Brandastyle Web Blog

ART AS FASHION

Camille Branda — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:39:20 +0000

Daphne Guinness’s quote ” I don’t do event dressing, because every day is an event” says it all. My niece and I visited the exhibition at the Museum at FIT this past weekend where we enjoyed seeing one of the most amazing couture design collections from an exquisite fashion icon who knows and reverently respects fashion. ”What draws me to fashion is art… and certainly not fashion as status symbol,” she continues “This exhibition is done for the benefit of those out there, students or otherwise, who share this love.” This is a shrine to art as fashion and a homage to the creative individualistic passion of the style icon Daphne Guinness ( till January 7th 2012). Enjoy, Brandastyle.

SHOP SIMPLE STATEMENTS!

Camille Branda — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:12:06 +0000

Kelly Wearsler’s design creativity knows no bounds. Besides her amazing interior design creations her contemporary fashion line at Bergdorf Goodman looks amazing on 5F (you cannot miss because you feel like you are in the middle of her living room) very sexy and alluring. Her prints are remarkable, I refer to them as non-print prints because they possess refined drama without looking busy. Best to show you exactly what I mean!!

Accessories just as simply wonderful — Simple Statements in grandeur!!! Enjoy, Brandastyle.

FASHION NIGHT OUT!

Camille Branda — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:10:06 +0000

FNO could not have occurred at a more perfect time! Hurricane, tornado, earthquake and 9/11 security threats— how much more can a city take!!!! I often think the fashion industry is far too self obsessed & frivolous but boy I felt totally different on Thursday night. Everyone needed lightness, small talk, and of course retail therapy. It did not hurt that the retailers offered music, wine, champagne, candy, Italian treats, flowers, live windows, & art. Mott Street was our road map for the night …… small manageable and utterly charming. One of the boutiques slogans “there is no street like Mott Street” could not have been truer. Four stores that overextended themselves in particular were —Velita, Baci, Sew, and Second Time Around (the subject of the new Bravo Reality show “Fashion Hunters”) –- Merchants could not have been more accessible & accommodating and of course the Fall merchandise looked amazing – women & menswear. A big thank you to all my fellow AICI Image Stylists who accompanied me on our tour — Enjoy the photos! Brandastyle

FLEA MARKET SHOPPING!

Camille Branda — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:22:42 +0000

Weekends are meant to explore starting at the DeKalb Market DekalbMarket.com which can’t be missed due the welcoming of rainbow colors at entrance. I particularly enjoyed the myriad of creativity: jewelry by Alicia P www.designsbyaliciap.com, vintage caps from b-artise.com, the Pratt design incubator for sustainable innovation, & Rubyzaar for handcrafted cotton gorgeous shades of summer scarves, followed by lunch or dinner at Cafe Oscar (amazing mussels in wine and garlic).

Followed by the Brooklyn Flea, Fort Greene:

The assortments are soooo varied —keep watch for Papushka Vintage (top quality vintage- www.papushka.com), the many wonderful soap and body shops, interesting handbag variations (made from cork) from Ryan Greer. & brunch at Cafe Lafayette &/or dinner at Kif (Moroccan French Bistro) taking you to another world with outdoor seating certainly a summer bonus!

Incredible day, and never left NYC. Also stop at the farmers market along Fort Greene Park for some wonderful vegtables, fruits and bread!!!! Brandastyle

STYLE TRANSITIONS

Camille Branda — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:27:10 +0000

Ok I am certainly the last person looking to shop Fall when it is 103 degrees but was so excited to find exciting reasons to update your Fall wardrobe with 3 classically modern new interesting offerings!

Rag & Bone Cape Deep Tan $535-the cape/jacket twist adds polish and sophistication.

VPL Opposites Mink Poncho $295 – the color/ sheerness/& boxy shape is a great layering piece!

Vince Prep School Shirt $210 – The closure at the bottom gives the shirt a great shape. Don’t let the Prep fool you, it is a Sexy shirt!!! All found at BARNEYS NEW YORK CO-OP. Brandastyle.

BRANDAsTYLE BuZZ

Camille Branda — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:48:57 +0000

Leave the city and spend a wonderful summer day checking out Piermont Ave. in Piermont New York. I enjoyed lunch at Freelance Cafe and then leisurely checked out both the R-T-W & Home Furnishing Stores on the avenue.

Ki Designs — definitely my favorite, Ki C. Park a welcoming and fun owner, displays original clothing for women –sleek, modern, & interesting shapes the like of Oska, Sarah Pacini, Iconoclast, Crea, & Skifo brands. Jewelry/Handbags/ Belts/Shoes — one stop shopping.

Abigail Rose—comfortable & natural fabrics of good quality. Easy Dressing & Accessories… scarfs, handbags, and scarfs. Bonnie Chapin, the owner is very accommodating.

Ned Kelly & Company —- Ned stages his store beautifully to express the concept “living well at home”. Great giftables, floral arrangements, home furnishings, jewelry and more.

Finally Abercorn Place — Interesting designs (their card suggests a place to discover new designers) if you have the patience to weed thru their overstocked space and not so helpful owner.

Until next time, Brandastyle.

BRANDAsTYLE BuZZ

Camille Branda — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:51:18 +0000

Hi, time to share some fun STYLE/BEAUTY/DESTINATION Resources:

FFEMMEGEMS a fun accessory store in Greenwich Connecticut where you can design your own jewelry or purchase by brand— my favorite item was the Long Italian Resin Link Style NNB $189 sitting in the window with Echo’s colorful cotton Beach Dress/ Tunic @ $88—— looking wonderful for a day at the beach or a casual afternoon rendezvous . At Lillian August sun-bleached linen scarfs by Bella Notte for $58 in the most beautiful shades of summer!

BARTON PERREIRA Sunglasses at Opening Ceremony — a must for Summer — $3-400

LONGCHAMP Gatsby Crossbody handbag $460 10Wx7Hx4D. The perfect summer handbag.

Next a visit/retreat to THE SPA AT TRUMP SOHO where without leaving NY you can experience an authentic Turkish treatment in private separate Hammans for men & women. A re- energizing and rejuvenating Middle East bathing ritual utilizing a 108 degree heated stone, involving detoxification of body with heat, contrasting water temperature, scrubs and exfoliation ending with splashes of rose water . A gift to your Circulatory SYSTEM!!!! PS — definitely a celebrity spotting scene!!! I can’t tell but did say hello. If you have worked up an appetite after all that relaxing you are literally a block away from ACQUAGRILLfor a delicious FISH dinner!

In keeping with beauty/luxury ReVIVE INTENSITE VOLUMIZING SERUM for Skin Rejuvenation — Definitely on the pricey side .50z. = $375 but a little goes a long way and have seen drastic results. Customers love!!

Finally I share a delicious wine : KOKOMO - 2009 Chardonnay from Peters Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma California. Cheers, Brandastyle.

SHOPPING BEHAVIORS – TODAYS WSJ

Camille Branda — Fri, 13 May 2011 02:17:02 +0000

Interesting to note that today’s WSJ’s poll cited that the wealthy are demonstrating more price sensitive purchasing habits ( using coupons, purchasing sale items, buying less expensive brands). The value of this information is priceless (HA!). As stylists, personal shoppers, and image strategists it is critical to calculate this into our selections and recommendations. CpW (Cost per Wear), investment purchases, and originality are definite influencing decisions that need to be factored into the” New Normal” buying equation.
Brandastyle.

STYLE SATISFACTION

Camille Branda — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:13:29 +0000

It is always motivating and heart warming to hear from a satisfied customer and see the magic .

“Fashion can be intimidating but Camille finds those key items that reinvented my wardrobe giving it a modern twist without looking like a fashionista. We bought 4 things together last year and guess what……. 3 of them were with me my last visit to NYC because I love them so much. My leather jacket is perfect on my Porsche Tours.” Here she is in her Proenza Schouler jacket!
Frauke Krummeich – www.leonotours.com– Marienrachdorf Germany Brandastyle.

CULTURE IN THE CITY

Camille Branda — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:10:03 +0000

Must see: One of the design exhibitions currently on view at the Cooper–Hewitt, National Design Museum in NYC is Color Moves: Art and Fashion by Sonia Delaunay the 20^th century abstract painter and colorist who created amazing graphics for interiors, fashion, film, textiles and theatre. So modern and so colorful — a great segue to Spring/Summer!

the other is Set in Style The Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels encompassing 350 + jewels, timepieces, and object d’art that represent extraordinary innovation.Both on until June 5^th

Also be on the lookout for the Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble, Inc. (MCCE) a local Staten Island organization dedicated to presenting classical and contemporary chamber music in welcoming and relaxed venues to encourage appreciation headed by Tamara Keshecki (flute player in photo). Here in Dr. and Mrs. Romano’s SI residence for Sunday Brunch, how wonderful !

The Other major attraction was the film about Bill Cunningham - The NY Times’ bicycle riding fashion photographer – at the FILM FORUM at 209 W Houston Street ending today. “The best fashion show is always on the street.” – Bill Cunningham —