Profile for Rachel Krause

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Miu Miu Releases 46 Unique Bags For Fashion Weeks

Miu Miu Socks?
Guess how much these socks cost? Read More »
Miu Miu's Taxi Driver Take
The campaign influenced by the movie. Read More »

It’s February already? Fashion weeks are fast approaching, that’s for sure, and New York is the first up as always, with shows beginning on Thursday. Regretfully, one brand us Manhattanites don’t usually hear much from is Miu Miu, which shows in Paris. This year, though, things are different. How different, you ask? Well, we still won’t be seeing the collection strutted down the runway, but the brand is launching a (limited edition!) line of 46 unique handmade bags of 17 different material combinations using 12 different processing techniques, all to be unveiled in the big four fashion capitals (London, Milan, Paris, and NYC) during each of their fashion weeks. I know for a fact that a grand total of zero of these bags will eventually be mine, but my god, aren’t they glorious? Check out the hypnotizing gif of all 16 New York bags, courtesy of Miu Miu, after the jump. [Fashionista] Keep reading »

Beauty Test Drive: L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

BTD: Umbrian Clay
Better skin through mud? No way! Read More »
BTD: Waterproof Liner
Can Tarte's liner really stay put through the tears? Read More »
BTD: Highlighter
Benefit Watt's Up
Jessica loves Benefit's new Watt's Up highlighter! Read More »

Contrary to popular belief, all mascaras are not made equal. Case in point: Diorshow, one of the few cult favorite beauty products wherein literally everybody is in the cult. Beauty addicts world over, whether they apply makeup for a living or simply dabble in perfecting their own face, are well-informed of the magic that is the $25 mascara. While I wouldn’t so much as blink at spending $25 on, say, a gorgeous lipstick (that’s $10 cheaper than my favorite Yves Saint Laurent!) that has the potential to last for years if used properly, mascara has far less integrity. In fact, you’re supposed to toss it after just three months of use. Devoted to long, thick black lashes, but burned by the hefty price tag on Diorshow and my other favorite, Chanel Inimitable, I made it my personal beauty mission to find a drugstore mascara that would give me the same lusty Kardashian-lash effect for less than half the price. Keep reading »

224 Pages Of “Paris Versus New York”

365 Days In Paris
Leonora lived in Paris for a year and brought us along with her. Read More »
Alber Elbaz Wrote a Book
Alber Elbaz photo
The man behind Lanvin puts pen to paper. Read More »
Dam Tea Bags!
This cup is perfect for any Parisian or New Yorker in need of a caffeine fix. Read More »

As both a New Yorker and a bonafide Francophile, I am a madly adoring fan of the brilliant graphic designer Vahram Muratyan’s website, Paris versus New York. He compares the City of Lights to the Big Apple in a way that isn’t snarky, or biased toward one or the other — rather, they read more like romantic odes to both cities. His modern designs and prints have gained something of a following since his blog’s debut in 2010, and last week he released a 224-page book of his contrast-and-compare illustrations. If you’re a fan of Paris vs. NYC, or Paris, or NYC, or all of the above, you must get this book. It’s simple and lovely and makes me want to book a trip to La Ville-Lumière, dès que possible. Equally charming: this Blackbook interview with the artist. [$20, in Anthropologie stores and online]

Sexy Style Stealer: Suspender Tights

Am I the only person out there who thinks that semi-opaque black tights are worlds sexier than bare legs? I know, it’s weird, but the sheer fact of hosiery is sexy in and of itself. Black tights are slimming, warm for the cooler seasons, and can pull any look together in a matter of seconds. Admittedly, they can get a little boring. I should know — I sport black tights almost daily, with no signs of ever stopping. It seems that celebs like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, and Selena Gomez have found the perfect solution to black tights doldrums, and it’s certainly a step up in sexy. Suspender tights are the newest gotta-have-’em garment, opaque to the thigh then sheer with a garter-like detail. I’m loving the look, but I don’t know if my thick thighs are up to the task … but hey, Rihanna represents thick-thighed girls everywhere, and she looks damn good in them. What’s your opinion? If you must have a pair, click on — I’ll point you in the right direction. As for me, I’m not buying them online right now, except for the part where I totally am, whatever.

The Good, The Bad & The Meh At The 2012 AmfAR Gala

Last night was the eve of the official New York Fashion Week kickoff, and the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s Annual New York Gala at Cipriani Wall Street was the place to see and be seen — that is, if you’re an A-list model, celebrity, entrepreneur, or fashionista. The yearly event, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker, raises money for — you guessed it — AIDS research, prevention, and education. This year’s reception honored the work of Roberto Cavalli. With this many fashion heavy-hitters in one place, there’s bound to be some serious outfit trauma, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the good far outweighed the bad. There were so many amazing looks last night, but there was also some bad, and then … the very, very meh. And yes, if you were wondering, Heidi Klum is still wearing her ring.

Lindsay Lohan Emerges For AmfAR Gala

Lindsay Lohan's Nude Pics
Lindsay Lohan's Playboy pics were leaked too soon. Read More »
Lindsay's New Teeth
lindsay lohan teeth
She got her smile zoomed! Read More »
Chloe Sevigny As Terry
Chloe Sevigny as Terry Richardson photo
Chloe Sevigny goes drag for Candy magazine. Read More »

La Lohan is at it again, and for real this time, she is bumming me out. Earlier this week, we saw some Terry Richardson-shot photos of her with massively blown-out pupils and a wonky eye situation, and last night she was out and about for the New York Fashion Week amFAR Gala and … let’s just say she makes Courtney Love in her heroin-addled prime look like Kate Middleton. As a Lindsay fan from way back (weren’t we all?), I’ve always crossed my fingers that this once-beautiful, talented girl would pull it together, but I’m starting to think it’s time for me to let her go.

Christian Victoria’s Secret Model Quits On Account Of Jesus

Victoria's Shady Secret
Is the brand using cotton sourced by child labor? Read More »
VS Model On Dating
candice swanepoel photo
Candice Swanepoel says it's hard for men to look past her job. Read More »

In 2009, Victoria’s Secret launched a nationwide competition to seek out their newest Angel. Out of 10,000 real-girl applicants, all voted upon by fans online, only one emerged victorious: the then-19-year-old Kylie Bisutti, a newlywed Californian who then walked in the annual show alongside the established Angels. To most aspiring models, this would be a dream come true … but Kylie says otherwise. Now, after two years at the receiving end of a VS salary, she’s decided that lingerie modeling is against her Christian values, and violates the terms of her marriage. Keep reading »

Bright Blue Nail Polish: It’s A Thing

Translucent Nails
Would you wear them? Read More »
Song For Blue Ivy
Jay Z releases a song for his baby girl. Read More »

If there’s any universally flattering color, it’s blue. There’s a shade to match anyone’s coloring and, done right, a really bright blue looks good on everyone. It sounds perilous, especially for those who don’t typically sport neon colors, but why not integrate a flashy cyan by confining it to a truly risk-free area like, say, your nails? Regardless of what you wear, even (and especially) if it’s your most buttoned-up work attire, bright blue nails are a wink to your more daring side. Take it from Beyoncé, who’s been wearing the shade out and about in a nod to her daughter, Blue Ivy. See, there must be something to it! These are my five picks for the boldest blues — what’s your favorite? If one catches your eye, I’ve included the purchasing information after the jump. Keep reading »

The Foolproof Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

V-Day Survival Guide
For all your Valentine's Day needs. Read More »

Disclaimer: I have very little interest in Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit, the idea of it is nice, and the Valentine’s cup from Starbucks is maybe the cutest thing ever, but my appreciation for the “holiday” ends right about there. I never even really think about it, and when the day rolls around, I’m none the wiser. However, this year I’m beginning to rethink my position, only because there are so many lovely love-y things that I want, and wouldn’t Valentine’s Day be the perfect time for me to receive them? Wink wink, nudge nudge, and all that; boyfriend, ye be warned! I’ve put together this handy guide of essentially foolproof gifts that I think (almost) any woman would love to receive. Whoever you’re buying for, you know your girl better than I do, so exercise judgment when deciding on presents (for example, if she has arsonphobia, candles may not be the best choice). Read on!

The VS Angels Share Their First Kiss Stories

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You may recall my response to New York mag’s biting piece on Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr, in which I voiced my concern that the Angels may not in fact be human but rather, if I may quote myself, “tall, lithe, bronzed to perfection, fast-metabolizing aliens with silky long hair and bedroom eyes.” Indeed, every single time I hear one of them speak, my terror is reinforced. For those of us who find simultaneous delight and horror (the two are not, in fact, mutually exclusive) in watching these genetically blessed humanoids discuss personal matters while scantily clad as if they always just hang out in lingerie and unbuttoned oxford shirts, thank the powers that be for bringing us the Victoria’s Secret YouTube channel. This time, to get you all up in the Valentine’s Day spirit, the girls are dishing on their first kisses. Delightful! [Fashionista]