JIL Style

I first discovered Jinga sneakers in London’s Camden Market. I was in the middle of haggling a vendor, trying to get five pounds off a skirt, when I looked up and saw a bouquet of colorful sneakers. I must preface this by saying I am not the biggest sneaker wearer. So if I have to wear a sneaker, I need there to be some sort of incentive other that the fact that it is comfortable. I mean, Clarks and Birkenstock are comfy, but their often clunky styles tend to be better suited for your round the way tree hugger.

The interesting thing about Jinga is that they serve up more than just an array of colorful shoes, they also inject a dose of social responsibility. The Brazilian sneaker company not only prides itself on being fashionable, but they also donate back to their ‘block’, which in this case are the children in the Rio de Janeiro favela or shanty towns. They also win ethical points for creating sweatshop free sneakers, but I for one am more happy that 5% of their profits goes to organizations that keeps Brazils future out of gangs. For more information on Jinga check out their website at www.jingashop.com.

*It’s Jil Baby!

Labels: Brazil, Diaries of a Shoe Whore, Jinga

What is it about the ape that we humans are so fascinated with? Darwin’s theory of man’s evolution in 1860 was met with controversy, and though there is more scientific evidence in later years, I am still not buying it. But what I might buy is a t-shirt with apes printed on it -- AKA Beckett & Beckett’s “highly evolved clothing”.

Based on their catch phrase “viva la evolution”, this t-shirt collection shows apes in their true form, characterized in pop culture. Maybe it is a testament to how we as a people are de-evolving back to primitive needs and wants. You can wear that statement, and cite what ever literature you want, preferably in a party environment because these shirts are all about fun. I discovered this company while hunting through the sometimes dangerous and wild Spitalfield market in London, and that is where you will find them. For more information on the evolution of T-shirts, check out their website at www.gr8ape.co.uk.

*It’s Jil Baby!

Labels: London, market, menswear

Those who said clear heels were just for strippers obviously did not see Kurt Geiger’s new spring collection. I am not sure why they named their cute shoes after islands -- Havana, Barbados, Hawaii, Bahamas, etc. -- because I’ve been all through the islands and I never saw shoes like these adorning the local’s feet. But for the sake of all that is fabulous the names work. So take your pick ladies, you can either be spicy like Havana, Chic like Hawaii, or clean like Barbados.

The Kurt Geiger’s collection is sexy, minus any hooker accents. For those on their feet, the heels are thick and the shoes have very good ankle support. For those who are a bit slow, that means you won’t just be sitting in the club looking cute. You might actually get a couple of two steps in before you sit down and look cute. Their collection hovers around the £210.00, that about $400.00 for us Americans, and €325,00 for the Europeans. Check the Financial Times for the latest currency exchange rate, and www.kurtgeiger.com to buy.

*it’s Jil baby!

Labels: Diaries of a Shoe Whore, Kurt Geiger

I must preface this by saying that I am not particularly “down” with the women’s rights movement, or at least that isn’t the motivation for me saying that the new Mac Barbie Collection is girl’s fantasy gone bad. Did we really need another unrealistic iconic figure to attack our self esteem?

And before all the fashionistas get their panties in a bunch, let me just say I love cosmetics, fantasy, and all other things fabulous-- no matter how politically incorrect. But making up your face to assume a plastic disposition is by no means flattering. Most men I know don’t even like lipstick on their face let alone the shellac MAC is calling foundation. In addition if your foundation is too heavy how can you achieve that natural sun kissed glow (you know when the sun actually can reach your skin), which should be the basis for any summer look. A Barbie at the beach can never be attractive, unless it is “make pretend” at your daughter’s digression. Ok, to sum up an otherwise lengthy soliloquy, Barbie make up-- BAD, Sun kissed glossy look -- FAB.

It’s Jil Baby!

Labels: Beauty, MAC

It was hard for us to find a organic cosmetic company-- apparently harsh chemical products and being fabulous go hand in hand. Not a big surprise when you think that some of the most fabulous hair color is banded from the US due to questionable materials. Most organic cosmetics make you look like you were wearing organic products-- they are about as glamorous as bees wax and not shaving. But we unearthed something that seems worth it, Lily Lolo’s mineral cosmetics.

I can understand your skepticism. I too truly doubt that this finishing powder gives you the same coverage of some of its heavy duty foundation predecessors. Moreover I doubt that this would get you ready for your close-up. But for everyday wear--I mean let’s face it who really wears cake everyday-- it is an option for a nude face. It’s all about the minerals baby, and for those looking for that JLO look it comes in bronzers and shimmers. Though I am not sure how this translates for complexions with a little more gold, olive, or darker than a natural tan-- their mineral collection comes in an array of colors. I don’t think that organic cosmetics are the wave of the future-- we can’t even get fur off the runways. Fashion has a history of not caring about about little things like saving the earth, and furry animals. But if you want an alternative, to wear to that protest rally I say give minerals a try.

*it’s Jil Baby!

We’re not bias here are some more mineral cosmetic companies:

http://www.lilylolo.co.uk

http://www.monave.com/

http://www.bareminerals.com/

http://www.lushbrush.com/

Now they all claim to be experts in the field so I say take your pick…

Labels: Cosmetics, Green, Mineral, Organic, Style

(Wedding Dress: ten recycled wedding gowns)

It is becoming more and more popular to give fashion a conscious. I am not taking about the extremist who jump naked on runways, for little furry animals; though I am sure they believe in their cause. But Gary Harvey has found a way to promote saving the earth that doesn’t involve pepper spray, and the calling of the police. His bespoke dress collection, first seen at the Estethica Exhibition at London Fashion Week (February 12-15 2007), was birthed out of frustration-- which is noble in its own right when you think about how most acts of frustration usually involve a Stair Master or a pint of Haagen Daz. Apparently ten years of being a creative director of Levi Strauss and Dockers Europe leads to an “ethical fashion revolution”. In this case it led to some of the most innovative designs to hit the world of couture in a long time. All of his creations are made from recycled materials including: wedding dresses, baseball jackets, raincoats, and my favorite the Financial Times. Each piece is totally unique and get your check books out--or that credit cards with the chip if your savvy-- because he is now available for private commissions. Oh and by the way he seems to be talented at that creative director thing too. For more information on Gary Harvey contact Balcony Jump at www.balconyjump.co.uk.

(The Baseball Puff Dress: 26 Nylon Baseball Jackets)

(Newspaper Dress: 30 copies of the Financial Times)

(The Military Dress: 28 Army Jackets)

(Mac Dress: 18 Trench Coats)

(Denim Dress: 42 pairs of Levi 501)

It’s Jil Baby!

Not that every fashion statement could be taken from a drag queen, but you got to hand it to them, they paint on cosmetics like no other. Be it their flare for the dramatics-- or a just their need for a little more coverage than the average woman-- I am taking this article out of a page in a drag queens manual. I am not sure if this is what Urban Decay had in mind when putting together this ‘Rainbow Brite’ eye palette--but it works! Is it a tad bit dramatic? Of course! No one with subtly on the brain picks up ‘Heavy Metal’ eye glitter. The name alone should let you know that this isn’t for the weak at heart. To pull off this look you must have either a lot of balls, a lot of courage or be just plain fierce… either way work it honey!

*It’s Jil baby!

Labels: Beauty, Cosmetics, Drag Queen, Urban Decay