Magazine BLU Retrospective Fall/Winter 2009 | Pre-Launch! by Magazine BLU

MAGAZINE

BLU EXPLOITS

INDULGENCES

DECADENCE...SHARED

VOL 2 ISS 2

A BLU Retrospective Quarters Relations Libations Exploits Cuisine People Style Art

Looking Back to Launch Ahead

PLUS:

Autotopia

New | Classic | Smart

The Toys You Love

SOURCEBOOK FOR DISCRIMINATING SINGLES

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Pre-Launch

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

A Timely Introduction So many people have asked, “Why has it taken so long for you to develop Magazine BLU?” I’m so very pleased to answer that question, as I know that everything does have its season, and our season is upon us. The specific truth is that hundreds of magazines fail each year. New ones fail beyond their first or second issue, veterans close after tens of years - not a failure by any means, but an end all the same. In order for us to have a chance at any success, I knew that we must have several things in our favor: a winning concept, a stellar team, and the hunger to achieve where “survival of the fittest” is entirely applicable. To move toward our future, we started the research behind our emerging demographic (the singles) in 2003. We have become as close to expert in what singles want as possible for anyone at this juncture. We found many of our beliefs about singles were true, while many beliefs are common stereotypes that will take time and effort to disprove. All in all, we have learned that the Magazine BLU demographic is much larger and more eager for media representation than we could have ever imagined, through media delivered precisely the way they want it. If we had rushed to start without this foundation for our readers, we would not be able to deliver, at all. Our team is indeed stellar. We’re pleased with our original photographers, stylists and writers, as well as a huge group of new ones with vast experience and many journalistic accolades on their trophy shelves. The “original team” has worked long and hard together to produce a Magazine BLU style and approach that I know will endure. They have been patient, supportive, and encouraging while we have learned each others’ idiosyncracies, work methods and personalities. They deserve success. As for the newbies on the BLU block, I can’t wait to see what they produce! Together, they comprise an amazing group of talent.

As for that hunger to achieve, could there be any doubt? I don’t now know how I came up with this concept so many years ago. It just happened. I can’t exactly recall how it is that this team was brought together so easily, with so many who were willing to work so hard toward a long-term goal. They just happened. All I can say for sure is that we collectively happened upon the greatest adventure of my life. I hope it has been and will be the team’s greatest adventure of their lives, and ultimately, we want to be a great accent to the adventure of each of your lives. I think all 35 million of us were hungry for this, whether for the recognition of our existence as a powerful consumer group, or to enrich our single selves day by day. To all of you, thanks for sticking with us for so long. Thanks for looking forward to our official beginning and for hoping for our collective future. With that, I am very pleased to introduce the new Managing Editor of Magazine BLU, Scott Pruden. He has been with us from the beginning of our testing days, since 2006. His vision, experience, and dedication will prove invaluable, insightful, and intriguing for all of us - readers and Magazine BLU staff, alike. He will drive us forward, and I am so very glad to have him leading our editorial team. This is our last “sample issue.” I thought it only fitting to usher us into Launch with a look back at the beginnings of Mag BLU. We’ve come a long way, and you will see major improvements from the very first official issue of 2010, including many more writers, an assortment of quicker reads mixed with feature editorials, and continuously updating web content to accent each quarterly print edition. As we grow, do not hesitate to provide feedback. As a marketing person, I know that even negative feedback paves our pathway to success, and welcome any and all constructive input. Until Launch, enjoy this look back at our formation, and have an enriched single life!

Scott Pruden Managing Editor BLU Since March 2006 Scott Pruden aspired to become a published writer as early as age ten. Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism, he launched his career in the world of newspapers by covering local news, politics, business, crime and public interest. He then progressed into a weekly opinion column, as well as to writing for lifestyle and feature magazines. The consummate professional with extremely fine-tuned journalistic capability, Scott has written highly favored pieces that have brought in many emails of appreciation and admiration. Always willing and on the ready, Scott has delivered for us repeatedly and will continue to do so, as the Managing Editor of Magazine BLU.

BLU

Pre-Launch

VOL 2 ISS 2

Style HIS FASHION: FRENCH DRESSING Gentlemen, it is the time in your life when you must acknowledge that looking good brings power, success and...the ladies! Jeff Wyatt shows you the way, with a little help from Hugo Boss. By Jeff Wyatt. HER FASHION: SUMMER SWEETNESS We hit the streets of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco’s family neighborhood, to catch a glimpse of flirty fashion styled by Jessie James Boutique and donned by a sweet blonde with aspirations of her own. HIS & HER FASHION: AUTUMN EASE Relax. Don’t rush off to rake those leaves, just yet. Enjoy cooler air and still-warm, sunny afternoons. These fashions are relaxed, easy and perfect for the “Indian Summer.” LINGERIE: WHO IS IT REALLY FOR? The founder and designer of CLO Lingerie reveals who she designs for, and in turn, who benefits. DUDE, WHERE’S YOUR STYLE? Jeff Wyatt outlines some “do’s and don’ts” for the male gender to follow when dressing in summer’s more relaxed style. INDULGENCES We found some of the greatest things for your living space, lifestyle, wardrobe...and even your pet. We bring them, BLU approved, to you.

Special Section: Fashion That Binds RESTRICTIVE HISTORY Once symbolic of aristocracy, socioeconomic stature and discipline, corsets evolved over hundreds of years, then fell out of fashion as women rebelled against restrictive and uncomfortable garments. Men, however, embraced the utilitarian necktie, quickly transforming it into a bold fashion statement that thrives to this day. By Kimberly Toms with Kristen Held. ROMANCE BOUND Captivating corsets to inspire admiration and romance. HANDS, WRIST, NECK Bind yourself in decadently in metals, gems, textures and colors.

Toys SEXY, SLEEK & READY TO ROLL Man has long had a love affair with automobiles. Beyond the aerodynamic styling and crash-test ratings of today’s cars remain memories of the classics that just make you want to hit the road. By Scott Pruden. ARTFULLY AUDI With designs inspired by both royalty and the thrill of the race, it is no wonder that Audi consistently delivers on quality, performance and luxury. By Curt Riedy. DRIVING WITH SMARTS Sometimes being small and economical is actually quite socially intelligent. We prove that, tooling around Manhattan in this new little machine. By Kimberly Toms.

BLU

Pre-Launch VOL 2 ISS 2

Quarters SOCIAL DWELLING: LOFTS AND BROWNSTONES Lofts and brownstones have become the preferred city dwellings of so many single socialites. Some Philly residents give us a glimpse into their spaces that entertain in style. By Kimberly Toms with Profiles by Kate Wright. SEASIDE LIVING The Jersey Shore sets the scene for the new style of seaside living. No longer are beach houses rustic weekend retreats. We explore a few palatial getaway homes that are ready for you, if you can afford the price tag. By Scott Pruden. DATE-READY DWELLING HGTV’s Krista Watterworth provides advice for ensuring that your home is ready to be explored, and snooped around in, by your next date. By Krista Watterworth. FASHION FORECAST FOR YOUR HOME Following hints provided by Rohm & Haas paint experts, we reveal the hot new interior design fashion colors. So, get that paintbrush ready!

Relations CURING THE BREAK-UP BLUES The split was destined to be, as otherwise you would not be, well...broken up. The end of a true relationship is almost always painful, but there is light at the end of that tunnel of temporary gloom, courtesy experts and those who have been there, before. By Felicia Coley. SEX TOO SOON? How long should you wait to have sex with your new “friend,” for the first time? Most of us agree the first date is not optimum, but who really knows when the time is right? By Felicia Coley. NOT JUST FOR THE BOYS, ANYMORE? Gentlemen’s clubs have seen an increased occurrence of women in the audience. But, who are these women and why are they there? By Helene Golembek.

Arts NATURE IN THE LENS A focus on the motivation of an adventurous financial planner with a strong talent for capturing the wilds on film. By Curt Riedy.

JEFF WYATT’S MUSINGS Writer/comedian Jeff Wyatt reflects on dating and dishes out his perspective on women. By Jeff Wyatt.

BLU Cuisine & Libations MICROBREWS OF THE NORTHEAST Whether your fave is porter or stout, pilsner or dark...we discovered some of the best beers in the U.S. are made in the Northeast. Hope you’re thirsty, because we’re serving them all to you. By Curt Riedy. IT WORKS! Philadelphia’s newest dining experience inhabits one of the City of Brotherly Love’s favorite landmarks. AAAH, VODKA! A good vodka can set the perfect vibe, creating just the right mood through a unique aroma or taste sensation. A good vodka can create a blissful world of its own, from a go-for-broke upscale bash to a relaxing night under the stars on your favorite beach. By Curt Riedy. COWBOY CUISINE Cowboys don’t just eat steak and ribs. Yes, sometimes they have fish or chicken, as our Texas dining experience proves. CIGARS & WHISKEY Some pairings are better than others, whether in romance or libations. Cigars and whiskey offer a timeless union that will have you raising a glass and toasting to “forever after.” By Curt Riedy. WHISKEY TASTES & TOASTS Bushmills Irish Whiskey’s Master Distiller Colum Egan explains how to properly taste whiskey; some worldwide brand favorites; charming toasts from Tullamore Dew.

Exploits THE COUPLES’ WEEKEND Boston combines old and new in a revolutionary mix that revitalizes the experience of getting away for the weekend. By Scott Pruden. FLORIDA, FOR GROWNUPS St. Augustine proves Florida is historic, elegant, and sophisticated...and not just about Spring Break and Early Bird Specials. A RETURN TO TOURISM “AS USUAL” We put aside the collective memory of that femme fatale who breezed through New Orleans, packed our bags and decided, Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

People CAPTIVATING SINGLES A man and a woman, both members of Generation X, single and quite remarkable. We found and bring them to you. By Kimberly Toms.

Pre-Launch

VOL 2 ISS 2

MAGAZINE

BLU KIMBERLY TOMS PUBLISHER ADDRESS / INQUIRIES: 4847 HOPYARD ROAD SUITE 4344 PLEASANTON, CA 94588 www.magazineblu.com info@magazineblu.com

Magazine BLU is published quarterly by Nola Blue Media, LLC of Pleasanton, CA. SUBSCRIPTIONS: US: $8.95 per issue; Canada: $8.95 per issue. Copy and unauthorized distribution prohibited. Reprints available through inquiry at info@magazineblu.com. All rights strictly reserved, and reproduction in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from the Publisher. Copyright 2009. Printed (both digitally and hard copy editions) in the USA. Byline contributors' views do not necessarily represent opinions of the Publisher, Principals, Employees, or Nola Blue Media, LLC. MAGAZINE BLU: Pre-Launch 2009 / VOL 2 ISS 2

Pre-Launch

CONTRIBUTORS

SCOTT PRUDEN Writer Scott Pruden aspired to become a published writer as early as age ten. Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism, he launched his career in the world of newspapers by covering local news, politics, business, crime and public interest. He then progressed into a weekly opinion column, as well as to writing for lifestyle and feature magazines. The consummate professional with extremely fine-tuned journalistic capability, Scott has written highly favored pieces that have brought in many emails of appreciation and admiration. Always willing and on the ready, Scott has delivered for us repeatedly and will continue to do so, as the Managing Editor of Magazine BLU.

MARK MARGRAFF Photographer Mark Margraff lives, breathes, and exudes his own commercial artistic style. He shoots regularly around Philadelphia and works with top advertising agencies and publications. He is passionate about both his work and his family.

CURT RIEDY Writer Curt Riedy began his writing career at Kutztown University, where he graduated with a BA in Professional Writing. He has since written for multiple newspapers and magazines with a focus on the arts, film and music.

JAMES JACKSON Photographer James Jackson has been communicating his message through photography since 1995. Currently, James is expanding in advertising and fashion photographic styles and is working with major fashion and catalog clients as a photographer and photography assistant both in studio and on location. James is also continuing to work with event clients such as Comcast SportsNet and the American Cancer Society, commercial clients such as Lincolnmotorsport for vehicle and product photography, local bands such as NorthernHues for promotional and album photography, and local models and actors for portfolio expansion and head-shots.

DANIEL MEZICK Photographer Daniel Mezick graduated with a BA in Studio Art Photography from Lycoming College. He has worked on shoots ranging from corporate portraiture to editorial magazine spreads, commercial products, advertising campaigns and large book publications.

RAFAEL HENIN Photographer Sundance Films and QVC are only two of the esteemed clients for whom Rafael Henin has worked. Utilizing a great eye for color and composition, he shoots subjects and in settings ranging from highly commercial to creative.

JEFF WYATT Writer A New York writer/comedian with a wit ranging from jovial to acerbic depending on the subject, Jeff has spent the past year delighting audiences, be it in a comedy club or his first passion, poetry readings.

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All photos courtesy HUGO BOSS (ÂŠ2003) Hugo Boss AG, Dieselstrasse 12, 72555 Metzingen, Federal Republic of Germany.

French

Dressing By Jeff Wyatt

entlemen, if we may be honest with one another, bigger is always better. More is more! Give me six patties of meat on my cheeseburger, and while you’re at it, put six slices of cheese on there, and when it comes to women…may we have seconds? The genetic makeup of Homo sapiens (Americanus) man says that we have to want bigger, more powerful, and just flat out, more! But when it comes to the clothing in our closets, it iss time for a change. Now, I know that because of events surrounding one of the greatest tragedies in American history, we are supposed to be patriotic and hate the French. But alas my manly American brothers, it is time for us to embrace the French once again. Yes, the French, the same ones who gave us the Statue of Liberty, the novels of Proust, the Champs-Elysées and of course, the ability to order a Royale with cheese, a la Samuel L. Jackson, naturally. So why is it that I ask you to turn your gaze eastward and subscribe to the French way of dressing? It is the simple idea of less is more. Less is more? That’s not a capitalist enterprise! I want you to close your eyes and think to yourself… Now open them, because you haven’t yet read what I’m asking you to think about, Silly Goose. Envision the way your coworkers dress. Then, check out those you see on your commute to work. Look at them, dressed in ill fitting clothing: suit jackets too large, making the shoulders appear as though they magically float away from the body; pants so oversized that the break of the pant hits closer to the concrete than the ankle, and on top of that, they’re cuffed! These people wear dress shirts that have so much fabric attached to them they look better suited to sailing a zephyr on the open sea than to clothing a man dressed upon dry land. Now, realize you have the same poor choices in clothing and fit as all of these people, and that how you look at them is how people look at you. “For whatever reason, a lot of men dress as though they weigh 40 pounds more than they actually do,” says Manhattan based Amanda Longton, former Director of Stores for the W Hotel Boutiques and currently the Retail Director for Mavi NYC.

It’s a simple proposal: less is more. Think: fewer clothing options, less fabric in your clothing and more stolen glances when you step into a room. There is a reason James Bond will always be a la mode, his clothes fit him! And so we get to the heart of French dressing. It is impeccable fit and a lesser wardrobe. We must forego the American approach to everything, that of a plethora of choices, and narrow down our wardrobes to pieces that (every time you step out the door) make you look damn good. You may not be Sean Connery, but at least you can fake it. The building of a cohesive wardrobe is essential not only to French

Oui!

dressing, but also to making life simpler. Each piece needs to be interchangeable with others. T-shirts, cardigans, flat front dress pants, button down shirts, jeans, suit jackets etc… “The more effort you put into selecting great pieces, the less effort you need to expend in order to look good at all times,” states Longton. Step 1: Clear out the rubbish. I know it’s difficult to purchase something and then to have to admit defeat in your ability to properly clothe yourself. But, it must be done. If you don’t look good in it, then what exactly is the point of wearing it? Clothing most certainly is art and we have to face the fact that not all art is created equal. If you’re wearing a God-awful print, or something that has too much fabric and doesn’t fit you properly, you need to cleanse yourself and donate it to charity. Step 2: Honor thy tailor. It’s time to take clothing from the status of necessity, to the status of an investment in self. Ask any petite woman who her favorite person is (after her hair stylist) and you will probably be told the name of her tailor. Pants need to be hemmed, suit jackets need to be taken in, and you’re not doing it! There’s a reason tuxedos look so damn good on 007: He has a tailor. This, more than anything, is the essential requisite of French dressing. If you’re just going to present yourself in an overgrown sac, then why are you dropping $150 on a Hugo Boss dress shirt? Not even Tom Ford can make a man who wears a medium shirt look presentable in an extra large. “The biggest thing with men is to convince them they are not that big. A shoulder seam at mid-bicep doesn’t look good, and they don’t understand that,” says Amanda. That brings us to our next point… Step 3: Size matters, Sweetie. Harkening to our male instincts of more is more in this country, it’s time to accept the fact that you aren’t an extra large shirt. Hell, most of you aren’t even an extra medium! How sad is it to see a man drowning in a shirt? When there is enough fabric to comfortably wear a sympathy belly underneath…well, you just look like crap. Clothiers generally pander to the masses, and America’s masses are massive, but you aren’t. You’re single and need to get laid. So, stop dressing like a fat man and start dressing like the classy bitch you think you are. Think slimfit. Step 4: Flaunt it. And you know what the best part is? When you have great pieces that fit you properly and are interchangeable, it takes zero effort to flaunt it. Nothing turns a woman’s head faster than a well dressed man. Face it, most men look pretty atrocious naked. Brad Pitts we are not. So the reality is, when a woman sees you, she doesn’t imagine you naked. A shock, I know. She notices a man’s attention to detail, his ability to present himself in the best manner possible. And that doesn’t mean the ability to tuck your shirt into your pants, and your back pockets at the same time. “A man, who carries himself well and is in

en français, s'il vous plaît

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a classic, tailored suit, will draw me into a conversation faster than a man who doesn’t dress well. It shows me he pays attention to detail and knows how to take care of himself, which ultimately makes me think he’d know how to take care of a relationship properly,” says Miss Amanda Longton. You only have one chance to make a first impression with a woman, so you need to ask yourself, do you want to impersonate George Clooney or Woody Allen? These are four exceedingly simple steps to presenting yourself in a much more put-together way. If you still feel at this point you are lost when it comes to what clothing to choose, hire a personal shopper. They’ll go over your budget with you and determine what would suit you best, pardon the pun. You pay for a realtor when you’re buying property. Just why do you do that? Because you don’t know crap! Though clothing is, in theory, a bit simpler to pick out, the same principles apply. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then get the help of someone who does.

The French certainly know how to wear it. But, some of Jeff’s favorite designs are actually German. What can we say...Mr. Wyatt is eclectically Euro!

Les choix de Jeff: Five ensembles for the perfect fall closet, all from the German fashion master Hugo Boss and favored by our own Jeff Wyatt:

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Et les souliers... (And the shoes...)

Jeff’s favorite Hugo Boss selections for a well-rounded, yet precise closet include pieces from both the Black and Selection collections of Fall/Winter 2007/2008.

The Hugo Boss Black collection highlights Asia-Pacific regional influences, as well as cool-Mod styling of the 1960’s and today’s cutting-edge music scene, but with a light touch that is understated and sophisticated, reflected in a balanced and restrained color palette, design details and delicate graphic touches. Tailoring for the city is clean, sharp and elegant, freshened by an emerging sportswear aesthetic. The two-button single-breasted suit is the dominant shape, although three-button suits and three-piece looks are also in the mix. For urban menswear, jacket lengths are notably shorter and colors are dark, with black and grey at the forefront. Fabrics with structure are back, including cashmere, silk, angora and mohair. Tonal stripes dominate suitings, with a slight hint of color. The Hugo Boss Selection collection is relatively new, but is growing in both offerings and popularity. Its primary emphasis is that of a well-balanced and fully-appointed closet for sophisticated yet youthful consumers. All depicted Hugo Boss pieces are available for Fall/Winter 2007/2008. See www.HugoBoss.com for details and store locations near you.

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The newest evolution in fitness!

Sleek, sophisticated styling, complemented with state-of-the-art engineering, is the essence of a new standard in elliptical trainers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the CenterG series from Keys Fitness.

Setting a new and higher performance benchmark, the new CenterG elliptical series redefines the elliptical category. With breakthrough design and technology, they deliver what is most important in your elliptical workoutâ&#x20AC;Śa smooth and natural motion.

Ellipticals are all about providing you effective cardio training with low impact to your body. The new, patented center-drive technology of CenterG delivers improved performance in this area over conventionally designed ellipticals. And, by keeping the drive system centered around you, CenterG allows you to maintain proper spine alignment and better posture. Translating into a better and more comfortable workout.

061218-71CB

S S

ummer weetness Flowing Fabrics and Femininity In the Very Neighborhood Where Princess Grace Became a Lady

Photographs by Mark Margraff Model: Regina Ivoskute Hair/Makeup: Susan Margraff Creative Direction: Kimberly Toms Fashion Styling: Jessie James Boutique www.jessiejamesonline.com

Lorick parrot print chiffon circle skirt dress with matching scarf, $369.

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Walter tiered sleeve blouse, $236. Sass & Bide black highwaisted jeans, $252. Monserat DeLucca bag, $364. Volare ring, $72. Hat, sunglasses, shoes, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Yumi Kim floral print blouse, $144. Walter high-waisted, wideleg denim trousers, $196. Carolina Amato purple leather driving gloves, $132. Sunglasses, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Tulle yellow linen dress with pockets, $68. Bangles, hat, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Falls long purple prairie dress, $308. Volare gold ring, $68. Shoes, necklace, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Lorick blue scoop back fitted dress, $488. Carolina Amato black leather opera gloves, $132. Belt, hat, shoes, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Lodice black silk jersey one-shoulder dress, $342. Ophelie feather headband, $62. Handbag, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Chloe and Reese black v-neck silk faille party dress, $458. Carolina Amato white leather opera gloves, $86. Shoes, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Relaxed andEasy Chic

Model: Jeff Wyatt. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

When the weather is still too warm for fall fashion, yet summer wearables leave you feeling naked, upscale denim and natural fabrics provide a comfortable, yet stylish transition from the heat of summer into the briskness of autumn. So, pull on those jeans or skirts, don breathable shirts and top pieces, jazz it up with light accessories and get ready for gorgeous fall colors and that inevitable crispness in the air. Photos by Mark Margraff.

Models: Jeff Wyatt and Krystal Friday. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money. Wardrobe 2nd Assistant: Denise Workman.

This page: Victorian Turtleneck, XCVI (xcvi.com); Denim Skirt, Nature vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Channel Clutch of purple embossed iguana leather, Cammie Hill, (cammiehill.com), $325; Carmen Necklace, Erika Pena (erikapena.com), $90; Rosa Maria Earrings, Erika Pena, $58. Large photo, opposite: Shirt, Modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own; Jeans, Kasil Jeans, $190, (kasiljean.com); Boots, vintage Tony Lama, courtesy Crimson in the City, (crimsoninthecity.com).

Model: Krystal Friday. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money. Wardrobe 2nd Assistant: Denise Workman.

This page: Lavender tee, True Love & False Idols (trueloveandfalseidols.com); Smock, XCVI (xcvi.com); Jeans, Blue Heights Skinny, Paige Premium Denim, $169, (paigepremiumdenim.com); Puzzle Earrings two-tone, $115, and Puzzle Necklace two-tone, $170, by Marjorie Victor Jewelry (marjorievictor.com).

Model: Krystal Friday. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money. Wardrobe 2nd Assistant: Denise Workman.

This page: Wool shirring top, Nature Vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Jeans, Fidelity Lotus (fidelitydenim.com; Silver Dynassis Earrings, Erika Pena Designs (erikapena.com).

Models: Monica Seaton and Krystal Friday. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money. Wardrobe 2nd Asst: Denise Workman (helipad shot only).

This page, left: White Obi Belt Shirt, Nature Vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Jeans, Fidelity Lotus (fidelitydenim.com); Earrings, Charm Bracelet, both Rimistyle (rimistyle.com). Right: Asymmetrical 3/4 Sleeve Crew Top, Nature Vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Fidelity Denim Low-Rise Trouser (fidelity.com). Necklace and Earrings, Rimistyle (rimistyle.com); Blue Wristlet, Bozano Handbags (bolzanohandbags.com).

Models: Jeff Wyatt and Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

This page, large photo: Sunglasses, Bebe (bebe.com). Jeans, Blue Heights Skinny Cut by Paige Premium Denim, $169, (paigepremiumdenim.com); Top, Victorian Turtleneck in Flame Orange, XCVI (xcvi.com). Rosa Earrings, Erika Pena Designs, $200 (erikapena.com); Necklace, Erika Pena Designs (erikapena.com); Bag, Cecilia by dePalma Handsewn Leathergoods (depalmahandsewn.com).

This page: Organic Cotton Crepe Shirring Top in Leaf, $130, Nature Vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Jeans, Blue Heights Skinny Cut by Paige Premium Denim, $169, (paigepremiumdenim.com); Ramon Necklace by Erika Pena Designs, $98 (erikapena.com) .

Both Pages - Model: Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

This page: Lace Empire Tank, Paige Knits (paigepremiumdenim.com); Las Palmas Pintuck Hoodie in Vineyard, Paige Knits; Long Puzzle Necklace in sterling silver and gold, $210, Puzzle Earrings in sterling silver and gold, $115, Puzzle Bracelet in sterling silver, $160, all Marjorie Victor Jewelry (marjorievictor.com); Fidelity Denim (fidelitydenim.com).

Model: Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

This page: Dramatic lace hemmed babydoll tunic, Paige Knits (paigepremiumdenim.com); Earrings, Erika Pena Designs (erikapena.com); Fidelity Denim (fidelitydenim.com).

Model: Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

This page: Silk/cotton Holiday Shirtdress, $228, Sweet Tater (sweettater.net); Feather Necklace, Erika Pena Designs (erikapena.com).

Model: Jeff Wyatt. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

Female: Wool Double Collar Sweater, Nature Vs. Future (naturevsfuture.com); Black Draped Tank, Paige Knits (paigepremiumdenim.com); Hammered Bar earrings, sterling silver, $55, Marjorie Victor Jewelry (marjorievictor.com); Kasil Denim (kasiljean.com). Male: White shirt, modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own; Paper, Denim & Cloth Khaki Jacket, courtesy of Crimson in the City of Dallas (crimsoninthecity.com); Fidelity Denim (fidelitydenim.com). Models: Jeff Wyatt and Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

Model: Monica Seaton. Hair/Makeup: Suzan Margraff. Assistant: Emily Money.

Black Draped Tank, Paige Knits (paigepremiumdenim.com); Juana Lucite Star Earrings, $58, and Cecilia Daisy Pendant on gold chain, $90, Erika Pena Designs (erikapena.com); Kasil Denim (kasiljean.com); Cherry Red Leather Cocktail Can-Can Purse, $225, Cammie Hill Handbags (cammiehill.com).

In Medellin, Columbia, a raven-haired girl was raised amongst sewing machines, fabrics, trims and workers who toiled to produce quality garments. Somewhere amongst those tools, supplies and people of her family’s business, young Claudia Ochoa absorbed the love of design and undying ambition to take over the world fashion market, one pair of lace panties at a time. After graduating from Columbia’s foremost design school and working for ready-to-wear fashion houses in her native country, Claudia moved to New York City in 1999. By 2003 CLO was launched, with the interest of producing feminine, flattering lingerie influenced by the sophisticated modernity of the New York woman, but maintaining the passion, color and sensuality of her South American roots. Considering that many lingerie lines are seemingly designed for the enticement of the viewer, versus the comfort or confidence of the wearer, CLO is conceptualized and constructed to enhance the beauty of the woman under the garment. By creating fashions that appeal to the lady in the lingerie, Claudia has perfected the art of designing pieces that successfully heighten a woman’s sex appeal through the building of natural confidence one feels as CLO fabric softly hugs each curve and accentuates femininity. The benefactor of this confidence is not only the wearer herself, but those who look upon her, absorbing and innately responding to sexuality exuded. In essence, CLO lingerie is designed for the woman. Men simply reap the benefits. As Claudia says, “Lingerie companies think they know what men want. But, men often are interested in something more subtle,” less hard-core. “If the design is more for the man, lingerie feeds a woman’s insecurity and the man will see that. As women, I don’t think we want just fantasy. We want to come back to ourselves truly, to wear things that make us feel good, confident and successful. You give the guy more, when you design for the girl.”

L ingerie:

Who is it really designed for? Photographs by Daniel Mezick Model: Rebecca Fox Hair/Makeup: Marnee Simon Creative Direction: Kimberly Toms

CLO lingerie is available throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. For shopping information, please refer to the company website at clostudio.com. Pieces range in retail price from approximately $18 for panties to over $100 for chemises. wwwm . agazn i ebu lc . om33wwwm . agazn i ebu lc . om34

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our designs are for the person wearing the garment: How is she going to feel? How flattering is the fit?â&#x20AC;?

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“When she tries our lingerie on, we want the woman to think, ‘Oh, it fits me so closely...it is very comfortable. It was designed for somebody like me!’”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most lingerie lines think they know what men want. But, guys are often more interested in subtlety.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We design from outerwear inward. Our pieces are supportive like a bra, but can be worn as a top.â&#x20AC;? www.magazineblu.com

“In our pieces, sexual confidence is exuded.”

Style?

Dude, Where’s Your Jeff Wyatt offers quick advice regarding summer style, for men on-the-go.

Don’t over-accessorize. Nothing kills a summer vibe more than a busy look. Do subtract a few things. Lose the belt and the pocket square, forget the shoelaces and leave the messenger bag behind. Nothing screams “summer” like a man who knows how to appear relaxed, in style and attitude. If more pocket space is needed when losing your bag, look for a cargo short to pick up the slack. If you absolutely must have a bag, lighten it up with a canvas beach version.

Don’t wear a heavy scent. Are you going to eat beef stroganoff on a 95-degree day? Then, why wear a scent that packs the same kind of heavy weight?

Do wear a scent that breathes. For summer, keep it light and airy. A floral or citrus-like dance should emanate from your neck. The lighter the scent, the better, as it will make the ladies need to come a bit closer to experience the full effect.

Don’t wear a cap. You aren’t in college anymore, Frat Boy. If it has adjustable plastic pegs on the back, it is only allowed during lawn mowing. And, don’t even get me started on your visor collection, you boy band wannabe.

Don’t go for perfection. This is not the season for crisp, James Bond-esque perfectionism. Do go for put together. You can be polished while seeming carefree. Opt for linens and light cottons. A little wrinkle in the summer looks amazing, as long as it is not a wrinkled power tie.

Don’t forget your sunscreen. I’m no dermatologist, but I do know that your skin will be your greatest accessory. Robert Redford was one of Hollywood’s greatest sex symbols, and now he looks like a dehydrated kiwi. Do forget your hairspray. Leave the hair a little tousled. Summer will never be about a perfect coif, so there’s no need to try.

Don’t forget your pedicure. Nothing is nastier at a picnic than a yellow toenail that looks like something from the Paleolithic Period. Man up and get those cuticles pushed back. Nasty piggies make you look like a nasty piggy. Do wear sandals. In the spirit of keeping things simple, opt for sandals this season. They keep the feet so much cooler and allow them to get some much needed air. Plus, the right pair looks savvy and sophisticated, as long as they are worn with a pedicure and replaced before they are worn-out.

Don’t dress like a dessert. Yes, those stylish seersucker suits may be of a neon color. But, dammit man, eighties day-glow has long passed go and pocketed the $200. Do dress like summer foliage. Though technically of the same color palette as a dessert, the greens, pinks and oranges will serve you much better when taking on the subdued tones held in nature’s exuberance. Remember, be bright, but don’t be obnoxious.

Don’t be that guy. You know the one: ridiculous tan lines with sunburned skin, wife-beater tee shirt, Hawaiian board shorts, and sandals falling apart.

Do follow the above instructions. Don a positive, relaxed look this summer, so when “that guy’s” girlfriend sees you, she smacks his wife-beater wearing, sunburned shoulder and asks why he can’t be just like you.

Do wear a hat. A lightweight (cotton or straw) fedora is what should be utilized during the summer months, if the head is to be covered. Not only is it classically styled, but it is a tool rarely used in the modern man’s wardrobe. 109

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EXPLOITS, INDULGENCES, DECADENCE... You are single, in the prime of both your social life and career. You have just about everything you could want, with those few exceptions that you are aiming for, your lifelong “wish list” of the ultimate in spoils. Until the Ferrari is in the garage, and just before you leave your posh loft or McMansion for early retirement in a Hamptons palace, the little things you buy are what bring you joy-that excitement generated in spending just a little of your amassed net worth on something you hadn’t heard of before yesterday. The pleasure is in knowing that you have just about made it, because you are able to indulge your whim for something special just for you or someone with whom you enjoy spending time. We have a few suggestions here, things we have tested, enjoyed and believe will suit your discriminating taste. So, go ahead! You know you deserve it.

...Shared

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Designed and crafted by Skip Horton, these lovely red and tan spiral Picnic Shakers will bring more than just salt and pepper to your table. Blown borosilicate glass with a screw top makes this artwork entirely functional with the uniquity and slight variations that make each set one of a kind. Available at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com) for $65.

Both blue and sexy - two things that make us smile! This sake carafe with deep blue ice reservoir keeps either your sake or white wine decanted and undiluted by melting ice. So gorgeous, practical, and sets the deep, blue mood you are probably looking forward to, with every pour. Please toast to us, for this fabulous find! Available at Korin Japanese Fine Tableware and Knives (korin.com) for a mere $8.

Green and red gorgeousness for your table, as designed and crafted by Nina Falk, presents easily, cleanly, and with a refined style, courtesy this Square Nest Bowl. Place it as an art piece, or use it to serve favorite hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres. 12â&#x20AC;? square bowl. $270 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com).

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

This set of four 9.25” plates declare that it is time for a wonderful dessert, salad, or brunch. Each depicts a different clock scene, with a gold rim for upstated elegance mixed with whimsy. By Ralph Lauren, available at ralphlauren.com for $108 for the set.

A bottle full of tongue-in-cheek references based upon consumer goods labels, and regarding life and emotion, are depicted upon glass sculptures with acid etching that defines “core truths,” according to InVerse Studio’s designer Jeff Crandall. Called “Poet’s Bottles,” each have a fine, satiny sheen that resists fingerprints and invite interaction and conversation. “Dreams” reads, “Drink deeply and imagine”; “Sin” sexily conveys, “Contains indulgence, wicked pleasures, wild abandon and 1/10 of 1% of guilt.” “Love” sweetly states, “Warning: Causes dizziness.” Available at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com) for $85 per bottle.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Pottery Barnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s white Aquis towels are not only stylishly reminiscent of your favorite spa, but are made of ultrafine microfiber, which creates more surfacearea for greater absorption than an ordinary towel. They also dry more quickly between uses, keeping them fresher, longer. Potterybarn.com and Pottery Barn stores.

To add extra shine and luxury to your stainless place settings, or for chicly monogrammed individuality atop your bar, these double-metallic banded tumblers are made to order. Dishwasher safe in two sizes (12.7 and 16 ounces), the smart presentation cleans without a headache. Available at West Elm (westelm.com) in sets of four, starting at $24.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Have a gorgeous, wood-grained, custom bathroom and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wish to place a metallic monster in there for your morning weigh-in? This birchwood scale is the perfect answer! It will maintain a lower profile on your beautiful hardwood floors, yet elegantly depicts your status while on that diet, or day-to-day. Weighs up to 330 pounds, auto shut-off and easily wiped clean. $59.99 at Linens & Things (lnt.com).

Leave it to Ralph Lauren to bring an equestrian flair to your table service. These lovely, braided stainless steel flatware pieces handsomely depict both heritage and upscale country romance. Each 5-piece place setting is $70, at ralphlauren.com.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Archipelago Signature Collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxed scented candles burn for approximately 50 hours and beautifully present such scents as Jasmine Hibiscus, Bergamot Tobacco, Pineapple Ginger, Pink Grapefruit, Bamboo Teak, and Pomegranate Citrus. $25 each at Bloomingdales.com.

Since 1887 in Portugal, Claus Porto has been creating and crafting luxuriously lathering, wonderfully scented soaps for the priviliged few. These soaps, consisting of 100% natural, vegetable-based ingredients, are exclusive to Red Envelope and packaged in a set of three, including honeysuckle, red poppy, and Bulgarian rose and blackberry. Available at redenvelope.com for $30.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill developed these authentic Mexican-American barbecue rubs, exclusively for Crate & Barrel. In coffeelaced Spicy Redeye for ham, pork chops, ribs and burgers; Tangy Smoky Cider for chicken, ribs, shrimp and chops; smoky-sweet Chipotle Honey for any meat, poultry or seafood. Coordinate well with the sauces, below! $6.95 each, at Crate & Barrel (crateandbarrel.com).

Chef Rick Bayless created these three sauces for your barbecue, including Spicy Redeye, Tangy Smoky Cider, and Chipotle Honey, for your grilling and finger-licking pleasure. $9.95 each, at Crate & Barrel (crateandbarrel.com).

You’ll love it, or you’ll hate it. Yes, the first sips are surprising and (for some) difficult, but the key is to just drink it and not linger in doubt. Without additives, sugars or refined ingredients, it is organic, raw and vegan...with many touted positive effects upon your body, including improved digestion, strengthening of the immune system, healthier skin and hair, and much more. We didn’t prove any of that in a scientific study, but after three or four at a rate of one per morning, we developed a habit that pleasantly started each day. The best flavor for getting your feet wet is the Divine Grape Synergy. The Kombucha line is 100% organic raw Kombucha. Synergy bottles are 95% Kombucha, 5% real fruit juice. For more information, go to GTsKombucha.com. Biggest benefit: Seems to help thwart hangovers!

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Sterling Caviar is farm-raised, white sturgeon caviar that absolutely bursts in your mouth. From Sacramento, California, it is likened to Osetra, with nutty flavor that is both smooth and robust. From $62 for 30 grams (Classic Caviar), up to $88 for 30 grams (Imperial Caviar). Order at SterlingCaviar.com. See MagazineBLU.com for a Sterling Caviar recipe.

Every part of this Horchow Collection â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fill Me With Loveâ&#x20AC;? gift box cake is delightfully edible, including the red chocolate roses, gold-edged and satin-finished white chocolate ribbon, lid of Belgian white chocolate with dark chocolate scrollwork, and the box base of white- and bittersweet chocolate cheesecake with raspberry swirls on a chocolate and macadamia nut crust. $124 at horchow.com.

Layers of chocolate decadence cake, caramel toffee buttercream and silky chocolate buttercream make this beautiful zebra-striped handbag more than a fashionable accessory! This completely edible Horchow cake is available at horchow.com, for $220.

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

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INDULGENCES AT HOME

Seat... 12

Take a

Whether your living space is traditional or art deco, we have a seat for you. So, grab a book and cup of tea, or ready yourself for a deep conversation with an old friend. These chairs, if to make a statement or simply add to your seating arrangement, will certainly add some style to your home! 1. “Spring’s Throne” steel and copper limited edition by Rachel Miller and Tim Miller, $4000 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com); 2. Brooks Slipcovered Chair in Serafina Floral, by Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com), $679; 3. “Tiger” Chair with hardwood frame, $699 at Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com); 4. Natural Hemp Slipper Chair by West Elm in flax color, $399 (westelm.com); 5. Crate & Barrel’s Petrie Chair in stain-repellant brushed cotton, $899 (crateandbarrel.com); 6. Anthropologie’s Antwerp Chair in bloom fabric, $1498 (anthropologie.com); 7. Jacaranda Lounge Chair in dark banana bark and lampacanai rope with bentwood mahogany frame, $1699 at Frontgate (frontgate.com); 8. Damian Barton’s Petal Chair in maple, oak, beech or metal, $2600 at Plush Pod (plushpod.com); 9. Ethan Allen’s Berwick Chair, $1129+ (ethanallen.com); 10. Cameron Van Dyke’s steel and leather Dr. Star Chair, $3875 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com); 11. Old Hickory Tannery Zebra-Stripe Armchair in stripe-dyed hairhide, from Horchow (horchow.com), $1499; 12. Michael Puryear’s bubinga wood and black leather Barrow Chair, at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com), $6700; 13. Fernando and Humberto Campana’s handcrafted wood pieced Favela Chair, $2985 at Plush Pod (plushpod.com). www.magazineblu.com

INDULGENCES GROOMING: UNISEX

If it’s true that we can never be too rich or too thin, then it certainly goes without saying that we can never be too fresh. Body Mint is the first all-body freshening tablet taken orally (like a vitamin) to keep people who are “on the go” feeling sparklingly clean and comfortable throughout the day. Simply popping the little green tablet once in the morning and once in the evening reduces breath and perspiration odors before they start, allowing people to get closer, play harder and live an unrestrained life. Body Mint’s unique manufacturing process uses a highly specialized, all natural and water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll. Starts working in as little as 2 days. Retails for $19.95 at Whole Foods, Long’s, Eckerd’s and other drug stores. BodyMint.com.

Needing a spritz on the beach or while under the hot, hot sun? Don’t just spray water, make the mist count and enjoy a new beauty treatment for hair and skin. iTech introduces the “e” energy water system; a specially designed spray bottle that features an all-natural filtration system. It quickly and easily converts regular tap water into a hair and skin-friendly mist charged with healing negative hydrogen ions and vitamin C, at the prime pH balance for optimum fighting of frizz, maximum shine, damage repair and color retention for your mane, and softening, toning, clarification, and refreshment of skin, all the while protecting both from microorganisms, wind, and pollutants. The scent is relaxing and scrumptiously woodsy (suitable for either sex), and the bottles come in three sizes - including one for the bathroom, one for the beach tote, and one for your cutest little handbag or the saddle bag on your Harley. Retails for $40 to $60. eenergywater.com.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: UNISEX

Giovanni offers a great line of skin and hair care products that help you look your summer best. Frizz Be Gone fights summer hair frizz and imparts shine, detangles, conditions and locks in color. Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Scrub in decadent Hot Chocolate and Salt Scrub in Mint Lemonade warm, exfoliate and polish yourskin soft, while gently moisturizing. Biodegradable, organic, moist towelettes refresh and rejuvenate on the go, while killing germs on hands, feet, legs and more. For the towelettes, relax with soothing Lavender Calm scent, or refresh with cooling, crisp Peppermint. Most Giovanni products available at Drugstore.com, Target, and other drug chains nationwide. GiovanniCosmetics.com.

iWhite takes at-home teeth whitening to a whole new psychedelic level with its neon blue Electroluminescent energy and light. This patented system includes a lighted mouth tray and disposable whitening gel foam strips. With the touch of a button, the blue light on the mouth tray activates the gel foam strips, to deliver the fastest and most effective results possible (unlike other take-home products that rely solely on hydrogen peroxide and tooth contact time). Clinical tests show little or zero sensitivity. iWhite is used for just 20 minutes per day for five days in a row. As only five days are required for your brighter smile, this system makes flashing your pearly whites in the moonlight a quicker possibility, and without the bad aftertaste of disposable strips! Retails for $45 at varied drugstores and Drugstore.com. The company website is iWhitesmile.com.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: HIS

Daily Routine

Start to Finish

Clinique’s twice-daily facial soap is dermatologist-formulated for a man’s dry to medium skin. This 6ounce bar leaves skin fresh and clean before the morning shave, as well as at the end of the day. $10.50.

The Art of Shaving Unscented PreShave Oil softens the beard and preps skin for a close shave. Aromatherapy-based, this blend of botanical ingredients and essential oils does not leave an oily residue and is ideal for sensitive skin, ingrown hair, razor burn, or tough beards. Unscented is hypoallergenic. 2 ounces, $22.

Clarinsmen After Shave Energizer calms, tones, and purifies skin following your close shave, while instantly invigorating. The alcoholbased, fresh Energizer is $24 for 2.5 ounces.

Clinique Scruffing Lotion exfoliates and polishes your face, while also controlling oil and helping your skin renew with a healthy glow. 6.7 ounces is $11.

Protect your skin from irritation and razor burn, leaving it smooth and moisturized. That is easy with The Art of Shaving’s thick and rich Lavender Shaving Cream, that softens and lifts the beard for a close, comfortable shave. Use with a brush or by hand. 2.5 ounces, $14.

Advanced eye therapy is yours, in this Anthony Logistics Eye Cream for dry and damaged skin. It protects, firms, and fights dark circles and fine lines. 0.75 ounces, $28.

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INDULGENCES GROOMING: HIS

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 is a nourishing balm consisting of natural mint, avocado oil, shea butter and green tea, in a fragrance-, colorant-, and paba-free moisturizing formula. It immediately soothes dry, irritated and chapped lips, providing not only relief, but SPF 25 sun protection. 0.25 ounces, $7.

Zirh Clay Mask rejuvenates and detoxifies by cleaning pores, absorbing impurities and excess oil, and by providing five minutes of soothing for the face. 4 oz, $17.

Separation, direction, and a light, flexible hold are easy with John Allanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pomade Blu. And yes, we love the name! Pomade Blu provides detail and shine, without weighing the hair down. The water-based formula washes out easily, too. 2.4 ounces, $21.

To wipe away dirt, de-shine and refresh your face anytime, anywhere, these Lab Series Oil Control Towelettes provide a quick remedy and relief for normal to oily skin, in a convenient travel package. 30 wipes are $15.

Billy Jealousy Golden Gloves Therapeutic Hand Cream softens rough, dry, manly hands, while nourishing and protecting with a tropical blend of botanical extracts. 3.8 ounces, $28.

For 225 years, Kent has been known for their superior grooming products. This ebony wood based, boar bristle, fantastic quality Rectangular Hair Brush for Men provides excellent performance with unsurpassed quality. Each, $125.

Burberry Summer For Him is a limited edition summer fragrance of pineapple, citrus, frozen mint, thyme, woods, cedar, white musk and tonka bean. 3.3 ounces is $55. www.magazineblu.com

INDULGENCES GROOMING: HERS

Small Luxuries

Mean So Much

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap brings all the benefits of Clinique’s famous dermatologist-developed facial soap in a new liquid formula. Cleanses without stripping protective lipids. 6.7 fl ounces, $14.50.

Designed to keep skin soft, smooth and glowing, mix with water to create a fully customized, gentle exfoliator that is formulated to help remove dry surface patches and encourage skin cell turnover. .99 ounces, $40.

SK-II Facial Radiance Mask enhances radiance and moisture, revitalizes, comforts, and soaks skin with a fusion of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. Skin is immediately hydrated, leaving it refreshed and cool. 10 masks, $110.

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Serum is a twice-daily, luxurious application that encourages a noticeably more lifted look, brilliant clarity and newly refined smoothness. 1 ounce, $200.

When skin has been overexposed to the sun, prevent visible damage and minimize peeling with this cool, refreshing, oil-free Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm. Suitable for use throughout the body, one or more times per day. 5 ounces, $18.50.

Lancôme Le Rouge Absolu Base Revitalizing Lip Treatment is a continuous, deep moisturizing lip treatment with SPF 10 sunscreen in lipstick form, that can be applied alone day and night for treatment, or under your favorite lip color to revitalize, protect and accentuate your lips with satiny shine. $26. 97

Don’t have time for a seaweed wrap, but want to infuse your skin with moisture? La Mer Body Creme saturates skin, comforts, and renews upon contact, calming and cushioning even the driest of skin as it is enveloped in the therapeutic effects of the sea. $195. www.magazineblu.com

Philosophyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s siliconebased eye and lip area brightening balm with light diffuser technology reduce the appearance of unsightly shadows around the eye and upper lip area as it instantly helps reduce the appearance of baggy, puffy eyes. 0.5 ounces, $33.

Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch Concealer highlights or conceals signs of fatigue from the eye area, hollow of the chin, contour of the lips and sides of the nose. $40.

INDULGENCES GROOMING: HERS

Sephoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s felt tipped French manicure pen makes achieving perfect, professional-looking nails simple. $8.

Diorshow Mascara is a legendary favorite, providing super volume, length, and curl. Makes eyes look catwalk-ready! 0.38 oz, $24.

Shu Uemura light brown false eyelashes enable a glamourous statement, or may be trimmed to suit a more subtle, natural look. $16.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Beige Collection of lipsticks are available in a vivid, unreplicated, richly textured palette of colors in wearable, 8-hour lasting, moisture-rich comfort. $23.

Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Zero Humidity Frizz Control fights frizz and flyaways all day, in this convenient, water- and alcohol-free, spray mist with UV protection. $22.

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Clarins Sun Blush is a featherlight blush powder with a subtle shimmer that highlights face and cleavage with a touch of sun-kissed sparkle for an instant healthy looking glow. $27.

Lancome Color Fever Gloss spans 15 shades of ultra-shiny, curvaceous radiance for your lips, with a smartly angled applicator for color precision. $23.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment instantly rejuvenates, hydrates, and reconstructs dry and damaged hair, providing long-term benefit, beauty, shine, manageability, volume, and health. 5 ounces, $55. 98

INDULGENCES SHOES: HERS

4 3

5 2 8

Well

Heeled

1. Prada Capretto Tri-Color Waves open-toe, ankle strap Mary Jane. 4 3/4” heel. $690. 2. Michael, Michael Kors Astor Grommet buckled slingback with lace front detail. 4 1/4” heel, $120. 3. Boutique 9 Bisson peep toe buckle pump.3” heel, $85. 4. Christian Louboutin Mouche Zeppa pleated platform pump of blue chiffon with leather trim. 4 7/10” heel, $875. 5. Prada peep toe jeweled pump adorned with Swarovski crystals. 4” heel, $850. 6. Emilio Pucci satin pump with bow detail. Crescent toe on a covered stilletto. $410. 7. Gucci Roma platform slide. Leather with bamboo detail on heel. 5” heel, $535. 8. Ralph Lauren platform sandal in glossy patent leather. Peep toe with buckle ankle strap. 4” heel, $595.

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INDULGENCES SHOES: HIS

2 4

1 5

Loafing

Stylishly

1. Calvin Klein Paul slip on leather loafer with bit hardware detail. $130. 2. Ralph Lauren Adamson penny loafer in in calfskin. $475. 3. Hugo Boss Orange whipstitch leather loafer in soft sheepskin, $195. 4. Dior Homme classic Mocassin Loafer in leather, $570. 5. Cole Haan Aircourt Woven Sneakers in leather, $195.

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INDULGENCES BAGS: HERS

4 3

2 8 6 7 1

Totes &

Clutches

1. Badgley Mischka Emma Satchel in black leather, $645. 2. Cole Haan Genevieve Clutch with custom antiqued brass hardware or brushed nickel on leather, $295. 3. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Regina Satchel in brown calf leather with ruching detail. $1270. 4. Michael Kors Embossed Leather Bow Clutch in caramel, $595. 5. Miu Miu Nappa Patch Petals Satchel of leather with silvertone hardware, $1240. 6. Ralph Lauren Striped Ricky 33 in silk dupioni and patent leather, $2895. 7. Jimmy Choo Malina Leather Satchel with suede detailing and brasstone hardware. $1895. 8. Nancy Gonzalez flap clutch in crocodile, $1400. 101

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HERS

8 4

Ring-a-Ding 103

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HERS

Ladies, you work on your summer glow, fight seaside hair frizz, put on your sexiest shoulder-baring summer dress, and want to take your cutest new handbag to the restaurant or nightclub just off the boardwalk. But, we all know how dirty and sticky public dining and drinking establishment floors can get - and, with identity theft on the rise, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to simply place your purse on the floor, out of your line of sight. Solution? These bejeweled Luxe Link purse holders have a stylish chain that wraps around an anchoring, snazzy top, holding your latest Marc Jacobs or other designer handbag securely to any table surface. Each Link comes in a luxurious suede pouch, that is smaller than a compact. $35 to $79, at LuxeLink.com.

Previous page: 1. Pink Chalcedony Cabochon Ring. Bronze setting with beaded detail.

1 1/2" diameter. Made in the USA of imported material. By Steven Dweck, at Neiman Marcus. $680. 2. Alexis Bittar Lucite Cocktail Ring. Sleek and dramatic lucite cocktail ring sparkles with a bold reverse-cut crystal quartz in a rhodium-plated setting. By Alexis Bittar, at Saks Fifth Avenue. $215. 3.David Yurman Lavender Amethyst Cerise Ring. Cerise ring in sterling silver cable with faceted lavender amethyst center and pavĂŠ diamond bezel. 0.79 total carat weight. Neiman Marcus, $1900. 4. Yves Saint Laurent Macadem Heart Ring. This black heart gold tone metal ring is inscribed with signature YSL on bottom. $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue. 5. Kapow Silver & Resin Ring, by LuLu Smith. $175 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com). 6. Lord & Taylor Sterling Silver Ring with Jade Center, Stone and Marcasite Border. $50. 7. Sterling Silver and Turquoise Global Ring, $158 at Anthropologie. 8. Cubic Zirconia gem in earthy green within 18k gold-plated setting. Anthropologie, $88.

Ding! www.magazineblu.com

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HIS

Top to bottom, this page: Giorgio Armani Bifold Wallet. Stamped croco-

dile pattern on calfskin leather with credit card slots and bill compartment. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue. $275. Weston richly mahogany-toned leather cigar case, monogrammed lighter, cigar cutter. Red Envelope (redenvelope.com), $84. Ruth Avra’s “Garden Wall” sterling silver and stingray hide belt buckle, on a black leather belt. Limited edition of only ten buckles in existence! $770 at The Artful Home (artfulhome.com).

Subtle 105

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INDULGENCES JEWELS & ACCESSORIES: HIS

Clockwise, from bottom left: Ward Wallau created and crafted these New York City Subway Token Cufflinks, which arrive in a subway map gift box and with a certificate of authenticity. At Lord & Taylor, $145. Emporio Armani Braided Leather Bracelet with sterling silver accents, $250 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Gucci Dog Tag Necklace, sterling silver, $315 at Neiman Marcus. Nathan McPhersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Three Dot Copper Ring. Brushed stainless steel, $255. With diamonds in each copper dot center, $560. The Artful Home (artfulhome.com). Ralph Lauren Button Cuff Links in sterling silver, $325 at ralphlauren.com. Murano, Italy cuff links in glass with layered gold leaf, $28 at Red Envelope (redenvelope.com).

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INDULGENCES PET PAMPERING: CAT

Meow! Top to bottom, this page: The Cat Livin Climber hangs on the back of a door, keeping occupied, safe, and mentally stimulated. No hardware is required, as the Cat Climber hangs on a door much like a coat hook or wreath hanger! Space saving, sturdy, and easy to relocate to keep cats interested in the scenery around them. $200. Cat Livinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden for kitty is a stainless steel container of 100% organic oats, wheat, rye and barley that grows in 4 to 6 days, keeping your fave feline in good digestion, without hairballs, and away from your houseplants. $18. Both products available at Cat Livin (catlivin.net).

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INDULGENCES PET PAMPERING: DOG

From bottom, clockwise: Polkadog Bakery Treats Box is a twocan set of 12 ounces each of Meat Lover’s and Peanut Butter Medley all-natural, artisanal quality dog bakery treats, developed by dog owners from Boston. $30 for two cans, Red Envelope (redenvelope.com). For the remainder of the summer boating season, keep your pup’s head above water. This working lifejacket is available at UnitedK9s.com. Pricing varies according to breed size. Ralph Lauren’s adorable navy and lime green Big Pony Mesh Polo makes a clear statement style. Available in other colors, too, at Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com), $45. The SunSpa is a brand new product recently developed for your indoor pets, to provide them with sunlight-quality stimulation and keep their little moods upbeat, while enriching their lives with sunlight they might otherwise miss. Pricing to be announced, at ParadiseImage.com. Red Envelope’s personalized pet bowls bring whimsy to feeding time. Three sizes are available, according to your animal’s breed and appetite. From $50 to $70, available at redenvelope.com.

Woof!

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The newest evolution in fitness!

Sleek, sophisticated styling, complemented with state-of-the-art engineering, is the essence of a new standard in elliptical trainers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the CenterG series from Keys Fitness.

061218-71CB

Model: Patricia Reh (self-portrait).

Restrictive History The Evolution of Corsets and Neckties By Kimberly Toms with Kristen Held Photographs by Patricia Reh

As one mentions the word “corset,” one of two images generally appears in the mind of anyone within earshot. The first is that of a pre-Civil War debutante, as she grasps a post on her canopied bed, trying desperately to maintain balance while her housemaid struggles with full force to tighten the laces and cinch the already tiny waist to suit fashionable finicality. The second, more modern image, is that of sleek, shiny, black vinyl and steel clasps, as the dominatrix cracks her whip. How is it that one garment evolved from one end of the fashion spectrum to the direct opposite, first being an article required of the most chaste and elite ladies, then being a symbol of ruthlessness and sexual provocation? Very ironically, primarily individualists, those who are neither inhibited nor afraid to make a fashion statement, now wear what was originally conceived to produce heightened feminine beauty in women of society, and then eventually distorted into a tool of vanity, fashionable conformity and discipline of the female form. In modern times, the wearer is sometimes even an overt sexual disciplinarian and anything but softly feminine. What is less frequently realized than the Gone with the Wind scene of tugging and lacing to obtain an 18-inch waist, is that the corset was originally designed in the 1500s as a fashionable cylindrical form not meant to cinch the waist so much as to support and spotlight the breasts. As depicted in popu-

Shakespeare in Love, the average corset wearer was a lady of society, a blueblood, a member of the elite. She is frequently depicted with a heavy bosom, adorned with large baubles and gems. It was not until over three hundred years later, in the Victorian era, that women became competitive in their waist size, cinching ever tighter and training their torsos into an exaggerated hourglass shape that reminds one of Who Framed Roger Rabbit’s Jessica Rabbit physique. This obsession with obtaining the most curvaceous figure and smallest waist possible raged out of control, starting from the 1840s and lasting well into the early 1900s, as part of the Edwardian era. Clear examples of this look are historically accurate movies, such as Anna and the King, Little Women, Gone with the Wind, Tombstone, The Age of Innocence and Titanic. This mass desire of 19 th and 20 th century women to appear up to par for a certain fashionable and societal expectation is quite similar to the modern woman’s desire to be thin and fit, a size 4 or 6. Many women of today have utilized methods to achieve the same goals as the Victorian and Edwardian ladies, except through dieting (even starvation) versus binding. Most still strive to wear the smallest size possible, have the most sought-after physique and to be just a little bit better than those around her. The only difference is that the woman of yesteryear tightened the laces and women of the past thirty years skip meals, crash diet and workout excessively to obtain similar results. www.magazineblu.com

The majority of us can recall hearing tales of the negative physiological affects of corsetry and tight lacing on the female body. But, little is regarded about how diligently advocates of corsetry, such as the Corset Manufacturers Association, fought to keep women in such garments beyond 1900. Clearly, manufacturers, retailers and salespeople had incentive for continuing to sell their products, thus utilized a massive marketing campaign to ensure longevity in manufacture and sales, despite the growing desire of women to shed the structured wear. As women were rejecting, the industry was scrambling. Initially, industrialists fought the woman’s desire to “go corsetless” through mention of femininity, morality and respectability within advertising campaigns and editorials. As the fight to retain a foothold in the early 1900s undergarment market intensified, claims turned from such Victorian ideals to those of pure vanity, such as perpetuation of youth, concealment of physical imperfection, reversal of gender inferiority and even compensation for evolutionary inadequacy. It was an era during which there was a clear shift from employing simple moralistic opinion and arguments to influence women to those supposedly backed by scientific fact. As late as the 1920’s, corset manufacturer trade journals declared that the “corsetless evil” could result in dissipation of muscular strength, injury to internal organs and even destruction of American sovereignty. By 1917, as the Suffragettes converged upon the White House and birth control became a hot topic of political and scientific debate, hemlines slowly shortened, women showed their legs, and in the process, a new movement toward freedom in women’s dress, behavior and rights surged forward…into the era of stretch fabrics, nylons and, eventually, spandex. Christian Dior revisited the corseted silhouette (without an actual corset) as part of his “New Look” of 1947. The standard for the next decade thus became a small torso, shoulders and waist, a large bust with almost indefinable hips under flowing, mid-calf length skirts-just as popularized by Ava Gardner.

Perhaps it is Vivienne Westwood who deserves most credit for both the resurgence of the corset into modern fashion, as well as its frequent consideration in the collective consciousness as one of the basic fashion elements of fetishism. Westwood designed the clothing worn by the Sex Pistols for their first gig, utilizing punk-wear staples such as spiked collars, bondage gear, safety pins and outrageous styling. In 1987, she was the first designer to introduce corsets as outerwear, as part of her Harris Tweed Collection that included the “Stature of Liberty” corset adorned with Swarovski crystals. Westwood’s study of fashion history led to her philosophy that clothing is about “changing the shape of the body, about having a restriction,” versus the more conventional expectation that clothing should fit the shape of the body. Since Vivienne Westwood’s modern debut of corsets in 1987 and Madonna’s many appearances in varied versions of her own whim during the nineties, corsets have become much more mainstream, while maintaining their edgy and fetishist appeal. They are now prevalent in high fashion, as prominently designed and utilized by Christian LaCroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen within their lines of the past six years. As time progresses, corsets are more accepted as outerwear and less the whispered-about clothing of a rare brave soul. According to Amanda Violett, an online corsetry group moderator and corset model from Dallas, “Corsets make every part of your body look more refined.” That is parallel to the original objective behind conception and wear of corsets, of hundreds of years ago. However, she also has a more modern perspective. “Wearing a corset makes a statement about your sexuality and confidence. Women of all sizes can improve their feelings about themselves, once they [don] a corset. A small busted girl gains a boosted bust line. A curvier gal has a more defined and tight waist. A busty girl gains a tall and firmly voluptuous shelf.” Amy, a 40 year-old corset wearer, claims, “I love the tightness of the binding, the way it feels like I am being forced to be more aware of my posture. Every movement feels more graceful and even calculated, like a cat walking atop a picket fence. Everything about a corset makes me feel powerful and incredibly sexy.” So, clearly, wearing a corset can boost a woman’s self esteem and sense of personal power. For a man, or other observers of the corseted frame, such a garment may be attractive due to the refinement of a woman’s physique to conform more closely to old fashioned societal standards of curvaceous, Marilyn Monroe-esque femininity. In addition, a confident wearer is sexually appealing, as confidence is key to one’s own heightened sex appeal. Framed and Strangled In the world of men’s fashion, nothing compares to the constrictive nature of the corset like the ever-knotted necktie. Although now more commonly referred to as “neckwear,” ties became fashionable in the artistic sense around the necks of the elite and royalty in France during the mid-1600s. The exact origin of the necktie, however, is of great debate. Some historians have attributed neck scarves to Shih Huan Ti, China’s first emperor, who died in 210 B.C. Others claim Trajan, the militaristic Roman emperor, commissioned statues in 113 A.D. to commemorate his forces’ victory in what is now Romania, with the figures donning at least three versions of the modern necktie. Perhaps the most popular perspective is that of Croatian mercenaries having worn silk kerchiefs around their necks during the reign of Louis XIII, as part of the Thirty Years’ War that ended in 1648. According to lore, Louis was so captivated by the look of what was then termed the “cravat,” he took to wearing one himself, launching a global fashion that has endured through today.

Model: Megan Oliveira. www.magazineblu.com

Whatever its origin, the necktie was labeled a Steinkirk in the late 1690s, after the Battle of Steinkirk in Flanders in 1692. Once puffy and using up to six feet of expensive fabric as the Steinkirk, the tie has settled into the thin, simpler form we see today. In the process, the necktie took on a similar status appeal as the corset had for women. Men used neckties of expensive fabric to separate themselves from the lower economic classes they referred to as “social inferiors.” Neckwear became a symbol of organizational allegiance, military membership, occupation and status. Until 1845, cravats were primarily solid colored or stark white. Then, a Cambridge University cricket club is believed to have utilized their flag colors of black, red-orange and gold as a necktie. This was the beginning of sports color wear in ties, followed in 1880 with the school tie birth, at Oxford University’s Exeter College. Since that time, school color ties are widely accepted on both sides of the Atlantic. Designer brands had their birth in the men’s neckwear genre in the 1920s, with sales primarily geared toward women. In the 1960’s, fewer men wore traditional clothing as part of the Peacock Revolution against formalized standards of attire. After exhibiting a comeback in the 1970’s and a resurgence of suit wear in the 80’s, neckties have experienced solidification in the wardrobes of upwardly mobile and accomplished white-collar men, despite the advent of “Casual Friday.” With suits being somewhat standardized and traditional in the corporate realm, many men find an outlet for self-expression in the style and colors of neckwear that they select and wear as part of workday attire. Politicians convey messages through which tie they don, including an option of a red “power tie” or a blue conservative option. Of course, everyone remembers President Bill Clinton’s affinity for neckwear, including the message he sent out via national television to Monica Lewinsky, by wearing a tie she presented to him as a gift. Critics of the simple, yet typically colorful, fashion statement have called the American tie “one of the most obvious phallic symbols in history.” However one feels about the look of neckwear, or the wearing of a tie, this one piece of silk knotted at the Adam’s apple frames the man’s face as it cinches at the throat, just as a corset frames the figure of a woman as it cinches at the waist. Both articles of attire are also physical expressions of individual taste and personality. Tied and Laced Beyond the similarities of restriction, idealism and conformity, as well as popular origins within a hundred years or so of one another, the man’s necktie and the woman’s corset were not bound on a parallel path. Women, with the aid of prodigious fashion designers of the 20 th century, in part due to women’s liberation and with advancement in fabric construction, determined comfort and accentuation of a natural female form as an element of beauty to be preferred, thus shedding the under-armor that once so heavily constricted. Men, for the most part, have continued to don and even embrace the necktie as a symbol of power, with little change in its form or appeal as a basic fashion element of the past hundred years. Little is ever really known about the direction of fashion in the future. However, if history is indeed a proving ground for coming standards and events, it appears that women’s undergarments will continue to become less binding and ever-smaller. Corsetry will probably remain popular in the world of fetishism and as a bold, yet occasional, fashion statement, as modern women seem more apt to prefer comfort over conformity. On the other hand, neckwear appears to be firmly rooted in the future of men’s attire. Although wear may continue to decrease as a standard only for important meetings and formal events, it seems that men enjoy the individuality and power that can be exuded from the selection and wear of one’s neck tie. For the time being and near future, men are likely to continue in acceptance of the slight discomfort of a bound throat, in exchange for the polish and style presented through a few feet of colorful silk fabric. 51

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Romance

Bound Captivating Corsets You Will Both Love

Historically influenced yet elegantly modern, corsets are naturally seductive, sleek and confidently sophisticated. Designed by Delicious Corseterie, these dramatically feminine pieces are sure to inspire admiration and romance. Photographs by Patricia Reh.

All Corsetry Courtesy Delicious Boutique (DeliciousBoutique.com) 53

Model: Megan Oliveira Makeup: Kim Norris

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Model: Jennifer Tracy Makeup: Kim Norris

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Both Pages: Model: Jennifer Tracy Makeup: Kim Norris

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Both Pages: Model:Megan Oliveira Makeup: Kim Norris

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Model: Melissa Strawley Makeup: Kim Norris

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Model: Megan Oliveira Makeup: Kim Norris

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Bind Wrap Clasp Buckle Strap

Background Photo by Patricia Reh. Model: Megan Oliveira. Hair/Makeup:

Kim Norris.

In Silver, Gold, Watches and Gems

Escada Chain ($5260) and Pendant ($2780); Escada Wrist Bands ($2890 to $7200).

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All fashions courtesy Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry, 10 Locations Throughout PA and NJ (www.BernieRobbins.com).

Clockwise from left: Bernie Robbins White Gold and Diamond Necklace with Pendant ($8690), White Gold and Diamond Cuffs (Left: $7100/Right: $14,500) and Cuffs in White Gold, Rose and Yellow Gold with Diamonds ($11,750 to $13,950).