StyleSpy

An Ode to Big Bird

2008-06-25T18:17:26-04:00

I was saddened to read about the death of Kermit Love, 91, the man who created the legendary Big Bird costume. Jim Henson made the original character sketches in the late 60's, but it was Love who brought the 8-foot, 2-inch fellow to life.

I will pause here to answer the question I know you're all asking:
"Is Kermit (the Frog) named after Kermit (Love)?!"

According to an Associated Press obituary, the answer is no. Apparently an uncanny coincidence.

I grew up a "Sesame Street" kid, and I always considered Big Bird my best friend. Sure Cookie Monster and I share a passion, Burt and Ernie do 70's-chic better than any Brooklyn hipster, and Oscar can trash-talk with the best of them, but Big Bird was different. Somehow more human. Maybe even a little bit sad...

Those doleful eyes, that soft-looking beak; the yellow feathers that flutter behind him like butterflies. The quirky, baby-bird-just-woke-up-from-a-nap plumage atop his fluffy head. Striped pink and orange legs that not even Wolford could successfully recreate as hosiery. And those hands! Mitten-like "claws" that always seemed to be gently grasping for something...

Thank you, Kermit Love, for creating someone we can all look up to.

If you ask me, it's also a bit of a coincidence that after years of being out of favor, or only acceptable in small doses, the hottest color this season is...bright yellow.

In celebration of Big Bird yellow, I tracked down a few bright spots:

Kate Spade clutch

J. Crew dress

Marc Jacobs flats

Pringle of Scotland top

Hamptons, Schmamptons: Style Spy Hits the Beach for a Chic NYC Stay-cation

2008-06-24T14:44:09-04:00

While most of my fellow fashionistas bolt for the beach every Friday, I prefer to stick it out in the city. But occasionally, well, you know the song: "Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck..."

To avoid such unsavory effects, I suggest the following stay-cation excursion:

1. Start your beachy afternoon at the South Street Seaport (SPY TIP: Plan for lots of sand and sun, but no swimming).

2. Upon arrival, buy a ticket for the New York Water Taxi, ultimate destination: Water Taxi Beach at Hunter's Point (SPY TIP: Puchase a hop on/hop off day ticket for $20, and you'll end up shelling out less money than you would for a single roundtrip ticket to most Water Taxi stops; or, if you'd rather shop and eat Swedish meatballs, take the FREE Water Taxi to the new Ikea in Red Hook).

3. While waiting for the taxi, grab a dockside cocktail -- and a snack, if you want something other than burgers and dogs, which is your only food option once you get to The Beach -- at the Pacific Grill (SPY TIP: According to a recent post on Eater.com, a new version of Water Taxi Beach is in the works in Red Hook, complete with a beer garden and the Cheyenne diner).

4. Score a seat on the roof of the Water Taxi. (IMPORTANT: They are very strict about occupancy, so in order to avoid getting stuck in the stuffy, enclosed cabin downstairs, be sure you're one of the first fifteen people in line. I was too busy posing for the above picture, so I had to sit inside for most of the trip.)

However, I did get my moment in the sun...

...and I milked it (Victoria Beckham, eat your heart out! Hey Leo -- who's King of the World, now?!).

5. Once you get to Water Taxi Beach, prepare to show ID and have your bag inspected by a surly security guard. Then, kick off your shoes and secure towel space or a cafe table as close to the water as possible.

6. Stop by the (CASH ONLY!) Tiki-esque bar for sangria, Peroni or a glass of '06 Mouton Cadet. The beverage selection is surprisingly upscale...

...compared to the (CASH ONLY!) food selection which includes hamburgers, soy burgers, hot dogs, hot dogitos (a tortilla stands in for the bun) and extra-extra-greasy fries. The cheeseburgers weren't terrible, so if you're really starved (like I was), go for it.

7. Relax, play volleyball, dance, play cards, admire the panoramic view of Manhattan, worship the sun...or, do what I did: PEOPLE WATCH (and take pictures!)

Here are my snaps of the hottest gals on the beach:

8. Extend your beach day with a dockside dinner back on "the big island." Take the last Water Taxi from Hunter's Point (at about 7pm, just in time for a mini sunset cruise) one stop to 34th Street, and walk to The Water Club (SPY TIP: Make a reservation).

Sit in the outside dining room right on the water (dressier, just off the main dining room) or upstairs on the deck (casual dress, casual menu). Order a bottle of Rose, She-Crab soup and Maine lobster. Sit back and raise a glass to all those less fortunate than you who are sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on their way back from the Hamptons.

Shoe of the Week: Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal

2008-06-23T07:00:00-04:00

You've already seen them in the Sex and the City movie, but wouldn't it be more fun to see them on your feet?

I recently had the sheer and utter pleasure of road-testing the metallic snakeskin version of these vertiginous, gutsier-than-gladiators spikes for a television shoot (to air in October...stay tuned for more details) and at my favorite NYC haunt, the Rusty Knot. On both occasions, they drew oohs and aaahs. One sole-sister even ran down the street to tell me that she had been desperately seeking the black ones.

Well, here they are:

Dior extreme cutout sandal at Bergdorf Goodman, $780

Brad's latest gift to Angie: Guns or Roses?

2008-06-20T11:50:00-04:00

According to a recent interview with Angelina Jolie in Entertainment Weekly, her beau Brad is not only difficult to shop for, but he also gives good gift.

Jolie tells EW:

''Mad, our 6-year-old, draws lots of war scenarios. He's all into war and guns. So for Mother's Day he drew a machine gun, and Brad had it made into a necklace, which is really sweet. It's really cute. I think it's really good!''

Encouraging a child to draw war scenarios and immortalizing one of his creations in the form of jewelry is not exactly what one might expect from the soon-to-be mom of six and UN Goodwill Ambassador, but then again when has Jolie ever been predictable, much less conventional?

This is the same woman made infamous for incestuous kisses and wearing a vial (vile!) of Billy Bob Thornton's blood around her neck. Jolie has also admitted to collecting knives since she was a kid. Not to mention, the sexy screen siren is almost always fully-loaded in her films.

Seriously, who else could rock a closet full of St. John suits alongside a kickin' collection of Banksy artwork?

The same woman who can pull off both sensible Cole Haan shoes and a Thomas Wylde dress on the red carpet at Cannes.

What do you think about golden guns as gifts? Sweet or scary? Weird or warm and fuzzy? Is this a cute case of boys will be boys, or should parents institute their own brand of gun control?

Click here what LilSugar has to say about it.

Click here to get your own gold machine gun charm.

InStyle Editors Give Katrina Szish the Dish on Dad's Day Gifts

2008-06-13T12:35:12-04:00

There's still time to make it a tie-free Father's Day.
And, because I like you, I thought I'd offer some assistance.

So, I consulted with some of my InStyle colleagues to get their picks for the best online shopping options.

Watch the video now on CNN.com...

Ooohing and aaahing over "The Roll Up" from John Allan's, $245

THE TOP 5 GO-TO SITES FOR FATHER'S DAY FODDER

1. Robert Redd
Classic, preppy-chic, logo-free polo shirts made from super-soft Peruvian cotton. This is Jonathan Adler's go-to source for shirts.

2. John Allan's
New York City-based men's grooming mecca offers luxurious, yet still masculine options for men.

3. Tauk
The must-visit spot for nautical, water-sporting Dads. This hip Montauk shop offers everything from brass anchor bottle openers to board shorts.

4. Fruit Forward
This Wine of the Month club is a great gift for the oenophile. Wines are selected from around the globe, and prices start at $19.95.

5. Blurb
Digital photo albums are so...digital. Instead, make dad a high-end coffee table-style photo book complete with personal pictures and captions.

Sample Sales: Smart or for Suckers?

2008-06-10T16:29:57-04:00

It's sample sale season!

Yet ever since the Chanel sample sale went the way of the cassette tape, my heart just hasn't been in it. How can you top $200 iconic bags and runway shoes for $50? (Never mind sitting on the floor next to Kevin Aucoin at 7:30am waiting for the doors to open).

But alas, many years have passed since the golden days of sample sales (I still wear wares I scored at Fendi, Prada, Hermes and Chloe in the Stella days), and my wardrobe is in need of some sprucing. So, I decided to indulge a bit this season.

Just a bit, mind you. Recession, duh. So far I have missed more sales (Catherine Malandrino, Jimmy Choo, Chloe and Rebecca Taylor) than I have attended. That said, I have purchased a $500 Diane von Furstenberg skirt for $80 and a 3.1 Phillip Lim belt -- that I happen to be wearing right now --- for $50 (originally $200).

And today I actually stood outside in 98-degree heat for two and a half hours to get into the Tory Burch sample sale.***

Yup. Two and a half hours. By the time I finally entered, 300+ serious shoppers had beaten me inside. I'm still debating whether it's better to be one of the first ones (or hundreds in this case) in the door and deal with the chaos, or if it's preferable to meander in after the crowds and miss the best selection.

Anyway, the doors opened at 10am, and Mr. Husband and I drove up at 9:50am (already sweating -- we rode the Vespa; helmets are hot!). The line was already nearly a city block long. We figured that once the doors opened, we'd sail right on inside. At 10:30, when sample security (no joke) warned hundreds of sweaty shoppers that they would be in line for at least two hours, we stayed (and even chuckled a bit). We thought it would be like waiting for a table at The Spotted Pig -- they tell you it'll be two hours, and you're seated within 30. We did not have the last laugh.

Today's sample sale-ers were on a mission. People carried empty Louis Vuitton duffles and extra-large LL Bean tote bags. They brought bottled water and then bought more from an entrepreneurial gentleman who walked the block with cold bottles in plastic bags. They kept a keen eye on the queue...if anyone sidled up and tried to cut, they instantly called her out and scolded her (although one entertainment show producer managed to slide by unnoticed by everyone but Style Spy). Now that's what I call the Fashion Police. The shoppers uniform of choice was a cotton jersey sundress, flip-flops, hair pulled up with a clip, and oversized sunglasses (I had a long time to be observant).

In the end, I walked away with $900 of merchandise for $290 (including this kaftan).

My question to you, fair fashion friends, is: Are sample sales worth the hassle?

PS
So far the best sample sale of the season was the Jonathan Adler warehouse sale in Jersey City -- it was almost reminiscent of the Chanel deal days. Except, of course, I didn't buy anything to wear...

***The Tory Burch sample sale is being held at 261 West 36th Street and continues through Saturday, June 14th. Call 212.947.8748 for more info.

Making Scents of Summer

2008-06-03T12:29:30-04:00

Scents, like songs, can transport you to a distant time or place.

One of the best souvenirs to score from a favorite destination -- especially a beachy one -- is a fragrance that sparks your senses and takes you back to that cherished place with a single sniff.

Whenever I long for Rehoboth Beach (my childhood seaside paradise), I splash on a few drops of the rugged Chesapeake Bay Spyce men's cologne that I bought at Carlton's, the old-school resort clothier on Rehoboth Avenue. (The same company, Coastal Fragrance, also offers a version called Seaport, which does wonders reminding me of home when I'm away from home).

Chesapeake Bay Spyce cologne, $30 at Sportys.com

Bond No. 9 bottles the essence of the Hamptons, Fire Island (my pick for sexiest scent!), Coney Island and Manhattan (dubbed Eau de New York), in their New York beaches collection (they recommend storing the bottle in the fridge for maximum cooling sensation).

Bond No. 9 beaches collection, $125 per 50ml bottle at BondNo9.com

Even if you're landlocked, pretend you're not with Restoration Hardware's "shore" cleaning collection. I use the laundry softener and surface cleaner all year long, and it makes household chores less of a chore.

Shore cleaning collection, from $9 at Restoration Hardware

And leave it to Jonathan Adler to conjure a series of candles inspired by some of his most beloved getaways (and mine! Mr. Husband and I have spent many a lazy afternoon sipping Domaines Ott at Sunset Beach on Shelter Island!)...

Jonathan Adler Sunset Beach candle, $38 at Candledelirium.com

What's your favorite scent memory? If you've found it bottled or in wax form, let me know!

"Sex" will sparkle tonight in New York City

2008-05-27T11:50:55-04:00

The highly-anticipated stateside premiere of "Sex and The City" is happening tonight at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, and will be followed by a bash in the sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art.

No doubt it will be stylish and star-studded, but it is also going to be a sparkle-fest. Literally.

Swarovski is the official decor partner for the event, and is using hundreds of thousands of crystals to create a "Sex"y ambiance.

Kristen Davis sparkles at the Berlin premiere in Boucheron gems.

Image provided by Boucheron

More than 10,000 crystals were used for the pink carpet (no red here!) that premiere-goers will walk on their way into Radio City.

Swarovski will also sparkle on the big screen. Three signature creations are featured in the film including the Nirvana ring, the Kiosque bag (buy your own now!) and the Era bag. Swarovski elements are also featured on Carrie’s cell phone, wedding veil and wedding parasol.

Swarovski's Kiosque bag

At the after party, guests will be greeted by a chandelier comprised of over a thousand pink and green crystals; 500-plus crystal heart ornaments adorning the trees in the garden...

...a sofa covered in over 1,000 crystals and worth more than $100,000...

...a crystal curtain (roughly 12 ft high and 8 ft wide) with 160 stands of crystal and a total of 7,240 crystals; and more than 30 crystal lanterns will be used to adorn the tables.

"Sex and The City" logos made entirely of Swarovski crystals will adorn the serving trays; fuchsia Swarovski crystals will adorn the DJ booth; and giant Kiosque Bag sculptures will be displayed on the bars.

Leave it to the "SATS" gals to arrive in style...

Newsflash: "Sex" Style Gone To The Dogs

2008-05-20T10:46:48-04:00

I mean that figuratively, of course (my SATC-loving friend Keren would disown me if I dissed the girls).

Karl Larsen/INF Goff

Kim Cattrall, seen here stepping out on set in sunshine yellow with pooch to match, totes a gorgeous, exotic skin bag from Nancy Gonzalez. According to the designer's camp, as the film's stylists were getting ready for this scene they decided at the last minute that the dog simply must have a collar and leash that coordinated with Samantha's decadent bag.

And, voila! The brainstorming session resulted in this one-of-a-kind matching leash and collar also by Nancy Gonzalez. This is SATC we're talking about, so ask for fashion and you shall receive.

This brings to mind a style question that I always struggle with: should owners coordinate outfits with their dogs? Is it scary or chic?

"Sex" Isn't Worth The Hype

2008-05-16T14:18:09-04:00

At least according to Cody Willard, co-host of "Happy Hour" on the Fox Business Network.

I was a guest on Cody's show earlier this week and was intrigued by his intense dislike of "Sex and the City.". The mere mention of this ultimate chick flick makes him feisty. He insists "Sex" is a fantasy world that no woman has ever truly experienced and therefore the premise of the series -- and its legion of followers -- is ridiculous.

To wit, his rant on his blog, The Cody Word:

"I hate 'Sex and the City.' Truly, as I blame it for confusing a whole generation of single New York women about the difference between reality and fantasy. Hey New York City girls, “Sex and the City” is a fantasy. Get a freakin’ grip."

Now truly, I love Cody (especially because of the ease with which "Manolo Blahnik" rolls off his tongue), but I have to call him out on this, because he is wrong on two levels.

First, we are talking about fiction, remember? This is not a documentary, thus there are going to be some fantastical elements. We have a freakin' grip, Cody.

Second, Candace Bushnell -- and many other women who have come of age in The Big Apple well before the "Sex" phenomenon began in the late 90s -- really have lived that life, or something remarkably similar.

Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic

In fact, I am one of those women and happen to be friends with many others, all of whom were a version of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha or Charlotte before those characters ever existed.

"Sex" is a story based on the real lives of real women. Many of those "New York City girls" Cody refers to have become "Sex" fans because they genuinely identify with the lifestyle and characters -- not because they are trying to live vicariously through a "fantasy."

Cody's co-host Rebecca Gomez (who is also one of "us") and I accused him of being bitter because he's probably been burned too many times by "Sex"-y women. We were teasing him, of course, but he didn't deny the possibility.

My question is: Are men intimidated by strong, smart, successful, independent women? Or does it just bug them that we are all those things and also have time to shop for shoes? What's the deal?

Seems to me that Cody, and other like-minded, anti-"Sex" men out there, are guilty of confusing reality with fantasy.