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August 31, 2005

Eco-Conscious, Economical Yoga

That industrial-grade polypropolene plastic mat just isn’t gelling with your natural, yoga-practicing self. Yogis looking for a green upgrade should check out Lululemon Athletica's new Ultra Eco Mat. The biodegradable accessory is cushy, completely recyclable and has super traction even at the end of a 90-minute Ashtanga class. And at just $39, the mat is good to your wallet, too. lululemon.com

August 31, 2005 at 08:10 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Faithful to Fidelity

Yes, there’s a serious denim glut. But you’ll want to stick around to read the kicker for this new jeans company … Canada-born Fidelity Denim has landed in stores like Traffic in L.A. and National Jean Co.'s N.Y. locales, offering cuts like the skinny "Plumaria," the hand-embroidered "Cherry Blossom" and the trouser-cut "Hyacinth." And that kicker? Fidelity jeans come in three inseam lengths (32, 34 and 36), giving equal love to the height-challenged and challengingly heightened. Starting at $145

August 31, 2005 at 12:05 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

A New Life for Nine Lives

Just because you have a couple of kitties, each with its own cat-sitter, doesn't mean you're a crazy cat person — yet. Let Nine Lives, a sexy Italian line that's just arrived at Fred Segal in Santa Monica and Atrium in NYC, get your feline devotion on track with its mix of hard- and soft-edged separates. Standouts include a teal funnel-neck top with cat and crest logos, a delicate jersey wrap top with ruffled trim and patched logos, and a cami minidress with lace trim that can be worn solo or over jeans. $200-$500

August 31, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 30, 2005

Festive Folios

Of course the Vuitton portfolio is a solid option — as 98% of the women in your office can attest. But for individualists who prefer to make their contracts and scripts stand out, there’s the festive sage-and-orange case by Jamah. Style watchers may even recognize its sleek styling, as the start-up accessories company has already provided wares for “24” and “The O.C.,” and made quick fans out of the “Desperate Housewives” cast. $250; available at Fred Segal, 8100 Melrose Ave., (323) 651-4129

August 30, 2005 at 08:11 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Poolside Cuts at the Roosevelt (L.A.)

See and be scene while getting shorn at the Roosevelt Hotel this weekend as hairstylists from NYC's Suite 303 take appointments from noon-5 p.m. during a West Coast preview. The salon is celebrating a decade at its Chelsea Hotel locale and also gearing up for an L.A. opening next April at the hipper-than-thou Roosevelt. Appointments are in high demand, with cuts going for $150-$300, so check availability through 303's Gotham digs today. (212) 633-1011

August 30, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

‘Creatures’ Inhabit Melrose (L.A.)

Rochas dress from Paris, Missoni knit from Milan — your warbrobe’s all about jet-setting. Which means the just-opened Creatures of Comfort boutique will be a must-shop. Owner Jade Lai, who grew up in Hong Kong and L.A., is always passport ready and plans to keep the space stocked with irresistible worldly possessions; she’s the only one in L.A. to carry London-based designers Michelle Lowe-Holder and Paris Essex. Other hard-to-find labels include Eley Kishimoto, Jessica Ogden and Alexander Herchcovitch. 7971 Melrose Ave., (323) 655-7855

August 30, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 29, 2005

Chill With Illy

Don’t your imported Italian coffee beans deserve better than a cracked college mug? Espresso tastemakers Illy infuse artistry into every cup, and it shows in this set of crystal cappuccino glasses designed by emerging artist Serse Roma. Inspired by the sea of Trieste with silver waves circling the rim, the glasses are perfect for a swell of iced espresso. (Also on Illy's plate: Galleria Illy, a temporary NYC storefront for all things java at 382 W. Broadway, set to open Sept. 15-Dec. 15.) $60, illyusa.com

August 29, 2005 at 02:54 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fete-a-Porter

It’s the dog days of summer at Net-a-porter. Translation: The online designer haven is wiping its slate clean of fall '04-summer '05 clothes and accessories with savings up to 75% off. Closet potentials include a ruffled black jersey top by Chloe for $800 (once $1,300); a Cacharel linen skirt in a bold Zanzibar print now $138 (down from $212); and a Marc Jacobs tweed and paillette coat for $2,397 (originally $3,995). The long version of the MJ tweed coat (sans embellishments) is already sold out, which means it's time to get clicking. net-a-porter.com

August 29, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stila's Petal Mettle

Nevermind that your bathroom cabinets and counters are overflowing with products. There's always room for fresh flowers — this time coming in the form of Stila's new spa-quality skincare line, Petal Infusions. The collection offers three different moisturizers (for normal, dry or oily complexions), cleansing cloths, a retexturizing scrub and a 30 SPF sun protector, all infused with powerful botanicals for a full-on floral sensory experience. $18-$30, stilacosmetics.com

August 29, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 26, 2005

Frederic Fekkai Gets Sensitive

You certainly don’t need T/Gel (Neutrogena’s nearly industrial-strength dandruff shampoo), but some dry-scalp therapy wouldn’t hurt your parched dome. Hair guru Frédéric Fekkai understands. He’s introduced a subtly sweet and silky formula that will calm and cleanse without the medicinal aroma. The sensitive-scalp shampoo, a blend of natural-healing honey and lavendar, can be used daily without the usual drying effects of excess washing. $20, saks.com

August 26, 2005 at 02:25 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)