the Vessel. by lois

the Vessel. by lois is a collection by designer and model Lois Samuels that consists of garments for women, that draw inspiration from traditional menswear as well as the uniform.

The debut presentation for Spring/Summer 2010 was featured in WWD, The New York Times, Essence and Italian Vogue amongst others. The Collection will be presented during New York’s Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week on Wednesday, February 10^th 2010 in Chelsea with collaborations and sponsors such as Timex Watches, Colasuonno Designs (Jewelry), Young Blood Cosmetics, Cutler Salon.The collection is a blend that creates a clothing that is absolutely comfortable and undeniably feminine.

What others are saying about the Vessel.

“...Lois Samuels is banking on basic, comfortable, classic pieces - with simple silhouettes such as overalls and shift dresses which smack of nineties minimalism...” - WWD 9/10/09

“Jamaican-born former model Lois Samuels put an English accent on her menswear and uniform inspirations, creating a prim, tailored collection with an emphasis on the jumpsuit”. - WWD 9/10/09

“Drawing inspiration from traditional menswear, the Vessel by lois is for the woman, who appreciates understated sophistication”. - Essence Magazine

“A sophisticated dialogue of menswear inspired garments, very proper in a way- that grown women would wear, not just willowy Gossip Girl types.” - Lyra Magazine

About Lois: With a love for fashion and design from her early years. Lois entered the world of fashion as a model and travelled the fashion capitals working for designers as Lacroix, Miyake, Rucci and Givenchy. Her fashion education came through these amazing experiences and through her search for clothing that collaborated with her spirit and identity. Her first Collection presented a clean, simple and basic slate which she believes is the foundation of what fashion should represent - A reserved, comfortable and graceful look for any woman.

Stay tuned for our coverage on the show to come in February.

KATE MOSS FOR LONGCHAMP

To celebrate the launch of her first "Kate Moss for Longchamp" signature collection, Kate Moss and Longchamp hosted a private party at The Ritz Club on Wednesday, 27th January 2010 during Paris Couture Week.

In a décor of zebra stripes (zebra carpet stretching the length of the club, zebra walls …) referencing the codes of her collection for Longchamp, Kate Moss – accompanied by the Cassegrain family, who own the famous French house, welcomed more than 700 guests, and a live performance by London duo Queens of Noize kept the dance floor moving well into the early hours.

For Jean Cassegrain, CEO of Longchamp, and Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director, the party was also an opportunity to play host to the French and international press and leading figures from the world of business.

The Kate Moss for Longchamp collection was unveiled on a wall of moving images, its glamorous designs fusing Kate's inimitable style and personality with the savoir-faire of Longchamp. The collection will hit Longchamp boutiques and Bloomingdales 59th Street in NYC on February 11th.

Tibi Sneak Peek -- Talking with Tibi designer Amy Smilovic plus Fall 2010 Inspiration

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week is right around the corner & we all are counting down the days. We just couldn't wait to talk to Tibi designer, Amy Smilovic on what to expect this season and to get a sneak peek at the Fall 2010 Inspiration. After all, Amy is one of our favorite designers.

Fall 2010 Inspiration

Napoleon and Josephine. Tibi’s Fall 10 collection is about the appeal of opposites – masculine meets feminine, draping paired with structure, and neutrals with high contrast brights. The color palette is inspired by the photographs of Peter Beard. Gelatin prints, where slippery colors merge, intertwine and appear cracked and crumbled with imagery of animal skins and wildlife. Deep ink, terra cotta, burgundy, and every shade of sand mix with bold pinks and electric turquoises.

Cupcake Mag: What can we expect from the Fall 2010 Collection?

Amy: The fall 2010 collection is such a great collaboration of colors. Bold, contrasting neon jewel tones pops from rich swirls of soft neutral notes and the contradiction of flowing delicate fabric and bold embellishments, feminine draping and masculine structure is so what I want to wear right now.

Cupcake Mag: Biggest trends for Fall 2010?

Amy: For Tibi, Fall is all about contrast – Rich colors and bold embellishments, hard lines paired with draping sweeps of fabric and a ton of attitude in a very feminine way.

Cupcake Mag: We have chatted a few times and we always forget to ask - Where did the name Tibi come from?

Amy: Tibi was my original partner’s grandmother’s name. She and I started the company together but she left after a year to pursue other opportunities. I always loved the name and the ring of it, so I kept it.

Cupcake Mag: What are 3 of your "fashion essentials" and must- haves in your closet?

Amy: A fabulously structured tweed coat paired with a gorgeous, flowing, jewel-toned, ruffled top in silk and super chic army green suede skinny trousers with deep pleats is the perfect combination of strong and soft.

Cupcake Mag: Right now, if you could wear one designer's clothes who would it be & why?

Amy: That would definitely be Proenza Schouler I love their bags and shoes right now!

Cupcake Mag: What advice do you have for those pursuing their dream in the fashion industry?

Amy: For those interested in a design career or any creative field, just take anything that inspires you and turn it into something tangible, something sell-able. Don’t try and be anything you’re not, it’ll never work. I didn’t think I would ever own such a successful and profitable company so if I can do it, anyone can! Don’t let those fears get in the way.

Cupcake Mag: Any exciting plans for the future?

Amy: Right now I am in the office processing my inspiration to turn it into my next line and enjoying my time at home with my husband and two wonderful sons!

Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage of the Fall 2010 Collection from Bryant Park in February! In the meantime, visit the TIBI website here.

the girl everyone loves -- getting to know jillian harris

We first fell in love with the bubbly personality and adventurous spirit of Jilly, the interior designer from Peace River Alberta, Canada and her hot dog theory. Not only was she our fave gal but she was an instant fan favorite on Season 13 of The Bachelor. At the time we didn't realize the good things to come as we all watched Jason let go of Jillian Harris. Lucky for us the Canadian beauty became the star of The Bachelorette where we fell in love with her all over again - and where she found her love as we all looked on.

Since the show, it has been anything but calm - but we were able to catch up to find out just how humble and down-to-earth she really is and get the dish on life since the show, fashion & let's not forget…..bowling!

Cupcake Mag: Since the show has ended, how have things been? And of course how is your Ed?

Jillian: Since the show has ended, the roller coaster is still going up and down, but thank god we’re off the ‘loopy’ part of it! Life is slowly returning to normal, and everyday I am more and more grateful for the experience. Eddie and I are better and better everyday too. We (thankfully) go through the same growing pains as any new couple, but we are having so much fun building our life together!

Cupcake Mag: Any comments on the current season of The Bachelor? It was great seeing you & Ed giving advice. It is surely filled with controversy and drama but we all adore Jake.

Jillian: Like any season, the creators and cast will do an excellent job of keeping us glued to the screen... It’s like magic, or ok, maybe just a good mystical formula. I tried to say I wouldn’t watch again after my season, but it’s just too much fun to miss! Jake is a sweetheart, and deserves the best – we (all of us who have walked in his shoes) know though, that this route to happiness, is not so without some drama and suspense to keep us (the viewers) coming back.

Cupcake Mag: You have a great style and always look so chic! We all know you are a huge fan of Alice + Olivia, what other designers do you crave? What is your go-to outfit?

Jillian: My go to outfit these days is my Minnetonka knee high moccasins, and a plaid shirt from Aritzia. Aritzia definitely hogs my closet, their stuff just fits me so well, and their prices fit in my budget. But I do love Joe Fresh (Canadian Superstore) Target, Theory, Frye, Michael by Michael Kors and of course, forever 21!

Cupcake Mag: When we meet you during Fashion Week back in September, you seem to be very much into fashion - will we see a Jillian Harris collection in the future? (Fingers Crossed!)

Jillian: Oh don’t get me going ... But where does a person start? This has always been a dream of mine and my girlfriends; I would love to work on this for sure! My style is very “high brow low brow” and I think I could design a line that reflects that – like a plaid tee and sequined skirt! Yeeeee! Thank you so so much for the compliment, I better get to the drawing board!

Cupcake Mag: We noticed on twitter you were asking for help in naming "JEDS Bowling Team" for Big Brothers - did you ever decide on a name? Can you tell us a little more about your experience being a mentor with Big Brothers?

Jillian: Ed really wants to call the team “better off Jed” ... I am still not sure, our fans gave us so many great names and idea, we are just deciding which one it will be now. One of my favorites was “the most dramatic bowling team ever” haha! I was a volunteer for Big Brothers in Vancouver for years, and now that I am here in Chicago most of the time, I decided to join the board, and help with fundraising events. I always wanted to be a bilingual (French) teacher, as I was a French immersion student (second language) for 10 years, but life brought me to design and television instead. Helping with Big Brothers is the next best thing to teaching; I can make a difference in children's lives, and still do what I love for work!

To stay up to date on everything Jillian you can visit her website here and follow her on twitter!

Image Credits: Wedded Bliss Photography from Vernon B., ABC & by friends of Jillian!

Update Your Skincare for 2010 with En Pointe Skin Solutions

2010 is here - a new year, a new decade, so why not a new skincare routine?

Dr. Christine Rodgers’ line, En Pointe Skin Solutions, has something for everyone – whether your skin is dry, oily, acne prone or if you are worried about aging, this complete collection has you covered! En Pointe Skin Solutions distinguishes itself from the rest of the doctor brands as the only cosmeceutical-grade skincare line to be developed by a female plastic surgeon with expertise in women’s health concerns. Free of harmful parabens, sulfates and hormones - keeps your skin beautiful, inside and out!

Dr. Rodgers’ collection has products that target and correct your every need including: cleansers, toners, scrubs, serums and more!

We personally gave it a try and couldn't believe the results - even after just two weeks! It left our skin smooth, soft and smelling great. You are sure to love everything from En Pointe Skin.

For more info visit the website here.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK ANNOUNCES BACKSTAGE LINEUP FOR MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK FALL 2010 COLLECTIONS IN NEW YORK CITY

Cosmetics leader, Maybelline New York, steps into the trend-setting spotlight once again as the official cosmetic sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City’s Bryant Park.

Maybelline New York debuted its sponsorship in the fall of 2009, fielding a much-requested and talented team under the guidance of Global Makeup Artist, Charlotte Willer. An international favorite of advertising and editorial photographers, Willer is known around the world for her love of color and creativity, passions which the fashion world fully appreciates. This season, Maybelline New York and Charlotte Willer will be supporting both firmly established designers, as well as fresh, up-and-coming talent, including RVCA x Erin Wasson, Michael Angel, Vivienne Tam, Custo Barcelona, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Max Azria and William Rast.

“Following the success of the September shows, we look forward to once again lending the skill and ingenuity of Maybelline New York’s makeup team to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, ultimately giving our worldwide audience a taste of what’s paramount in fashion and beauty” said Cyril Chapuy, Global Brand President of Maybelline New York.

“Maybelline New York has always taken inspiration from fashion and translated trends from the runway to our cosmetics collections,” said David Greenberg, President of Maybelline New York-Garnier USA. “Our continued association with IMG Fashion’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week allows us to take part in shaping and interpreting the makeup trends that we will all see on the faces of women around the world next fall.”

“We are excited to welcome back industry leader Maybelline New York for the Fall 2010 Collections,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are pleased to continue our partnership which supports their year-round commitment to the integration of beauty and fashion.”

Maybelline New York is available in over 129 countries worldwide. Offering more than 200 products, Maybelline New York combines technologically advanced formulations with on-trend expertise to create accessible cosmetics with a spirited style. For more information, log onto www.maybelline.com also available in Spanish. Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline.

THE BAG EVERYONE WANTS

If you have seen Meryl Streep's new movie, "It's Complicated" then you know the must - have bag everyone is talking about. Throughout the entire movie, Meryl's character carries the Roberta Freymann "Cab Bag".

With a price tag of only $175 - it is a piece you don't have to splurge on unlike other big name designer bags. However, there is a wait list but don't worry - you can stop by the store in New York or call now to order the bag to be shipped in late February. You better get yours now!

Roberta Freymann 212.585.3767

153 East 70th Street New York, NY

A Perfect Valentine's Day Pucker from Thymes and Luster

Everyone gets a little nervous about their Valentine’s Day kiss, but this year your smooch will be no sweat, with the help of Luster and Thymes, your smile will be flawless! Take a few of these tips in for the perfect Valentine's Day beauty!

L U S T E R for an A D D I C T I V E smile

To use Luster: use the accelerator mouthwash rinse, next paint on the super whitening solution, and hold the FDA-approved whitening light against your teeth and voila a gorgeous grin!

Thymes Essentials Lip Balm

Lip Balm SPF 15 – Protect lips with a petroleum-free, SPF 15 formula made with 75% organic ingredients for natural moisturizing relief.

· Blend of organic waxes and oils moisturize

· Rich in oils – Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba

We LOVE the refreshing mint flavor!

Get it NOW here.

Actresses Alicja Bachleda and Amanda Righetti choose Nicole Miller Signature for Golden Globes

Actress Alicja Bachleda and Mentalist Actress Amanda Righetti both chose custom Nicole Miller Signature looks for the Golden Globe red carpet.

Bachleda chose a strapless navy faille gown, while Righetti picked an encrusted tulle cocktail dress.

Nicole Miller is a celebrated American runway designer known for clothes with a fun, confident, modern femininity. Her creative signature has a strong appeal to modern women everywhere. Angelina Jolie, Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria, Beyonce and Kim Cattrall are among those recently appearing in her designs. She maintains an on-line presence at www. nicolemiller.com

JOAN ALLEN WEARS BRUNO FRISONI TO GOLDEN GLOBES

Golden Globe nominee Joan Allen wore Bruno Frisoni shoes to the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel this evening, Sunday, January 17, 2010.

We are obsessed with the teal peep-toe scallop heel suede shoes from the French designers Autumn/Winter 2009 collection.

The shoes (Style H9M552) are available at Bruno Frisoni Boutique in Paris, or see www.brunofrisoni.com for additional retail locations.

Skinnygirl Dish with Bethenny Frankel -- plus we are also giving away her MUST-READ!

Just last week, January 5^th to be exact, one of our favorite housewives of New York City and natural food chef, Bethenny Frankel, graced us with her second book - The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes For Your Naturally Thin Life. We were lucky enough to have a quick chat to catch-up and get the dish.

Cupcake Mag: When did you first become interested in cooking?

Bethenny: I became interested in cooking when I was a very young girl. I would watch cooking shows endlessly but never watch cartoons. My very first purchase ever was a jar of maraschino cherries for a recipe, and I begged my mother to let me go to the store to buy them.

CM: You have fed some of our favorite stars who continue to rave about you. What was your first break as a celebrity chef and who would you LOVE to cook for?

Bethenny: I don't love focusing on celebrities because everyone is a VIP, but cooking for Denis Leary was my favorite gig. He is the most real, nice, down to earth person who gave me free reign of the freezer box.

CM: We love how you don't starve yourself when it comes to being "Naturally Thin" and you don't make food your enemy - you have a great knack for making healthy food delicious. Do you have one all-time favorite recipe you enjoy cooking?

Bethenny: I love my crab cakes and old school Caesar salad

CM:Managing weight and eating during pregnancy can be a serious challenge but you seem to be doing a FAB job as you look great and glowing. We follow all your food tweets on twitter and seem to be craving the same! How has pregnancy changed the way you eat?

Bethenny: Your diet is a bank account and I just spend more freely. By no means is it license to be a full fledged animal. I think most people are always restricting themselves so they make pregnancy one long binge which is something to deal with later. I don't skip meals, I eat what I crave, but when possible I check myself when I wreck myself and have dessert only once a day.

CM: What are a few things some people may not know about you?

Bethenny: I'm very frugal, I rarely if ever, pay retail, I live on eBay and if i'm not dressed up for an event, I'm in pajamas. I hate getting dressed up and 90 percent of the time I'm a slob.

CM: And lastly, as big fans of Bravo's hit show, what do you enjoy the most about being part of The Real Housewives of New York City?

Bethenny: I enjoy the opportunities it has provided me and I really love the fans who have come to know me, who I've come to know and who have inspired me.

As for the upcoming season? It will be a season to remember that can't be topped.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Bethenny doesn’t just have a knack for style on the hit Bravo series The Real Housewives of New York; she is known for making healthy food taste delicious. With cooking starting out as a hobby, the celebrity natural food chef, creator of the phenomenal Skinnygirl Margarita, and The New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin has given us her second book in her no holds barred style. As for Bethenny's personal life – she lives In Manhattan with her dog cookie and will be marrying her other love, Jason, this spring. They will welcome their first child in early summer.
Click here to read more about her new book and check out THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES and how you can WIN your very own copy of the MUST READ!

Bethenny Frankel --- THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES (PLUS we are giving away 2 of copies of her NEW book!)

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH: Easy Recipes For Your Naturally Thin Life is the next step on the Skinnygirl journey and helps you get in touch with your inner chef while putting an end to the anxiety about what and how to eat.

With her nonstop Skinnygirl lifestyle, Bethenny empathizes with people who don’t have the time, patience or energy to cook. In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, Bethenny walks readers through her kitchen, her cooking philosophy, the way she prepares for special occasions, or for a simple every day snack or meal. Throughout “the dish”, she inspires readers to use what they have, substitute empty calories for healthier ingredients, and create an endless array of simple, delicious, and creative dishes in their own kitchens, rather than limit themselves to someone else’s recipe. This is cooking the Skinnygirl way!

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH is divided into three parts:

• Part one teaches readers how to feel more confident with their cooking, how to stock their kitchen, how to cook by using what they have, and how to think like a chef. Bethenny also shares common cooking mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Part two contains recipes, amusing stories, tips for meals, snacks and drinks, and suggestions for how readers can tailor the recipes to their own needs and desires.

• Part three features chapters on Skinnygirl-style entertaining for special occasions and holidays. She also includes tips for personalizing recipes contributed by Chef Bobby Flay and stars from Top Chef.

THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES

From The Skinnygirl Dish by Bethenny Frankel

Rule #1 - Don’t Be a Hero

When convenient, use nonstick cookware instead of stainless steel. Use a quality broth instead of homemade stock. Buy pizza dough from your favorite local pizza joint.

Don’t be afraid to save time when it won’t significantly affect the outcome.

Rule #2 – Use What You Have

Substitute leeks or shallots for onions or scallions, dried herbs for fresh, basil for oregano, walnuts for onions, broccoli for zucchini, chicken for fish, etc.

Rule #3 – Something’s Got to Give

Taste should be your first priority, but being healthy can be delicious. Vegetables sautéed or roasted in oil taste richer. Bread is delicious with a bit of butter or olive oil.

Rule #4 – Embrace the “It Ain’t Worth It” Moment

Don’t torture yourself about every detail of a recipe. Step back and realize when it just isn’t worth the aggravation. You won’t want to cook if you don’t enjoy cooking.

Rule #5 – Taste As You Go

Good cooks always taste their food as they cook it. Amateur cooks simply follow a recipe, mix it all up and pray for the best.

Rule #6 – Mise en Place – the French Cooking Term You Should Know

“Put in place.” Pre-measure and put all ingredients into small ramekins or glass bowls. Line them up in the order you need them.

Take out all the tools you’ll need before you begin cooking.

Rule #7 – Memorize a Few Basics

Memorize a few key basics, like how many tablespoons are in a cup or whether you can bake muffins without using eggs. That way you won’t keep running to the Internet.

Rule #8 – Presentation is Everything

Garnish your dishes with brightly colored raw vegetables or herbs.

Contrast colors in your salads, and between main and side dishes.

Put fresh flowers on the table and light candles.

Rule #9 – Utilize the Leftovers

Use recyclable containers, label, and arrange leftovers into meal-sized portions. Be creative with recipes and substitute ingredients with what needs to be used.

Rule #10 – Minimize Clean-Up

Bribe friends and family with their favorite food. Bribery is perfectly acceptable if used for good, not evil – and cleaning your kitchen is always good.

In Naturally Thin Bethenny taught readers, “Your diet is your bank account.” In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, she says, “Food is like your wardrobe.” It’s easy to open the closet and say that there’s nothing to wear, just as it’s easy to open the refrigerator and say there’s nothing to eat. With her famous wit and real-world sensibility, Bethenny shows how to start with the classic, base ingredients – the culinary versions of the perfect pair of jeans and the little black dress – and take risks, be daring, accessorize, and remember that even when eating healthy… variety is the spice of life.

We want to you to have your own copy for your coffee table or book shelf so we are giving two readers the chance to win YOUR very own copy! In a sentence below, tell us just why you can’t LIVE without Bethenny’s words of wisdom. Don’t forget to leave an email address too!

*All comments must be received by Monday, January 18th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly. Open to U.S. residents only.*

For more information on THE SKINNYGIRL Dish please visit: www.bethenny.com or www.simonandschuster.com