Fashion Radar: The New Nude

Nude is in. Not bare skin, but the nude tones paired on one another is summer's black ensemble. City PrivyDolls do the black on black in winter, but now that summer is here nude on nude has taken its place. Beige is so not boring anymore with these great finds. Don't be afraid to layer and have similar tones on one another.


 For a great go-to khaki dress for the season, I love this one by Rachel Roy found at Macys for $59!

A great choice for day to night shoes are these from J.Crew for $195. The low heel is modest but still trendy with the two tone beige.

Color forcasters (what a great job by the way) have named Summer 2010 colors beyond what we would call the 'beige' family. Colors like, tobacco, teracotta, linen, dried herb, and camel. If you are going to go all natural head to toe. Try the 'mix and match' trend inspired by African Print and a light blush.

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Insider Interview: C/Fan Designs

 PrivyDolls love local designers, and finding talent in local boutiques in Chicago is more than a pastime, it is what PrivyDolls are all about. I want to introduce you  to Christina of C/Fan designs. Her line includes everything feminine meets modern. Every item is almost all 100% silk and I love the exaggerated pockets and the racer back dresses. Check out C/Fan at many Chicago boutiques and also at: www.cfan-designs.com. We sat down with the designer to understand the inspiration behind the line and learn what trends are next.

Label/Company Name: C/FAN Designs          

Name: Christina

PD: 3 words to describe your label:

C/Fan: Luxe, Essential, Sexy

PD: In your opinion what is next season’s trend? 

C/Fan:  Sheer prints

PD: What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely?

C/Fan: Fall 2010 was inspired by the Ayn Rand character Dagny Taggart and the cellist, Jacqueline Dupre

PD: What are your favorite materials to use? 

C/Fan: Silk

PD: What is your favorite place for brainstorming and day dreaming: 

C/Fan: The few moments prior to falling asleep when one minute feels like an hour.  This is the time that my mind races with thoughts and ideas.

PD: Female entrepreneur of the year award should go to: 

C/Fan: Phoebe Philo.  She’s taken Celine to another level of greatness.

PD: If you could dress any celebrity at the moment who would it be? 

C/Fan: Cate Blanchett

PD: And Lastly, spill the Privy find:   
C/Fan: Bonnie and Clyde’s,  Cerato Boutique, Roslyn, Le D all located in Chicago

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ENTERTAINMENT: Carrie's New Love

Sex and the City 2 comes out today. PrivyDolls ask themselves, "could it be so? Has Carrie Bradshaw left Manolo?" She has a new love, Brian Atwood. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen on and off the set of Sex and the City prancing around in Atwood's heels. Brian was once a model turned designer and worked for Versace before launching his show line in 2001. His sky high heels have quite the celebrity following. The hefty price tag didn't stop Sex in the City lovers to snag all the pairs available of the studded heels seen in the SATC2 movie.  You can find his collection Net a Porter.com.

Here are a couple more of Atwood's designs to drool over!

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Fashion Radar: Lingerie Inspired Swimwear

Rosa Cha's RTW 2010 collection in San Paulo was outstanding. Swimwear that resembled lingerie. There is a 1960's pin up style to it mixed with modern luxury. The Brazilian line really is unique and I have begun to see many other swimwear collections resemble some lacy  negligee. You can achieve this look without looking like you forgot to put something on before leaving the house. I have wrote about Beach Bunny swimwear before, and I will mention them again! I adore their lacy swimwear that almost appears to be lingerie. The delicate details and lace makes you look twice.
This suit here is found HERE for $259. 

Another lace choice is this one from Lady Lux found HERE.

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Beauty: Hot Bun Trend

Whether it be a day you have unruly hair or you just don't have the time to style it, putting your hair up in a bun is the easy solution for a modern up do for day or night. Celebs have been wearing buns on the red carpet all year long. Braided buns have been spotted all over Hollywood and the runways which are a bit harder to do yourself but is hippie-cool. Privydolls are always looking for a tool to make our hair styling easier. Goody has come up with one of the best tools I have seen in a long time! Spin-pins by Goody is a spiral screw shape tool that takes the place of about 20 hairpins.

Step 1) Brush your hair out, hold outward and twist  your hair

Step 2) Twist it low or high on your head, wherever you want to the bun to be placed.

Step 3) Secure the bun with screwing the Spin-pin into the bun on the top. If your hair is thicker or curly you will only have to use one pin. If you have very, thin hair you may need two pins one on top one on bottom.


The Goody Spin- Pin can be found at CVS, Target, Amazon, or Walgreens and many more retailers for about $6!

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Fashion Radar: Best Summer Cover-Ups

Privydolls love to prance around poolside, but sometimes you want to not bare it all.  It is just as important to have a flirty cover up over that privy bathing suit. I love cover ups that are flowy, tropical looking and breezy that can almost be a dress and stand alone. Remember to find a cover up that is fitted or belted to accentuate your body. Stay away from an over sized t shirt or sparkles. Throw on a straw hat, sunglasses and ankle gladiators and you have achieved this summer's look.
Speaking of straw hat for this summer. Check out this 'Privy' find from Newport News for only $29!

This is a great pick from Macy's for Dotti for $66. The white fabric is breezy and easy to throw over any suit.


I recently wrote about Brette Sandler's swimwear line, and luckily she has cover ups now as well. I love this pink, cotton, ruffled cover up for $165 on ShopBop.

For a multi- color statement choose a tunic from VIX for $67. This one is a great choice to wear over a solid bikini.

You can always go for a classic sarong for the beach. I love this Piperline Exclusive from Roberta Roller Rabbit for $55. I love the multi use of a sarong. But the classic question is, "How do I tie it?". here is a little diagram for those who want to attempt it this season.

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Fashion Radar: Stiletto Bliss... at last!

Is it possible the shoe gods have answered our stiletto prayers? It was just a couple weeks ago I was shopping at a department store, trying on 4 inch heels, of course and an older women stopped me and asked."Those are gorgeous, but are they comfortable?" as I pranced back and forth in front of a mirror trying them on I quickly answered, " of course not, you even said they are gorgeous- then how can they be comfortable? What a silly question!". Privydolls know that function doesn't always happen with fashion and fashionistas are willing to give this up too often. Dr. Taryn Rose (known for her successful fashion line with same name) has launched High Heel Power. This line of leg wear, footwear, skin care for the feet and handbags launches on HSN this week! "All women deserve to feel good in their shoes." quotes Dr. Rose and I say, Amen to that! This very affordable line uses her technology for comfy heels and accessible to the masses. This Stiletto stick below can easily make your Louboutins last all day. Simply put this on the areas of rubbing and you are good to go!

          The skincare line includes scrubs for tired feet and after shaving cream.Handbags can often take a toll on your back and your feet. Rose has come up with handbags that relieve that pain. I love the idea of a bag heavy on fashion but light weight.

Don't worry about giving up style for function anymore.  These studded sandals here are only $109 on HSN.com and will provide your footsies with comfort!

Make sure you check into Taryn Rose on HSN today, Wednesday May 19th 6pm-7pm and again Thursday May 20th 2010 7-8pm ET

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ENTERTAINMENT: Carrie Fever

The Countdown is on! 2 weeks til the Sex in the City 2 movie premiers. Few photos from the set have leaked, but PrivyDolls are eager to capture some of the styles and incorporate into our own city life. We covered the white trend last month, and sure enough Carrie's cover dress is a white must-have summer dress.


Carrie's outfit that was featured in the ads for the movie and seen here on set are a dream. Halston white Dress and Chanel clutch.

Here is the actual dress SJP sports from Halston Heritage found on Neiman Marcus.com for $325

We have found our very own LWD (little white dress) under a budget. Check out these styles to capture the Carrie fever look for summer.

Here is a great cotton, white dress from BEBE.com for $98!  Match it with this metallic clutch by Stuart Weitzman for $545 on Zappos.com
Or this gold clutch from Stuart Weitzman on Nordstrom.com for $375.

Top off the Carrie- look with classic aviator sunglasses. Found here at Forver 21 for an amazing $5.80!  What a great outfit for summer to take over the city!

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INSIDER INTERVIEW: Brette Sandler Swimwear

 Privydolls are on a hunt for the perfect bikini. the best fit that fits your personality. I love Brette Sandler swimwear! Brette is a NY fashionista that 'gets' women and their style. We are excited to report she has extended her line which has been very successful and found in Victoria Secret and Shop Bop with cover ups and hats! Brette has teamed up with Chateaux for a Hat Attack sun hat. Proceeds are going towards the fight against cancer. If we didn't need another excuse to buy this lovely summer accessory, 25% of sales to the skin cancer Foundation. You can buy the $95 sun hat which is just plain adorable for summer and comes in two colors  at www.brettesandler.com. The Art deco inspired hat will go with any of her suits on the site and keep you safe from sun damage as you enjoy some summer fun. I caught up with Brette to hear about her upcoming  line addition and wanted to share with you all what bikini-shopping advice the bikini queen has to share!

 Label/Company Name: Brette Sandler swimwear
Name: Brette

PrivyDoll: 3 words to describe your label:
BS: Laid back, glamorous, fun

PrivyDoll: In your opinion what is next season’s trend?
BS: I think army green, and American classics will be a prominent trend next season 
 PrivyDoll: And how does it effect your line?
BS: I try not to follow trends, I like to think I define my own, but colors that are in trends will effect my collection, so your bikini can reflect your personal style.

One of my favorite Brette Sandler suits featured above!

PrivyDoll:What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely?
BS: I think my line has an overall sophisticated bohemian feel, but each season I draw inspiration from different decades in fashion that evoke something inside me, this season for summer 2010 it has a retro/art deco/geometric inspiration.


PrivyDoll: What are your favorite materials to use?
BS: I mostly work with Xtra life Lycra, its in my opinion one of the best and long lasting swimwear fabrics out there..
For my cover-ups- cottons, and cotton wovens are my fave to work with- and the softer the better!
Favorite place for brainstorming and day dreaming: I love to daydream while I'm bike riding down the west side highway in the city, the beautiful views of the Hudson river calms my mind.

PrivyDoll: Female entrepreneur of the year award should go to: Kim Kardashian

PrivyDoll: As a swimwear designer, what is the most important advice for girls that are headed out shopping for a swimsuit that don’t know what style to get??
 BS:Know your body type- for example- if your bigger on top- a halter or thicker strapped triangle top is the only way you will get support.. But I always recommend trying on all sorts of styles, and go with whatevr makes you feel your sexiest!

PrivyDoll: Are there any plans for additional line extensions?
BS: Yes. I'm trying to grow my ready-to-wear business, and also including hats and other accessories that will help outfit my customers with everything they need for the beach!

PrivyDoll: What kind of press/marketing/celeb spotings has your line received?
BS:I'm so lucky to have such great support from many celebs, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Whitney Port, and many more, but my biggest press moment was seeing my suit in the sports illustrated swimsuit issue!

PrivyDoll: If you could have any celebrity Oceanside in your suit, who would it be?
BS:I'm still waiting to see Jennifer Aniston caught by paparazzi on one of her secret vacations in one of my bikinis.

And Lastly, spill the Privy find: www.shopbop.com, Scoop, Barneys, victorias secret.

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Fashion Radar: Fall 2010 Get Catty

Privydolls are enjoying the beginning of summer but it is my job at PrivyDoll to report the trends before they hit the street. Fall 2010 runway showed a lot of animal print, mostly cheetah and leopard. Do it in a bag, or trench to accomplish this trend. Classic print was everywhere but modern red and pink leopard print appeared in many designer's collection including Just Cavalli whose collection wouldn't be complete with out a little catty love.So when you begin to shop for fall, remember cat is in!

Celebs have been spotting sporting Fall 2010 cat print in handbags.

Love Love this Leopard Alexander Wang bucket bag. $950 on Shopbop.com.

Just Cavalli  Fall 2010 collection included yellow, blue and red animal print.

L.A.M.B RTW Fall 2010 Leopard print dress.

Dolce and Gabbana Pre-Fall 2010.

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Fashion Radar: Ankle Cuffs Under $60!

Gladiators are back and the ankle detail is buckled, harnessed and ready for summer. PrivyDoll loves some drastic ankle cuffs in flats and heels for Summer. Try a metallic finish or an African print to really make a statement. Goodbye plastic flip flops, hello fashion war. Many designers have shown some extreme studded, leather and accented shoes but PrivyDoll found some great finds all under $60!

LEFT: These intense ankle cuffs found HERE for $37!






This pair from Marciano by GUESS incorporates this Ankle cuff gladiator  style with also the African print that is so in and inspired by GUCCI. Found HERE for $54!

Sandals are not the only ankle cuff style I have seen, heels are back with a vengeance with strong ankle presence. Here is a great find from the same site, www.6pm.com. This pair is a shocking $33! The pewter color is versatile and modern. 

Here are some interesting gold ankle cuffed shoes with a lower heel that would be a statement to any outfit and the price just doesn't match the look. These are a low $52! These look more expensive for sure! Fine them HERE.

Ankle bracelets also made their way on the runway this season and you see a little fusion of bracelets meet heels and flats as well this summer. Check out this great find HERE for $29!

And lastly, I love these simple, black, leather ankle-cuffed sandals. What an easy way to pair your skinny jeans with a summer shoe. These are on sale for $24!! HERE.

  

 Another great find is from one of my favorite shoe stores, Akira in Bucktown. Love their new online shopping site that can let you browse through an array of shoes. I found these great ankle cuffed sandals that have some great hardware and also a great price at $45! Check them out HERE.

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PRIVY BABY: Shoes with Soul: GIGI&ZAZA

Lets not leave all the designer loving for us, PrivyDolls. Babies need some designer loving too! Start out privy babies with shoes from GIGI&ZAZA. The designer line includes European styled shoes from family-owned factories all over Europe including Italy and Spain. Their inspiration are the colorful kids that wear the line and their energy. I thoroughly enjoy the materials used and the mission of this brand that is why this is a great 'privy' find! What a great gift idea as well. I adore everything from BABY to GIRL to BOY. Check out one of my favorites below or check out more on their site to order and see more gift ideas! 

PISTACHIO | GREEN FLORAL

$49.00

• Made in Spain by Puchitos.
• Open-toe sandals with buckle closure made with pique cotton with floral motif.
• Flexible and fruit-scented rubber outsole.

I wrote about a denim trend a couple weeks ago where I shared many designers are doing denim bags, shoes and anything in denim. I also see this classic trend in children's. GIGI&ZAZA has a fabulous denim shoe seen below!

TOTO | DENIM                                      

$69.00

• Hand-made in Italy by Dondup.
• Denim peeptoe sandals made with the softest cotton.

Available Colors:Baby Blue and Denim

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Fashion Radar: Alexander Wang Spring

Like me, you may of not worn khakis since the 90's but since  Alexander Wang collaborated  with GAP for a khakis line last summer, it  made you want to rethink the classic pant. His 2010 RTW line definitely looked like it had a GAP influence with classic colors, lots of khaki jackets, wedge loafers and a gray sweatshirt infused with a corset. The picture on the left is from Wang's 2010 resort collection. Love the modern denim shorts, paired with the safari style trench.

Wang said, " Our girl wants investment pieces." And there are definitely investment pieces in all his collections. We wanted to find some looks that achieve the 'Wang appeal' but under a budget.  Below are looks from his Spring 2010 collection. Look at some budget-friendly looks we found.

I love

I love this Khaki- tie romper from AKIRA. The $49 romper fits perfectly with this line, and would look great with these matching AKIRA - found DOLLHOUSE wedge shoes for $49!

 Zara also has some great classic finds with a modern twist for Spring 2010. Their look book HERE can give you a great idea of the look. High waisted beige dress pants, white crisp shirts and casual blazers complete the contemporary business look for Spring 2010.

A few must- haves for this look is a comfy, white blouse. I love the one here from Anthropologie for $88. Imagine it tucked in loosely with a military style short and wedges.

I actually love this entire look from SHOPBOP.com
and this jacket is listed from Rag&Bone for $395.

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