PH8 by bebe’s new Spring 2010 collection is in stores!

I selected 10 of  Marta’s favorites from the PH8 Spring 2010 lookbook styled by Emily Current and Merrit Elliott of Current Elliott fame! The collection is ideal for spring- with its fun workout gear and casual wear, you can look fashionable…yet functional. I can see these outfits turning into what I call ‘Marta’s uniform’ (clothes I wear religiously day after the day…with out shame:)

PH8 by bebe (pronounced ‘fate’) is an active-inspired sportswear collection that extends way beyond the gym. The look is effortless sexy, modern & hip and is designed for the busy on-the-go woman as she weaves her way through her varying lifestyle activities. PH8 by bebe works anywhere – at the gym, after the gym, jaunts to the farmer’s market, a quick lunch with friends, an afternoon coffee with the ‘girls’. It’s also the perfect way to dress when traveling.

The PH8 by bebe collection includes clothing, accessories, bags, shoes and jewelry and is competitively priced from $19 to $139.

www.ph8stores.com

Kim Kardashian stuns in Notte by MARCHESA at the Heart Truth Fall 2010 Fashion Show February 12, 2010. Kim wears a one shoulder chiffon gown with embroidered trim.

I’m so excited to share with you my interview with the gorgeous Erin Kaplan. You may know Erin from staring in MTV’s hit series The City opposite Whitney Port and Olivia Palermo. And, at 26, Erin is ELLE Magazine’s youngest ever Director of Public Relations.

In this interview Erin Kaplan talks to Marta Walsh about her beginnings working at ELLE Magazine. How working with Joe Zee ELLE Magazine’s Creative Director has changed the way she’s thinking. Puts the on camera drama with co-star Olivia Palermo in perspective. She even dishes out some style and beauty secrets and reveals another secret about her hair.

Erin Kaplan
Photo courtesy of MTV

Marta Walsh: When did your fascination with fashion and style begin?
Erin Kaplan: Honestly, it wasn’t until I started working at ELLE that I really became interested in fashion. I grew up with three brothers so there definitely wasn’t a lot of fashion-talk around the house. However, I have always been interested (obsessed really) with magazines and publishing…

MW: Working for a top fashion magazine such as ELLE is every girl’s dream. How did it all happen for you?
EK: I started at ELLE as a Marketing assistant and gradually made the transition over to Public Relations.

MW: What does it take to succeed with a career in fashion?
EK: To be successful in any industry I think you just have to be ambitious and passionate about the work you’re doing.

MW: What attracted you to star in MTV’s The City and what do you like and dislike about being famous?
EK: I’m definitely not famous! I never, in a million years, thought that I would be on a television show. I’m much more comfortable staying behind-the-scenes, but I think being on camera has given me unique perspective and insight into the entertainment industry that I never would have acquired otherwise.

MW: We all want to know, what is it about Olivia Palermo’s character in The City that gets to you every time? Are we all just seeing the director’s cut or you both actually hang out in the real world?
EK: There is tons of footage that never makes it on-air. We film for months and months and only minutes make it onto the show.

MW: What are some of the most memorable words of wisdom you’ve learned from working with ELLE’s Creative Director Joe Zee?
EK: I’m not sure there are specific words of wisdom, but Joe is such a “big idea” person so working with him has really made me think about things on a much larger, grander scale. It’s definitely fun to try and make some of the bigger ideas come to fruition.

MW: On the The City you always look beautiful and impeccably put together. What tips can you give us on staying looking fresh during a long day at the office all the way through that last minute night out on the town with your girlfriends?
EK: Accessorize!

MW: What is next for Erin Kaplan?
EK: Well, I’m obviously still working at ELLE and we’re filming Season 2 now—so there is a lot going on!

Erin Kaplan
Photo courtesy of MTV

Erin Kaplan on Style & Beauty Secrets:

I keep my hair beautiful thanks to…
Anthony at Julien Farel.

My favorite skincare products are…
I’m incredibly basic in my skincare routine. I’ve always just used Dove soap and Olay moisturizer.

I get my eyelashes looking long, full, and sexy using…
Dior Show

The best lip-gloss I ever owned…
Rosebud Salve

My signature fragrance is…
Escape by Calvin Klein (which I’ve worn since High School…)

The one beauty product you will always find in my makeup bag is…
Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender. It takes all shine away when filming

My number one style secret is…
Accessorize. I’m not very adventurous in my wardrobe choices and tend to stick with the basics. I’ve learned (with Joe’s help) that adding a few simple accessories can add so much to an outfit.

The celebrity I find most beautiful is…
I think Kate Bosworth is gorgeous and has a great sense of style.

The first movie I watched on a date was…
Pleasantville… on my first date ever.

One or two things some people may not know about Erin Kaplan…
My hair is naturally ridiculously curly….ringlets.

Thank you Erin for brilliant interview!

Visit Elle Magazine  at www.elle.com
Learn about MTV’s The City at mtv.com

I’m excited to share with you my interview with Sofia Vintage Co-Owner Ashley Zisook!

Gossip Girl star, Leighton Meester, has recently spotted shopping at Chicago’s premier shopping destination, Sofia Vintage at 1165 North Clark Street. Leighton was in town for her performance at The Underground and was dressed head to toe in Sofia Vintage’s finest fashions for the red carpet including a sexy long sleeve open back, black lace top with trendy olive colored trousers.

L to R: Sofia Vintage co-owner, Ashley Zisook and Leighton Meester
photo credit Rob Grabowski

Launched in the spring of ’09, Sofia Vintage features a variety of men and women’s vintage clothing, emerging designers, and accessories, at all price points. Co-owners, Ashley Zisook and Allison Zisook Goldstein, Chicago natives and sisters with two drastically different fashion styles and backgrounds, join forces to bring Chicagoans unique vintage pieces with a goal to revive class, grace and beauty from decades past intertwined with today’s trends.

In this interview Ashley Zisook talks to Marta Walsh about her love for fashion and the creation of Sofia Vintage. Her meeting with Leighton Meester. How she makes her partnership with sister Allison work. Personal style and philosophy about life. 

Marta Walsh: When did you first become interested in fashion?
Ashley Zisook: I have always been into fashion… however, I never really thought it would be my career. I was in the music industry in Los Angeles and I felt I needed more creativity in my life so I enrolled in FIDM and started “The Piece” with 2 of my college friends from Boulder. The Piece was a once a month vintage sale for ladies we would do in our backyard–each month it would keep getting bigger! When I was moving back to Chicago I knew I wanted to continue doing something like The Piece, but on a much bigger scale—I wanted to offer Chicago a different type of shopping experience that hadn’t ever been done before.

MW: How was the concept for the Sofia Vintage boutique born?
AZ: We took many elements from The Piece and then added menswear and new lines from up and coming, emerging designers. The concept of Sofia is to mix the new with the old, bring back the beauty and grace of fashion and individual style. I want people to come to Sofia and have an experience…its like walking into your best friend’s closet and, you get the bonus of personal styling if you choose.

MW: Who do you see shopping in Sofia Vintage?
AZ: Sofia Vintage really has something for everyone! From the most conservative dressers to the biggest fashion risk takers, everyone can wear the pieces at Sofia. Also, we have a price point for everyone so anyone can shop here!

MW: How do you go about buying for the store, where do you get your inspiration?
AZ: We go to estate sales, auctions, consignment, and take buying road trips across the country. I get inspiration from everywhere and everything…I love to travel and see how people in each city and different countries dress…I love watching all the runway shows from all of the major fashion weeks. When I go shopping for the store I envision a specific person for what I’m buying. Everything in the store is there for a reason…it is all handpicked by either my sister or me.

MW: How do you make the business partnership with sister Allison work?
AZ: Both Allison and I are both very laid back–we know what each of us brings to Sofia. She’s better on the business side of things while I’m better at styling and pulling outfits together. She’s very organized and I’m more creative. We certainly balance each other out and she is absolutely my best friend.

MW: We hear actress Leighton Meester stopped by Sofia Vintage recently. What was it like meeting Leighton and also finding the best outfit for her?
AZ: Leighton was super sweet…she tried on a bunch of different outfits. Specifically, we were looking for 2 outfits for that evening- one for press and one for her live performance at The Underground (a nightclub in Chicago). We went through all the looks we pulled, narrowed it down to our favorites and finally came up with the winning look…a black long sleeve, open back lace top with olive trousers. Leighton is such a fashion forward individual and a style icon of today’s generation, so I was truly honored to have her in Sofia!

Leighton Meester in Sofia Vintage on the red carpet for The Underground.
Photo credit Rob Grabowski

MW: Which other celebrities do you see wearing the styles in your boutique?
AZ: I see celebrities like Nicole Ritchie, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Hudson…Rachel Zoe would DIE in here (in her own words J) all wearing Sofia Vintage. I’ve styled a many musicians and I think rock stars would just love it!

MW: How would you describe Chicago when it comes to style?
AZ: I think Chicago is growing in terms of style…people are becoming more creative and wanting to be more original. I want to help people step out of what they are used to or what they think they are supposed to be wearing and help them find their individual style…every time someone puts on an outfit they should feel amazing and confident like they will rock wherever they are going…whether it be a job interview, first date or Sunday afternoon.

MW: How would you describe your own personal style?
AZ: I like to mix pieces from different eras together…the old classic styles with modern looks…laid back…boho-california comfortable….I accessorize A LOT!!! I also always carry at least 2 pairs of sunglasses with me. I always like to take risks and have fun with my style…you only live once!

MW: What is next for you and for Sofia Vintage?
AZ: I don’t like to plan…I always like to see where life takes me….life is a journey…that’s why I always say “live lovely”….cause really, if you want to enjoy your life, that’s all you can do.

Thank you Ashley Zisook for brilliant interview! xo Marta

Sofia Vintage is located in the Gold Coast at 1165 N. Clark St. in Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60610. They accepts Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and open for hosted monthly parties. Please contact Ashley and/or Allison at 312.640.0878 or visit www.sofiavintage.com  for additional information. Parking available: metered street parking, Treasure Island parking garage, and Clark/Division red line accessible.

Anne Hathaway stuns in a MARCHESA dress and Georgina Chapman for Garrard earrings at the at the Los Angeles Valentine’s Day Premiere.

Co-founded by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the company’s namesake and muse is the noted eccentric European style icon Marchesa Luisa Casati. The collection, designed by Georgina Chapman, is available in the United States at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and specialty stores nationwide. Internationally it can be found at Harrods in London, Holt Renfrew in Canada, Joyce in Hong Kong, Alothman in Kuwait and other prestigious stores worldwide.

Georgina Chapman’s Jewelry collection for Garrard Launched October 2009 at Garrard Stores Worldwide.

Garrard, the London-based jewelry house synonymous with rich heritage, innovative design and renowned craftsmanship with fellow British designer, and one of the fashion industry’s brightest stars, Georgina Chapman. Chapman has unveiled a limited edition collection of fine jewelry infused with color, charged with energy and based on designs that stir the imagination across generations. The Collection, Georgina Chapman for Garrard, launched in Fall 2009

About Garrard:
Garrard, the international jewellery brand with a cultural heritage of unparalleled richness, was founded by master goldsmith George Wickes in 1722. He received his first royal commission in 1735. By the time the firm had passed into the hands of Robert Garrard in 1802 – whose name it still bears – creating designs of unmatched magnificence for society and royalty had become a matter of course. Garrard’s inspiring collections can be found today at its flagship stores in London’s Albemarle Street, Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive, and New York’s Soho. Garrard’s creations are also on display in the permanent exhibition in the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels reside. Garrard’s legacy of devotion to the highest degree of workmanship has been the company’s trademark since the first designs drew the attention of the world nearly three hundred years ago. Garrard continues to passionately embrace the past by creating tomorrow’s heirlooms today.

STRAIGHT FROM PARIS: I would love one day to attend the CHANEL Haute Couture presentation in Paris. Meanwhile all I can do is admire from the distance. I have selected some of my favorites looks from the CHANEL collection to give you a sneak peek. BTW I love the hairstyle and the true coral lips seen on the runway models. The hairstyle? It’s a cross between Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty. Better yet, I see an Asian influence, an Asian Doll perhaps, or the glamour of Shanghai. The fingerless gloves are so Karl Lagerfeld. The silver shoes add a bit of  a space-age element making the whole look very intriguing. And finally, can the skort (skirt plus shorts) make a comeback?

Which CHANEL Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010 look is your favorite?

Visit www.chanel.com  for the latest from CHANEL.

I’m excited to share with you my interview with Amy Bailey who has begun to make her mark within Hollywood’s demanding movie stars. Amy can be seen in the star-studded movie, “Nine” along side Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, and Kate Hudson. Up next for the actress, she will be playing the Hatteress in Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

Amy Bailey

In this interview Amy Bailey tells Marta Walsh about how it all began for her in Hollywood. Her role in the film “Nine” and what was it like working with its director Rob Marshall. How one day she took Penelope Cruz and her sister to see the Royal Ballet perform. Her latest acting role in  ”Alice in Wonderland”, also staring in this film Johnny Depp. Future plans, and of course, style and beauty secrets!

Marta Walsh: Where did you grow up and where is home for you?
Amy Baliey: I grew up in a coastal town called Corpus Christi, in South Texas. I loved going to the beach right after school. Now I divide my time between London and L.A.

MW: How did you decide on a career in showbiz, and what were some of your first breaks?
AB: I was a professional ballerina by 17yrs old, so I guess being onstage always felt pretty natural. My parents couldn’t believe that as a teenager I would skip out parties because I had ballet class the next morning. It kept me out of trouble, for the most part

Three years ago I decided to transition to musical theatre and was fortunate to land my very first audition. It was understudying “Ulla” in “The Producers” – a big West End show in London. The casting team took a chance on me that I could do the lead as a singer and I was thrilled to rise to the challenge. Right after that show I got the lead role in “Oklahoma“, so I feel grateful that people believed I could make the transition.

MW: How did you land the role of Guido’s Showgirl in film “Nine”? What was it like working with director Rob Marshall and the rest of the cast?
AB: “Nine” auditioned thousands of girls from London, LA, NYC, and Rome. We had over 400 people in my audition and it was a grueling 2 days of elimination rounds. It was nerve-racking – everyone wanted to be in this movie and we all knew there were only a handful of spots available.

When I got the call from my agent I was in a library but I still squawked outloud. We filmed for 5 months in London. Rob Marshall is incredible. Very zen but totally in control of his vision. I think Catherine Zeta-Jones was quoted as saying she would read the phonebook for Rob and I am inclined to agree!

We had loads of rehearsals and I got to work very closely with our stars. Funnily enough, they were more nervous than we were as they all had to sing and dance. Daniel told me he was “terrified” of the dancing! You never imagine someone like Daniel Day-Lewis being scared of anything, but they were all working so hard to master things that I’ve been doing since I was 5. It’s all about perspective, I guess.

I loved seeing the “real” Nicole, Penelope, Kate, Daniel etc. These actors are so famous that they can’t do the things all of us take for granted. I took Penelope and her sister to see the Royal Ballet perform, and in public she was gracious, but she had to be much more guarded because everyone was gawking at her. It was interesting seeing both sides of fame.

MW: What have you learned from your acting role in “Alice in Wonderland”? Did you get to meet Johnny Depp (you know, it’s a dream of mine)?
AB: Acting in “Alice” was a new experience for sure! We were basically acting to nothing as the sets are all CGI. It’s a very good experience though – you really have to use your imagination, but then be consistant for the many takes. At times it was chaos. We would role and then Tim would have to yell “Cut!” for the 10th time because someone had run through the imaginary unicorn. Johnny had already filmed most of his scenes so he wasn’t around much, but I saw some of his takes and he is brilliant! Perfectly cast.

MW: What would be your next dream acting role?
AB: Gosh, it is hard to choose. I adore the fantasy genre, like “Alice” or “Avatar“. It would be a dream to work with Peter Jackson or Darren Aronofsky. But I also love comedy and indie films. Charlie Kaufman writes very cool scripts.

MW: Which actor/actress inspires you the most?
AB: Actors that morph into their characters inspire me the most. I can never predict Cate Blanchett. Her performance as Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There” is sublime. Marion Cotillard, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daniel (of course!), Sam Rockwell, and Catherine Keener consistantly give true performances.

MW: What is next for Amy Bailey?
AB: Right now I am in love with The Goundlings! I’m doing long-form comedy improv there which is something every actor should try. It basically kills your ego, but that’s a good thing And it makes every audition you have a breeze ’cause you’ve pretty much already died a thousand deaths when doing improv. You learn to be comfortable in the so-called “grey area”, where you have no idea what is going to come out of your mouth next. Quite liberating. I adore Christopher Guest and his team who put together “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman“. How fun to improv an entire film.

Amy Bailey on Style & Beauty Secrets:

I keep my hair beautiful thanks to…
Krill oil capsules and eating sardines. You may say yuck, but you can’t beat Omega-3 in your diet for great hair.

My favorite skincare products are…
I do a mix of things. Right now I am loving Ziva toner followed by SK-II Vitamin C serum, then moisturizing with Weleda Wild Rose day cream.

I get my eyelashes looking long, full, and sexy using…
A heated eyelash curler and Lancome mascara.

The best lip-gloss I ever owned…
Was a homemade organic lip balm. Given to me as a gift. I’m almost out and very scrimpy about using the last little bit of it.

My signature fragrance is…
The Body Shop’s Pure Rosehip Oil. I like fragrances that smell like real flowers. I can’t stand strong stinky perfume.

The one beauty product you will always find in my purse is…
Lip balm. I have a habit of chewing my lips so keeping lip balm on them helps me stop.

Beauty is all about…
It’s all about love baby! And it’s not corny to say so…we all know those people who are so beautiful because they are brimming with love and joy. Physical beauty is all relative anyway, but most of us can agree on what makes a beautiful personality.

I describe my personal style as…and my favorite fashion designers are…
Well I would call my personal style “vintage” or “eclectic”, but I have to admit many of my friends say I dress like a Grandma. I don’t know what it is – polyesther prints just move me. Seriously though, I love good tailoring and vintage cuts from the 40’s and 50’s are so flattering. Alexander McQueen and Zac Posen are 2 of my favorites.

The sound, restaurant, and movie I love the most…
I love the sound Gospel choirs, and of a big, booming, live symphony orchestra. One of my favorite restaurants is “Rules” in London. It is the city’s oldest restaurant and it is very posh darling. I love the movie “Goonies”. I never get tired of seeing it.

One or two things some people may not know about Amy Bailey…
I have a bright red birthmark on the palm of my hand, and I haven’t met anyone else who has one there. I can also play “Oh Susanna” on the harmonica with my nose. No really, my dad does it too.

Talking Makeup would like to thank fabulous Amy Bailey for a brilliant interview. To learn more about Amy visit the Amy Bailey official website!

BEST DRESSED: Sandra Bullock looked gorgeous in an Alexander McQueen gown at the 2010 SAG Awards. I must say, Sandra’s dress was a bit tame relative to Alexander McQueen’s usual styles. Nevertheless, Marta loves:)

Sandra Bullock at the 2010 SAG Awards: Do you love?

Sandra Bullock with Jesse James at the 2010 SAG Awards

The Jimmy Choo shoe was one of my favorite characters on the hit TV series “Sex and The City“. It’s also synonymous to classic and quality shoes. This is why I’m excited about the new CHOO 24:7 which is a special collection that Jimmy Choo has just launched for Spring Summer 2010.

CHOO 24:7-GLENYS. Kid, black.

CHOO 24:7 is the ‘perfect shoe wardrobe’ with updated versions of Tamara Mellon’s favourite styles in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights. Taking the Jimmy Choo woman from day to evening, 7 days a week, this is the definitive assortment of iconic Jimmy Choo shapes: The ‘Icons’, the ‘Perfect Platforms’, the ‘Perfect Pointy-toe Pump’, the ‘Perfect Round-toe Pump’, the ‘Perfect Flat’, the ‘Perfect Wedge’ and the ‘Perfect Evening’. These classic Choo styles remain iconic since their original conception, and have been the shoe choice of celebrities and sophisticated women alike, time and time again.

Read full article in styleinterviews.com

Molly Sims looked gorgeous in Marchesa at the 2010 InStyle Golden Globes Afterparty. Molly wore a draped one shoulder crepe column gown with shoulder bow detail.

GET THE LOOK: Joanna Schlip created Molly Sims makeup look for the 2010 Golden Globes. Joanna wanted a fresh and clean look. She emphasized the cheeks and kept everything else simple – but still defined and polished. The idea was to keep the look young and fresh while still a bit sexy.

Joanna used the products below to create Molly Sims makeup look:

Armani Foundation
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Brown Eyes (gold shades)
Nars Lip Gloss in Orgasm
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara in Ultra Black
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Blush Bronzer Duo in Light Bronzer/Pink Rose
Physicians Formula Eye Definer in Ultra Black (top lid)
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Eyeliner in Black Olive (bottom lid)
Red Carpet Kolour for body