Maluka Mania

Maluka is a luxe clothing boutique located in my very own hometown of Wyckoff, NJ. This family run enterprise is owned by sisters, who thrived by quickly facilitating a one- stop-shopping phenomenon around town. As soon as you step foot into this chic boutique, the welcoming faces are fully equipped to assist your deepest fashion desires. The ladies of Maluka are much like long lost friends, only way better dressed and equally attractive; all representing the integrity of the establishment with the utmost style and taste.  

Aside from the stimulating array of women's clothing, Maluka also offers an assortment of accessories ranging from shoes to jewels; original hand made scarves, and handbags. Exclusively set up with designers like Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie, J Brand, Lauren Moshi, Current Elliot, Daftbird, Rich and Skinny, Sunner, Young, Fabulous and Broke, Monrow, and Rachel Pally (just naming a few favorites) work to enhance your shopping experience to be a memorable one.  After leaving Maluka it becomes abundantly clear that it’s the clothes that brought you there, the overwhelming comfort that kept you there, and the lovely women behind it all that will keep you coming back for more.  If Wyckoff  is not in your itinerary now or ever, don't stress, you can shop the fabulous finds online at ShopMaluka. com.

Fun, Flirty, & Fabulous Floral

This post was inspired by one of my girlfriends, who recently asked me if I could find her a perfect floral dress for an upcoming wedding. Always up for the challenge, I accepted her request and got right to work. Whether it is a dress, a billowy blouse, or printed skirt; every spring frocks garlanded with pretty petals make an appearance. The relationship between flowers and fashion is indeed a bountiful one, transforming summer wardrobes into a multicolored meadow of floral prints. Given that floral it is not the easiest style to pull off, when its done right, its right. After much searching, I think I’ve found a dress that will make my friend bloom. The Elizabeth and James Floral Boudoir Dress reeks of romanticism.

Even though I am fan of floral prints, there is a fine line between what is considered to fashionable floral as opposed to frumpy floral. While shopping for floral this season there are a few things to keep in mind. Color is key; bold colors and patterns are ideal as long as they're not overly chaotic. Cut: shop for a cut that flatters your body type. While this print can work with you, it can just as easily work against you; and take it from me, there is nothing worse then drowning yourself in unflattering florals. Cleanness: keep the rest of your look clean and simple; the print is enough to be the focal point of your outfit (that means avoid overdoing it with accessories). If you want to create an overall fresh effect without being egregiously girly, you can toughen up flower prints with leather accessories, or a pair of killer gladiators. Lastly for all of those who are allergic to the idea of the full-on floral effect, there are some great accessories available if you are interested to add a touch of this trend without appearing like you’ve escaped from Alice in Wonderland. 

Lauren Moshi Remix

Lauren Moshi successfully steps forward in revolutionizing the fundamental t-shirt, into a highly fashionable work of art. Her infamous designs are entirely sketched by hand, and constructed by Moshi herself; developing each individual piece into a one-of-a-kind creation. The L.A. based brand features a collection of tigers, elephants, zebras, horses, butterflies; and a wide range of nonfigurative prints, all finished with the softest of cotton. Aside from her long list of celebrity followers, it should come as no surprise that this unique twist on t-shirts has taken the contemporary industry by swarm. You can purchase the Lauren Moshi collection at Revolve, ASOS, Bloomingdales, Singer22, Maluka, TEE-ZONE, or at select boutiques near you. 

Adidas by Stella McCartney

The bright and talented Stella McCartney, who is considered to be one of the most influential young female designers of our time, has quickly climbed the ranks amongst the fashion elite. Growing up alongside famous father, notorious musical legend Paul McCartney,  Stella opted to take her own road to fame by becoming a designer.  Next to her love for fashion, Stella is a passionate environmentalist, and an outspoken advocate for animal rights.  In 2005, McCartney collaborated with Adidas in launching Adidas by Stella McCartney.  As a result, Adidas promised to respect Stella’s beliefs by not using any animal by products or leather alternatives. Working together to combine Stella's intrinsic designs, with Adidas's forward technology, they came up with a collection targeted to transform conventional athletic wear into modern day silhouettes. 

“This collection tries to provide for all the needs of a modern woman. Style meets performance is crucial for women today, and I’ve tried to address this in my most recent collection. Remembering you’re alive is key, health is wealth!”

Her new Spring/Summer '09 collection features energetic bold block colors, futuristic lightweight fabrics, and drawstring details that work to create volume for stylish, and sophisticated silhouettes. Along with this season’s latest collections, her line will continue to expand, offering a wide range of categories; Golf, Yoga, Dance, Swim and Cover Ups. There is no doubt in my mind, Stella McCartney will continue to re-define and challenge traditional sport silhouettes; actively transforming the way we will forever view activewear. You can find her collection online at Adidas, Zappos, and Nordstrom. 

Eu Amo Essie

Nothing makes a girl feel more feminine and pampered than a lovely manicure. The 2009 Essie Spring Collection captures this season’s wistfulness with soft reds, beige, blue, coral, fuchsia and rose. In addition, the Essie Neon Collection offers a bright and shimmering display of outrageous color.  These colors captivate the season with a fresh new look, and an audacious attitude; while contributing a gratifying variation from all the repetition of pink and red. While bold tones, and vibrant colors will be dominating this season, you will also see traditional pastels with flesh-tone palettes, unique minty greens, and glistening grays. With so many new colors to choose it is time to step outside the box, and unleash the unexpected.

House of Harlow 1960

It seems as if life has been going much more favorably these days for Nicole Richie. The young mother is expecting her second child with boyfriend Joel Madden, and her new self- inspired jewelry line has revealed to be an undeniable success; proving to the public, she could do much more then live off her fathers fortune and be Paris Hiltons BFF. 

The greatly sought after fashionista has made enormous strides in creating her own jewelry line; which took off shortly after she teamed up with the much-respected jeweler Pascal Mouawad. Together they set up to launch House of Harlow, a line of accessories named after Richie's daughter. With her natural design ability and a diverse mix of bohemian, tribal, flower child, and street-chic influences, Richie has succeeded in creating a collection that not only incorporates her love of fashion from many different eras, but which more than lives up to its hype. In much collaboration to Richie's personal style, her affordable collection includes headbands, rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; all constructed from high-quality materials. Her goal was to achieve a contemporary, hippie chic look; while  incorporating adaptations from the '60s and '70s. Richie's House of Harlow 1960 collection is available online at Singer22, Shopbop, Kitson, Revolve, Bloomingdales, and Trend Boutique. 

Jessica Fights Back

Somehow Jessica Simpson managed to land on the cover of this June's Vanity Fair, where she fights back the recent media criticism regarding her weight. Jessica who has been known to practice yo-yo dieting is no stranger to fighting back the critics. In her recent article the 28 year-old singer, who under went public scrutiny earlier this year for her fuller figure, confidently speaks out.

“It comes with what I do,” she said, “and I know that every day the media’s going to challenge me, is going to want to bring me down. But I feel like I’m at such a place that I own myself, and it’s authentic. I own that authentic part of myself, and none of those words are harsh enough to make me believe them.” 

Although she elicits such a strong statement, I find it to be somewhat contradicting considering her noticeably slimmer appearance.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it her body image that made her famous in the first place? Talent would have been helpful, but obviously was not required.  While I never thought of Jessica as overweight, the truth of the fact is, she made a career out of selling her body. As a result when her weight fluctuates, sadly it is going to be discussed. 

How many times have we beaten ourselves up for gaining a few pounds?  I don't know of anyone who would be happy about a recent weight gain, lets be honest.  So why do celebrities feel the need to defend themselves to the world? Proclaiming to be happier, healthier; curves to be sexier, all while proceeding to drop 10-20 lbs within weeks. We are all human, we all gain weight, and we all feel shitty and miserable about it. Jessica is not the only one guilty of such assertions. Didn’t we already go through this with Jennifer Love Hewitt in the fall? She professed the same inspiring story when unflattering photos surfaced of her in a bikini. Outraged, she defended her figure, and how pleased she is with the way she looks, yet weeks later she was on the cover of People magazine getting praised for loosing 18 lbs.

This is a common occurrence that touches every woman at some point in her life. Hollywood isn’t the only place with unrealistic pressures; it mirrors the society in which we are living. How often have we gossiped about someone who’s gained or lost several pounds, reveled in the idea that someone we dislike has put on a few or wondered why someone is letting themselves go? Unfortunately, whether you’re a celebrity or just an average woman, we are all too accustomed to women’s bodies being placed under a microscope, either being commended or condemned. If only we could find a happy medium, something more optimistic than the news and less hurtful than someone’s weight.

Cinco de Chanel

If you happen to be in Manhattan for Cinco de Mayo, you might want to check out Saks Fifth Avenue, before you hit up the José Cuervo. The luxury department store is declaring May 5th as Chanel N˚5 Day in New York, celebrating the iconic fragrance, and the unveiling of its latest campaign. They even went as far as to rename certain sections of 5th Avenue to Chanel N˚5 Avenue for the week. It's times like this, when I really start to miss the city.

The "Essential" Handbag

Speaking of Chanel, I was quite concerned when I came across the 2009 Spring/Summer Essential Bag. Nearly identical in appearance to a Chanel paper gift bag, my first thought was, this must be another one of crazy Karl’s practical jokes. Or perhaps Karl did in fact create a recession line inspired by consumer’s high hopes for lower prices. Two excellent theories, unfortunately both proven wrong.

Although the bag is constructed out of smooth calfskin leather, there is nothing that could justify it's price; ranging from  $1525 - $2995. While I find the design of a glorified shopping bag to be less than desirable and even less resourceful, I would be able to justify such intentions if the price was right. We are currently living in a time where luxury items have stepped down tremendously, but here is a handbag being introduced that proudly announces its price to the world. As if Sir Karl's inspiration at 331 Rue Cambon in Paris would make up for its lack of innovation, and creativity, all while defending its price tag. Considering most people could never afford to drop 3,000 on a handbag in their lifetime, the fact that those who can, may go out and spend a small fortune on something that looks like it could have come free with a purchase, is nothing short of disturbing. 

Fresh New Face: Lily Allen

Karl Lagerfeld recently hand picked British pop star Lily Allen to be the fresh new face of the  Chanel Fall/Winter 09' advertising campaign. Lagerfeld said he chose Allen because, “She’s fun!” While I too, love Lily Allen, the fact that Karl Lagerfeld is going for a young and fun girl poses a question. Is he trying to target a younger demographic? And if so, is he going to target the younger demographics wallet? Karl previously mentioned in earlier statements that he has no interest in altering any of his prices due to the economic decline. Hence, I would find it to be greatly improbable that the most arrogant man on the planet is capable of having a change of heart. 

The Clutch Companion

The fact that I worship Marc Jacobs, is no news to many. My obsession started shortly after I received my very first Marc Jacobs bag as a gift from my mom. At the time, I did not even know who Marc Jacobs was, and I cannot say I was instantly intrigued by the silver buckle hardware. When you're fifteen if the designer wasn't Gucci, Fendi, or Prada, it was not cool. Unbeknownst to me, this bag would be the first of several Marc bags, and not long after I would discover his clothes, shoes, and accessories. Needless to say it has been a love affair ever since, and these three eye catching clutches are no exception. 

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Airliner Clutch

2. Marc Jacobs Oversized Love Story Clutch

3. Marc Jacobs Eugenie Glitter Stud Clutch

Lately, oversized handbags have been scaling down with the oversized clutch coming in and taking over center stage. The age when clutches existed exclusively in the evening is long over, so you can kiss those days goodbye. The oversized clutch has been spotted all over the runway this season, stealing the show. It's versatile in the fact it can be worn day into night, and it is a chic alternative to avoid lugging around ten million things you don't need. I am not sure why, but everything I own seems to end up in my bag; and the bigger it gets the more useless, random things I have in it. After carrying massive handbags for so long, it is certainly refreshing to have another option. These three fun, flirty, and utterly charming designs are the ideal accessory to any outfit. Especially for all those glorious times when all you need is your cell phone, keys, lip gloss, ID, and a credit card. Well, surprise, surprise, Marc Jacobs does it again. I think it is possible to have a love affair that will last forever, as long as it’s with him.

House of Marc

Already a legend in the fashion world, Marc Jacobs is as distinctive as any designer could hope to be, and it shows in his tribal-inspired 2009 Spring Collection. Jacob's pursued his dream of creation at the Parsons School of Art and Design in New York, where he displayed a unique talent from the very beginning. In 1986 he designed his very first collection for the Marc Jacobs Label. He then went on to open the first Marc Jacobs freestanding store on Mercer Street in New York’s Soho district, which still stands.

In 2001, he launched his diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs, and it was an instant phenomenon. Never afraid to push the envelope, Marc Jacobs has come to be the deciding factor of super-cool in the fashion world, capturing a following of celebrities, that is simply too long to list. Both Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, are considered to be some of the most desirable high- end merchandise on the market.  Along with some of the most legendary designers like Chanel, Gucci, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, and Versace; Jacobs is climbing the ranks as one of the most influential designers of all time. Currently engaged to Brazilian advertising executive Lorenzo Martone, Jacobs was placed eighth in "Out" magazines list of “50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America.” His creations are sold online at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, NET-A-PORTER, theOutnet, YOOX, eLUXURY, and select boutiques worldwide.