The general life span for a collar for my city pup, Toby (a Boston Terrier), is about a month. Toby can turn a bright, thick, durable collar into a limp shreds in no time. This normally wouldn’t be a problem, except that for a poor college student, it gets a little expensive. So that’s why I was thrilled to hear about a new kind of collar from Dublin Dog.

Chai Latte collar

Dublin Dog has invented (yeah, invented) a 100 percent waterproof collar that, because of its design, doesn’t harbor odor-releasing bacteria. Basically, the pitch is that you can let your dog do its worst to this collar, and then throw it in the sink and it’ll be as good as new. So of course I had to try it.

Toby seemed to understand that he needed to put the collar to the test. After strapping it on (it even looks durable, made of thick rubber with chunky metal accents), I gave Toby full reign, and two months, to test its limits.

Toby, after a hard day's work

Toby may be a small dog, but his adventurous spirit is extra large. Toby and his collar took a swim in the smelly Charles River; they dug up flowers; they wrestled with other dogs in the dog park; they rolled in puddles; they barreled down hiking trails in the Fells; and at the end of the day, I could just run warm water over the collar and it would be good to go all over again. Toby, however, was a little more difficult to clean.

It’s now been three months since Toby’s had his collar, and there’s not a scratch, stain or bite mark on it. I never wince when taking it off, because the material makes it so almost nothing can affect it. Not to mention the fact that there are a lot of fun, bright color and design options, and I’ve never gotten more compliments on a collar (I picked the Chai Latte design — a pinch of preppy, a pinch of bad-ass). I’m just praying Dublin Dog starts making dog toys.

Make sure to visit DublinDog.com to order your collars, leashes and tshirts!

Tar sands are a mixture of clay, sand, water, and bitumen, which is a glutinous and heavy black oil. Since tar sands cannot be pumped from the ground, they are generally strip mined using open-pit techniques. Because of its viscous nature, bitumen requires lighter hydrocarbons and water to be mixed in, which leads to a significant amount of fresh water being boiled and potentially poisoned. The production of tar sands emits three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil.

The majority of tar sands production in Canada occurs in Alberta, and according to a press release from Lush, could turn an area the size of Florida into a toxic sacrifice zone.

“This is the most destructive project on the planet”, said Emily Calvin, a Lush Harvard Square employee who was participating in the protest. “We are working on all of our dependence on tar sands and promoting renewable energy”.

Lush is launching the campaign because they believe that the government needs to cease the subsidization of tar sands, and invest the billions of dollars into wind and solar power, as well as fuel efficient cars. For the next two weeks all of Lush’s locations nationwide (103 in all) will be transformed into campaign centers with pictures of deforestation and open pit mining strewn throughout the stores, while leaflets supporting the Rainforest Action Network will be handed out to customers.

The protest was met with general confusion by pedestrians who did not necessarily stop long enough to know what was going on, let alone sign postcards for President Obama encouraging he reallocate funds currently used for tar sands into renewable energy.

The Wild Country Rose bath bomb was created for the two week campaign and all of the proceeds will go towards the Rainforest Action Network’s efforts to end tar sand production. For more information visit www.lushusa.com and www.ran.org

The first batch looked awful delicious with his typical cupcake and crossbones design in plaid with a white t-shirt and white on a purple t-shirt. He also made a Boston-centric design with a crab wearing a hat with the cupcake and crossbone insignia. But my personal favorite of the new batch was the t-shirt with a shark wearing a red napkin. The cupcake and crossbones on the back of that t-shirt had a bite taken out of them.

Johnny Cupcake t-shirts sell for $40-$70 a piece and hardly spend much time on the cooling racks at the stores or online. Many are made in limited editions, making these delicious finds something you might have to wake up early to enjoy.

The flattering fifties silhouette encompasses high-waisted bottoms, skirted-briefs or halter neck types, or as one-pieces, which are great to accentuate the length of legs. Body types that are heavy about the waist and thighs should go with simpler styles, rather than giddy frills or lace, while those who are shorter should co with high-leg cut styles.

This season, designs are mad for fifties inspired designs, such as classical polka-dots or gingham prints in reds, blacks or whites. Ruffles, frills and fringes in subtle touches are coquettish and add to the feminine hour-glass form the bathing suits emphasize.

But the style is wide-ranging: from simply cut and demure, to single block bold colors, or delicate prints. The Marilyn Monroe look is catching eyes and starting trends because gone are the days when women felt the need to look sexy in something skimpy. Women today are sexy; and they are savvy, too. They are jet-setting, company-owning, ambitious and fearless. Why attract with skin, when smarts are just as alluring? The figure of the fifties-style bathing suit is a stunning and powerful statement, while the prints, the details, the embellishments (and of course, a smile), add only charm.

The retro look may be a throw-back to your mother or grandmother’s beach bunny days, but this season’s twists and turns on the style have it completely updated for the modern-day Gidget. All she needs is a set of pearls around her neck and a bottle of sunscreen.

Students in fashion design schools around the Boston area are already ahead of everyone else in catching onto this trend. From MassArt, come three graduating seniors: Janet Khuu, Alex Palmisanoa, and Rain Delisle.

Janet Khuu

Janet Khuu describes the fifties-style bathing suits as “cute, fun, form-fitting.” She constructed the bathing suit over a series of days, taking inspirations from Lolita. The red and lime-green apple-print dress is a lower-cut leg one-piece, with frills at the bottom, a large bow tied across the front. She was attracted to the close-fitting and full-coverage style because of her own personal philosophy of mixing and matching.

Currently at MassArt, the future for Khuu is unclear, “but I don want to sell my designs and someday own my own boutique,” she said. Her muses include anime, Asian and British-punk fashions from designers like Anne Sui, h.Naoto, Vivienee Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo (who she would someday like to work with).

In her own designs, Khuu utilizes a lot of cottons, wools, and lace, again, mixing and matching and just having “fun with it.”

Her answer to how she finds the fashion industry? “Busy, but not as bad as people make it to be.”

Alex Palmisanoa

Alex Palmisanoa tends to like the more retro-looking. Her favorite models include celebrities like Gwen Stefani or Marilyn Monroe types who have the classic blonde bombshell beauty. So the Hollywood glamour look which is hitting the beaches this summer was a perfect match for this designer’s style.

“The shapes and colors are really cute and just a lot of fun,” Palmisanoa described the current trend. “It can be a flattering look for a lot of women, as a lot of us are on the curvy side. I also think that women like to bring a little fantasy into their lives.”

The bathing suit is a red and black one-piece with leopard print accents (a print which is popular this season, especially over in Europe). “I thought the colors and the leopard pattern would be great for a more vixen-looking pin up,” the designer said.

The bathing suit took two to three weeks of construction. Lining up the color-blocking became a challenge for Palmisanoa because “the smallest mistake could really interfere with its symmetry.” The bust area also took the most construction as Palmisanoa tried to place where the bra cups would lie and how to shape the neckline correctly.

In her usual fashion designs, Palmisanoa is attracted to denim and wools because of their versatility, drawing much of her inspiration from fine art and historical costumes. She has interned in several Boston-area costume shops, including the Boston Ballet, CostumeWorks, Inc., Plimoth Plantation, as well as working as an assistant for the production of Voyeurs de Venus at the BCA, TJX, and Elie Tahari in New York.

Rain Delisle

“It’s titled When I was your age…” designer Rain Delisle said, describing her 50s-inspired bathing suit, “Because I want it to feel like a memory from the past by a woman who still lives today, but is made for a modern woman.”

The wine and gold lycra suit has a detachable skirt “which makes it feel a little more modern,” and is worn with a hand-dyed, vintage lace cover-up.

The piece took a week of construction: from original design to fabric shopping to finished product. It was inspired by fifties nostalgia, but also of the retrospective of women then and where they are now. The pin-up style initially got Delisle interested in fashion when she was younger. “The pin-up woman is fearless and totally comfortable with herself. She expresses herself through fashion,” the designer said, “and isn’t that the kind of woman any designer would want to dress?”

The style is coming back, because in Delisle’s opinion, it has a sense of playfulness and humor that has been lacking in the fashion industry lately. The retro-style bathing suit uses a variety of rusching, paneling, and longer lines with lower-cut legs to be universally flattering. It’s an easy adoptable look to fit as a key in any wardrobe.

In her own fashions, Delisle is attracted to voluminous shapes, curved lines, asymmetrical closures, pattern-mixing, and brass hardware. She’s attracted to fabrics like thin wale corduroy and playing with the directions of stripes, plaids and cotton velveteen. Denims and twills make for heavier-weight fabrics, but Delisle also likes to use leather if it is recycled from another garment.

She draws from muses like photographs of bands and women from the sixties and seventies. “Everyone had such a definite sense of personal style then,” the designer noted, especially in menswear.

Reconstruction and recycling is also motivates the designer, who likes to take new twists on vintage-inspired ideas. “I like to take something old and irrelevant and change it to make it new and relevant again. I think that’s an important factor in design today.”

Fashion and music are huge to Delisle, who loves designers like Postlapsaria, Stormcloud brings Rainbows and I’m Your Present (who do handmade and recycled/upcylced pieces), Walter Van Beirendonk, Christian Joy and musicians from the Gorillaz to Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head to the Velvet Underground.

She had interned with Christian Joy last summer in Brooklyn, making stage costumes for Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. “Seeing Karen performing on stage wearing what you worked on and saw in the process of being designed and handmade was the most indescribable and rewarding experience.” The intern is what led her to be interested in independent fashion and one-of-the-kind, handmade clothing. She wants to combine her first two loves: music and fashion, together, dressing musicians and performers.

Sammi Yang

For Lasell College fashion designer, Sammi Yang, the fifties-cut bathing exudes elegance and class. As she mentioned, “delicate details are particularly what attracts when I’m designing.” She typically uses chiffon and cotton fabric, fragile laces and beads, and classic, cute buttons.

Yang did not always think she would be a designer, although she always dreamed of doing something in the fashion industry. “I didn’t realize that I like designing and creating fashion until I set foot in Lasell.”

Yang is originally from China and may go back when she graduates in four years. “Shanghai is said to be the most fashionable city in China. Most fashion brands are scoped out there.”

To create the fifties-styled swimsuit, she created the pattern baised on the Maillot sloper. She spent only two days making the tailored black and white suit with gold button detail “because my schedule is really tight!”

She channeled inspiration from Vera Wang and the classic little black dress, as well as the fifties idea of detachable straps. “I think the fifties pin-up style is very sexy and classic style in my eyes.” She envisioned, “the pin-up vintage girl in some café in a 1950’s movie,” much in tune with icons like Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face or Jean-Luc Godard.

In Yang’s opinion, the bathing suit shape accentuates the body to show their curves in a more flattering light. More and more designers chose this style, Yang points out, because it fits the more natural and normal shapely body instead of an idealistically skinny one.

“Fashion is attitude and class,” Yang said, “so I think the style will come back.”

In 2008, CEO and Founder Sam Sisakhti, created UsTrendy.

“I want to help indie designers break through the barriers in the industry and pursue their dreams. There are so many talented designers and artists in the world who do not have a platform to be discovered,” said Sisakhti. “I want consumers to play a part in the discovery process. Democracy was something that I’ve always wanted to introduce into any business I created … The people’s voice should determine things rather than the voice of a select few.”

The Boston-based company has just moved back to Boston and is ready to “get involved heavily in Boston’s fashion scene as well as help local designers,” said Sisakhti.

So what exactly is UsTrendy?

USTrendy allows fashion designers to have their designs produced and promoted. Designers will obtain funding and gain other assistance to launch and grow their clothing lines. It also allows consumers to decide which trends and styles should be produced for the masses to wear instead of leaving that decision up to the fashion industry.

“I thought that it was vital to allow people the opportunity to have a say because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who spend so much of our time and money on the products”, said Sisakhti.

Designers create a profile where they will upload their designs; think virtual shop. Users vote on the designs they like best and would like to see produced. The top rated designs will be produced and promoted by UsTrendy.

“In two years, UsTrendy has grown to become one of the largest fashion design websites on the web with almost half a million designs uploaded. We have provided independent fashion designers with thousands of dollars of funding towards the production of their clothing lines, and provided designers with their own runway shows in major fashion weeks such as London Fashion week where they were able to capture main stream exposure,” said Sisakhti.

USTrendy will be sending another designer to London Fashion Week for Fall 2010; that designer could be you.

For more information check out www.ustrendy.com or shop at www.store.ustrendy.com

Richardson’s photos have been published in outlets including Purple Magazine, Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar; among his subjects are Kate Moss, Leonardo DiCaprio, Karl Lagerfeld and President Obama. Several figures in the fashion industry have rushed to defend him against Rasmussen’s allegations.

One is Marc Jacobs. In the Wall Street Journal, Jacob  said, “I’ve worked with Terry and Terry has asked me to do some crazy things. I know that those pictures will exist if I do them. But I’m a big boy and I can say no.” He went on to add, “If a girl is underage, maybe the girl’s agent or chaperon should be present on the shoot. That’s the hard part. Who’s to blame or who’s to watch.”

The sad aspect of the Richardson scandal is that he will be protected by the fashion industry. He will continue shooting for high fashion magazines, despite his reputation, and he more than likely will continue his behavior. Models’ outcries against him have unfortunately seemed to bring him more prestige and attention. Models continue to contact him for photos, despite being familiar with the stories against him.

Richardson’s reaction to all this attention has included an announcement in The Journal that he is now looking to shoot male nudes, rather than female nudes. Advertisements to shoot with him have been appearing on his website and other model networking websites.

In an interview with The Journal’s Amy Odell, Richardson was quoted as saying, “I love shooting guys. Some of my favorite pictures over the years have been the things I’ve done with guys. In a commercial context too, there’s no hair or makeup with guys, which is great. I love shooting nudes of guys, but it’s harder to get guys to do full nudes, I don’t know why, but they don’t want to show their junk. I love doing guys. If there are any guys out there that want to get naked you can email: model@terryrichardson.com.”

But while Richardson complains that it has been difficult in the past to get males to pose nude for him, the number of published images of female nudes testifies that he had no problem in that domain of the fashion photography industry. He’s allegedly been able to convince young models to perform sexual acts either on themselves or with him (and in most cases, with assistants present).

As Ramussen remarked to the New York Post’s Page Six, Richardson “takes girls who are young, manipulates them to take their clothes off and takes pictures of them they will be ashamed of. They are too afraid to say no because their agency booked them on the job and are too young to stand up for themselves … I don’t understand how anyone works with him. … I told him, ‘what you do is completely degrading to women. I hop you know you only fuck girls because you have a camera, lots of fashion contacts and get your pictures in Vogue.’”

Richardson’s photography, both personal and hired-work, tends to be suggestive. Shoots usually feature a scene that may be homoerotic or contain group couplings. They are starkly-lit, similar to a lot of soft-porn photography, and contain content which could appear innocent, but are highly suggestive, like an April 2009 Rolling Stone cover featuring Gossip Girl actresses Leighton Meester and Blake Lively.

It is that style which attracts some of the industry greats. Doug Lloyd, the art director for a Gucci campaign, told New York Magazine, “We wanted a rawer energy and more sex appeal and that’s what you find in Terry’s work.”

As one fashion world insider told The Daily Beast, “This is an industry filled with crazy people and big personalities. The boundaries are different than they are in a purely corporate enterprise. It’s not IBM. It’s a business with beautiful girls, sex, and malfeasance. To single out one person as some sort of ringleader is absurd. We traffic women’s bodies.”

But Cyan Banister, CEO of the modeling networking website Zivity.com, proposes that no, modeling is just like any other business and it should maintain the same standard of professionalism that would be expected.

“I don’t understand why the fashion industry is not condoning this kind of behavior,” Banister said. “It wouldn’t be tolerated in any other industry … so why so much tolerance in the modeling industry?”

Banister noted that this sort of behavior is typical for any kind job that would offer the opportunity to fame. She noted its similarity to Hollywood, citing an agency which requires actors to strip naked for photographs. When she inquired why they would do such a thing, Banister said, a representative from the agency explained that if they would have their talents do sex scenes, they needed to know how their bodies looked.

Banister was unconvinced. “Mixing sex with business is not a good idea,” she said.

On Zivity.com, Banister questioned some of the models about whether given the reputation that Richardson has, would they still pose for him. She was surprised at some of the responses, with many still saying “absolutely yes.”

However, Banister is most concerned about how cases in which the models might not really know or understand the release form that they have to sign and the consequences that may occur from it.

“The model is asked to sign a release as soon as she steps in the door. Rarely is it sent to the model days or even hours in advance,” Banister noted, adding that these girls often sign the document after looking at if for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, without the guidance of an agent, attorney, or even a friend. “If they’re not super savvy, the photographer owns the image for life and can do whatever they want.”

However, models have the right to many additional protections they might not know about. There are few resources in the model community (unless the model is protected by an agency) to find out about such information.

With Zivity.com, Banister said, the models are given a lot more power with regards to photos. Zivity has its own contract that the models sign which will allow them to give the final approval before the images appear online. The photographer may have his or her own release forms in addition to the Zivity contracts, and Banister hopes that having the models sign two release forms will get them thinking about what they are getting themselves into.

It all comes down to the contract, according to Banister. “These photographers hold this power,” Banister noted, and these models want to work with famous photographers like Richardson, who could help their career. The pressure to do something that they wouldn’t necessarily do is hard to resist when they have “these stars in their eyes. (But) you have to think about what you are giving up in exchange.”

In the case of Richardson, Banister said it’s “sad” that his popularity has actually increased because of this controversy. She pointed out that Richardson may not be completely responsible for the popular “sickly” look among young female models, but he is definitely a photographer that promotes it, and it is the people who hire him that want this sort of imagery.

“A lot of his women don’t come off looking powerful,” Banister said, noting a recent shoot for New York Magazine in which the men from the MTV show Jersey Shore posed with a long sandwich sub, model Bar Refaeli eating the end of it. The image was obviously intended to suggest a phallic image.

“I understand that its artsy, but it’s a little bit explosive,” Banister said.

Zyrra is a Boston-based company that designs and creates custom made bras for women. They have fit cup sizes from A to H; so their bras really are for any woman, regardless of her size, that wants a comfortable and supportive fit.

Co-founder Derek Ohly explained that “Zyrra was hatched at the Babson MBA program, where I learned from my co-founder that women were dissatisfied with their bras. As I heard from her and countless other women, this was a big problem in need of a big solution. Coming out of school, we created the company and set about learning what we needed to learn – essentially everything about apparel construction, bras, suppliers, manufacturers, CAD software, direct sales, and packaging. And we did it.”

The company got its name from a friend’s grandmother who called bras “zyrra’s” as in “bra-zyrra”. “That was perfect. All we had to do was come up with a spelling,” said Ohly.

Zyrra takes 10 measurements in order to create the perfect fit bra; the measurements include back, bust, band, and wire. This is called their Fit Bra Measuring System. The measurements are then used to produce a unique bra pattern for each individual client.

“Because our bras are custom made according to each client’s measurements, Zyrra does not use standardized cup and band sizes. A woman cannot measure herself for a Zyrra bra,” said Ohly.

There are two ways to get measured for a bra; in store and during a bra party. A bra party or “fitting occasion” is just like a Tupperware party. A hostess invites in friends over for food and drinks and a Zyrra Fit Specialist will be there to explain what Zyrra is and what sets them apart from other bra companies. The Fit Specialist will measure anyone who would like to be fitted for their own custom made bra.

Ohly said, “Women hate bra shopping. That’s well-documented. So we thought, how do we offer our product and service in a way that stands apart from the department store experience? The answer: let people relax with their friends at home, and bring high-quality, professional service to them. What could be more comfortable than that?”

Another Zyrra perk? You can run your own Zyrra business (think Avon) and earn money doing it.

Zyrra offers their bras in black, white, beige and pink. They plan to offer a better selection of styles and colors. Zyrra also sells matching panties and thongs as well as other complimentary accessories.

The turnaround time for a custom made bra is about four weeks, sometimes faster. The bras are a flat rate of $85 plus shipping and handling regardless of bra size. Zyrra provides their customers with a guaranteed fit — you can return your bra for whatever reason within 30 days for a full refund.

Equmen is a Sydney-based company that specializes in high-performance compression undergarments. They have recently developed socks for men that will provide the health benefits of compression technology. The developers at Equmen have discovered that daily compression products can be beneficial for men from torso to toe which led them to develop the Precision Socks. These stylish, health-improving socks are designed to provide energy to the most tiresome of legs.

“Whether you are sitting at a desk all day, out on the golf course, traveling or simply on the go, often times your feet will feel achy or even swollen,” said Equmen MD, Gavin Jones. “There is an easy solution: compression socks. Wearing compression socks on a daily basis can help increase blood flow, more evenly distribute muscle strain and help legs feel less fatigued.”

Equmen Precision Socks sport a classic look, but they are infused with benefits that ordinary socks lack. Precision Socks feature cushioned support that “incorporate the company’s proprietary Helix-Mapping System,” said Corie Chung, Marketing Director at Equmen. “The athletic-inspired technology wraps around the arch for extra support while precision fit fabric applies therapeutic pressure to help improve the flow of oxygen in the blood and remove toxins from the muscles, thereby relieving fatigue and cramping. The sock also channels air, wicks moisture and boasts a reinforced construction designed to stay put.”

Research shows the impact of compression socks on leg health during lengthy flights which makes Precision Socks ideal for travelers.

“In men’s fashion, socks are a key accessory to any look,” said Jones. “We want to take it up a notch and make socks that are not just about looking good, but feeling good. Sport socks are infused with advanced performance technologies – Equmen makes such technologies available to wear all the time, without ruining your style.”

Precision Socks are sold in solid black as well as solid gray for $48 a pair. For more information on Equmen, their products, and where you can buy Precision Socks check them out online at equmen.com.

New Balance has designed a customized version of their heritage running shoe for the Boston Marathon. The show is called the Boston 993.

“This limited edition shoe will be available for men and women in colors inspired by the prestigious race such as black suede with lime contrast stitching for men and lake blue stitching for women. The shoes also feature the words/letters “RUN BOS” on the heels of the shoe,” said Annie Pham Online Marketing and Public Relations person for New Balance. The tongue on the shoe also reads “NBoston”.

The Boston 993 will be sold exclusively at The Tannery on Boylston Street and it retails for approximately $150. Only 72 total pairs have been created – 36 for men and 36 for women. So get yours while you can.

One brand that sticks out for us is Yak Pak, which has been creating durable and water resistant bags for 20 years. But the best part is that they offer a lifetime warranty on all of their bags. Every backpack also features an easy access zippered front pocket, Yak Pak logo zipper pulls, reinforced straps and seams, and a padded back panel. Yak Pak backpacks are sold at boutiques and popular retailers around the country including Journeys, Hot Topic, and Spencer Gifts. The backpacks allow you to be fashion forward without breaking the bank; the bags retail between $25 and $45.

“At Yak Pak, backpacks just happen to be our specialty. We’ve pioneered the trend in bringing fashionable prints to the backpack market, thus transforming these bags that were once simply schoolyard staples into a fashion accessory that’s meant to be more than carried…it’s meant to be worn!” said Yak Pak spokesman Katie Murphy. “Yak Pak has consistently provided stylish and savvy consumers with innovative items to simplify the chaos of daily life, including purses, messenger bags, diaper bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves, and accessories.”

So last month, Yak Pak launched a new line that includes soft-sided coolers, lunch bags, reusable hydration bottles, insulated hydration bottle sleeves, and market and beach umbrellas. The new line will be available as soon as the warm weather arrives — so very soon, we hope.

For their 20th anniversary, Yak Pak put out a collection of “upcycled” bags are environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and affordable. Most of the bags in this collection retail for less than $35.

“Upcycling is the practice of transforming disposable materials and giving that material new, more meaningful life,” said Murphy. “This imaginative and eco-friendly achievement launches Yak Pak into its third decade, where it will continue to push the artistic boundary of bag design and strive to create a wealth of environmental and social opportunity to help solve serious problems.”

Stephen Holt, founder and president of Yak Pak, came up with the idea of starting his own business while hiking in Lake Nam Co, Tibet; the term “yak” comes from the herd of yak that graze Lake Nam Co. “Our logo was actually inspired by the imprint that a yak’s hoof leaves,” explains Murphy.

Currently, Yak Pak offers 57 swatches for all of their bags. Check them out online.

Lizotte went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston for her BFA in fashion design. Her style is greatly influenced by her love of clean lines, menswear, and particularly silhouettes.

Despite the wet snow that spun its way down outside, Lizotte, one of the designers of ShapeShiftRNYC, braved the Boston weather for an interview with Blast. She drank a cup of jasmine tea in the cafe, wearing ShapeShiftR’s leather and powernet bodycon dress from its fall 2009 collection and a long-sleeve black shirt (her mother’s) which she cropped mid-asymmetrically mid-waist. Dangling from her ears were her favorite earrings by Pretty Young Thing: a gold triangle on a gunmetal chain.

An internship with Armani Exchange in men’s knits and sweaters helped strengthen her skill in detail and color-blocking.

It also “definitely gave me an idea of what the industry is like,” Lizotte acknowledged, “working for a corporate company.”

Lavery specialized in tailoring at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. She had studied jewelry design and metals in Maine, which developed her interest in form. She received her BFA in 2005 and went on to an apprenticeship with AsFour (now threeASFOUR).

ShapeShiftRNYC came to creation when Lizotte moved to New York last May and happened to catch up with Lavery. As soon as Lizotte arrived, she contacted Lavery.

“I was like ‘Hey, I’m in New York,’ and she was like, ‘Well, I’m in Brooklyn!’ We were showing each other clothes, bouncing ideas,” she said. The two soon found that they had a lot of the same thoughts and similar styles. They meshed perfectly, and a partnership was born.

The line originally started out from a fashion blog. “We were on the same page as far as concepts, inspirations,” Lizotte said. “We just decided to go for it and start a line.”

The blog has since helped ease the strain of working both in Boston and NYC.

Last summer, the two created ShapeShiftR. The line is, as Lizotte noted, “motivated by changing form” and constant motion and change in silhouette. Geometry greatly inspires the collection, as do shapes (especially triangles and prisms) and scene-themed imagery.

“Layering is big for us, and texture. We like to use different materials. We like to make our textures,” Lizotte said. The line also features knits, but focuses more on tailored pieces mixed with softer pieces. This blending and conversion and juxtaposition of textures and styles are what define the label.

For being fairly new, ShapeShiftR’s already has two collections finished. A few looks were featured during Boston Fashion Week last fall. When their first collection came out last summer, they showed their work to Pixie Market (1000 Stanton Street, New York), who picked up two of their looks for fall.

ShapeShiftR’s doesn’t have any upcoming shows since the designers are primarily focused on working on their spring and summer lookbook, as well as their fall and winter collection which are soon to follow. Their spring and summer lookbook is out now and can be viewed online.

The line became something very personal to both of them: “We make things we want to wear,” Lizotte said. “We like pieces that are easy to wear, very edgy and black.”

The presence of black is also strong in the label, as well as a few nudes. “We don’t use a lot of color,” Lizotte explained, “because it’s really about the silhouette.”

ShapeShiftRNYC is very professional cool, for the twenty-something to the forty-something. But as Lizotte affirms, the line is more about “taste” than demographic. They are inspired by such designers as Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Preen and threeASFOUR.

Music also helps the inspiration process. Lizotte noted that as she is working in her studio, “I’ve been listening to a lot of Italo-disco and Twilight Ritual.” Iconic figures like Klaus Nomi also motivate ideas and styles

However, the line comes together, not through these external inspirations, but by how well the two designers work together and how well their designs fuel each other.

“We use ourselves as inspiration,” Lizotte said.

The partnership has been a bit like a marriage, she said.

“It just happens — it’s so — I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just this thing that works, and we just love it so much. We do so much together. It’s not like one person does this and another person does this. It just works.”

Then Lizotte added, “I’m glad I’m doing a partnership. It makes it so much fun.”

Their next collection for fall and winter is coming out very soon (Lizotte — as excited as she was — could not reveal when). But she did divulge that the new line would have curved seams and they would be using a lot of piecing styles. Shapes and proportions were also going to be played with.

Starting their own label has been hard, they admitted, including lots of work and a lot of time. “I don’t sleep much,” Lizotte laughed, and then pointed out how in both her and Lavery’s life things had to be sacrificed or prioritized.

Their line, Lizotte started, then paused before declaring, is like “their baby.”

As for what’s upcoming for ShapeShiftR, the designers acknowledged that the fashion industry is struggling. Which means for them, things may be, well, a bit a little rough for awhile. However, Lizotte is optimistic about where ShapeShiftR is at now and where it is headed, as well as the fashion industry.

“I think right now is a good time for new things — like this — it’s a struggle coming up with the means to get things going,” yet they are determined to stubbornly stick it through. Working on ShapeShiftRNYC is “doing what we love, making clothes we love.”

Cold slush rained down outside, and the café chatter intensified as the afternoon carried on. The designer took a sip of her tea.

“You’ll see more of us,” she said, but refrained from going into detail. “There’s things that’ll be happening soon.”

She smiled and added, “I’m excited about it … You know when you love something that it just comes together?”

Lizotte paused, trying to find the words to express just how much both she and Lavery have invested in their line.

Finally, Lizotte smiled and said, “It’s just happening that way.”

Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound that is essentially a waste product of digested protein that gets filtered through the kidneys and is expelled from the body through urine. However, the urea that is often found in cosmetics is made from synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Initially, urea was discovered by the French chemist Hillaire Rouelle in 1773. Just 55 years later it became the first organic compound to be created synthetically.

So why is it used in beauty products? Urea slows down the loss of moisture from a product; when used in skin care products it increases the water content of the top layers of the skin. Urea also minimizes the change in the pH balance of a product when other ingredients are added to that product.

One important factor of urea is that it acts as a preservative; it helps to control the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Without urea, our beauty products wouldn’t last nearly as long as they do once they are opened.

Some beauty products that contain urea include Nair, Veet, hair conditioners, body lotions (such as Eucerin), teeth whitening products, skin softeners, bath oils, facial cleansers, and cosmetics such as eye makeup, facial makeup, makeup removers, tanning/bronzing lotions, and cuticle removers.

The ingredients you should be looking for are urea, carbamide, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea (which is found in the preservative Germaben).

Diazolidinyl urea can also be found in baby wipes, household detergents, and bubble baths.

Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea are chemically related, therefore they are used in the same way. Both preservatives act as formaldehyde releasers (this is what makes them preservatives).

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review board (CIR) has found urea to be safe as used up to 10 percent, imidazolidinyl urea safe as used up to one percent, and diazolidinyl urea safe with qualifications up to a maximum of 0.5 percent.

Allergic reactions to imidazolidinyl urea may result in a rash on your skin; however it is not a common cause of allergic reactions when compared to other preservatives. Therefore it is often found in beauty products that are labeled “hypoallergenic.”

If you are unsure about the ingredients found in your beauty products your best bet is to contact the company that makes the product. They will be able to provide you with all the pertinent information.

You can relax though, there is no one peeing in your favorite beauty products.

According to nutritionist and co-formulator of GliSODin Skin Nutrients, Paula Simpson, drinkable beauty is “a functional food defined as ‘those foods that encompass potentially healthful products including any modified food or ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains.’”

In simpler terms, a food that may have extra health benefits in them other than their known nutrients.

Simpson said that the idea of beauty from the inside “stemmed from the Asian and European markets. These women look at total beauty from a holistic perspective; to protect their bodies from accelerated aging with antioxidant rich diets and effective topical skincare programs.”

Now you’re wondering, what foods will produce these cosmetic benefits?

The answer, according to Simpson, is foods that contain high sources of antioxidants, because they will “help to combat the damaging effects of free radicals (toxins that have been linked with accelerated aging). The richest sources of antioxidants include those from berries, carotenoids (tomatoes and carrots) citrus, and green leafy vegetables. Selenium rich foods such as oats, turkey, and Brazil nuts can help to promote healthy immunity to ward off free radical damage on the skin.”

Another way to promote healthy looking skin is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. “If you are not getting enough fluids on a daily basis then your skin will be the first to show signs of this,” explains Simpson.

The website for GliSODin Skin Nutrients calls the product “ingestible skin care for beautiful, healthy skin.” Simpson said the product was created to protect the body from accelerated aging as well as “to promote optimal skin health.”

SOD stands for superoxide dismutase which is an enzyme found in the human body that reduces potentially harmful toxins. It is also the key ingredient in GliSODin.

Simpson believes if you include antioxidant rich foods and drinks to your normal diet, “you are essentially boosting your intake of specific nutrients to help support a healthy immune system.”

“By maintaining healthy immunity, you will feel well and look well!”

According to Sky News, a UK media organization, McQueen was found hanged in his London flat.

Police arrived at the designer’s home at 10:20 am where he was found dead at the scene.  His body was removed from his home at 4:46 pm on a stretcher, covered in a red blanket, and loaded into a private ambulance.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

McQueen was known for being a “bad boy designer;” he built his reputation on his outrageous creations.  He was the creative director of his own label which was bought out by Gucci.

The designer had an A-list clientele including Lady Gaga, Prince Charles and Kate Winslet.

He was one of the youngest designers to achieve the title “British Designer of the Year” which he won four times between 1996 and 2003.

Alexandermcqueen.com reads, “At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.”

His family has asked for privacy “in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

“Dudley will be using his expertise to color models for celebrity designer, Donna Karan’s DKNY fashion show,” the Middleboro publicity firm Grassroots Marketing said in a statement monday. “The three time Redken Elite Salon of the Year in Hanover is no stranger to glitz and glamor. Many national and local celebrities are frequent guests at Charles David Salon.”

The hot button annual fashion event showing off major spring 2010 collections takes place Feb. 11 to 18 at Bryant Park.

A mall cop told police on Thursday that he watched the women, a fourth women, and a man, stealing from Hollister. Police caught up to the group in Macy’s after security told them they entered Hollister with empty bags and left with full ones.

Several security sensor tags were later discovered discarded on the floor inside the store.

Three of the women had shopping bags that were searched and found to contain stolen merchandise. One woman had $247 worth of merchandise from American Eagle and Hollister. A second woman had $218 worth of merchandise from Hot Topic, Hollister, Abercrombie and American Eagle and the third had $231 worth of merchandise from Hot Topic and Hollister.

They will be summonsed to court on multiple charges of receiving stolen property under $250.

No word on fashion police charges stemming from the blatant clashing of fashion styles.

The fourth woman wasn’t charged. The man, identified as Kalieshe A. Brown, 28, of Dorchester was arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant. When he was being booked he was discovered to be wearing two pairs of jeans — one of them was stolen from American Eagle.

A drawer seems like the only reasonable place to store bras; however they can be detrimental to the lifespan of a bra. You inevitably end up with overcrowded drawers and mangled bras at best. Bras are meant to be stored in a way that won’t harm their natural shape. Piling bras on top of one another and stuffing them into cramped quarters can lead to warped under wires, misshaped cups, or even worse, rips and tears.

If only there was a simple solution… Well now there is; it’s called the Bra Tree and it’s the lifesaver your bra has been looking for. Picture a sleek, feminine hanger that can hold up to twelve of your bras and you have just envisioned the Bra Tree.

The Bra Tree is 18 inches tall and 16 inches wide;  it is the perfect size for your closet. Each Bra Tree has a swivel hook and 12 custom hooks that can store bras, sports bras and even bathing suits. The Bra Tree comes in 3 sexy, yet elegant colors: black, silver and pink. Every color comes with flirty black lace as the trim.

The best part you ask? The Bra Tree is very affordable at only $21.99 and there’s a 30 day money back guarantee. Can you really put a price tag on something that saves space, time, and the life of your bra? Check it out for yourself here.

Omid Maxey Glam Squad – Click here for more free videos

The Glam Squad is described as an interactive photo shoot which showcases local talent such as make-up artists, stylists, and designers, and is also becoming a live news feed on Facebook and social media/networking platforms. Whenever the Glam Squad makes an appearance, thanks to their team of photographers, the footage is crafted into a video montage and streamed onto the web.

Maxey, who has been a stylist at Safar Coiffure Salon for 15 years, came up with the Glam Squad concept after, he said, seeing too many dismal and disappointing displays of fashion being showcased at local venues.

“I got sick and tired of going out and seeing these fashion shows,” explained Maxey. “Nobody cares; nobody knows who the designer is, and who is doing all the work to make that show happen.”

Maxey created his own solution.

“I like to promote local artists. That’s what this is all about,” he said.

Maxey credits his loyal clientele, the constant need for music, and the lovely “Glam Dolls” for his inspiration for the Glam Squad appearances. The dolls are switched up depending on the shoot, and what look Maxey is going for.

The very first interactive photo shoot the Glam Squad created was a Glam Doll invasion, hitting seven different locations throughout Boston. These included starting off at Safar, which is where the models get their hair styled by the salon’s stylists, including Maxey himself, and where they continue to get into full “doll” mode. Then they hit up Scoozi, Cafeteria, 33 Lounge, The Estate, Rocca, and a private loft to end things on a personal note. These locations were chosen by Maxey because the squad’s goal is to reach out to a VIP audience in a sophisticated atmosphere.

It’s an upscale, glamorous experience, nothing but the best for Omid Maxey’s Glam Squad.

The Glam Squad entourage originally began with 15 people, and has exploded to 45. Maxey insists that it will keep growing. The members include local artists who pull the event together through makeup, style, photography, and hair. In the past, the looks have been pulled from Betsy Johnson, Michael De Paulo, and Nirva Derbekai. Makeup is done by Nelse Karini, videographer Jamie P. Ryan and the photographers that loyally document the Glam Squad are Mike Zoto, Eric Rakston, Todd Lee, and Amy Azeredo-Samson.

Maxey is not a new name to the style scene. He is the artistic director for Safar Coiffure, and boasts a celebrity clientele list as long as his impressive resume. Maxey has been an on-camera host for a slew of events, including working next to Channel 7 anchor Francis Rivera for the Jarvis Green Foundation event this past October. Somewhere else you may have seen him is on Show Tube TV, where he has worked as a Style Host, directing women on the street how to pull together their look with, you guessed it, their ultra-important shoe selection. He also has a new show getting ready to debut, “Style with Omid Maxey,” a promo video for which is available online.

The Glam Squad made their appearance at Boston Fashion Week this year by attending iMan Fashion Group’s “Fashion Evolution Forever” event at the Joe Moakley Courthouse in the Seaport District. They also held a photo shoot at the grand opening of The Ames Hotel on November 19.

The Glam Squad’s most recent appearance was at the anticipated “Dancing with the Stars” event that took place on December 12 at the Westin Copley Hotel. It was here that a fusion of dancing, fashion, and style created quite a stir as the event was packed and a sure success. DWTS dancers Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo performed for the crowd, a Mercedes car show was showcased, a La Perla fashion show took place, and finally the Glam Squad walked the runway with hair done by Safar Coiffure, makeup by Nelse Karini, and draped in dresses by Michael De Paulo. Maxey kept the crowd entertained by co-hosting the event with Saran Kaba Jones, the executive director of FACE Africa. As dozens of camera flashes went off from every direction as the beauties took the stage, this is just one example of a typical night for the Glam Squad.

By the next day, there were online feeds of the footage from the event, credited by the Glam Squad’s photographers.

Safar Coiffure Salon is expanding and the long-awaited opening of the Miami branch was just this past week. The Glam Squad has scheduled appearances for the new branch and plan on taking Miami by storm with their cutting-edge fashion shows.

“We donate 20 percent of what we make to six charities,” said website founder Ashley Judge. “Tra Tutti keeps forty percent of the money, and the last forty percent goes to the consigners who donate the clothing.”

Tra Tutti donates to AIDS Action, Big Brother Big Sister, Dress for Success, MSPCA, The Home for Little Wanderers and Rosie’s Place. When you shop from Tratutti.com and buy something, you can choose which of these charities you want your twenty percent to go to. When you finish up and pay, Judge writes a check and sends it to the charity of your choice. There is a reason their motto is “couture with a conscience.”

Judge considers herself a young entrepreneur. She has a large background in non-profit business, managing events for Goodwill and then becoming the Manager of External Affairs for Ambassador Swanee Hunt in Cambridge. Then she decided to create a company based on a new business model.

“I wanted to take this nonprofit experience and combine it with my other two passions: bargain hunting and fashion,” explained Judge, “Tra Tutti is absolutely a for-profit entity, but we’re a ‘social enterprise,’ a business for the common good with goals of success that don’t just include being financially successful.”

This is how it works: if you own any designer clothing in good condition, then you can send it to Tra Tutti and they will sell them for you. You can even have Judge and her crew goes through your closet and helps you clean out what you no longer wear. When it’s sold, Judge returns forty percent of the profits back to the consigner. Then Tra Tutti keeps the remaining forty percent. This way, everybody benefits.

Every few months Tra Tutti also holds a sales event with Kick Ass Cupcakes. This is a joint venture with Kick Ass Cupcakes owner Sara Ross. She also sees the appeal of donating to charities.

“Kick Ass Cupcakes donates hundreds of cupcakes a week to charity events all over the city,” said Ross.

These events, called “Couture and Cupcakes,” allow shoppers to check out a selection of designer clothes while enjoying free cupcakes and champagne.

“I think this is a great idea”, said one Tra Tutti shopper, who declined to give her name, “It’s not going to make me feel guilty because usually when you shopping you feel guilty because your selfish. But in this case you’re shopping and you’re making everybody happy and your making these charities happy.”

The next Couture and Cupcakes even will be in February, so log on to TraTutti.com for details. While you’re there, check out the selection of great clothes for great prices, and don’t forget to choose your favorite charity you want your money to go to.

Three months ago she launched her blog and approached Blast about contributing. Her blog is a mix of video episodes, one-on-one interviews, secret diaries, Sarah’s Weekly Crush and reports on the industry’s up-and-coming talent.

“I started the blog because one day I want to run my own magazine — that or become the editor of Vogue by 23,” Young said. “I just thought it would be a good platform to write whatever the hell I want. Thing is with magazines, there are limits, but when I created my blog, I knew that the only limits there would be were the ones I put on myself.”

Young is launching a radio show next year, as well as going on an international blog tour, presenting a series of documentaries, launching an online magazine and releasing a DJ mixtape. She is also studying for a degree in fashion photography.

The young Londoner represents the new generation of media savvy 20-somethings that are doing it all — a perfect ‘cross the pond companion for Blast.

She’s one to keep an eye on, and you’ll be able to do so here on Blast as Miss Young as she gives us a mix of breaking news from Europe and reports on all things fabulous.

“No,” says Williams, they are not impossible — in fact you already know the rules. Williams’ book takes the tried-and-true laws, rules and truths of the dating world and applies them your career. Why? Because you should go after your dream job the way you went after that yoga instructor who moved in next store. She explains, for example, how the old “don’t give away the milk for free” mantra your mom used to whisper in your ear while you slept pertains to landing your dream job. Miller says that it’s just as important not to make yourself so available when hunting for a job as it is when hunting for a mate.

“Just like our tendency is to throw out the rule book and call, and call, and call, and call the super hot dude you can’t help but imagine is ‘the one,’ you’re going to come across the job, the boss, the client you can’t imagine yourself living without, and it’s exactly here where you need play the game,” Williams says on her website.

Williams was at the Limited store at the Natick Collection last night. Over 100 women attended to network, sip free wine (yeah, they gave out red wine in a clothing store. Stupid, or genius?) and enter a raffle for a $250 shopping spree to the store. Early arrivers also left with a gift bag that included Tarte eyeliner and a super cute makeup bag. But the highlight of the evening was Williams’ motivational speech and a killer fashion show. Williams was witty and frank — just like her book. If you’re looking for a new outlook on the old job hunt, Girl on Top may just be what you need. Either way, you’ll totally be brushing up on those dating tips.

So does her advice work? That’s up to you find out. We’re ready to give it a shot.

Black Ink (Beacon Hill: 101 Charles St. and Harvard Square: 5 Brattle St, Cambridge)

If you’re looking for something truly unique for that impossible-to-buy-for person, Black Ink should be your first stop. Hawking everything from a koi chopstick rest set to a space-agey magazine rack to a charcoal essence infused body towel, you can pick up cool kitchen utensils and old-school toys in the same fun to wander through store.

J. Press (Harvard Square: 82 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge)

For the boyfriend, brother or even dad who is always dressed to the nines, J. Press in Harvard Square will outfit him perfectly (and, P.S., we’re jealous). They carry a wide range of ties for under $60, as well as classy cufflinks, sweaters, belts and other accessories. Consider it the new J. Crew for guys only.

Looney Tunes Records (1106 Boylston St.)

Those uber-hip Berklee kids duck into Looney Tunes for old LPs and every CD you could wish for. A little bit chaotic, but a music junkie’s dream, Looney Tunes is perfect for that friend who never takes off his headphones. Bonus: a lot of cheap finds are to be had.

Poor Little Rich Girl (Davis Square: 255 Elm St, Somerville and 166 Newbury St.)

This vintage and consignment store is where to go for your best girl friend, your girlfriend, or your eternally cool grandmother. Stocking designer dresses, vintage clothes and accessories from the 1940s-80s, classic apartment furnishings, contemporary stores’ clothing and more, there is no girl who won’t find a treasure here.

Oak (245 Newbury St.)

Consider this your one-stop shop for pretty much everyone on your list. Oak is an eclectic store with goods ranging from classy to crazy. We love the sterling silver scrabble letter necklace and the gin and tonic soap as well as the mix tape pillow and the Apple command key ring. Shop here for your techie boyfriend, glamorous girlfriend, parents, siblings, you name it. You can also find one-of-a-kind gifts for the kiddos in your life, like crocheted hand puppets and make-your-own plush monster kits. Plus, if you somehow don’t find what you need at Oak, you’ve still got the rest of Newbury at your disposal.

Formaggio Kitchen (244 Huron Ave, Cambridge)

If you haven’t been to Formaggio Kitchen yet, you’re so not our friend. Nationally known as a distinctive and delicious gourmet cheese shop, Formaggio is the perfect place to spend afternoon hours or to pick up the perfect gift for your favorite foodie or holiday party hostess. Here you’ll find hundreds of imported cheeses from around the world, as well as local favorites. They sell freshly made (and astoundingly delicious) baked goods as well as crackers, wine, jams, chocolate, produce and more. The shop is small, so try to duck in on a weekday afternoon to avoid the shoulder to shoulder crowds.

Blue Cloud Gallery (Ball Square: 713 Broadway, Somerville)

Looking for something artsy and unique? Blue Cloud has it. Carrying works by over 90 artisans, many local, this shop is perfect for someone like mom, who really deserves something special (especially if you still do your laundry at home). They stock beautiful pieces of pottery and glass blown decorations. Pick up some stunning photo tiles to give as coasters or a piece of handmade jewelry. Either way, pick something up here.

Know of any other great places to find holiday gifts? Comment below with your favorites and help other Blasties navigate the holiday minefield!

Some huddled under a makeshift tarp tent, others with no umbrella at all and even some coming as far as Washington D.C., all in anticipation to be one of the first to see the result of Johnny’s collaboration with Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes.

Blast: We’re here today at the launch of the Johnny Cupcakes Looney Tunes collaboration. So, tell us a little bit about this collaboration with Looney Tunes.

Johnny: I was approached last year by someone at Warner Bros. while I was out in LA and Looney Tunes was a huge part of my childhood so I was pretty excited to do this.

Blast: What makes this launch exciting?

JE: We actually have limited edition cartoon cells. Each one comes in a sealed envelope with a certificate of authenticity and no two are the same so those are really cool. I didn’t even get one. We only got 20 of them from Warner Bros. and they’re each going to the first 20 customers. We also have some carrot cake cupcakes as a tribute to Bugs Bunny.

Blast: As far as the design for the shirts, how did that work? I know you have your own designer and how specific was Warner Bros. in the use of their cartoon designs?

JE: Yeah, they were very specific…down to the exact color of the whiskers on Bugs Bunny and how many whiskers he has to have. They provided us with all of the specifications and guidelines and we just followed those and then of course they had final approval on each design.

Blast: Which character did you absolutely have to get on a t-shirt?

JE: Definitely Foghorn Leghorn. He’s just funny and crazy, going around giving beat downs.

Blast: You definitely did a great job of getting key characters on the shirts, my personal fave is Yosemite Sam with the cupcakes coming out of his pistols!

Aside from what you have at the launch today, can we expect to see any more Looney Tunes shirts?

JE: Thanks! Yeah, there will be a few more and I definitely want to get Gossamer on a shirt.

He’s the big, hairy orange guy with the eyes and no mouth that use to always sneak up on Bugs Bunny and scare him. He rocks!

Blast: We definitely remember him now. So, that’s really cool. We can expect some more Looney Tunes Johnny Cupcakes designs. Any other upcoming collaborations?

JE: Yea, you can definitely expect to see some more. We’ve got some really cool things in the works. We’re designing some men’s ties, dress shirts for guys, dresses for girls, wallets, cardigans, varsity jackets, New Era hats.

Blast: How about sneakers?

JE: Not yet but yes, we actually do have ideas for some that we want to hammer out for 2010.

Blast: Very cool! Ok, so one last question. What’s your favorite flavor cupcake?

JE: Hmm. Yea that would have to be these cupcakes my friend Lana makes. They’re maple flavored with like a cream cheese frosting…they’re really good and I always eat extra frosting and she gets really mad at me but I always like to have more frosting than actual cake.

Blast staff photos/Steve Osemwenkhae

BlastMagazine.com is proud to be sponsoring the Faulkner-Sagoff RUNWAY Gala on October 22 at the InterCOntinental Hotel here in Boston.

The RUNWAY Gala is a night of fashion and fundraising for one of the best causes of all — breast cancer care. So cue the music, lower the house lights, and join Blast as we are very proud to cover and be a part of a night of fashion supporting the Faulkner Hospital Faulker-Sagoff Centre.

Presented by Suffolk Healthcare, this exciting event will preview the works of Boston’s hottest up and coming young designers from the School of Fashion Design. Guests will vote for their favorite alongside celebrity judges, including TLC’s “A Makeover Story” coach Gretchen Monahan, “Project Runway” alums Emmett McCarthy and Kevin Christiana, jewelry designer Tonya Chen Mezrich and Boldfacers.com founder Lisa Pierpont.

The evening will honor Men with Heart, a group of men committed to fighting breast cancer. They are husbands, sons, fathers and brothers of women touched by breast cancer.

The Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Centre provides a patient-centered approach to breast cancer detection and prevention, making it one of the leading centers for breast health care in New England and in the country. In the decades since its establishment in 1971, the Centre has cared for well over 100,000 women.

For even more information on the event, visit Faulkner Hospital’s website.

The Boston Public Library launched its Literacise exhibit on Saturday morning, inviting families to participate in the new trend. Mayor Thomas M. Menino was even in attendance to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“It’s always great to be back at the library,” he said.

Literacise combines reading and exercising in an effort to develop more interest in reading for children. Irene Smalls, author of “Jonathan and His Mommy,” partnered with the BPL to put on the program. Her book became a large play area were the kids could read the story and follow along by bunny hopping, zigzagging and more, between the blown-up pages.

So what does child education have to do with fashion? Students from Lasell College’s Fashion Design and Production program were asked to design something based on a book.

Lasell junior Amanda Saladino circulated around the room with her model, Emmalyn Anderson, wearing a swimsuit inspired by Marcus Pfister’s “The Rainbow Fish.”

“Professor Mary Rupert brought this (project) too all the fashion students over the summer,” she said. Her final piece was made primarily from recycled newspaper, but also used paint, stained glass, shell and gold Lycra.

In a statement about her design, Saladino said, “As a child I found the book visually stimulating and was instinctively drawn towards the beauty and individuality of the Rainbow Fish. I considered him generous for giving away his scales and found it heartwarming that he gained friends through sharing.”

Though she added that as an adult she sees a more materialistic message in the story, the end result was heartwarming nonetheless. The suit got smiles from the children and Anderson was later accompanied by a pint-sized model in her own paper-made, fish scale inspired dress.

And so, Post-Boston Fashion Week reminded everyone that it’s not all glamour and guest lists – it’s about giving back to the city as well.

Photos: Brennan Degan for Blast. Licensing.

The show was put on by Synergy Events and ceremoniously hosted by Miss Massachusetts USA, Alison Cronin. It was divided into three segments: The first featured eight designers showing five designs each. The second showed three designers with 10 designs each, and the third segment featured the final two designers, then headline designer Keith Lissner.

With such a long program, Synergy provided intermission entertainment from singers Sophia Moon and Marcie. Despite high energy and good beats from both performers, the crowd in general was only mildly enthused.

The up-and-coming designers, though, definitely excited the crowd.

The first segment showed Skylier A. Blanchard (California), Crystal Noe (Boston), Claudiana Baranenko (Venezuela), Emily Hancock (Boston), Christel Akouri (Boston), Angela Chen (New York), J’aime Lizotte (New York) and Zach Lo (London). The standouts and crowd favorites were certainly Christel Akouri and Zach Lo.

Akouri’s pieces were heavy-looking gowns with intricate beading and often open backs. The final gown, in particular, drew gasps from the audience when the model turned to reveal a very low-dipping back with a trail of beautiful beading and embroidery.

Lo’s collection was highly editorial. The eccentric outfits incorporated plenty of animal print and elaborate hats. And to top it off, the models – two of whom were petite twins – were done up in white, mime-like make-up. All together, they looked a bit like they belonged in the Cirque de Soleil – in a good way.

During the first intermission, Miss Massachusetts USA spoke with a rep from Zach Lo who said, “I’m so impressed with the talent of the young designers coming up. It’s incredible.”

The second segment featured Caitlin Allen (New York), Andy Jacques (Boston) and Heather Luca (Minnesota).

Allen’s collection was described as “comfortable and stylish for everyday wear,” and while the light-weight fabrics looked comfortable, the styles did not seem likely to be worn off the runway.

Jaques and Lucca showed collections that were quite the opposite of Allen’s. Jacques collection included men’s and women’s styles that used a lot of bright blue, particularly in the form of metallic spandex for the women. Lucca described her collection as “neo-Victorian” and each look used a corset and ruffles.

Next Cronin brought Caitlin Allen back out to chat, where she talked about the struggles new designers face getting their names out and competing with other established designers.

The third portion featured Katie Dunn (Portland), whose collection is “constructed to flatter” and aims for “enhancement of the female form,” and Nadia Ivanova (Lodon), who looks at fashion as “a way of communication.”

Dunn’s collection achieved its goal, at least on the easy-to-flatter bodies of models. Several of the dresses fit snug through the waist with flowy or puffy skirts. Others had dipping neck and back lines.

Ivanova’s collection had a common theme of large, pastel sequins on the shoes. The women’s pieces were pretty, but a little plain, while the men’s mostly involved cropped pants – a style that has never really broken into the mainstream.

Finally, headline designer Keith Lissner, who was a contestant on Bravo’s “The Fashion Show,” showed his fall collection.

The collection was described as “feminine, unique and exuding a great sense of self.” The styles were certainly feminine – with flowing satins and puffy tulles, and the collection as a whole fit nicely together. In the order they were shown, one piece seemed to inspire the next. Certain fabrics, colors or lines carried over from dress to dress, making it all look almost evolutionary.

Cronin spoke with Lisser afterward. He offered advice to the up-and-coming designers, saying, “Always stay true to yourself. Stay the course, don’t stop, don’t quit.”

Overall, the show was a success, especially for an event in only its second year. The goal is to establish a more prominent fashion scene in Boston, but it’s too soon to see any real results. With another year like this one, though, the city might stand a chance.

Photos by Madeleine Smith for Blast. Licensing.

The event got off to a rocky start. Despite a 10:30 start time, the show began just short of 11:30, with a small distraction in between. Three models were brought on stage in robes to have their hair done – a process that took about 15 minutes of combing, blow drying, flower pinning, tulle wrapping and a lot of pained looks from the models.

The drinking, dancing crowd didn’t seem to mind though – the DJ was phenomenal. Still, there was a slight air of impatience.

“I’m getting bored, already,” one girl said. “This whole thing is such a tease,” said a man.

But the show eventually rocked into action with Aerosmith’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” later followed by a mix of music from the eighties to today. The collection reflected the music, with a combination of rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop.

The added twist – a distinct eighties and nineties feel, particularly if you were in elementary school in those days. There were large floral prints, puffy dresses and skirts, colorful tights and even a puppy tank top.

Of course, this isn’t a collection for 10-year-olds, so there was plenty of mature style as well, including some very slim fitting dresses, skull prints and sequins.

“I thought there were some interesting pieces,” said MJ Yang from Toronto, Ontario. “I liked the shape of the dresses, I think they did a good job structuring them.”

She said was not impressed overall, though, and neither did local Bostonian Nadine Bentele.

“In terms of coats or skirts, there was nothing,” she said. But she did add, “It was very unique. Betsey Johnson, that’s her style.”

The women did agree that the hair and makeup was stunning, as did several other onlookers.

“I really liked the hair and the hair accessories,” 21-year-old Bostonian Katrina Fitzgerald said.

Scott Bosse, 25 and  also living in Boston, said, “It was awesome. I loved the make up.”

Overall, the show was like one big party. The short runway was at the center of the club where people were packed in right next to it. The DJ kept everyone dancing before and after the show.

“It was a fun show,” Yang said.

The evening’s entertainment featured rapper J the S (short for Jake the Snake), ambient hip hop dancers Swagga Inc, dj FAROFF from Bootie Boston and rapper Spohkes performing his Twitter song, “Follow Me.” All the while, a Twitter stream following the hash and tag #LoveTheCool was projected on the walls. There were also free Perfect Vodka drinks for the first hour.

What does all this mean? Besides one bumpin’ party, it means if you missed out, you can live vicariously through social media.

First off, you can check out the night’s entertainment via LoveTheCool show. It’s hostess and creator, @MichelleMMM, has posted some clips of interviews and performances from J the S, Swagga Inc and Spohkes.

And since this is Fashion TweetUP, here are a few choice tweets that graced the walls of Felt last night:

Minus the dancing, drinks and actual social interaction, it’s just like being there! Isn’t social media great?

The show, Dark Wave Disco, was a collection of cocktail dresses. As the models walked around two levels of balconies, spectators lined the balconies with drinks in hand. The crowd loved Mendoza’s collection of dresses that moved, flowed right past you.

“Everyone’s ready for something a little different,” commented Fashion Boston editor Alexandara Hall. “Boston fashion is more than Uggs and umbrellas.”

Macy’s celebrated fashion week Tuesday night by hosting Fashion Group International of Boston and the Launch Designers. Spectators sipped on cocktails as models stood on platforms and a DJ blasted top 40 remixes over the speakers.

“It’s a really nice way to experience fashion,” commented spectator Karen English, an Emerson College student. “Usually at a show you cant get that up and personal to the pieces. The model walks past you and bam they’re done, that’s all you get to see.”

Guests had a chance to walk up to the models, ask them to turn, actually touch the clothing. The designers were also standing close-by and available for any discussion of their collection.

The Launch Designers was a group of five up and coming designers in Boston, handpicked by FGI.

Millie Bautista of the Dominican Republic showcased a line inspired by everyday upscale fashion with tiny details to make you drool.

Paulina Gilson drew her inspiration for her impressive silhouette of jackets from a castle in her native Czech Republic. “The architecture, and how everything works together. I feel like it just clicks,” she said. For Gilson fashion is about a balance. “It’s not overpowering. It’s wearable.”

Eddie Phillips of Southbridge had designed a more simple collection of cocktail wear. “I like things simple,” said the former accountant. With clean lines, and astounding texture, his collection is far from ordinary.

Nara Paz started out as a bathing suit designer in Brazil. After moving to America she had different hopes and dreams, “I want to move to the high end of the market. I want it to be more than a dress, to me fashion is a piece of art.” With her dramatic use of colors, sharp attention to detail, and innovative shapes, Paz has definitely created her own pieces of art for the human form.

Elena Sanders of Watertown showcased her line of “steampunk.” Sanders was inspired by Victorian-era steam powered technology, and the coal-stained faces of the workers. WIth a variety of different textures and materials, lots of metal and gears, her pieces look like a bit like costumes. “But it’s a lot more than your Halloween costume,” Sanders defends. It’s the kind of costume you’d be intrigued by for hours, and takes a creative ingenious mind to create.

“This provides a great opportunity for new talent to be featured and kick-start their businesses,” commented Jay Calderin, Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week.

I expect you want to know what’s been going on across the pond. Well – a lot! The question is where to start?

La Roux

Have you heard of an artist called La Roux? Well if you haven’t, google her ass right now! I went to see her at the iTunes festival in London, and as well as having a hauntingly beautiful voice, she also had a hauntingly beautiful wardrobe! Dressed in a white leather 80’s style jacket complete with padded shoulders and jewels, skinny jeans, ‘boyfriend’ style loafers and gravity defying red glitter hair, she was also sporting something that I think is going to catch on- face jewelery. Sounds a little scary doesn’t it? But it wasn’t. Her left cheek (on her face, get your mind out of the gutter people!) was embellished with what can only be described as an all-in-one gold glitter and sequin cut-out mask. At one point the energy of the gig caused the glue to combine with La Roux’s makeup and run in profuse rivulets down her face. She was unperturbed and the effect somehow added to the intensity of her performance. Anyway, check her out in this video, where she is channeling her inner 80’s diva.

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Fashionable Bikes

The other day I was in Brick Lane , London, selling all my old clothes from a suitcase on the street,  when I spotted two ridiculously stylish men dressed in flat caps, deck shoes, waistcoats and high-waisted trousers. They were ‘riding’ on the most amazing bikes I have ever seen. They are called Steppers and don’t have a seat or traditional peddles but rather steps which are depressed by each foot from a standing position in order to propel the bike forward. One of the handsome guys who was sporting a flat cap and tweeds was riding on a bright red bike with brown leather handles. The other chap, wearing a purple shirt and matching Nike iD’s, was riding on a green and purple bike with green leather handles. Pimp my Bike for real! Wonderful and visually arresting. If I hadn’t already bought an old-school, dutch-style bike two months ago I would have snapped one up immediately. So, if you want to get around in style, grab one of these!

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Vivienne Westwood’s Manifesto

Recently on a show in the UK called ‘Friday Night with Jonathan Ross’ (David Letterman’s equivalent), Vivienne Westwood was interviewed about her latest project. It took me back to March, at Paris Fashion Week, when I was lucky enough to see her show which was influenced by the issue of climate change and environment.

Recently, Westwood wrote a lifestyle manifesto describing how she would like others to follow her lead and live their lives in the most environmentally and economically friendly way. When asked about fashion she said, “People should invest in one beautifully made quality piece of fashion and wear it until it literally drops off you.” Well, although in my book everything Viv says is pretty much biblical, walking around with holes in anything but my tights is U.F.B. (Unacceptable Fashion Behavior).

But this fashion goddess does have a point; everyone should learn to listen to their fashion conscience and buy more vintage and charity shop finds. We recycle our rubbish, why not our fashion?

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Damian Collins and Avigail Clare

The coolest couple; the coolest stylists. Everything Damian and Avigail do is so cool, they could be in a 100 degree heatwave and not sweat a bean!

Power couple Damian and Avigail are designers, stylists and creatives, and own fashion brand Silver Spoon Attire, based in London and New York. Their clients include: Ciara, Master Shortie, and iD magazine. They recently opened a pop-up store in Central London, ’143’,  with creative wizard Kate Morross, selling clothing, art, music and even confectionery. The store was only open for two weeks but it looks as if it will go on a world tour. Next stop, the USA?

Keep up with more London occurrences by visiting me on Twitter too.

If you’re not, well, we won’t judge you (OK, maybe just a little bit).

But, we all have embarrassing clothes shoved in the back of our closet — acid wash jeans, an old JTT t-shirt, maybe even a rogue pair of overalls.

In the spirit of “whatever floats your boat,” check out these New Moon tees, celebrating the new flick.

Show off your “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob” pride, because we know you 20-something Miss Blast Readers (and your moms) are really excited for these.

The shirts are available exclusively at Nordstrom.com on October 1 and in stores October 15.

The clear highlight of Quincy Fashion Half Hour was the Betsey Johnson fashion show, held at the Marina Bay Beach Club. The models strutted a beachside runway wearing playful styles currently available at Johnson’s Newbury Street store, including summery dresses, swimsuits and handbags.

Stylists from Salon Marc Harris primped the models for the event, turning out spunky up-dos and making frizzy pigtails a worthy fashion trend. The show started off with the stylists presenting a birthday cake and singing “Happy Birthday” to Harris, who attended the event and blew out his candles on the runway.

While Johnson and her trademark cartwheel were absent from the event, the show stayed true to the designer’s high energy. Models danced along the runway to upbeat music from The Ting Tings, Alien Ant Farm, Lady GaGa and Kevin Rudolf.

The Connecticut-born designer recently unveiled her Fall 2009 collection in New York, entitled
“Betsey’s Crocker’s Recipes for Dressings.” All of the outfits in the collection are named after comfort food recipes, including Sex Pot Pie and Triple Cheeseburger Deluxe.

Sunday’s show, however, was more about celebrating what’s left of summer. The sand-strewn runway and whimsical party dresses made us wish there’s a whole lot left.

• Is the hot weather giving you greasy hair? Are you camping and unable to shower? Forget shelling out the big bucks on trendy dry shampoos; some baby powder or cornstarch works just fine. Just sprinkle a little on your roots, leave it there for a couple of minutes to soak up the oil, rub it out with your fingers and voila!
• Is the humidity turning your hair into a frizzy mess? Have no fear,  just head to your kitchen. Rub a few drops of olive oil together in your hands and lightly pat onto dry or damp hair. If your hair tends to be greasy, apply it to the ends of your hair only to smooth any split ends. It may sound gross, but mayonnaise also works wonders on dry, frizzy hair. Apply a small amount of it as you would conditioner, cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for up to 30 minutes, rinse it out and then shampoo. Or try mixing 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 quart of water and pour it through your hair in the shower in lieu of your regular conditioner, then rinse it out. Do this once a week. Depending on your hair length and your preference, you may have to experiment with the ratio. Another super easy and totally free fix is to simply end your shower with a quick rinse of cool water, which will seal the hairs’ cuticles and leave your mane smooth, shiny and manageable.
• Summer’s heat and humidity can wreak havoc on acne-prone skin. But there’s no need to shell out lots of dough on expensive skincare products or subject your skin to harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes and preservatives. There are a plethora of homemade skincare options – so many that we couldn’t list them all. But don’t worry, we chose from some of our favorites. Do you have oatmeal and baking soda in your pantry? Grind 2 teaspoons of oatmeal (a coffee grinder will work just fine), mix it with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and slowly add water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your face and rinse well. Or raid your medicine cabinet and take out some aspirin, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, a popular ingredient in acne products. Crush 3-5 tablets (un-coated plain white pills) and mix the powder with water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your skin and leave it on until dry. Now rinse and enjoy your new smooth skin. Feeling a little adventurous? Add a couple squirts of honey to the aspirin powder and then add the water to form a paste. After cleansing, always splash your face with cold water to close the pores.
• Does your skin get super oily in the summer? Try a homemade toner. You’ll have to experiment with the recipe, but start off with 2/3 part water to 1/3 part apple cider vinegar (ACV). If your skin can handle it, eventually move up to a 50/50 concoction. We recommend using distilled or filtered water. Shake the mix well, soak a cotton ball with it, and apply it to the face each night after cleansing. ACV is packed with vitamins and minerals and is, among many things, known to help regulate oil production. If you’ve got some tea tree oil or want to shell out some bucks to buy some, add a few drops to the toner for an added bacteria-killing benefit. Warning: this toner does not smell good. But if you want clear, radiant skin, get over it!
• Make sure your legs are bikini ready by exfoliating for a closer shave, a more even tan and fewer ingrown hairs. The aspirin mask mentioned above does wonders at sloughing off dead skin and eradicating those pesky ingrowns. Great alternatives to store-bought body scrubs (can you believe Fresh sells one made with brown sugar for $65?!) are ridiculously simple. Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar or brown sugar and 1/2 cup of oil – any vegetable oil will do. Sea salt and Epsom salts are wonderful at exfoliating the skin, and can be used all over the body; just mix 1/2 cup of the salts with 1/2 cup of vegetable, olive, or baby oil, or simply scrub your skin with some salts mixed with a little water.
• Got dry legs? Exfoliate them, of course! Also, try using hair conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream.
• Hot summer days equal embarrassing sweat and odor. Forget expensive “clinical strength” antiperspirants that contain aluminum (yuck!) and stick to the basics: Rubbing baking soda or cornstarch onto dry armpits should do the trick. If sweaty, stinky feet are a problem, brew a strong batch of black tea, let it cool, and soak your feet in it for 20-30 minutes. The pore-closing tannins in black tea will solve your problem. Or take Cosmopolitan magazine’s advice and do this routine every night for two weeks: soak a cloth in some strong black tea, allow it to cool, and put it on each armpit for five minutes. If excess sweating has caused some BO and your deodorant just isn’t cutting it, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to your armpits. Don’t worry, the vinegary smell will disappear within a few minutes.
• Spent too long sunbathing and now you’re paying for it with a sunburn? Don’t distress! As long as your burn isn’t blistering or oozing, try some of these remedies. Apply a cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar to the affected areas, and then apply a moisturizer, preferably one containing aloe and/or vitamin e, since ACV is drying. Add Epsom salts or oatmeal to your bathwater and relax. Soak a cloth in a mixture of warm (not hot!) water and dissolved baking soda and apply it to your skin. Got a cucumber? It’s not just for salads and soothing your eyes; rub your skin with its cool slices. This one is strange, but it works: soak a cloth in cool milk and apply it to your skin, leaving it on for about 20 minutes, then rinse. Plain yogurt can also do wonders. Apply it to the burn, leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse with cool water. Another, less strange, solution is to make some tea (any kind will do), drink it, relax and apply the cooled tea bags to your burn.
• It’s no mystery that chlorine wreaks havoc on your hair. But why spend money on clarifying shampoo when you can use what you already have? Once again apple cider vinegar earns a gold star: rinse your hair with it in the shower to remove product and chemical build-up. Baking soda also offers a solution: mix 1 tablespoon or so of it with your shampoo in your hand, suds as usual, leave it on for a few minutes, rinse and enjoy chlorine-free locks. Another awesome tip? Before swimming, wet your hair and apply your conditioner to it but do not rinse it out; this will prevent the chlorine from penetrating your hair. After swimming, be sure to shampoo and condition as usual.

So, Blast readers, got your own summer beauty solutions? Comment below and help your fellow readers with cabinet-raiding, beautifying, cheap summer tips. And please, if you have adverse reactions to any of the recipes above, discontinue your use of them and see a doctor.

Nettie Kent Jewelry — Leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet — $148

Leather, Copper, Silver and Gold Leaf Bracelet

Looking for the perfect bracelet that will go just as well with your sexy red dress as it will with jeans and a t-shirt? Look no further than Martha’s Vineyard designer Nettie Kent’s leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet.

The first leather bracelet style she created, no two are ever the same. Silver is melted over copper and the flow creates a unique design each time. Kent then paints with gold leaf to highlight different areas. “The process brings me back to my roots as a painter,” she said. “It’s just a really fun and unrestricted way to use metal.”

Kent collects her leather from old belts, purses, even cowboy hats. Old copper flashing used in the jewelry is gathered from houses on the vineyard. “The sea air and salt water patinas the copper with beautiful colors and I think it looks like landscapes, almost like paintings,” said Kent, who studied painting at Hampshire College.

Blast is obsessed with the preppy leather cuff paired with the boho look of mixed metals. We guarantee compliments when you strap on this bracelet for a night, or day, on the town.

Get it now at Turtle in the South End, or visit www.nettiekent.com.

Nirva — Katya Dress — $650

Katya Dress

New England winters may inspire you to wrap up in cozy cashmere, but Lexington based designer Nirva Derbekyan looked to the even harsher winters of Russia to inspire her autumn/winter 2009 collection. Weather this cold never looked so good.

The gorgeous fuchsia fabric was Derbekyan’s inspiration for the Katya dress. She also noted that the wool gabardine is perfect for manipulations, prompting her to create a bright, fun colored dress with a conversely harsh structure. “Contrary to the tailored look, I wanted to add a bit of fluidity and geometry at the same time,” Derbekyan said. She added the front drape and the movable cap sleeves to keep this unique dress in line with her signature style.

Blast is just dying to wear this dress to a formal fall event, but how special would it be for New Year’s Eve? We dare you to keep it in your closet that long.

You can buy the Katya dress when it goes on sale at Stil Boutique in the Prudential Center at the end of the month. Visit www.nirva.com to see the whole collection.

Twigs and Heather — Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace — $125

Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace

The summer weather beckons us to enjoy nature; what better way than to put it around our necks? Twigs and Heather, headed by twin sisters Heather and Kerry Alice Collins, cast sterling silver one-of-a-kind pieces plucked right from the Atlantic Northeast.

The dangle twig necklace reminds us of playing outside in the woods as kids, but without that child-like look. The particular twig pictured is a winter twig, and the changing seasons is the twins’ biggest inspiration.

“It’s pretty amazing the subtle (and not so subtle changes) that occur in the trees year-round. Plus, the sentimental feeling that the twigs evoke in our customers is very special to us,” Heather said.

The dangle twig is a popular item, and because each necklace features a different twig, they each have their own personality. Blast thinks this necklace is the perfect gift for the nature girl or the city girl who wants to get back to her, um, roots.

Order it online at www.twigsandheather.com or www.etsy.com. You can also pick it up at Turtle in the South End and MagPie in Somerville.

Sea Bags — Medium Anchor– $110

Sea Bags Medium Anchor

If we were millionaires at Blast (as we someday hope to be), we would certainly own a large sailboat perfect for party cruises and romantic dinners. But, for now, we’ll happily settle for the Anchor Bag by Sea Bags of Portland, Maine (not super-local, but how could we resist?).

All the bags are made out of recycled sails, and we especially love the Anchor Bag (available in navy or red) for its ability to catch the eye of a hot sailor on leave (not yet tested, but we’re assuming).

Sea Bags are environmentally conscious and preppy at the same time, which is more than we can say for that Abercrombie model you dated.

Owned by Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler, Sea Bags are designed by Stephanie Moran and her team.

To own a bag inspired by all things nautical, visit www.seabags.com.

Lillian Asterfield — Sea Lillian Necklace — $35-$65

Lilian Asterfield Sea Lilian Necklace

If you used to rummage through your dad’s closet and play dress up with his ties, the Sea Lillian necklace is your dream come true. Nicole Deponte’s Lilian Asterfield pieces are made completely from recycled and up-cycled products, such as old vintage ties, t-shirt yarn and plastic curtain rings. We love this necklace because it is one of the most unique out there.

Each Sea Lillian necklace is different, but we chose to feature this particular one because we couldn’t take our eyes off it. Sadly, it’s recently been sold– but never fear; Deponte takes special orders.

Her jewelry was recently shown at Lucky Gallery during an exhibit featuring artists who focus on sustainability. You can buy her pieces at Turtle in the South End or at www.nicoledeponte.com.

Read, set, SHOP!

BLAST: So, James, we hear you’re a Harvard guy, correct?

JAMES REINHART: Just graduated actually, last month, with a joint degree program at Harvard Business and Harvard Kennedy School.

BLAST: And how did the idea for ThredUp come to mind for you?

JR: I was literally getting dressed last November and doing the classic “going through stuff in my closet,” and there was all kinds of stuff in there in good shape, but I was tired of wearing it. And it occurred to me; lots of people have tons of stuff and feel they have nothing to wear. I asked around and everyone said, “I have the same problem but I just let stuff pile up in my closet.” So I thought, why don’t people transact in the used clothing market place? It was really a sort of “aha” moment at seven in the morning.

BLAST: And the economy hasn’t hindered business at all? It sounds like this is the right time for something like ThredUp.

JR: Yeah and I think this is a time where Americans are trying to economize and cut back on luxury purchases. It’s accepted more; now is a great time for used stuff. You see transactions on every used marketplace and they’ve gone up. People are trying to get more value from stuff they already own.

BLAST: How do you think ThredUp is helping the fashion world environmentally?

JR: Well, I think it’s a classic example of trying to do more of a reduce, reuse, recycle mentality. We all have enough stuff in our closets that just aren’t new to us, and if someone else were to use the item they’d be perfectly happy with it. I mean, we haven’t done a carbon footprint analysis… but it’s a lot more environmentally friendly than buying new items from China. I think that matters.

BLAST: And its similar to how Netflix works?

JR: Yes, exactly, and its exactly how Netflix works with the exception that Netflix goes through its warehouse, and we are exactly peer to peer.

BLAST: So its different from consignment because you can constantly recycle and keep clothing from being wasted? Or how would you describe the biggest and best difference?

JR: Yeah, so if you compare it to a place like Second Time Around, the difference is that for most people, its not as easy to get to these consignment shops. The average person on a Saturday doesn’t have time to do vintage shopping. You can do it all online — sizes you wear, brands you like — all those types of things. You can do it at midnight on a Wednesday versus going to a vintage store. It’s a real time efficiency issue. And some consignment stores are set up a bit haphazardly, where you’re trying to find the diamonds in the rough. And most of those diamonds in the rough are in other people’s closets. We can help you shop from other people’s closets.

BLAST: Do you think this will effect other industries and how they operate sales, recycling, or renting? After all, movie rentals were impacted by Netflix in a huge way.

JR: I think what you’ll see is that retailers will understand that consumers want more environmentally friendly items, and want to get more value for their goods. This movement to discount and get everything cheap will (be helpful) in the long run. I’m not sure how it will change the entire industry, but you can mix and match between new and used.

BLAST: And your pilot went well?

JR: Yeah, the pilot went great. We had 160 uses in a men’s pilot, and just over several months from February to April with an 85 percent satisfaction rate. Eight out of 10 are major indicators.

BLAST: Are you going then market to men, women, children?

JR: We are relaunching with men’s and women’s and hoping to add kids in about a month later. Kids are a natural fit for us because kids grow out of their stuff so quickly. We’ll be doing the hand me down experience — quicker, faster, and more efficiently.

BLAST: Anything else you want to say about ThredUp?

JR: I think ThredUp is a real experience product. I think people need to really give us a chance. I noticed in the pilot, a lot of people outside of the 160 signed up but then chose not to use their envelopes. And the people who did really do it liked what they got. And that’s part of the fun. You can get cool stuff delivered to your doorstep based on what you specified. Its not just great value, it has a fun aspect.

ThredUp points out to us: Why can’t it be painless to get rid of stuff you don’t wear anymore, through an easy and cheap process to get new stuff that you will wear?

Joel Williams, a ThredUp client from San Diego, recommended the service.

“So far it has been great and I think the key thing they’ve done since the beginning is using high quality items. The results have been positive for me,” Williams said. “If you wanted to, you could use Ebay, but the coordination costs would be so much. They (ThredUp) do it at a price that is much lower than the value it delivers to the customer”.

Right now, the first 1,000 registrants can try ThredUp for free the first three times. You can sign up at Thredup.com and be notified when registration opens.

In this column I won’t discuss seasonal trends or dictate or ‘recommend’ what you should or shouldn’t be wearing, but I will write about people in the industry who are designing, creating and curating things of artistic integrity and worth. Fashion should be a form of self-expression; something that is personal and emotional, not something that is prescriptive, limiting or static. Not to say that this column won’t be biased; I plan to write only about people and things I like, it’s just up to you to decide if you agree.

A designer who I admire and adore is JCDC — Jean Charles de Cajabajac. This guy is a total fashion hunk. Suave and old school, yet incredibly contemporary, his designs are mad cool. And I mean, literally, a mixture of fashion insanity and cooler-than-cool logos and graphic designs.

Jean Charles recently brought his French label to London in the form of a fashion gallery in Conduit Street, and guess what? He personally and exclusively talked to me about why he chose central London as his destination of choice and how he plans to conquer the USA.

“I chose Mayfair because it is at the corner of two symbolic streets for me: Saville Row, where my father and I used to be dressed at Chittleborough and Morgan, and Conduit Street where my dear friend Vivienne Westwood’s store is located,” he said.

I asked Jean Charles if his connection to England had been effectively reinforced by having his own “fashion gallery’’ in London. “The fashion gallery is part of my universe, and this store is my place in England,” he responded.

What about a store in the USA? “I love America, that would be exciting!”

The central London store, curated by Anthony Stephenson, is definitely a fashion haven amongst the chaos of the city, and who knows the next stop for JCDC might be America?

***

Another designer you just have to know about is the lovely cutting edge menswear designer Katie Eary. She was featured in the recent English edition of Vogue and is set to go international any time. This is what I found out after a catch up (or rather, a mini interrogation session) with her on Facebook.

BLAST: When did you realize you wanted to be a designer?

KATIE EARY: I was always an artist at heart, and so putting my mind to anything creative was always enjoyable. But for me, The Saatchi Sensation exhibition was a turning point in my life. I became an avid fan of all things Brit Art! It was also a wake up call! How was I going to make an impact? If Emin, Hurst, Quinn, Lucas (the list is endless) were doing all this cross-examining of taboo subjects how could I make my own impact? Everything seemed to be exhausted in all areas of creativity… All this except maybe Menswear. And so, 14 years later…

BLAST: 
If you could describe your style in 5 words, what would they be?

KE: Ab Fab, Punk, refined, nautical, magpie.

BLAST: You were recently featured in Vogue, how did it feel being featured in the most famous, most respected fashion publication in the world?

KE: I love Vogue, they have been so, so supportive, and to actually be featured is a real honor, and feels great to believe that they believe in me.

BLAST: Lets play Desert island discs. Fave Track/artist?

KE: My Black Hearted- but in general everything by PJ Harvey.

BLAST: Fave artist/piece of work
?

KE: Marcus Harvey — I thought the portrait of Margaret Thatcher using the dildos was just genius. But in general I can’t say he is my fave, I have too many!

BLAST: Fave designer/piece of clothing?

KE: Givenchy leather inserted jeans and Balmain military jackets.

***

A music /fashion star that you have to look out for is a singer named Mpho ( pronounced: mmm fo). She is releasing her debut single Box N Locks in July. The music video is influenced by an 80’s pop Bowie esque style and Mpho’s fashion sense is a mix between Lady Gaga Futurism and Beyonce sassy-ness. Check out the bright orange mirror top with larger than life shoulder pads in the video below — such a crazy cool look.

Well that’s it for now folks. Hope “y’all” enjoyed my first column. Don’t forget to log onto my blog for even more info on not just fashion, but music and art  as well.

Peace, your girl from London, SY. XOXO.

In Saturday’s final round, hosted by MTV Real World Alum Randy Barry and Miss Boston 2008, Alida D’Angona, five Boston natives competed for the tiara.

Miss Boston was put on by FELT in an effort to find the ultimate local model and the pretty face of Boston for the year. The three-week competition gave some beautiful and talented Bostonians an opportunity for exciting exposure, said FELT Marketing director Shannon Finks. Now in its second year, Finks called it one of the “sexiest events of the summer.”

Marciano beat out about 80 entries into the Miss Boston Contest for the title. Through a pre-screening, 12 participants were selected to compete in three categories: semi-formal wear, bikini wear and personality. Only seven advanced to the second round and five lucky ladies participated in the finals.

It was the semi-formal wear competition on Saturday night and Adelina Keshishian, Alexa O’Hara, Carly Marciano, Cyann Ribeiro and Kristin Phelps graced the stage.

“You have to stunt your stuff the best you got and pray it’s enough,” said first-runner-up Alexandra O’Hara. “It sucks that I lost by two votes, but at least I played the game. I’d rather lose by two votes than two hundred. Two votes means I gave Carly a good run for her money.”

When it came to voting, the judges — various local celebrities and personalities in Boston fashion — held 50 percent of the vote while crowd participation held the other 50.

“We all had no clue who was going to win,” said second-runner-up and Somerville native model/actress Cyann Ribeiro. “The crowd was hootin’ and hollerin’ for everybody so loud I couldn’t think up there. I just kept telling myself to smile. That was all that mattered.”

As the judges deliberated and votes were counted, the crowd kept the party going. DJ Freddy B from Las Vegas spun the latest tracks as everyone on the crowded floor took a break from cheering for their friends, tossed back their drinks and showed off their dance moves.

“You gotta show up and cheer for your girl,” said attendee Chantal Keys. Keys had grown up with contestant Kristin Phelps and came to every stage of the competition to support her “homegirl.”

“There’s no way you could get me on stage in a bikini but if anyone’s gonna do it Kristin is the girl for the job. I hate going to the beach with that girl.”

Dean Cleary, a Boston local, also attended. He doesn’t know any of the contestants personally, yet. “Maybe one day one of them will be my lady,” he said of the girls on stage. “A guy can dream. And buy the runner-up a drink. We’ll see how far tonight takes me.”

Finally the lights turned down and the Black Eyed Peas blared from the DJ booth: “I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good good night.” The contestants entered the stage again to hear who had won the title. A few more jokes were told, and the crowd almost quieted for a second as they waited to hear who had won.

“I didn’t think they called my name at first,” Marciano remembered. “But then everyone pushed me forward and I was just like ‘Oh. I won’.”

Marciano shed a few tears and shook the hands of her friends as she was on the stage at FELT. “Thank you to everyone,” she cried, “you don’t know how much this means to me.”

“The life of Miss Boston is a good life,” said D’Angona in the last hour of her title as Miss Boston. “It’s been a crazy year, of photo shoots and appearances, free Red Sox tickets, and free booze.”

As winner, Marciano won an all expenses paid trip to the Caribbean, a magazine spread in Upscale Living, the title “Face of FELT” for all 2009 campaigns and a fashion shoot with Stewart Smith.

“I don’t know which part I’m the most excited about,” Marciano said, “but I’m sure as hell going to enjoy the next year living it up in Boston. I wonder if this title will get me any free food.”

Blast’s editor was totally rooting for finalist Kristin Phelps, but says he has “nothing but love” for everyone who competed. You’d say that too.

On June 27, Miss Boston 2009 will be crowned at club FELT. Miss Boston 2008, Alida D’Angona and MTV Real World Alum Randy Barry will host the competition in which five Boston natives (seven others were eliminated in round one) will vie for the honor.

The five lovely ladies are Adelina Keshishian, Alexandra O’Hara, Carly Marciano, Cyann Ribeiro and Kristin Phelps. These brave women even donned a swimsuit on stage! One will win, among other things, a tropical vacation, a spread in Upscale Living magazine and exposure as the “Face of FELT” for 2009.

After the show, FELT will host a celebration after-party with celebrity DJ Freddy B from Las Vegas.

The event, which starts at 10:30, is free for you with an RSVP. Tell them you read about it on BlastMagazine.com! We’ll be there. Come say hi!

Kardashian teamed up with LegalZoom founders, Robert Shapiro and Brian Lee, to deliver clientele trendy, affordable shoes every month. ShoeDazzle.com taps into the expertise of Hollywood stylists who recommend shoes for customers based on people’s fashion personality as determined by the site’s “style sensibility questionnaire.” The site offers a highly personalized shopping experience at the affordable price of $39 per pair, including shipping.

To learn more about the site, and of course about the shoes, Ms. Kardashian herself, Co-Founder and Chief Fashion Stylist, spoke to Blast about the endeavor.

Blast: In knowing that you have very good fashion instincts but also high fashion taste, what led you to create a site that offered fashionable but most importantly, affordable foot wear?

KIM KARDASHIAN: I love high fashion but am equally a fan of stores like H&M and Forever 21; so looking good doesn’t always mean you have to spend a million bucks. I started ShoeDazzle because I know that all women love shoes, and with the economy the way it is right now, some people feel like they have to forgo fashion trends because they don’t have the means to buy the styles they want.

BLAST: You wear great outfits and have experience with clothes, why focus on shoes; and, is there a plan to expand on this idea to introduce new items?

KK: ShoeDazzle.com gives women a way to wear their favorite trends, and have a Hollywood stylist choose shoes for them for $39. It can’t get much better than that. I already have the clothing store I share with my sisters, DASH, and my closet re-organizing business. It just seemed like a natural fit to add shoes into the mix-especially because I love them so much.

BLAST: Where did the concept to create a “quiz” where women can tell their preferences and then be updated on what is in stock for them via e-mails come from?

KK: We knew that in order to provide custom shoe choices for each member we were going to have to find out more about the member and her individual style. What better way to do it than with a quiz? To me, the style sensibility quiz on the site is sort of a mix between a questionnaire on a dating site and one of those entertaining quizzes in women’s magazines. The mix of the two allows us to find out about each customer while also keeping it brief and fun to take.

BLAST: What do you hope customers will enjoy the most from your new business?

KK: For me, the best part of ShoeDazzle.com is the personal shopping experience and the chance to be paired with a Hollywood stylist that picks shoes for you. That is a service that can cost hundreds of dollars and something that most women just don’t have access to.

BLAST: How has the relationship with your partners made the product better?

KK: I’ve known Bob Shapiro for a long time. He’s a close family friend and a really smart guy, which makes him wonderful to work with. And the fact that he and Brian Lee, our other partner, had such success with the Legal Zoom concept made me feel confident that they knew how to bring the right technical experience to make ShoeDazzle work the best it could.

BLAST: Why would you recommend your site and what would be the one piece of advice you give to costumers who are putting together an outfit?

KK: I’d recommend ShoeDazzle because everyone woman deserves some personalized attention when it comes to shopping, and hey, you can never have to many shoes. And this way, you have a new pair of trendy shoes every month of the year and you are always looking updated and stylish when you go out! My advice to customers looking to put together a great outfit? Shoes make the outfit! They are the best accessory.

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“I realize that not every woman has the opportunity to shop on Rodeo Drive or Madison Avenue, but I still think that every woman deserves A-list treatment,” she added. “That is why I partnered with some of the smartest men I know to develop a shopping forum that is not only convenient to use but that also offers styles I would wear myself.”

After launching March 19, ShoeDazzle opened its services exclusively to 5,000 charter members. Those wanting to join the “society” after the initial 5,000 members will be added to a waiting list and will be notified as soon as additional memberships become available.

Shapiro and Lee founded LegalZoom.com together in 2001. It’s an affordable at-home online legal document preparation service site. They’ve taken their extensive web experience and fused it with Kardashian’s spot-on fashion sense to create a simplified and personalized shopping experience for every ShoeDazzle member.

“ShoeDazzle is the right business at the right time. Women love shoes and want to look great but they demand value,” said Lee. “At ShoeDazzle, we cater to our members’ needs and desires by leveraging our talented team of fashion experts, led by Kim, to choose gorgeous shoes and to offer them at an incredible price.”