The Sisterhood of the Red Engine Jeans

Vintage-Inspired Premium Denim Red Engine jeans were featured In Style, Glamour, Lucky and Redbook magazines. And even Real Simple magazine voted that Red Engine jeans have the best overall fit: "These jeans manage to flatter everyone from the boyish to the voluptuous.” With press like that, it’s not hard to guess that Red Engine is a favorite among celebs and fashionistas alike. Red Engine is known for great fitting, hand-detailed jeans that slide on like a second skin. Leading ladies that have joined what has come to be jokingly considered the ‘Sisterhood of the Red Engine Jeans’ include Eva Longoria, Kate Winslet, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna. Red Engine founder, Jim Bolde’s signature style, the Low-rise Scarlett Bootcut, has been their hottest item since the line's explosive debut.

Evan Rachel Wood in her Red Engine Jeans

G-Star Raw on the Edge

“Just the product” might sound like a sparse philosophy for any company, yet G-Star Raw has taken this market approach since the beginning, and proved to that world that a company may stand stolidly on its outstanding products alone. From their conception in 1989, G-Star Raw has been known for its innovative and cutting edge style, so it’s no surprise that this year’s fall collection was a far cry from disappointing.

G-Star Raw held its fall 2008 Fashion show at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall. For women, the dark denim looks were favored in looks such as a dramatic hooded coat dress. A three-quarter length trench with a bold shawl collar and capes lined in soft cotton material were both fashionable and functional. Men's highlights included stiff, militant jackets, rigid tapered pants tucked in to rubber Wellies and the straight-jacket inspired oversized white trench with tabs and flaps. G-star’s fall collection was considered to be one of the most street-ready lines of the season.

Tule Peacoats Coming in for Fall

One of our favorite aspects of the fall season here at UrbanMinx is the arrival of Tulle’s gorgeous new array of coats. This season promises to be just like any other in that these coats simply transcend the art of style. Along with their timeless black and white pieces, Tulle’s Fall ’08 collection is laced with petal-soft pinks, verdant greens, dusky plums, and vivid fuchsia. Themes in design include the a-line cut, peter pan collars, and bold buttons. Keep a sharp eye out for these new arrivals in early autumn. Judging by the oohs, ahs, and eager anticipation of the Minxes, these coats are going to go fast. Check back in September to see the new arrivals!

Spotlight on Billy Blues

In these sometimes uncertain economic and social times I find myself looking for as many little ways that I can be part of solutions. I buy from local farmers and companies as much as possible, I carpool and recycle. Most of all, I look for as many products as I can that are made in the USA. This was difficult for me in the beginning, as I had never thought twice about utilizing the myriad of products the world had to offer from my penchant for silk from India to my thrice daily need for coffee imported from Brazil. However, once I started looking, I discovered a pretty wide range of products made and distributed in the USA. Here at Urbanminx, we carry Billy Blues, a line of clothing developed in the heart of America: Los Angeles. These high quality clothes use a range of fabrics, colors, and cuts that are wearable for both night and day and can easily be taken from work to a night on the town.

So you have a hot date on Friday, but you have to stay late at work for a last minute meeting? Don’t cancel or postpone, simply wear the Billy Blues Belted Wide Leg Trouser in Silver. Pair these gorgeous flared trousers with a Bordeaux Center Pinch Cami, which comes with a built in bra and stomach shaping capacities in a myriad of colors, and a fitted jacket like the Gabe B Blazer in black by Theory. The trousers have threads of shimmering silver running through them, making them girly enough to go out in and also making them compatible with a variety of heels like our Fiona Wedge in Patent Leather by Yellow Box or our Aurilla Shoe in Silver by Guess.

Even if you’re brain is numbed by the monotony of a work day and the late meetings, your fashion choices will still be red hot and you’ll be raring to go!! Another look I love for both the office and lunching with pals is the nautical theme that has hit the shelves for summer. The Patch Wide Leg in indigo by Billy Blues has the look of denim without the stiffness. The pants are made from a flowing fabric that I just love and the square pocket detail on the front captured my heart. The flattering, slimming cut can be worn with red heels and a cute striped shirt like our ¾ Sleeve Button Top in Lipstick by Splendid Clothing and you are ready to hit the high seas. Ahoy there, Mate!!

Ask Anton: Nautical Style

Dear Anton, I really like the nautical style popping up on the runway and the streets. Can you recommend a few pieces to get me started on this trend? -Melanie

Dear Melanie,
One of the most popular trends from the nautical theme is the horizontal stripes in traditional colors like red, white and navy blue, sometimes even rubber ducky yellow. But rather than the played out wide stripes sailor shirts have, the stripes range from pencil-thin pinstripes to downright chunky pillars of color. Another print of seaside theme is that of the anchor. Twisted Heart has embraced the trend this season with their Stripe Betty Hoodie and Deep Sea Anchor Hoodie in Baltic.
In tops you’ll want to look for a lot of mid-length sleeves with boat neck cuts. Ankh offers a top with a summer-colored Sailor Jerry theme in their Short Sleeve Crest Henley. Blouses with mid waist rope ties to give volume to your silhouette and enhance the naval air of your outfit. Cropped jackets with like Juicy’s Skirted Trench Coat in Jaipur are also something to keep your eyes peeled for.
Bottom halves are getting into the flow of things too. You'll find plenty of pants, shorts and skirts with buttoned up sides or hints of the sailor's 6 buttoned closure pants running throughout the fabric. The brass buttons against the clean white fabric of Lotta Stensson’s Sailor Short in White has just the right look. A lot of these are produced in wide leg and boot cut. And the best part about the sailor style bottom? It flatters all hips no matter the size.
I hope this helps,
Anton

Kim Kardashian Spotted in Royal Plush

Yes!!! We can have our sweats and wear them out of the house! Say goodbye to your crusty, faded, shapeless, “comfort clothing.” No matter what you’re doing, you deserve to look and feel fabulous. Meet Los Angeles-based Royal Plush Clothing Company. Established in 2005 by husband and wife, Steve and Michelle Waller, Royal Plush Clothing is for the casual contemporary woman who wants to be sexy AND comfortable at the same time. Distinguished by the fleur de lis symbol for royalty, Royal Plush is a favorite of A-Listers Hilary Duff, Eva Mendez and Kim Kardashian. You’ll find the latest styles just in time for summer at UrbanMinx.

Level 99 Rocks the Denim Revolution

As a Minx, I am ashamed to admit that when we started carrying this superb line of denim, I had no clue who or what Level 99 denim was. This hole in my relatively encompassing knowledge of fashion trends, brands, and styles prompted some research that required me to not only research the company, but spend some time in the dressing room as well. I am very pleased with what I found and ready to pass on the gospel. Wide-leg denim is taking over the fashion scene, with Level 99 denim at it’s forefront. These pieces are versatile, one of the few lines I feel truly make high fashion looks accessible for the street, perfect for the working woman, the artist boho chick, or the street-credited punk. Not only this, but the price range is more affordable while the denim standard remains strong. High quality and high fashion have now become accessible to everyone.
One of my favorite pieces from Level 99 is our Jenna Gaucho Jean in Bali. Low riders with a slim fit through the thigh, this fabulously flattering pair of denim cuts to a wide leg capri that lands above the ankle. The piece includes a five pocket style that is so popular and the signature Level 99 embroidery. With 100% cotton, these jeans have a sexy, lighter wash and are soft to the touch. Pair them with our Luxe Top in Black from Ella Moss and our Buzz Wedge Sandal in Black by Yellow Box, and you’ll look and feel amazing no matter the occasion. I also love the Suzie Trouser in Singapore by Level 99.
This denim is cut and styled like an expensive, high-end trouser. Made of soft, lightweight fabric that contour and accents the body beautifully, this pair has a wide hem, perfect for the illusion of lengthening your legs. Our Ivy Luxe Blouse in black or white by Theory would look unbelievable with these jeans. Complete the look with the Falballa Patent Shoe by Guess or your own favorite pair of sexy, pointed heels for an understated but smart look.

LinQ Love

LinQ seems to be on the lips of every celebrity femme in Hollywood, or at least in their closets. The swelling fan base of this much sought-after line includes names such as Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Katherine Heigl, Jennifer Garner, and Lindsay Lohan. Several of these leading ladies love the LinQ clothing brand so much that they’ve been spotted buying some of their favorite items in every color available!

Paris Hilton Loves Hale Bob

Paris Hilton Lounging in Las Vegas - Featured in June '08 Life & Style Weekly


“It” girl Paris Hilton has been spotted several times now out and about in dresses from Hale Bob’s vibrant summer collection.

With no end to their wild, yet dynamic color use and fresh designs, it’s no wonder that the line is a favorite even among the fashion elite. Check out our Hale Bob selection featuring the newest Fall Preview designs.

Anton's Pick: Beach Bunny Attire

A summer getaway is something every girl needs, even if just for a couple of days on the weekend. The next time you plan a get away to the beach or anywhere you can have some fun in the sun, it’s important to stay cool but look great as well. And have I got the outfit for you!
Even if your vacation plans don’t including a cruise along the Rio Grande on a swanky yacht, why not channel the look? Twisted Heart’s top seller, the Flower Girl Hoodie in Island, simply gushes with tropical appeal. White flower appliqués set against the lush island-green fabric of the hoodie inspire thoughts of sipping iced drinks under swaying palms. Can you feel the relaxation yet?
To compliment and contrast, I’ve thrown the Keren Top in White from Velvet Tees into the mix. The airy color and subtle details of the shirt give the outfit and wholly clean and refreshing look. It’s positively breezy.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect pair of shorts, consider your search over. The Ginger Shorts in Baja from Red Engine are a dark wash short with a slightly longer dimensions than your average short. The result? An overall slimming effect from the thighs up – plus those cuffed hems are just so cute!
Of course, no outfit is complete without the shoes, and beach adventures are no exception. Go for a trendy flip-flop, like these Havaianas Crystal Peace Sign Thongs in Green. They spoil your feet, last forever, and are completely chic with those sparkly Swarovski crystals. What more could a girl ask for?

Fleur't Away with Sexy Lingerie!

Fleur’t has been mentioned many times here on the Minx blog, but we simply can’t get enough! Every collection is well thought out and designed with a woman’s needs in mind. Both the Spring/Summer 2008 and Fall 2008 collections have added new touches, colors, patterns, and textures to the already successful boy pants, bralets, camis, and chemises. Women of all age groups and interests can find something to their liking in one of the many Fleur’t groups. Check out our selection and find the Fleur’t style that fits you!

ModelCo Turns Up the Heat

ModelCo turned up the heat on the catwalk at Australian Fashion Week. As part of the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, ModelCo was the makeup sponsor for the debut show of new swimwear label at Hotel Bondi Swim recently. Hotel Bondi Swim is a new range of swimwear and accessories from the collaboration of creative couple Fern Levack and Damion Fuller, who have previously received great success from the fashion label Kitten.

In describing the look for the show, Makeup Director Sam Correy said, "The makeup for Hotel Bondi Swim is chic and sophisticated yet captures the laidback beach lifestyle. The look is Californian girl meets sexy flapper. Gorgeous skin for both face and body is the ultimate accessory and a focus on lashes.”

Models got their glow for the show using the brand’s cult favorite, Tan Airbrush in a Can, and added some of that flapper glamour with the similarly popular Colourbox Eye Pencil and Lash Boost.

Ask Anton: Hot Colors

Dear Anton, Brights are back, or so everyone seems to be saying, but how many "hot colors" can I wear at once? -Ali

Dear Ali,
Brights are indeed the hot item to have in this season’s wardrobe. Versace, Lanvin, and YSL all had glorious splashes of color on the catwalk; shock yellow, emerald green, cobalt blue and fuchsia seemed the hues of the hour. If you want to invest in some brightly colored bits, accessories are the most obvious and versatile route to take. Bolder is better; bags should be large and slouchy. Juicy offers the Flat Lock Fluffy Bag in Well Coifed in just the right size. Shoes should be lofty and patent. The best way to manage the right look is by limiting it to two colors. By day, a neutral toned outfit will be jazzed up by a big colored slouchy bag and tan shoes, or add tan or natural snakeskin accessories to a bright outfit. More than that and you will look like an 80's throwback. Evening is when lots of color is more acceptable than at any other time. Again, stick to two colors, but this time leave neutrals well alone. A prime example would be mixing our Keyhole Dress in Lemon from Whish, a tonal bag (see the Envelope Clutch in Mustard by BCBG), and add a splash of fuchsia or cobalt in the shoes. Play with contrast - you’ll stand out from the crowd, and for all the right reasons.
I hope this helps,
Anton

Napoleon Perdis Featured in Sunday Telegraph

Referred to as ‘Australia’s favourite beauty god’ by the Sunday Telegraph, this month’s issue of the mag featured cosmetics guru Napoleon Perdis, who is now rolling into his fourth week of shooting his greatly anticipated new reality show, Get Your Face on With Napoleon Perdis, set to appear in August ’08 on TLC. The premise of the show runs on the same formula of other reality television shows such as Survivor and Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. Twelve eager students with a passion for cosmetics compete in a new challenge every week, and with the end of each episode, the weakest link is voted off. The prize? The last contestant standing gets the run of Perdis’ United States company. With the reward being no small change, we Minxes are eager to see just what harrowing tasks Perdis’ has in mind for these fresh faces in cosmetics.

Velvet Tees Done Right

The clothing line Velvet Tees by Graham & Spencer has come a long way from a small production, limited availability company. Velvet has now built themselves up to a nationally recognizable label, creating distinct pieces in as luxurious fabrics as their name eludes. Urban Minx happily carries many pieces from dressy to everyday wear, and in a unique range of colors that Velvet has become known for. Some, “classic with a twist,” favorites Minxes are rightly enamored with are the “Goddess Dress” in leaf and “Kaedy Dress” in nectar, both of which are the type of dress which makes the wearer irresistibly, and tastefully, eye-catching. Perfect for a, “jeans, heels and cute top,” outfit, the “Mackay Twist Tank” in marina, with such impeccably done detail, is universally flattering, and the “Juliatte Top” which has one of the most interesting prints most Minxes have seen. Pair either with a complimentary, delicate piece from Nashelle, or larger, striking piece from Susan Shaw, and a great jean from Fortune Denim or Karmel & Alden, in Velvet at Urban Minx, you can’t go wrong.

Juicy Couture Says It All

As conversations amongst the fashion forward and elite go, reference to Juicy Couture is guaranteed to create the, “ooh,” and, “ah,” effect of adoration and appreciation for the iconic status it unwaveringly holds. Just as Raquel, Madonna and Gwyneth are a first-name, one-name pedestal of style esteem, all that needs to be said when asked the designer of a piece, the response of, "it’s Juicy,” says everything about the outfit and who’s wearing it.

Whether the ensemble is a timeless Juicy Couture terry cloth sweat suit, at the epitome of style and comfort, or a flawless pairing of the Jacqueline Flutter Tunic and Cali Flower jean, perhaps topped off with any of Juicy’s stand-out bags and jewelry, the superior design and use fresh prints and colors is a Minx essential.

Seven for All Mankind Exudes Style

The household name of Seven for All Mankind jeans exudes an unspoken style with the easily recognizable pocket signatures, one can’t help but draw the attention of others, particularly in a outfit perhaps main staged by the Crystal A-pocket in Honolulu wash, much the adoration at Urban Minx. Sevens jeans have found the perfect balance between flash and fashion, and basic, go-to jeans. It’s quite symbolic to say, “I’m wearing my favorite Sevens,” universally understood as, “I’m incredibly confident and comfortable today, nothing is getting in my way.” The washes to each cut are like a season-by-season story book of style evolution, with intriguing locations as the names. Like a passport of first-class, global jet-setters, we rock the “Dojo Jean in Fiji,” “Carolyn Skinny Jean in Moscow,” or “Bootcut Jean in Geneva.” Seven for All Mankind jeans at Urban Minx are sure to please both the nostalgic and season-fresh needs within all of us selective Minxes.

Rachel Bilson Loves Tulle Trenchcoats

Rachel Bilson proves that outerwear doesn’t always have to be dark! The fashionista brightened up her wardrobe with the Honeycomb trench by Tulle while filming a scene for her new movie, New York, I Love You. The film is an anthology joining several love stories set in New York. Set to be released in 2009, the film features other sultry stars such as Orlando Bloom, Natalie Portman, and Hayden Christensen. The Honeycomb trench was an outerwear favorite this spring, we can't wait for new Tulle arrivals!

Ask Anton: Hot Sunglasses

Dear Anton,

I’m looking for a hot new pair of sunglasses for the summer but I don’t know what kind would work for my face shape. Can you point me in the right direction?

-Lauren

Dear Lauren,

Having a pair of great sunglasses that flatter your face is just as important as having a great pair of shoes or a chic tote. Your sunglass size should be in proportion with the face size. This means that smaller sunglasses are best for smaller faces and vice versa.

With a round face, it’s important to add some balance to your face shape. The best way to do this is by wearing sunglasses which are rectangle-shaped. Sunglass frames which are wide or thick are also known to broaden up your strong features.

If you have a square face, your main goal should be to soften your facial lines. Ultimately, the best way to reduce strong curves is by wearing sunglasses which are oval or round in shape. Many people find thinner frames to work the best with a square face shape, although you can try different levels of thickness to see what works the best for you.

With an oblong face shape, your main goal is to make your face look a bit wider and longer than it normally is. The best way is to wear round or square shaped sunglasses. You also may want to think about wearing sunglasses with frames that are decorated, such as with studs, which are really hot on the market right now.

One of the benefits of having an oval face is the fact that you can pull off just about any type of sunglasses, as long as they are not oval in shape. Both square and wraparound sunglasses are known to be a great choice for anyone who has an oval face shape, but you’re free experiment with whatever pair of sunglasses you want. You can also try out different levels of thickness.

If your face is heart shaped, your main goal should be to soften up your chin. You can do this by putting emphasis on your eyes. Oval shaped sunglasses, sunglasses whose frames are flat on the top, and multi-colored sunglasses are known to work the best with this face shape.

Finding sunglasses to match your face shape is easier than it looks. With a little trial and error, soon you’ll be ready to hit the beach new sun stunners.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Elroy Apparel: Beneficial to the planet and the individual

We’ve already blogged about how Leanne McElroy’s Elroy Apparel is revolutionizing the world of green fashion, and who wouldn’t want to gush about a line with such innovatively chic silhouettes and a passion for the planet? But this time we’re talking about the wonderful things this line can do for your own fabulous self. “But isn’t it enough to look gorgeous?” you ask. Why settle when you can have more?
Elroy is not only hopelessly lovely, but because their designs are only ever made with bamboo, it’s hypoallergenic and there are no harmful toxins in the clothing. Also, bamboo dries quicker than cotton, is more comfortable, and easily more breathable. And the best part: it’s thermal regulating! No matter the temperature, this miracle fabric will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which means you can wear your Elroy goodies all year long.