Scott Schuman, also known as The Sartorialist, is a citizen of the world. His work has covered the nooks and crannies of fashion hotspots across the globe from New York to Milan, Paris to London, and Australia. And word has been floating around that Japan is on the agenda in the near future. Schuman’s schedule has become jam-packed with ventures galore - everything from shooting global fashion weeks, contributing freelance magazine work, marketing campaigns, and writing an upcoming photography book. He still finds a way to balance his roles as Scott Schuman/The Sartorialist and father to two young daughters. The Sartorialist has played a defining role in democratizing the trendsetting playing field from the runways to the streets of our local neighborhoods and business districts. What direction is this dynamic headed as personal fashion blogs continue to engage the imagination of consumers? Schuman is behind the wheel, that’s for sure.

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with the famed photographer via telephone before his trip to São Paulo. I learned that Schuman is as down-to-earth as his readers hope he would be, possesses a spot-on self-deprecating sense of humor, and is polite to boot! Most impressively, however, Schuman is for his fans; dedicated to perfecting and innovating his art for his readers alone.

TSM: Please tell us more about your upcoming book! Are you selecting your favorite photos from The Sartorialist past, or are you taking new photos specifically for the book? When is it slated to be released?
SS: It’s pictures from the blog that I really love. A bit more in-depth writing and concepts I’ve learned from the blog; a bit of a retrospective about the people I’ve met. It comes out in August. [Editor’s Note: August 12, 2009 to be exact.]

Have you had an “A-ha!” moment, when you’ve thought, “Wow, I get to make a living doing what I love?”
There really wasn’t one moment, but I kept getting great e-mails from fans, really sincere and heartfelt e-mails about how much my work meant to them. That’s when I knew I was onto something. You can do all the advertising you want, you can do all the interviews or whatever, but if you’re not having that sincere contact with readers, it doesn’t really matter. You can’t tell them to like it, they have to really like it. There was a natural response to it from the beginning; they understood what I was doing. I think the readers felt the sincerity in what I do and they picked up on it naturally and understood clearly what I was doing.

You haven’t lost that accessibility and the ability to relate to people, which I, as a reader, genuinely appreciate. There’s an old adage that people are their own worst critics. Do you hold yourself to exceptionally high standards and self-criticism? Are there any flaws that you try to better about yourself?
You know, they say that. I drive myself, but part of being an artist, especially when you’re doing something daily like a blog, is accepting “I want to do this for the rest of my life.” You have your up days and your down days. You can’t make a masterpiece everyday, but it doesn’t have to be a perfect picture to mean something to people. Some pictures are meant to inspire a thought, others are meant to be a starting point to talk about a subject or to illustrate a discussion. You can be conscious that some just exist as beautiful pictures. The thing I like about my life is that the days I feel like working really hard, I work really hard. The days I feel like taking it easy, I take it easy. I know myself and my limits. I’m in tune to making art and writing. I’m not my own worst critic, but probably my best cheerleader. I try not to beat myself up. If I do it, I’m going to do it really well, I’m not going to wear myself out. I’m going to give it my best.

The Sartorialist has become just as ubiquitous for its debonair men as for its chic ladies. Which menswear trends are you working up the gusto to tackle in regards to your own wardrobe?
I don’t really look for trends as I move deeper into fashion, yet fashion has become less important in my day to day. Clothes have to fit me well and work within my lifestyle. They are physical; they have to look good, but still move around and let me do what I have to do. I want things that are not totally out of fashion, but like slim-cut shirts with a higher arm hole. Styles that allow me to do what I have to do when I’m shooting. It’s always a mix of trying to buy a couple things that are of the moment and things that are classic and cater to my lifestyle.

You have become a cultural arbiter of quality and cool. What books are on your reading list and what’s spinning on your iPod?
A Matthew Pearl book, The Last Dickens. I listen to a lot of Blue Wall on my iPod, too.

What’s the last spectacular film you saw?
Frost/Nixon was pretty good.

Which qualities do you most associate with each fashion-centric city’s sophisticated subjects? No matter where you go, you always scout out the most stylish people. Where do you hope to travel in the coming months?
New York does vintage very well; America does in general. The girls are beautiful, but really smart and strong. There’s just something about New York girls. They’re really special. They’re not French girls or Italian girls, they’re New York girls. Paris is definitely a girl’s city, for sure. The girls are sexy, introspective. And in Milan, it’s the guys. The guys in Italy are just so unbelievable. As for travel, I’d love to go to Japan. I don’t know when I’ll be able to go there, but hopefully soon.

With the current economic climate and the turbulence of the luxury market, the emphasis is turning onto people who create themselves through style merits, rather than celebrity. Do you have any favorite style bloggers whom you would love the opportunity to photograph?
The only one I think is great, or the one whom I really know, is Garance Doré. But she’s my girlfriend so I get to shoot her all the time! There’s not too many who pop to me that are very good. A lot of people can take pictures of themselves, which is okay, but I haven’t found any who are really intriguing. Some of these young girls are on to something, but they’re trying to show what they’re wearing while they only have limited outfits. Anyways, as opposed to what they’re wearing, they should focus on the romantic parts of their lifestyle. Everyone has a romantic aspect of their lifestyle, whether you’re in Austin, Texas or Portland, Oregon, you have your own life. People love to live vicariously through others, that’s why all those reality shows are so popular. If a girl came along, or even a guy, who was able to talk about their style and how it fits into their everyday life, and do it in a way where readers feel like they’re secretly, voyeuristically, living along with them through their life, something like that would be accessible because the core would always be fashion but a little about their life is much more insightful than “this is my skirt today.”

Julia Frakes and Jane Aldridge really bridge that gap between fashion and how it fits into their daily lives.
Yes, I know Julia, she’s quite into illustrations, which is great. I go onto Jane’s site occasionally, too. It would be interesting to see who her friends are and what her life is apart from her outfits. The next stop is to spread it out a little bit more. It’d be interesting to see how her chic-ness affects her going to high-school in a nowhere place in Texas. What is that like, you know? I bet it’s very intriguing!

You mentioned your girlfriend, Garance. In a candid Refinery29 feature, Garance said, “He [Scott] inspires me. He’s passionate about books, films, travel, about fashion with its many faces, be it a tailor in some forgotten back corner of Italy, the phenomena that is Marc Jacobs, or some unknown who had just come up with the perfect new way to tie a scarf. I just love him. I love that aspect about him. I love that openness.” So it begs to be asked: what do you admire about Garance?
I admire the same things. I admire her drive. She says I influenced her to get into doing more photography and fashion, but she challenged herself to create her own voice. She likes my pictures and she likes the feelings she gets from my pictures, but she wants to take her own. She’s been battling to cultivate her own style and look, which is great. That’s what I really like - someone who challenges themselves and learns fast. I never have to teach her things and sit down with a camera, she just watches and learns, and figures out what it means to her, how she can take those elements and make it into something for herself.

What’s your idea of sheer bliss?
When my kids say something really funny.

It sounds like you’re a hands-on Dad to daughters Claudia and Isabel. I really admire that.
I try to be! They’re really good kids.

Sources:
TheSartorialist.com
Refinery29.com

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One listen is all it takes to realize that Mat Kearney clearly has a lot on his mind: uncertainty, heartbreak, and coping with life-shattering news. Yet one listen is all it takes to realize his songs also convey a potent sense of hope; that at the end of the day, our trials will eventually sort themselves out. This genuine sense of humanity and overall uplifting quality sets Kearney apart from the rest of his indie-rock genre. On his latest album, City of Black & White, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter draws even deeper from the reservoir of life experiences for a remarkable record of soul searching.

For this album, Kearney has smoothed out all the rough edges resulting in a more polished, coherent sound. Gone are the spoken word verses from his previous album. Instead Kearney’s melodic voice and airy falsettos carry the album. The production arrangements lean on the side of restraint, creating soft, catchy melodies that drive Kearney’s poignant words to home-plate. From start to finish, the twelve track follow-up album runs at a nice mid-tempo groove, perfect for long drives and long conversations over coffee.

The past three years, Kearney has been traversing the entire country, winning audiences over one show at a time. All the while, Kearney’s once relatively unknown singles blazed a 45-week trail through a VH1 Countdown and eventually made their way over to regular features on a slew of prime time shows, most notably, Grey’s Anatomy. But more than just a tear-jerking soundtrack to McDreamy’s make-out sessions, Kearney’s music taps well into the emotions of his listeners. “You’re watching everything you ever held on to/Slip away from you,” sings Kearney, off the introspective track, “Lifeline.” With lyrics touching upon narratives that anyone can relate to on a personal level, the entire album becomes an intimate, even spiritual, experience. Naturally, there is a comforting feeling knowing that someone has not only dealt with similar hardships, but also has the capacity to earnestly reflect upon them. If anything, Kearney is the kind of star the industry needs right now, a talented performer who has a humble presence behind his words.

Giveaway!! Show Mat some love in the comment boxes below (make sure you enter a valid e-mail address) for a chance to win one of four free copies of City of Black & White and an autographed poster! Winners will be selected at random. Entries will be accepted until Friday, June 20, 2009 at 5:00PM (PST).

TSM: Let’s rewind the clock back to square one for a moment. What has cultivated and sustained your passion for music?

Mat Kearney: For music…I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t passionate about music. I remember listening to Bobby Brown every night before I fell asleep in the 4th grade. My dad would blast Thriller and I remember being so moved it almost scared me. I listened to music blasting every night as I fell asleep for years.

Before committing yourself as a full-fledged musician, what sort of work did you pursue and how did that contribute to your abilities as a musician?

I was a high school soccer coach and hung out with some of the band kids at a high school in Tennessee. We would get together at a local coffee shop and talk about life, girls, faith, and a lot about music. It was a very rewarding time of my life. Devoting a portion of my week to listening to someone else — telling kids who have trouble with life that God loves them was a good thing. I ended up writing the song “Undeniable” about one of the kids that hung out with me.

Your songs have appeared on a zillion TV shows, everything from The Hills to Friday Night Lights, and Grey’s Anatomy. What was your initial reaction after finding out your songs featured on all these shows?

I had mixed emotions…you work so hard at the creation of a song and you hold them very dear like children and you don’t want anyone to mess with what they are or how they can be interpreted. But I am also in love with the relationship between songs and visual images. Sometimes they can work together and create something together that is uniquely interesting…sometimes.

Creatively, what steps did you take to differentiate the sound driving this album, City of Black & White, from your first two efforts?

For one thing, I have played almost 500 shows since I recorded Nothing Left to Lose, which has opened up a bigger, more intense side to this record. I feel like Nothing Left to Lose was more of a Jack Kerouac stream of consciousness effort and City of Black & White is much more concise and attempting to touch on something classic and proven.

What’s your ideal environment for making music?

Friends, wooden rooms, old gear, windows that can be covered or not, reverb, maybe in the middle of nowhere or maybe next to my house, people that challenge you in a kind way, focused people, anything Rupert Neve made a long time ago, good lunches… stuff like that.

You’re about to embark on what appears to be a jam-packed tour alongside Keane and The Helio Sequence. What’s a typical day of being on the road like?

So far the tour has been amazing. Tom [Chaplin, lead singer of Keane] is an avid golfer so we are trying to find a date to hit the links… skinny jeans and country clubs are always an amazing mix.

What sort of advice can you share with aspiring musicians waiting tables at the local diner by day and crashing on their friend’s couch at night?

If your vibe outweighs your content, you’re destined to be a novelty. My Uncle Mike told me that; he’s an amazing painter. Also I think you should stay out of debt; it gives you freedom - unless the debt helps you create.

What gets you loose and helps you unwind after a long day in the studio?

Nothing. After a long day in the studio I am spent and just want to sleep. I think the hard part is leaving and going to sleep. I love being in the studio. Creating something from nothing is like creative crack.

Closer To Love from Mat Kearney on Vimeo.

Your new single, “Closer To Love,” speaks of carrying hope through unexpected hardships. How did this song come together?

It started with the line, “I guess we’re all one phone call from our knees.” I thought this was an interesting idea to explore. Who hasn’t gotten one of those calls?

Let’s pop open your suitcase for a second. What’s your outfit of choice onstage and are there any interesting mementos stowed away inside?

I have been keeping it classic for this tour. Black, grey, white, maybe a tie or a black fedora. Classic. In my suitcase I carry around stationery and a typewriter so I can send letters to people I miss. Email is ok, but something you hold in your hand is better.

When was your “A-ha” moment when you thought, “Wow, I am really getting to do what I love and people are responding to my music?”

It happens everyday. I feel incredibly blessed to do what I do and I try not to take a day of it for granted. I remember the first tour 2 years ago when all the rooms started selling out–places like the Fillmore and the Crystal Ballroom where I had always dreamed of playing. I found myself in tears hugging my bandmates after many shows.

You call Nashville home. How does the musical southern city affect your songwriting and inspiration?

In Nashville, the song is king. Fashion comes in a very distant second. The town doesn’t tolerate fluff and seems to appreciate humility. The history of the city leaves you feeling like you are walking around in the shadows of giants.

Girls across the world find solace in your soulful, intimate lyrics about love. We will either give the green light to or break the hearts of your female fans when we ask this question, but are you currently in a relationship?

I think my lyrics hold weight whether I am in a relationship or not… that said, are you in a relationship? And can you please post your girlfriend’s email?

For more on Mat Kearney, check out his official website and MySpace.

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The season of music festivals is upon us, with Coachella starting this weekend. The Supermelon has brought you a detailed guide on all of the big festivals, including who will be there, how to prepare, and most importantly, what to wear.

1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
When: April 17-19, 2009
Where: Indio, CA – near Palm Springs
Cost: $269 for a 3-day pass (but with all of the fees, you end up paying about $300)
What: One of, if not the biggest, music festivals of the season, Coachella tends to have the most sponsors, celebs, press, and big name acts. It’s also probably the hottest, weather-wise.
Who: Paul McCartney, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, M.I.A., The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beirut, Girl Talk, Crystal Castles, Fleet Foxes, Jenny Lewis, Peter Bjorn and John, and much more.

For ticket info or to download the free Coachella iPhone app, or to learn how you can win VIP tickets to Coachella for Life, go to Coachella.com

2. Sasquatch Music Festival
When: May 23-25, 2009
Where: George, WA at The Gorge
Cost: $56.50-$76.50 per day, depending on when you purchase.
What: Sasquatch is one of the youngest music festivals but is quickly becoming one of the best, and will surely continue to grow. Though they don’t always have as many big names, they always manage to get the best of the indie genre. The Gorge also has one of the most naturally beautiful settings, but a reputation for unpredictable weather.
Who: Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, M.Ward, Crystal Castles, Mos Def, Jane’s Addiction, M83, The Walkmen, and Grizzly Bear.

Check out SasquatchFestival.com for more.

3. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
When: June 11-14, 2009
Where: Manchester, TN
Cost: $224.50-$249.50, depending on when you purchase, plus $23.20 in fees
What: Bonnaroo has been around for quite some time and is known for having more of a laid-back, hippie vibe. While not known for being as celeb-filled as some other festivals (Coachella and Glastonbury), Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen successfully avoided photographers here as they celebrated their 22nd birthdays.
Who: Bruce Springsteen, Phish, Beastie Boys, NIN, Wilco, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, YYYs, MGMT, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, of Montreal, Bon iVer, Santigold, Neko Case, TV on the Radio, Public Enemy, and Passion Pit, among others.

Check out www.bonnaroo.com for more.

4. Glastonbury
When: June 24-28, 2009
Where: South West England at Worthy Farm, six miles east of the town Glastonbury
Cost: Already sold out! Try eBay?
What: The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is the largest green field music and performing arts festival in the world. The five-day festival is best known for its music acts and for being the backdrop for some of Kate Moss’ most iconic looks.
Who: The full lineup has yet to be announced, but some names that have been released so far include Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Lily Allen, Fleet Foxes, and The Ting Tings.

Check out www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk for more.

5. Pitchfork Music Festival
When: July 17-19, 2009
Where: Chicago, IL at Union Park
Cost: $75 for a 3-day pass
What: Another newer festival that is quickly gaining popularity and clout is the Pitchfork Music Festival. Organized by Pitchfork Media, a highly regarded music website, the festival makes comfort and affordability their primary goals. This year, they are launching “Write the Night: Set Lists by Request,” whereby you can vote on which songs will be played by select bands.
Who: Built to Spill, The National, Matt & Kim, The Flaming Lips, The Walkmen, and M83, among others.

Check out www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com for more.

6. Lollapalooza
When: July 17-19, 2009
Where: Chicago, IL in Grant Park
Cost: $190 advance price for a 3-day pass (The lowest price level has already sold out); Regular price for a 3-day pass TBD
What: Lollapalooza was a touring alt-rock festival for many years until 2005, when it took on its current format as a destination festival. It has since become very popular and gotten a lot of great acts.
Who: None of the 2009 lineup has been released yet, but 2008 saw the likes of Kanye West, Duffy, The National, Bloc Party, and Chromeo. We are pretty sure this year’s lineup won’t disappoint.

Check out www.lollapalooza.com for more.

Everything else you need to know:
Dressing for these summer music festivals is all about staying comfortable, cool, and (depending on where you’re going) dry while looking like the hip, stylish music fan you are. Shown here are some of our style picks, some of which are inspired by our favorite celeb concert-goers. Enjoy! Also, see below for a list of general tips to make sure you have the best festival experience possible.

Where to Shop:
Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Flat Gladiator Sandals $995, Shopbop.com
Samantha Pleet Romper $264, StandardDeviation.com
Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Romper (with removable straps) $58, UrbanOutfitters.com
Urban Renewal Studded Short, UrbanOutfitters.com
BDG Chambray Shirt $52, UrbanOutfitters.com
Pins and Needles Pintuck Tunic $78, UrbanOutfitters.com
Dirty Violet Exaggerated Side Tee $38, UrbanOutfitters.com
Ecote Straw Fedora $34, UrbanOutfitters.com
Thierry Lasry Sunglasses $405, ShopatMilk.com

General Tips:
• Book concert tickets, plane tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals waaaay in advance. You will save yourself a lot of money and stress.
• Unless you really want to rough it (i.e., no showers or clean bathrooms for 2-5 days), book a hotel or premier camping
• VIP: Some festivals feature a VIP option that you can purchase for what is at least the same price as your entry ticket. It’s debatable whether or not it’s worth the money; usually, you simply get access to slightly better bathrooms with shorter lines, better food/drink options, and maybe some shade and seating in-between acts.
• What to Bring:
o If you are camping and plan to sleep at all, bring earplugs
o Prepare for anything in terms of weather—have everything from sunscreen to ponchos
o Bring a hat, there won’t be much shade
o Lots of water
o Sunglasses
o Blanket to sit on
o Trash bags
o Pen and paper to plan out a schedule (unless you have the Coachella iPhone app)
o Check beforehand to see if the festival allows outside food/drink. Festivals often have weird rules about this, but you should try to get away with bringing as much as you can, since there are always insanely long lines for food vendors and everything is always extremely overpriced.

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Paris is truly the City of Lights, so who better to dish to The Supermelon on insider favorites than Louise Ebel, scarlet-haired beauty who is always in its spotlight? You will not find the prototypical Eiffel Tower, Champs- Élysées, Louvre, or Musée d’Orsay on this list - we safely assume that any tourist will scope out these landmarks. If you want to explore the city like its admirable inhabitants, known for their perfect je ne sais quoi, check out these tips below.

Where to stay:

Hôtel des Grands Hommes
17 Place du Panthéon 75005 Paris
Opposite the Panthéon, this 18th-century Regency style building was the hotel of choice of many artists and poets including André Breton who wrote “Les champs magnétiques” (The Magnetic Fields).

Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
12, rue Vieille du Temple 75004 Paris
Located in the heart of the historical Marais and in close proximity to a number of thrift shops, this charming hotel was the residence of Pierre-Auguste Caron de Beaumarchais, a celebrated writer of the Age of Enlightenment.

Hôtel du Petit Moulin
29, rue Poitou 75003 Paris
Decorated by Christian Lacroix in an offbeat baroque style mixing of all of the designer’s influences. Each room has its own theme and guarantees a unique stay to its guests.

Where to eat:

Ladurée, rue Royale
16, rue Royale 75008 Paris
This is the oldest Ladurée tea shop which was originally a bakery founded in 1862. During the Second Empire, a tea shop was then added. The presence of a bakery gave the women an excuse to visit the tea shop because in those days, they were not allowed and were frowned upon to enter cafés. Ladurée is famous for its pastel-colored macarons as seen on the film Marie-Antoinette.

Le Café Jacquemart-André
158, bd Haussmann 75008 Paris
Inside this very particularly lovely hotel turned museum are a restaurant situated in the old dining room with a marvelous decor, rugs, and Louis XV consoles and most especially an immense Tiepolo fresco on the ceiling! What’s more, it’s a rather good place to eat, an ideal stopover before visiting the museum.

What to see:

Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of the Romantic Life)
16 rue Chaptal 75009 Paris
This former residence of Ary Scheffer and George Sand is worth visiting for its intimate setting and lovely collection of artworks and 19th century objects as well as interesting temporary exhibits. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy its marvelous flower garden and have tea at the glass-roofed courtyard.

Montmartre
It is a must-see destination for tourists that is often noisy and congested but it would be such a shame not to take a stroll in the heart of Bohemian Paris. You will discover plenty of pretty little houses away from the touristy crowd.

Where to shop:

Free’P'Star
8 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie 75004 Paris
This is a thrift shop filled with bargain treasures. You rummage through this joyous clutter to find the perfect piece. Also check out Vintage and Pretty Box in the Marais to enjoy similar experiences.

Mamie et Mamie Blues
73 et 69, rue Rochechouart 75009 Paris
This retro haven specializes in 40s and 50s pieces. Although the prices may be a little too high, the décor is superb. At the least, people go there to admire the fabulous vintage collection.

Where to party:

Chez Regine
49 rue de Ponthieu 75008 Paris
This is today’s most happening spot where majority of the fashion week parties as well as aftershows and concerts are held.

Le Truskel
12 rue Feydeau 75002 Paris
You can drink and party to the sound of rock n’ roll hits. Be sure not to miss Mondays’ Open Mic nights when the best talents of the Parisian rock scene gather round.

Le Motel
8 passage Josset 75011 Paris
Located near the Bastille, this is a welcoming little bar with baroqu’n'roll decor. They serve great cocktails to the music of The Smiths or Happy Mondays. There are often concerts during the week and the rock karaoke is the rage on Wednesdays.

Le Pop In
105, rue Amelot 75011 Paris
When it comes to Parisian rock with a bohemian feel, this is the place to hang out. Affordable drinks, great music and dancing in the cellar.

This post was submitted by Louise Ebel.

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Any venture that Karen Robinovitz is at the helm of gets us seriously psyched. The lifestyle impresario (bestselling writer, TV personality, brand consultant, fashionista, the list goes on!) can now add beauty creatrix to her glittering list of accomplishments! Karen epitomizes high glamour and is at the top of so many exclusive industries, but she’s as down-to-earth and relatable as your super sweet BFF.

Karen chatted with The Supermelon about her beauty philosophy, new brand Purple Lab, and first lipgloss - Huge Lips Skinny Hips. It’s already been on the Today Show and in this month’s Allure. Any product that makes us feel better about slacking on the Pilates and overindulging on Ladurée macaroons is a must-have! We will also offer a giveaway closer to the official launch date in April. Keep checking back for updates on Purple Lab!

TSM: Tell us about your newly launched beauty brand, Purple Lab.
KR: Purple Lab is all about double duty beauty and every product combines innovation with cutting edge ingredients with playful cheekiness and glamorous fun.

What makes Huge Lips, Skinny Hips so unique?
I came up with the idea for Huge Lips Skinny Hips when I was with my husband at a fashion party. I had eaten so many beggar’s purses that I suddenly had what I call “ring around the waist.” You know - when your pants start feeling one size too small from eating too much. I said to my husband, “If my gloss would plump my lips and not my hips, that would be my dream product.” Then I looked at him and freaked out, “OH MY GOD! Huge Lips Skinny Hips, lipgloss with plumper AND appetite suppressant!” My first thought was to call a friend in the industry who has a brand so she could make it. And then Todd said, “You make it.”

We did it together! And here we are now, a year later and launching the first of many products! The gloss is formulated so that it doesn’t sting as it plumps. It is super moisturizing. And it has Hoodia, the plant extract which has been used in Africa for centuries for its appetite suppressing qualities.

I am not making claims that this is a weight loss tool, but I think of it as my secret weapon, the little thing that keeps me in check. It helps me set my intention to be mindful and conscious. I don’t promote that women should not eat at all - but let’s face it… we could all use a little help and support here and there. So let this be a fun way to get some!

Who is Purple Lab’s beauty muse, or an ideal iconic celebrity to sport your products?
The Purple Lab girl is a fun, glamorous multi-tasker (hence the need for double or triple duty beauty products!). She loves chic sophistication and playfulness at once. She has a sense of humor and style all her own. She loves a little luxury but doesn’t want it to break the bank (Huge Lips Skinny Hips is just $20, so it’s good for us recessionistas!).

Dream celebrities: All of them! Gwen meets Gwynnie meets Nicole meets Jessica meets Eva meets Heidi with a little Lindsay, Sienna, Kate, Kate, Cate, Mariah, Dita, and Jennifer for good measure!

The gloss names are so glamorous and fun! We love how each one represents you. How did you name them?
Each of the six colors were named after my favorite icons and philosophies.

There is Kitty Poledancer, a nudish pink after my favorite form of exercise. I take lessons and have been going to the same studio where Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher go, S-Factor, for years.

Red Sole pays homage to Christian Louboutin shoes - the bottom of his shoes are always shockingly sexy red, like this shade.

Love Your Thighs is a beautiful coral hue. And the color is named after the mantra I tell myself all the time. If we, as women, don’t love our thighs, no matter what they look like, who will???

Lychee Martini, a barely there peach, is a tribute to the sweetest cocktail of my choice, even though I almost never ever drink.

Worship Kate is a mauve-y pink with slight sparkle and my personal everyday shade. It is called Worship Kate because I worship all the Kates - Hudson, Winslet, Blanchett - and Moss, whose style inspires me every day.

No Panty Lines is clear!

Wow. No Panty Lines is so tongue-in-cheek! Love it. Any juicy tidbits on forthcoming products for TSM readers?
There will be a new product in the fall that I am keeping secret right now. But it will be sooooo sexy and flirty! I wish I could tell you more, but I will soon!

Sources:
PurpleLabNYC.com

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Statement Shoes

Blazers with slimming black legs

Pops of Color and Interesting details

Menswear-inspired high waist pants

Photos:
JakandJil.com
TheSartorialist.com
FaceHunter.com
StyleSightings.com
GaranceDoré.fr

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Spring is finally here! Our favorite shoe trends for spring include: glam gladiators, edgy booties, fierce platform sandals, rainbow bright colors, funky fringe, and comfy yet super stylish ballet flats.

Gladiators are such a fun trend; they make us feel like a goddess and they come in so many different heights and styles. Booties transition seamlessly from winter to spring. While we may have worn booties with tights for cold winter days, it’s time to show off the legs during spring with booties and a mini skirt. They also look equally fresh with skinny jeans. Platforms are a great way to add height without sacrificing comfort; they’re perfect for day and night. Spring is a great time to have fun with bright colors, and what better way than with bold statement shoes. Shoes with fringe continue to be trendy, and we prefer subtle fringes—the “less is more” concept is something to keep in mind when considering fringes. Ballet flats are classic shoes that you can wear year-round; electric color adds a flirty, fun vibe to classic flats.

For fashionistas on a budget, find shoes that combine trends (i.e., brightly colored ballet flats or gladiators). If you choose to wear shoes that are a statement piece, keep the rest of your look simple. Stick to what looks good on you and makes you feel confident. Most importantly, have fun! After all, it’s only fashion.

Where to Shop:
www.chickdowntown.com
www.neimanmarcus.com
www.net-a-porter.com
www.ninewest.com
www.piperlime.com

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The DSquared Fall 2009 collection debuted in Milan this week, and it brought back the idea of casual cool style. The looks epitomized the girl-on-the-go. Models strutted down the runway in large sunglasses with various Starbucks drinks in hand, as well as oversize bags with tabloid magazines peeking out.

The collection featured a great deal of accessorizing, with models wearing knit caps, scarves, and sunglasses while carrying their bags. The clothes offered an effortless, California-chic edge. It was the kind of collection a Hollywood starlet would wear on her day off. While there wasn’t anything new or edgy about it, the effortless cool and real girl style made it a collection worth checking out.

Photos:
Style.com

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An eclectic mix of folkloric and abstract patterns made it down various runways during Spring 2009 Fashion Week, but the one collection that truly stood out from the rest was that of Matthew Williamson. His use of color, scale, and variety created some of the most exciting and fun looks that we have to look forward to this spring!

This season, it’s all about taking a risk with both color and patterns so throw all those “are you sure this goes together”? and “does this match?” rules out the window. Look for feminine silhouettes in both short and long lengths and stick with loose, flowy fabrics to maximize the ethereal feel of this look.

And while Williamson’s designer frocks will cost you about a month’s rent, here are some more budget-friendly options (all under $100) that will let you take this look from Runway to Reality!

For more of CheapChica, visit CheapChicas.com

Where to Buy:
1 $27.80 Floral Maxi Dress, Forever 21

2 $82 Yumi Maxi Dress, ASOS

3 $98 Printed Maxi Halter, Arden B

4 $88 Dahlia Print Dress, ASOS

5 $19.99 Kimchi Wildflower Dress, Urban Outfitters

6 $100 Hurwundeki Dress, ASOS

7 $42.50 Printed Chifon Dress, Alloy

Photos: Style.com

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Call us old-fashioned, but we love a real guy’s guy. Handsome but not too cute, sweet but not sappy; our ideal man drinks beer but stops short of crushing the can on his forehead. The same goes for his grooming routine—our guy knows when to get a trim, but doesn’t spend hours agonizing in front of the mirror. He can throw together an outfit, but you won’t get stuck waiting around while he accessorizes before a night out. This week, Sweet & Sour takes a look at the balancing act of male beauty, asking ourselves, when should men say “enough” to the girly stuff?

When it’s Sweet: For those of you boys who think girls hardly notice if you’ve showered, shaved, or bothered to put on clean clothes before you left the house: the jig is up. We know. We always know, and trust us, we give way more points to the guy who takes the time to pull out a fresh T-shirt than to the one who douses himself in Axe deodorant body spray and calls it a day. The same way you’d probably be a bit grossed out if we stopped washing our hair or shaving our legs, women like a guy who knows how to smooth out his rough edges a little. Moisturized skin, neat facial hair (or a smooth shave), clean fingernails, and at least somewhat styled hair are all appreciated. So are yummy smells (have any of you girls ever caught a whiff of L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent on a man? Oh. My. Gosh…) and at least a couple of outfits that are, you know, outfits, not just…clothes.

When it’s Sour: When the term ‘metrosexual’ made its grand debut, we weren’t sure what to think. ‘Metro’ made us think of ‘urban’ and we thought naïvely, city guys have good style… right? Then we realized what we were in for and swallowed every good word we’d ever said about this trend. Of course we want guys to look their best. But spray tans? Plucked eyebrows? Flat-ironed hair? Who are you—our sister? Sorry, but we can’t quite bring ourselves to get onboard. Don’t get us wrong, the occasional mani-pedi is a good way for a guy to keep neat and tidy, as is a little—we said a LITTLE—styling product in the hair. But by no means do we want to emerge from a tanning bed and see a man waiting in line, unless he happens to be training for a bodybuilding contest. Likewise, we have little interest in dating a guy so over-styled that it’s like Armani Exchange exploded onto him. Bottom line: guys, remember that we two sexes are not that different from one another. If you don’t want to see a two-inch-thick layer of makeup and a hair-sprayed mega ‘do on your girlfriend, don’t for a moment think it’s okay to over-groom yourselves.

Our conclusion: We tend to think that the best looking guys are like the best looking girls: they know how to groom themselves so that you see them and think, “Oh, they’re attractive,” without really being able to pinpoint why. If you can dissect a guy’s or girl’s look like a color-by-number kit, then their beauty routine is a bit too obvious. Subtlety is the key, and we encourage guys to experiment with hair and outfit routines until they find a look that appears both flattering and effortless. And while we can make an exception for guys who have an unfortunate unibrow situation or something of the sort, we would like to remind you boys that ultra high-maintenance beauty routines are about as masculine as a pink satin ribbon, so if manly is the look you’re going for, you might want to look elsewhere. We’ll make you a deal—we’ll keep scouring The Supermelon for cute, sexy looks, and you promise to stay the boys we know and love. Everybody wins!

Photos:
Sephora.com
Philiips.com

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