Ask Anton: Birthday Gift Ideas

Dear Anton,

A good friend’s birthday is coming up soon and I’m at a loss as to what to get her. Do you have any unique gift ideas for a girl that seems to have everything?

Theresa

Dear Theresa,

Gifting can be a touchy thing, but the gifters often make much more of the situation than they have to. So my first advice to you: don’t panic! True, a gift to friend is something that requires reflection and thought, but keep in mind - it is for a friend. The intimate knowledge that stems from a friendship is the essential key to finding the perfect gift.

If you’re still stumped, I have a few suggestions that would tickle any girl’s fancy! Take a look at Juicy Couture’s dazzling little bits of flash – the Heart & J Key Chain and the Scottie Key Chain in Gold are charming in every way, if you’ll pardon the pun. These gorgeous gold-plated goodies will add put a sparkle in her eye, and on her most choice handbags.

And if your lucky friend doesn’t have a favorite bag in the first place, I most certainly recommend that you consider getting her a lovely MayaMoon bag to call her own. The Fling Bag in Yellow is guaranteed to be this season’s hot item. Each MayaMoon bag is handmade leather so butter-soft; you’ll wonder that it doesn’t melt in your hands!

The best part about being the birthday girl is the promise of pampering, so why not indulge her and consider Mor’s irresistible line of bath sundries? From Fig and Olive Body Wash to Pomegranate Bath foam, consider yourself covered (and in such yummy scents, too!). No matter which you might pick, each item will leave you with soft skin that smells and feels absolutely edible.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Faith Connexion on the Rise

Something I love about being a fashionista and being a member of the Minxhood is that every aspect of human nature and society can be expressed and explored in fashion. When Ilan Delouis started his clothing brand, Faith Connexion in 2004, he created a fashion line that embodies man’s hunt for ego validation through mysticism. With a website that propels fashion into the spiritual word by featuring the musical styling of Marilyn Manson and a photograph-only demonstration of the celebrity and media frenzy surrounding these truly unique pieces, the designer keeps his brand both accessible and mysterious; each piece has room for interpretation by the wearer, and each piece bears a silver medallion with the credo faith, hope, truth and love encircling two crossed wings.

Worn by celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Usher, and featured on the cover of the January 2008 issue of French Elle, Faith Connexion is rapidly spreading across the fashion world. Here at UrbanMinx, we love the v-neck ruched back tee in black made by Faith Connexion. Made of 100% modal cotton this black tee has an attractive v-neckline that flatters most cup sizes and a slinky, body hugging silhouette. The silver cherub emblazoned across the front and the word "Faith" across the back complete the edgy eye catching look. Pair it with some dark jeans like our Beverly High Rise in straight leg by J & Company and a pair of silver heels, like our Aurilla Shoe in Silver by Guess, and you’re ready to rock!!

Miss Me Jeans Embody LA Style

Looking for that delicious favorite pair of jeans? Miss Me offers a denim experience like no other. Launched in 2001, this Los Angeles inspired designer’s mission is to indulge us all with impeccable styling and THE PERFECT FIT!!! Just like your favorite jeans, Miss Me is casual and eclectic. Feel free mix them with just about anything in your closet. Whether you dress them up or down, you’ll feel L.A. fabulous staying in or hitting the town in your Miss Me jeans. While basking in the comfort and style of this premium denim, do take time to notice the subtle glamour and thoughtful touches. You’ll find that the wash is just right, the lined waistband is downright luxurious, the pockets are perfectly positioned and the stylish fit of these jeans is irresistible.

What’s more, is actually less. Spoiling yourself with a pair of Miss Me jeans costs under $100. Check out the selection of Miss Me denim at UrbanMinx.com or come see us in our Bend store for the latest and greatest styles from Miss Me.

Ask Anton: Warm Weather Style

Dear Anton,

The weather is beginning to warm up, which generally means less clothing and more skin. Is there a way for a person to still look cute for summer while still being somewhat shy about their body?

Dear Lynn,

There are endless options for gals who opt out on the tini bikini mode during summer. But just because revealing tank tops and shorts who take their name quite too literally aren’t on your agenda for the sultry season, does not mean you’ll be left out in the cold (so to speak). Here are a few ideas to help you stay cool and comfortable in the swelter of summer.

The average pair of shorts usually offers just enough coverage, yet leaves little the imagination. For the lady who would like to add a little mystery to her thighs, I recommend the Bermuda short. Shorts like the Twill Bermuda from Billy Blues, or the Stripe Bermuda from See Thru Soul are perfect examples. Often crafted from airy fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, this style enables comfort and a little more modesty than its bitty counterpart.

If you’d like to show off your shoulders and arms, but you’re not quite comfortable with your tummy, a strapless shirt with ruching in the waist, such as Bordeaux’s Tube Top, will showcase a slender neck, and the ruching in a dark fabric will have a slimming effect on your waist. Bordeaux’s Off the Shoulder Ruched Top possesses the same capabilities with a more relaxed fit, and if you’d like to keep your arms under wraps, the balloon sleeves have got them covered. Another option for those who are sensitive about the appearance of their arms and shoulders can play around with sleeve options. The Drapey Bolero from Kensie is a versatile piece with amazingly cute details.

For a more feminine look, Ella Moss has released a number of dresses that drape so very elegantly across any figure and are designed to flatter rather than flaunt. The Holly Dress is subtle and slimming, while the bright Daisy Dress’ lines flatter your waist and shoulders. If that’s not enough coverage, Splendid offers super-comfortable Cropped Leggings to go with.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Ella Moss Spring Style is Stunning

Guess what ladies? True comfort is beautiful! We are chucking the age old quips of “Beauty is pain,” with the arrival of the Ella Moss Spring Collection.

Known for her simple silhouettes and shapes and her ability to design horizontal stripes that can be worn by anyone, designer Pamella Protzel distinguished herself when she designed the “green striped cotton dress” Sara Jessica Parker wore on Sex in the City. Since then stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz have also latched on to the designer’s credo of beauty being comfortable, discovering that the cottons are so soft, so wearable, that it’s like wrapping a baby cherub in a cloud.

This year the clothing has the sunny feel of Laguna, California and classy twists on the boho styles we love so much; perfect with a pair of flip flops for the hitting the beach with style, or with pretty sandals for a hen night with the girls. I love our Daisy Short Dress in Atlantic. This versatile piece can be worn off the shoulder, which is how I like it, or with a traditional collar. The slightly puffed sleeves and button details give the piece a finished look, and the loose through the middle and slightly fitted bottom flatters so many body types. Wear it over a bathing suit like our Waimea Bikini in white or black from Twisted Heart, for sand and sun or throw on some leggings and ballet flats and hit the town - I recommend our crop legging in Espresso from Splendid and our Lowcut Flek Ballet Flat in Gold and Beige by London Sole.

Throw on some pretty accessories like a pair of gold earrings or a chunky gold bracelet and the bohemian California chic is ready to play in all states. If dresses aren’t what you’re looking for, I also love our Abbey Applique Cami in White from Ella Moss. Once again the fitted bottom and loose middle are both comfortable and flattering, not to mention how unbelievably soft all of her cottons are!!! The flower appliqués along the neckline add a Grecian feel that would make any woman feel like an Athenian Princess and can be worn with jeans, skirts, khakis or anything else you may have in your closet!

Kate Hudson look vibrant as always in a chic Ella Moss dress.

Brill Style: Comfortable Trends from our British Style Scout

I am just going nuts for PJ Salvage!!! Who said that PJs had to be made out of checkered flannel? Whoever did set that standard needs to step aside and make room for some seriously revolutionary PJs!!! We adore the new Ginza Dot Floral Camisole and Ginza Dot Shorts in Black, which are not only the ultimate eye-candy, but are super comfortable and soft to the touch. You won’t want to get out of bed when wearing this set! The drawstring pants are the most comfortable PJs I have ever worn. You literally have to remind yourself that you’re wearing anything at all! We love PJ Salvage, not only because they design and make scrumptious sleepwear, but because the collection is also considered a life-style brand - many of the thermals and cami’s can be worn to bed or paired with your fave jeans. This collection is sooooo “user friendly,” us fashionistas just can’t get enough!!!

Hudson denim has a cult following among celebrities, and it’s no wonder why! Being British, I for one just love the tiny little Union Jack that adorns each and every one of these fantastic designer jeans! The classic boot-cut is our best selling Hudson Jean for good reason! This jean cups and enhances the rear like nothing I’ve ever seen, so all you ladies that would like some more “junk in the trunk,” the Hudson Classic Bootcut is for you. These jeans add volume to the derriere, come with a slim cut through the thigh, and nipping in at the knee, open up into a beautiful boot cut. The waist band is a little wider than the norm; this ensures there will be no unsightly bulges, or as we like to say “muffin top” – every woman’s worst nightmare! We love love love the new Vision wash that has just graced us with its presence here at UrbanMinx! The denim is slightly lighter on this spring jean and the wash is true West Coast blue. This wash sums up the Californian lifestyle perfectly. You can easily imagine strolling along Venice beach in these jeans, wearing thongs and a cute bikini top. I also love the striped wide-leg pant in Rox. This stripe wide-leg is our very favorite novelty Hudson pant of the season. It encompasses that nautical look and feel. Don these pants with a classic white tee and some espadrilles and you are ready for the French Riviera!

Anton's Style Picks: Collegiate Coed

Between those mad dashes from class to harrowing class and equally mind-numbing hours working at the local coffee house, how’s a girl expected to muster enough energy for savvy shopping after a day under siege?

To give you work-weary ladies a little nudge in the right direction, I’ve put together a handful of my favorite articles that create, as a whole, what I like to think is an irresistibly effortless style for the collegiate girl on the go.

This season’s haute looks are all rich with color. When paired with Tulle’s Honeycomb Trench in Pearl, our Shine Turtleneck in Pesto by Michael Stars creates a clean, arresting contrast without being flashy, which makes it an ideal combination for both work and play. The fabrics are light and breathable enough to wear on warmer days, while still keeping out what early spring chill might be left in the air.

Adding any timeless blue jean in a dark wash will complete the look perfectly. As shown here, Joe Jeans’ Honey Jean in Vanna flatters the feminine physique in every imaginable way – fitted at the waist and wider in the hips, this jean hugs curves like a Lamborghini, while the dark wash slims.

Finally, set aside those cramped clutches and half-pint handbags. You need an accessory that works as hard as you do. The Perforated Tote in Tope is more than qualified to handle the job of mobilizing your lifestyle. In the age of the Blackberry™, the iPod™, and the PDA, a bag deep enough to have an echo is perfectly acceptable and entirely necessary. If a longer trip than one to an evening study group is anticipated, Juicy Couture offers their line of Scottie cosmetic travel cases, brilliantly designed with chic travel in mind.

Juicy Sequin Dress in US Weekly

Who wore it best? The March 31, 2008 edition of US Weekly featured the Scoop Sequin Tank Dress from Juicy Couture. Worn by Rebecca Romijn and Kate Moss, this sexy striped cashmere and sequin number was voted best on Rebecca by US Weekly readers.


The Ugly Betty actress won out with a 64% vote of confidence while wearing the dress with a plaid coat in Beverly Hills. Kate sported her dress at a London club.
While both ladies look lovely, we at UrbanMinx think Kate's style does more justice to this flashy piece. Rebecca's coat conceals too much of the glam. Check out the Juicy dress at UrbanMinx.

At the Corvallis Boutique? Check Out Da Vinci Days

Think you’ll be in Corvallis in the next couple weeks for your Urban Minx shopping fix? Check out the 9^th Annual daVinci Days Film Festival held April 18-20 in the OSU LaSells Stewart Center located on campus. Celebrate creativity and innovation alongside 6,000 fellow attendees and enjoy three days of independent films. Don’t think film-viewing is all you’re in for – British Director, Alex Cox (films include Repo Man and Sid & Nancy), will be opening the show Friday night at 7:30 with his up-close views on independent-filmmaking. Also get involved in workshops for aspiring actors, directors, or screenwriters on the 19^th – even if you’re just interested in the inner-workings of film this is a wonderful opportunity to pick up a couple tips on the art. Get your admission tickets online through www.davinci-days.org and while you’re at it, peruse www.urbanminx.com for the latest spring fashion and trends!

Brill Style: Spring Fashion Picks from our British Style Scout

The sun is shining, Spring has sprung and it’s time to indulge ourselves in the lovely fashions the season has to offer.

UrbanMinx has some amazingly cute pieces in the yummiest colors. The Juicy Couture Austin Printed Mirco Terry Shift Dress is another hot item this spring. We love the retro 1960s print and style of this shift dress. The Minx Team thinks that Juicy has done an incredible job of blending their terry group with a classy, stylish shift dress and it’s come out a winner. This Juicy shift dress is perfect for your spring vacation - wear it with some Twisted Heart Flip Flops, or use it as a cover-up whilst on the beach with your bathing suit layered underneath. What a classy way to hit the sand this summer!!! Another Juicy item that we think is fabulous is the Juicy Pique Shrunken Coat in cream. This spring jacket is just tailored to the waist with a bracelet sleeve. A magic little jacket with its dainty flower buttons, this is great to pair with so many spring styles – throw it over a summer dress or rock it with your fave jeans.

Speaking of fave jeans, another line we are just bursting with excitement about is GoldSign. We have carried GoldSign for 2 years now, and these jeans are always fabulous. This season they are looking hotter than ever; we are in love with the GoldSign Sunset Wide Leg Jean in Cosmos. The powder blue wash is just delightful, and the criss cross pocket detail with the silver button is so very flattering on so many body types. The denim is as soft as butter, absolutely silky to the touch. The Passion Jean is what made GoldSign famous in the beginning. GoldSign continues to make this winning boot cut with some subtle changes to the hardware and finish. We love the new Passion Jean in Axe – this wash is gorgeous!

On another note – we can’t forget to mention that we’ve just received a new shipment of Bordeaux clothing. This line is back and stronger than ever with the basic ruched tube and the seamless cami – these are must have basics for all of your Spring/Summer layering. The Bordeaux pieces look great under blazers, sweaters, or tees and act as a body smoother, so you get a double bang for your buck on these!! They also come armed with a shelf bra, which makes them super comfortable and supportive. Another Bordeaux piece that our ‘Minx Team’ of stylists is raving about is the Leopard Print Blouse! This silky little top is super cute with jeans, or you can dress it up with a pencil skirt or tailored slacks. The possibilities are endless! The Bordeaux leopard print blouse is a great novelty addition to the wardrobe this spring, and it incorporates the must-have colour of the season with just a hint of mustard/ yellow running through the blouse. Choose the Bordeaux line to bring a modern hint of Belle de Jour femininity to your Stateside life.

Green is the New Black: Welcome Del Forte Denim

With Earth Hour having come and gone, I'm left thinking about how environmentally conscious we've become in this day and age. Eco-Friendly is now 'de rigueur' and images of Hollywood fashionistas wearing hemp skirts and soy tees while putting gas in their hybrids have bombarded the airwaves, internet, and fashion magazines. It wasn't too long ago that the word “hemp” brought images of Dazed and Confused to mind and the word “soy” was something vegetarians tried to get creative with. Now these words are synonymous with chic style, as are with burlap, organic cotton, and bamboo. In my opinion, we are the better for it. Feeling good about humanity and yourself when purchasing eco-friendly apparel is two-fold: You are helping the environment and also promoting safe and fair labor practices in the manufacturing of the clothes. It's a win-win situation in theory, but are the clothes really "wearable"? Isn't burlap a sack? How do you wear these materials elegantly? Fashion designers are nothing if not innovative and creative, and if you judge by the latest organically-made styles that have graced the catwalk over the last few years, they are only getting better at making green beautiful.

This inventiveness is apparent in clothing companies like Del Forte Denim where the jeans are a mix of 99% Organic Cotton and 1% Spandex, giving their environmentally conscious jeans an extra soft stretchy feel. These jeans look and feel like traditional cotton, they fit any body type, and the cut is versatile enough to wear with that pair of organic micro-fiber heels you've had your eye on. The fabric features the contrasting stitching on the back pockets that expertly enhances and flatters the derriere as only a well-made pair of designer jeans can do.

At UrbanMinx, we think the Green fashion trend is here to stay and is no longer relegated to the small neighborhood clothing store. The once-struggling designers with dreams of making the world a better place one organically-made t-shirt at a time have found themselves at the front of the line, on the cutting edge of a brave new world of eco-friendly apparel.

Check out UrbanMinx’s newest denim line, the organic Del Forte Denim. This popular eco line has been featured in People’s Style Watch and Nylon magazine.

Ashland Brings Shakespeare Home at OSF

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 and remains one of the largest non-profit professional theaters in the United States. During its eight-and-a-half-month season OSF offers Shakespeare enthusiasts eleven plays set in three unique theaters. With over a $26 million budget OSF delivers more than 783 performances annually to approximately 400,000 domestic and international guests. The 2008 play bill includes the classics: Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Comedy of Errors, just to name a few.

Situated in beautiful Ashland Oregon, OSF offers visitors big city performances in a small town atmosphere. When the curtain falls, guests will find unique and delicious cuisine at the many fine restaurants located in the downtown area as well as fine clothing, shoes and accessories in a multitude of shops and boutiques. Urban Minx, located next to the Ashland Springs Hotel, brings big city style to Southern Oregon providing a colorful assortment high fashion apparel, accessories and gifts for both men and women.

You can visit our Ashland Boutique at 14 S First Street, Ashland OR 97520 or call 541.482.0226.

Michael Stars "Shines" Bright in T-Shirt Trend

Michael who? If you’ve never heard of him, this paragraph will change your life. Founded in 1986 by Michael Cohen, Michael Stars is a Los Angeles-based company best known for driving the trend of chic fitted T’s. We DO love our t-shirts and jeans! In fact, most of us couldn’t live without these humble pieces after work and on the weekends. In the last 21 years, Michael Stars has raised the classic tee up a few notches. Instead of just the boxy unisex crew neck, women may now choose from over 200 unique styles in more than 30 vibrant colors in a variety of fabrics including the signature Shine, Supima Cotton, Supima Modal, Supima Thermal and Micro Jersey. Not only are these pieces perfectly fitted, the fabrics are comfortable, washable and available in an array of colors to suit any wardrobe. In 2006, Michael Stars launched its very own cashmere collection and a dress collection for Spring 2007. Not so ironically, Michael “Stars” dresses many of Hollywood’s hottest, including Scarlett Johannson, Selma Hayek, Tyra Banks, Jessica Biel and more. You may also have noticed Terri Hatcher sporting a Michael Stars top or two on TV’s “Desperate Housewives.”

Michael Stars also extends beyond the red carpet, providing funds to a host of national and international charities and creating co-branded designs for the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Youth AIDS and others. And one more thing, Michael Stars pieces are 100% made in the USA!

Whether it’s a work day, weekend or night out, Michael Stars has the piece to top off any outfit. You can get your Michael Stars fix online at Urban Minx. Our come visit us for the hottest styles and freshest colors of the season at our downtown Bend boutique location.

Sky Clothing Makes the Perfect Night Out

If you’re looking for the quintessential ‘going out’ ensemble, look no further than Sky. With designs ranging from a fun, fresh attitude to striking elegance, Sky clothing has a full range of designs perfectly appropriate for a night out on the town to suit any personality type and aesthetic style preference. The use of innovative colors and patterns in their fabrics provides a full array of options suitable for almost any occasion. Many Minxes and Minx clients alike have become devotees to Sky dresses and tops, as they are flattering for nearly everyone who tries them. Even more impressively, Sky’s attention to detail, simplicity and comfort make their clothing just about irresistible, not to mention the incorporated ‘jewelry’ of the necklines on the likes of Sky tops like the Adesina and Harlow, and Sky dresses like the Argenta and Cantara, making them an effortless outfit choice.