Beat the Heat!

Thanks to Mai Vu of Very New York for this chic and oh-so-relevant story!

 Tips on Staying Cool (and Green) in the Summer Heat:

This summer has been a scorcher all over the country and extreme heat waves were felt from the Gulf Coast all the way to the Pacific Northwest. How do you stay cool while still being environmentally conscious and at the same time keeping your electricity costs low? We chat with Marisa Butler, environmental activist, financial advisor, and current title holder of the Miss Earth USA 2021 pageant. As someone who has dedicated her life and work to saving the planet, and also someone who lives in the very sunny state of California, Marisa was able to give us some really helpful advice on how to stay cool while going green at the same time.

Marisa Butler - Miss Earth USA 2021. Photo credit: Eva Flis

 

“The first thing I would recommend,” says Marisa, “is to check that your house or apartment is running as efficiently as possible.” This means putting up blinds or curtains to block the hot rays of the sun, cleaning out the filter in your AC, and swapping out incandescent lights for cooler and energy efficient LED lights. And just like we do to keep the cold out during the winter months, it’s helpful to check your place for any drafts and sealing leaks to prevent the cool air from escaping.

 

Another obvious tip is to use fans to cool yourself and get air to circulate. Fans use less electricity than air conditioners and can help you dry off sweat which keeps your body cool. Marisa does warn that if you live in areas of extreme heat, like Arizona or Palm Springs, that using a fan will actually make your body hotter since it is blowing air with temperatures higher than your body temperature. Anything over 100 degrees and it’s actually counterproductive.

 

A really easy way to stay cool if you have access is to take a dip in the pool. The water helps to remove heat from our skin and feels instantly cool to the touch. Even a walk by a beach, lake or stream is helpful. “I am almost always found at the dog beach at least once a week with my rescue dog Milo,” says Marisa, “I also bring a trash bag to pick up litter along the way. It’s the little things that count.”

 

For those without access to a pool or water source, an alternative way to get relief from the heat is to access public spaces. “You can go to a coffee shop to work, or even hit up the local mall for some relief and to get steps in. Remember to bring your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated if you’re doing any activity though.” says Marisa. These public spaces are already air conditioned, and you can turn off yours while away. It’s one of the most effective and eco ways to stay cool.

 

And lastly, Marisa recommends using plants to help regulate temperatures around your house. Trees can offer shade that keep out the sunlight and house plants can also cool their surroundings by up to nine degrees. Through a process called transpiration, they act as natural air conditioners that absorb water and therefore heat. Plants can also be placed by windows to absorb and block sunlight from coming into your home. What a great reason to start the garden tower or living plant wall that you’ve been wanting to do.

How do you stay cool on these sweltering summer days, darlings?

xoxox,

CC

CC Interview with Sotheby's Jewelry Expert Tiffany Dubin!

Darlings, CC is super excited to introduce you to Tiffany Dubin, Senior Business Development Executive at Sotheby's auction house in New York! Ms. Dubin, an art and jewelry expert, recently curated (with London gallery owner Louisa Guinness) a pop-up exhibition of art-inspired jewelry. "Sculpture to Wear" will be on view at Sotheby's East Hampton from August 3 through August 28, 2021. If you can't make it out to the Hamptons to see the show, not to worry! CC had the incredible opportunity to interview Ms. Dubin. Please see my queries and her brilliant responses below!

Favorite Artist: Gustav Klimt the Austrian Symbolist painter however I love everything from that era.

Klimt, Portrait of Baroness Elisabeth Bachoven Echt, c. 1914.

Favorite piece from Sculpture to Wear

The William Copley’s  necklace with the naked girls running around.  I was introduced to Copley’s a few years back through an exhibit Adam Lindeman curated a few years back and was struck by his American Pop Art sensibility mixed with Surrealist humor and riffing sexuality. 

The necklace he made for Louisa Guinness shows his high style, with ten of his cartoonish figures suspended from a circular link chain.  This is an object that can be played with and manipulated in various ways. I think this is the absolute expression of the artist’s DNA.  However I am also obsessed with the Man Ray lips based on his 1936 surrealist painting.  The surrealists believed in the concept of the devouring woman... Well I would like to devour that necklace! 

 

How does your current career differ from what you envisioned doing when you were at Georgetown?

When I was at Georgetown I studied Eastern European affairs and thought I was going into the diplomatic corp. I had visions of being Keri Russell on The Americans.  Instead I am an art world version of a character in “Call my Agent” keeping clients happy and business afloat. 

As a former boutique owner (I miss Henri Bendel!), what are your go-to shops, online and/or brick-and-mortar, for the most fabulous clothing and accessories?

My go to for this summer has been Reformation introduced to me by my daughter.  I love AmandaRossGirl, Soler in London, I still look for old favorites on eBay, theRealReal, obsessed with Live Auctioneers, Matches based out of London, Moda Operandi.  

Who is your favorite fashion designer, past or present? Which label do you currently wear most?

I have to say I dress in a bit of a hodgepodge of old YSL, old Valentino,  70s silk blouses, adapted vintage items I update to today with a superb dressmaker. 

I do have a Chanel ballet slipper habit but buy them on eBay. 

They are just super comfy to me.  

Cotton and grosgrain ballerinas, at chanel.com.

However my favorite designer of all time is not a fashion designer but a mind blowingly talented jewelry designer named Rene Biovin who ironically was related to Paul Poiret.  As a disco child from the 80’s I am obsessed with her version of disco jewelry in the 30’s and have managed to collect a few of her brooches since they have been a bit under the radar. 

Rene Biovin Art Deco necklace.

If you could visit only one museum or gallery for the rest of time, which one would you choose?

I think it would be a choice between the Louvre or placing myself at Peggy Guggenheim house/museum in Venice and having constant revolving artist shows come in and out every time there was a new biennale.  

If I did that I would probably channel the Marchesa Luisa de Casati and hold legendary soirées and look to spot today’s new Fortuny or Poiret. I agree with her; there is too much sameness in the world and one should be a work of art.

 

Of all the places you've lived or visited, which is/was your favorite? 

I am madly, deeply in love with Capri and my fantasy in life is to have a fabulous house in Capri where I could have constantly  revolving groups of friends who were artists, philosophers, writers, thinkers from all parts of life join me.

A big CC thank you to Ms. Dubin and to Ron Boling of Jonathan Marder + Co. in NYC for the intro!

xoxox,

CC

Marvelous Model: Interview with Jessica Gomes

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to marvelous model Jessica Gomes! Read her bio and then check out CC's interview with the sexy bikini babe!
Born and raised in Perth, Australia, modeling came as second nature to this stunning beauty who was first seen on the catwalk during Australian Fashion Week for designers such as Zimmerman, Jayson Brunsdon, Wayne Cooper, Alice McCall, Trelise Cooper and in New York Fashion Week for BabyPhat, Jennifer Lopez, H&M and Josh Goot. In addition to her editorials in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Italian Glamour, Italian GQ, Biba and Summerwinter, campaigns that have selected Jessica to front their brand include Estee Lauder, Victoria's Secret, Adidas, Gap, and DKNY Denim.
Standing at a striking 5’9”, The Sports Illustrated exposure was the catalyst to her massive popularity in Asia, leading to the 2008 campaign of the LG Bikini phone, her own reality TV show "My Name is Jessica Gomes," and a third place win last year in Korea’s "Dancing with the Stars." Ms. Gomes was also named the Ambassador and face for Australian Iconic Surf brand Mambo.
When this Australian "It" girl isn’t jet setting between New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, South Korea, and Melbourne, she enjoys music, dancing, cooking, cafe hopping and fashion design.
Here is CC's interview with the lovely Jessica Gomes:
CC: When, how and why did you begin modeling?
JG: I began when I was 10 years old. My mother put me into grooming and deportment classes. Then I started doing commercials and fashion shows. I then got an international agent at 18 and I started travelling. I then got signed to IMG in New York and the rest is history.
CC: What is your workout regimen?
JG: Tracey Anderson classes and dance. I try to keep active and walk around.
CC: Who are your favorite clothing and bikini designers?
JG: I love Kim Ellery from Australia. Of course Chanel, Tom Ford, and I also love Celine.
CC: What were your favorite aspects of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition shoot?
JG: I loved that we shot in Australia where I was born in Sydney! I also loved that for my shoot we wore red swimsuits, I think red is a very strong and sexy colour!
CC: Please tell us a bit about your reality TV show.
JG: My reality TV show is about my life as a model in South Korea and in America. I spoke about fashion and they followed me to New York to see what my life was like there which is hectic.
CC: Who are your fantasy dinner party guests?
JG: Beyonce, Tom Ford, Pharrell WIlliams, Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton.
CC: Do you read any blogs? What are your favorite online destinations, either shopping or otherwise?
JG: Net a Porter, Shopbop, Zappos, I google everything, www.iamjessicagomes.com is coming soon..check it out.
CC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
JG: Having a family, and living in my dream home, having my own business and having the freedom to be able to travel and see the world with my loved ones.
CC: Thanks, Jessica!
What do you think of this marvelous model, darlings?
xoxox,
CC

Another CC Exclusive!

As promised, here is CC’s follow-up interview with Nathan Stobezki of MyOwnRunway.com! View the initial Q&A here. Photos via style.com.

1) Welcome back, Nathan! I understand you attended 19 shows at New York Fashion Week... Which 3 were your favorites and why? Were there any disappointments?

My 3 favorite shows would have to be Tory Burch, Rodarte and Oscar de la Renta.

Tory Burch traded in the cute sandals for some tough combat boots and I enjoyed that a lot. I also noticed Tory’s love for leather and incorporating it into the Fall 2009 Collection was genius. Fashion is all about breaking the rules but knowing your limits and Tory seemed to nail both perfectly.

Rodarte – Kate and Laura Mulleavy know a thing or two about fashion and when they make clothing it shows. This runway collection there seemed to be a little Edward Scissorhands theme but what I loved most was all the organic fabric and materials they used for a lot of the dresses and each number looked handmade in its own individual way. Just Magnificent.

Oscar De la Renta – Well let’s start off by saying Oscar is Oscar. His dresses and gowns are just fabulous and the colors are always right on. The subtle variety like a black silk off the shoulder column cinched with a metallic belt was spot on. Even in times of an economic downturn Oscar seems to ignore it and just plow through and everyone knows if anyone knows how to dress a woman and make her look Polished then Oscar is Your Man.

2) Here at CC, there is a strong focus on accessories. Were there any collections that really impressed you in terms of handbags, shoes, gloves and millinery?

Well, I really enjoyed the wonderful handbags at Tory Burch. The models at Marc Jacobs and Rodarte walked the runway in Alice Cooper-worthy chain-wrapped black booties. It’s time to give love to the glove. The gloves I saw this week at Max Azria and Elie Tahari are the type of gloves begging for some attention. There was Lots of Fur but no PETA. The fur at Matthew Williamson [right], Thakoon and Dennis Basso came in a broad array of colors and textures and are an easy way to glam up your all-black outfit in one simple step.

3) What key trends did you notice among the collections you viewed? (CC has already noted the one-sleeve phenomenon)

Yes, there were several trends like the one sleeve dresses that were found on almost every runway. Then there were the neon pink and green dresses at Marc Jacobs [right] and Michael Kors. The versions of leather pants from the likes of Derek Lam, Alexander Wang and Diane von Furstenberg … were delightful. The overall Key Colors were gray, white, basically the neutrals. There were as well lots of Neon Colors at Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. Lastly, the majority of the designers were showing looks from the 80’s, trying to instill Confidence and Better Times ahead.

4) Where can we go to view your videos of the collections?
Well you can now go to http://www.myownrunway.com and view at least 20 full length videos and tons of Pictures. The Barbie 50th Anniversary Fashion show was Amazing and if you go to my website you can watch the full show, Trust me you won’t be disappointed! Milan and Paris are to follow! Stay Fashionable!

Thanks, Nathan! See more here, darlings. And enjoy your Saturday!
xoxox,
CC
P.S. CC has a Guest Blogger feature today on Fellow Fashionista Danz's blog, Fatal Attraction 2 Fashion... It's CC's top 5 picks for Spring under $50 and you can check it out here.

Interview with Fellow Fashionista Audrey of "Frassy"

5 Questions for Style Writer Audrey Leighton, an English Literature major at Durham University

CC met Fellow Fashionista Audrey on blogger and is pleased and honored to share with you an interview with the stylish young writer . . . Keep an eye on this gal, as CC knows she is going places!!

1. You are bilingual (as am I). How did you learn your second language?
I have lived in Spain for 8 years and was forced into first language Spanish classes from day one. So it just rolled from there.

2. What are the best and worst parts of working at a newspaper?
The best part about working at a newspaper is the actual writing of articles. It is so satisfying opening the paper and seeing my style section exactly the way I had imagined it in my head. The worst part, hmm maybe distribution, where we as, newspaper staff stand outside in the cold on the streets and hand out papers to students. It is fun for a little while but then the cold creeps into your bones and you just want to go inside!

3. Let's talk fashion: What are your top 5 dream picks for fall (money is no object)?
5 dream picks for fall would be: Jimmy Choo's Fringed Suede Boots, Tomato Red Feather Bustier Dress by Alexander McQueen (for formal events), the Prada lace dress, an Alberti Ferretti Purple Coat, and the Hermes Paisley bag. If only I could actually afford to buy these five beauties!

4. How did your interest in style evolve and who are your primary fashion influences?
My interest evolved from Zara, the fashion shop. I went in there with my mother when I was twelve and I was pretty much mesmerized. Soon enough, all my money was being spent on clothes and now I am a full-fledged addict. My primary fashion influences are Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie...I like girls who pull off style in a casual, quirky way. Street-style is the most inspirational and many ideas have developed from pictures on the Sartorialist or hel-looks.

5. Where were you ten years ago, and where do you see yourself ten years hence?
Ten years ago I was 9, so I was probably collecting stickers and playing with beanie babies. lol. Ten years from now I'd love to be in a job at Vogue or any acclaimed fashion magazine. I would also love to have finished my novel and maybe have an apartment in Paris.

Check out Audrey’s blog, Frassy, at http://frassy-audrey.blogspot.com/ . . . Audrey interviewed CC, too!

And don't worry, darlings, I haven't abandoned the ABCs of fall fashion - today's post, "A is for Armadillo" can be found below!

xoxox,
CC