Follow The Wag on Twitter

Fashion & Beauty

By Jené Luciani


The Powderoom, a new high-end women’s clothing store, has opened its doors in downtown Pelham. It features hard-to-find local indy designers like Theo Courtnay New York (whose “Douj’ere” jacket, $450, and box-pleated skirt, $395, are shown here) and pieces by the store’s designing owner, Tanya Scott.

Here at The WAG, we’re welcoming the New Year with a new outlook. We’re stretching our wardrobe with new ways to wear old favorites, high-end consignment finds, fashionable staples, and fresh accessories (think on-trend eyewear) that subtly update every outfit. Of course, we still can’t resist a touch of classic couture or a fresh design from a rising star. It’s all in this month’s Fashion and Beauty roundup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Alex McCord with husband Simon van Kompen at Second Time Around in Manhattan

Consigning Women
Real Housewives of Fairfield and Westchester, listen up! There’s a new housewife in town! Alex McCord, star of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City,” has signed on as director of creative operations at Second Time Around in Greenwich and the newly opened Westport location. I got an exclusive one-on-one with the working mom who’s giving new definition to the term “housewife.”

WAG: Tell us about what makes STA unique to this area?
AM: STA allows consumers to repurpose unwanted clothing in a time when Americans are discarding nearly 68 pounds of textiles per person each year! Recessionistas can find great bargains on YSL, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren, as well as newer designers, at 25 to 50 percent off retail. I think a store like STA appeals to the practical and sensible mindsets of so many friends I know who live in the area, while simultaneously indulging their taste for fashion.

WAG: Why do you like consigning?
AM: I like to keep my wardrobe moving—while there are some pieces I’ll keep forever, I love having the option to wear a dress on a red carpet and then send it back into the community so that someone else can enjoy it.

For more info on STA, visit www.secondtimearound.net or sign up for the Greenwich location’s Twitter updates and get instant access to great pieces as they come in. One recent tweet? A gray Armani blazer with grosgrain ribbon trim.

 

EYE SPY
Shopping for a new pair of glasses? We asked Sharon Decker, owner of Eye Designs of Westchester in Scarsdale what’s hot. “Because of the economy, the flashy, crystal-encrusted look has given way to quieter styles,” she notes. “There’s still richness though. Scrolling, color, and unique temple treatments in exotic materials such as wood and leather are tasteful ways to dress up your everyday or sunglass frames.” Speaking of sunglasses, Decker says the fashion pendulum is swinging away from the oversized frames of the last few seasons. “Look for more sophisticated versions of the old Wayfarer look and retro shapes such as the cat’s eye and even butterfly shapes with or without rhinestones.” Round-shaped lenses like those made famous by John Lennon in the ‘70s are making a comeback and updated versions of those Porsche Carrera-style aviators from the ‘80s might be on your most-wanted list come summer.

 

thebuzz
- Happy 30th anniversary to Mary Jane Denzer of White Plains! The retailer celebrated the milestone with a fashion show featuring the 30 designers she feels have most dramatically influenced fashion since she began her business. Valentino, Christian Dior, and Oscar de la Renta presented their spring 2010 styles along with newer superstars Zac Posen, Matthew Williamson, and First Lady favorite, Jason Wu. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Westchester Children’s Museum.

- L.A.-based brand Vince has added to its East Coast outposts with a location in The Westchester. Known for basics-with-a-twist, Vince is the place to stock up on staples like cashmere sweaters, a sequin tank dress, or a great motorcycle jacket.

- Shop for designer clothes in the comfort of your own home with a “Fashion Party,” hosted by Mt. Kisco boutique On the One. The store will send a selection of its clothes and accessories, a personal stylist, and will even provide the wine! The party host will receive 20 percent off everything, while guests receive a 10 percent discount. You can call 666-7787 to book a party.

- Beauty line Benefit has opened up a boutique inside of Bloomingdale’s in White Plains. It features the company’s entire line of products as well as its famous “Brow Bar.” For brows that are waxed and plucked to perfection, be sure to ask for Jin Ma!

- Good news for spa lovers who are too stressed to actually make it to a spa. In an effort to bring pampering to the people, spas are popping up in places that aren’t, well, spas! Rachele Rose Day Spa has opened a location in the Club @1133, a gym at 1133 Westchester Ave. in White Plains, while La Petite Spa has opened at the office of dentist Bard J. Levey at 1 Baltic Place in Croton-on-Hudson. For appointments at Rachele Rose, call 948-7500, and for La Petite, call 271-6225.

 


Jené Luciani, Lloyd Boston, and Sandy Hapoienu

Getting Your Style Miles
Lloyd Boston, author and host of the Fine Living Network’s “Closet Cases,” hit Bloomingdale’s White Plains for a Jones NY fashion presentation styled by our very own Sandy Hapoienu. I asked Boston for advice on how to get the most mileage out of our wardrobes. “It’s really about looking into your closet and taking out your favorite five pieces and figuring out ways to get more use out of them,” advises Boston. “So if you’re a woman who loves basic black pants, get more ‘style miles’ by layering them with a leather jacket, a fitted blazer or a cropped jacket. Or have a stylish friend come over and give you fresh perspective on what you already have.”

 

Jené Luciani is a strong presence in television, print, and web media. A recognized expert in the field, she can be seen regularly on television news outlets such as Fox 5’s Good Day NY, and has appeared on the Style Network, the Discovery Channel and the syndicated morning shows the Daily Buzz and Better TV. Jené is regularly quoted on iVillage.com. Her first book, The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra (BenBella Books, 2009), is available to purchase at www.Amazon.com. Visit Jené at www.JeneLuciani.com, e-mail her at Jene@theWAGonline.com or follow her on twitter@thebrabook.