glitter-encrusted hand silhouette retailing for £30.00; and the Pop Star Hand Brooch (£69.00) and Necklace (£72.00), which we can only guess is a tribute to a recently deceased pop icon.

If, for some strange reason, these few pieces haven’t caught your eye, Tatty Devine still has more to offer: the Senorita pieces, hand fan-shaped pieces with exquisite detailing. The Senorita Fan Brooch exhibits an eye-catching blue pop with its ribbon detailing (£69.00), while the drop-down Senorita Fan Earrings (£54.00) speak volumes when worn without any other jewelry. If you’re wondering about Tatty Devine’s nameplate necklaces you’ve seen previously, not to worry: for Spring, you’ll find a ‘Senorita’ nameplate necklace, retailing for £21.00.

All pieces are now available via Tatty Devine’s official Web site. For further info, check out Tatty Devine’s blog, The Tatty Devine Diaries.

Samma Jewelry

We all know the easiest way to freshen your wardrobe on the regular is to change up your outfit with some statement jewellery. And Samma Jewelry is just the kind to get you noticed!

Samma Jewelry

Named after the Swedish word for “same”, Samma is designed by New York based artist Hanna Sandin. Having studied a BFA at RISD, and exhibited work in galleries in Paris and New York, Sandin’s extensive experience in sculpture is evident in her jewelry. Pieces are hand-crafted and made from materials like woven metals and cast pyramids, with a strong geometric focus.

Available online at La Garconne and Shop Standing Up.

Samma Jewelry

Samma Jewelry

Samma Jewelry

Samma Jewelry

Samma Jewelry

Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief™, a spectacular charity fashion show and auction, is back for 2010, taking center stage at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the evening of February 12^th at 7:00 PM. The star-studded runway show and auction will be held in aid of CARE to raise crucial funds towards rebuilding Haiti’s healthcare system for mother and children. American Express Cardmembers will have exclusive access to purchase tickets before the general public for $100 and $150 starting TODAY, February 5 at 10:00 AM at Ticketmaster.com.

The runway show will be hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and will feature internationally recognized designers, celebrities and VIPs. All the donated garments will be auctioned online at NET-A-PORTER starting February 15th. The donation is tax deductible and 100% of the event ticket sales will benefit CARE.

Naomi Campbell says, “I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake – women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. Our aim is to use this season’s catwalk shows in New York to reach people and help raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children.”

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience all while supporting an extremely important cause that will directly build up Haiti’s Healthcare system. If you are in the NY area and have the cash to drop to help out this unfortunate disaster, please attend.

Chanel Set of 3 Enamel Brooches with Glass Pearls

Chanel launched a site with an array of “Lovely Chanel Gifts” just in time for Valentine’s Day. The site has a cute slot machine featuring all of the products that have a bit of a Valentine’s Day theme. Karl must have tattoos on the brain because not only did he release Chanel temporary tattoos, but one of the earrings are inspired by the classic heart tattoos. From heart charms on the quilted lambskin classic flap bags to enamel brooches and charms on chain necklaces, all of these gifts are a great way to profess one’s love (in fact, any Chanel gift is a great way to show some love). The products are available at Chanel boutiques and you’ve got about a week to start dropping hints.

View the rest of the collection on La Chanelphile.

Barbie Basics Model No. 9 by Betsey Johnson

A few weeks back we showed you a sneak peek of the CFDA X Barbie dolls that 12 CFDA members designed for the launch of the Barbie Basics Collectors Edition line celebrating the one item every woman should have in her closet, the  “Little Black Dress”. I put on my own sparkly LBD and went down to Openhouse Gallery for the Tweet Up event to shmooze with some other bloggers and witness the unveiling the 12 dolls.

The line of  Barbie Basic dolls each sport their own distinct silhouette of the “Little Black Dress” fashion classic and represent a variety of hairstyles, facial features and skin tones and can be customized to represent your own personal style with 4 different chic accessory packs. The packaging of every doll also comes with a randomized quote about the “Little Black Dress” from 80 different CFDA members like Diane Von Furstenberg.

These designer dolls are currently being auctioned off on Ebay, through February 7th, with proceeds directly benefiting CFDA education initiatives and scholarship program.

Barbie Basics Model No. 11 by Devi Kroell

While at the event I learned some pretty cool facts about some of the designer dolls. While some of the designers were inspired by the the LBD that their doll came with, some accessorized, some embellished the dress and footwear, and some created their own dresses entirely. Rachel Roy’s dress design was made from material from her Cruise 2010 collection, while Lorraine Schwartz embellished and accessorized her Barbie with 6 carats of diamonds worth $10,000. Kate Spade’s design was inspired by Lady Marmalade, a piece in her Holiday NY collection.  Devi Kroell recreated her amazing broken mirror mosaic as a pair of boots for her doll. And Monica Botkier designed and embellished her dress with her daughter.

This collectors edition of Barbies are available in stores en masse, and are available for just $20. The Barbie Basics collection edition will also continue in the future, posing the question “What is the basic?” I’m interested to see what they come up with next.

You can follow @BarbieStyle  on twitter and check out her blog – All Dolled Up, where CFDA designer Justin Guinta (who was at the event) has posted a guest blog about his designer doll. You can also check out a lot more up close and personal photos I shot of the dolls on Flickr.