Design For Humanity

Design For Humanity 2011 event teaser from Billabong Girls on Vimeo.

With only a few weeks left in school it’s time to start thinking about how to kick off your summer. What better way than a huge party for a great cause. This years Billabong Design for Humanity on June 15th is benefiting VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The event mixes fashion, art, and music all on the legendary NYC street Back-lot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA. It is set up like the coolest, most massive block party ever. There are art auctions, live art installations, a bikini fashion show, the best food trucks LA has to offer, multiple bars, street performers, t-shirt screen printing, and two stages. Throughout the night there will be performances from DJs and bands; Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will be headlining. Tickets are $30 but it is totally worth it. They will sell out so get them while you can. For further info/ to buy tickets visit
For more information, visit here.

-TREND Guest Writer Alex R.

Nice, France

After a 7 hour train ride yesterday, I'm finally able to relax and enjoy myself these last couple of days. Nice seems to agree with me more as a French city... maybe it's the familiarity of the beach or the relaxed and safe atmosphere, but I'm pleased that this is where I'll be wrapping up my European journey. The hostel vibe takes me back to Freshman year in a good way and has eased my tension.

 One of the the hundreds of flowers I've photographed.

I've spent the day wondering around Nice, laying by the beach, a dip in the French Riviera, watching the boats go in and out of port and flights landing and taking off just off the coastal airport, a touristy train tour, as well reading in a coffee shop along the narrow streets of old city Nice. Funny I have most of these things within a mile from where I live in Fort Lauderdale, and I fully appreciate that a lot more now. I realize I have it made in the shade at home and fully intend to have days like this more often in my own town.

Fountain at the Grand Trianon of Versailles, France.

Marie Antoinette's Farm at Versailles.

Of course, the question of what next when back home looms in the air? But I'm excited and ready to embrace it. I may even be able to commit to a piece of furniture now too, seeing as the fantasy to restore an old French farmhouse is completely dead at the moment. But at least now I know. Blogging from London seems like so long ago, and this has been an opportunity of a lifetime... though every minute wasn't perfect, it was life and I appreciate every moment of it good and bad.

Saying Goodbye to Dordogne

I'm setting out early this morning, leaving the Dordogne region for Nice, a long day, and hoping to return my rental car in early for a train ticket to avoid the drive, so I can relax and read while enjoying the rest of the journey. (And because the tolls and gas alone will be more than my monthly car payment! - Yes, I highly underestimated the price of a rental car here... with the crappy dollar conversion... Americans need a 2nd mortgage to drive abroad.)

I'll be staying at my first hostel - yikes! Supposed to be one of the top rated in Europe, but still after my first bed and breakfast, chateau, Paris apartment, and London flat, this will be a change. I will remain optimistic though! :)

House outside Beynac.

Beynac Castle.

 My evening writings at Les Quatre Pins.

As excited as I am to be home and not living out of a suitcase anymore, or rather unpacking and packing again every week... it gets harder to leave each place and I'm overcome with emotion. It will be especially hard to leave this little place of bliss and my memorable evenings in the warm French sun and delightful company.

Happy 30th Birthday to my sister-in-law Jen!

Tuesday Accessory:

Destination: Italy. Travel locally or globally this summer with new bags featured in Alviero Martini's 2011 1A Classe collection that draw inspiration from the world map which is trademark to his designs. Carry your travel necessities in these backpacks, bag, and wallets accessorized with map and travel stamp designs as you set out for your long awaited vacation destinations. Global, trendy, explorer, fashionista-- the prints define an intellectual chic woman, curious yet ready to take on the grand journey ahead of her. You can find more of Martini's products along with other map-themed goods such as jewelry, shoes, and travel luggage on Forzieri, an online Italian boutique packed with timeless luxurious creations by Italian and other European designers. Literally, fashion rocks the world!

Checking In

 A cat in Beynac watches a bird.

I apologize for my absence, but I've been in Dordogne since Wednesday, and not spent much time on the computer. I have so much material to share, but first I will let you know that I've decided to make this my last week in Europe. While it's been quite a memorable experience, I've found it to be much too long to be away from home. It was a difficult decision, but I reached the point where it was the right thing to do...

 The chapel in the Jardins de Marqueyssac.

So after a week in the Loire Valley, then 5 days in Dordogne, I will conclude with a few days in Nice before returning home. It has been a lot to handle on my own, and though I couldn't be happier with the hospitality I've been shown both in Dordogne and Loire Valley; both accommodations will surely get their spotlight soon; when I have time to sort through all photos. But for now, I'm taking advantage of every moment I have here, and the past few days have been magnificant to say the least, after a year of researching and day dreaming about the area. But it's taken a lot of nerve to drive these windy narrow roads along cliffsides and navigating a map. Plus imagine pulling over roadside in the picturesque vineyards and French farmhouses, me in my long magenta dress trying to shoe a bee out of the car with the road map. It's been fun... but I'm ready to get home.

 My first evening in Grojelac, France outside my B&B terrace at Les Quatre Pins.

I'm already thinking Isla Fisher would make a good lead for this comedy of  American Girl in Europe movie for all the things I've encountered and couldn't even make up if I wanted to. What do you think?

Madam Alexandra E. returning to review

Celebrity: Emma Watson

While many of us associate the name "Emma Watson" with the witty, sensible character of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, few know of her high fashion background which developed along with her acting career. Featured in Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2009 and the Spring/ Summer 2010 issues, Watson was soon viewed as the epitome of high fashion, especially after her cover shoot on the December issue of VOGUE. Although her role in the Harry Potter series may be coming to an end, Emma Watson's fashion journey is sure to be a long one.

Say hello to Mr Olowu...

Breath in. Breath out. Relax. Calm down.

Okay. So this is pretty much my reaction to anything Duro Olowu. I gasp, I pant, and generally misbehave. The London based designer, who trained as a lawyer, and is now among Michelle Obama’s preferred designers, believes that fashion should be joyful. That it shouldn't dictate to women but it should invite them into the fantasy of the designer who is making them.
Hoo boy, Mr. Olowu, look up, I am right there, fantasizing about your designs!

Olowu, first discovered by Vogue's Sally Singer and Julie Gilhart, of Barneys, makes stunning fluid dresses, from vintage fabrics that he finds all over the world as well as new prints that he's been designing himself. Mixing prints on a background of cheerful patterns and vibrant hues, his Fall 2011 collection had plaids alongside watercolor prints and polka dots as well as different stripes juxtaposed against one another for a statement-making look.
Fur-trimmed coats, voluminous long skirts, form-fitting column gowns, printed capes ... There is so much to covet! Okay, there I go again.

Breath in. Breath out. Relax. Calm down.

Introducing: Paul & Joe

Today's featured designer is Paul & Joe. The head of the company is Sophie Albou and she does not limit her creativity to only clothing, but she creates shoes, and purses as well. Also, her clothes are very unique in their cuts and patterns. In an interview with Vogue Albou stated "the spirit and vision of Paul & Joe does not cease to evolve and to build on its already internationally renowned success." Her fashion line is very different each fashion season, but it is always extremely creative and fun.

L'Entrecote in Paris

Good Eats Wednesday


My favorite meal in Paris was at L'Entrecote. After reading mixed reviews on TripAdvisor I debated trying this restaurant... good thing I don't listen to reviews. Because in my opinion their World Famous Sauce was one of my best encounters in Paris... which tasted like a gourmet blend of mustard and butter; heaven on their traditional seared medium rare to rare tenderloin beef which is kept heated at your table. Though the fries were perfectly crisp, the ones that were smothered in sauce were oh so good. I'm going to have to try to replicate this sauce at home. They even brought me a second serving of it after witnessing me scraping every last bit, and it was comforting to see many 'business lunchers' rather than tourists when I went.

 Bon appetit!

R&R in Loire

An Honest Post

The past few days I've been attempting a little R&R in the countryside. I've been doing my best to show you the good things, but not everyday has been peaches and cream, and while I've tried my hardest to leave most negativity off the blog and save for the travel diary, I was told that some like the " honest stories of exploit". Maybe it will help therapeutically for me to get it off my chest...

So I'm going to put all the bad out there once and for all, and hopefully be done with this spell of unfortunate luck lately. I've mentioned some things already but not all...

It really started with difficulties on my flight, which should have been an indicator --breaking my favorite camera lens in London, leaving my camera in Les Duex Magots in Paris (retrieved), getting pick pocketed at the Eiffel Tower (cash not retrieved), living with hives this week from an allergic reaction to a simple apricot pastry for a boulangerie breakfast, someone asking me for the time then exposing himself (I think that's considered assault), remaining calm as my laptop and passport carried on to Wolverhampton, England without me on the bus (also retrieved), and driving a manual through the Arc de Triomphe and streets of Paris. Yes, I handled all this with a deep breath until the breakdown came on my drive to Chenonceau via windy back roads and small villages, getting the car stuck on a very skinny road in the village, and after trying to manuever the stick, dirty looks, language barriers and a Frenchman who was kind enough to offer backing my car out for me, (while I prayed he didn't drive off with my belongings after the previous day's 'exposures' but not wanting to offend someone by grabbing my purse 'just in case' who was only trying to help). Fifteen minutes later I found solace in familiar McDonald's Happy Meal, brought out my phone which has hardly seen the light of day since I've been in Europe and when I heard my sweetheart's comforting voice broke down in tears as I plucked 'un-French' fries into my mouth and wiped drippy mascara with a golden arches napkin

...

I had finally broken down.

I know one day this will be a funny story... maybe even it's own National Lampoon's vacation story.

Which is why I'm so lucky to be in the perfect place for recovery...

 

 My bedroom view is beyond peaceful.

 with simple evenings in the garden

 & peaceful rivers.

Whenever I tell people I'm traveling alone, I get mixed responses of generally surprise, sometimes admiration, and other times pity. Sometimes it's frustrating that it just can't be seen as normal. What I thought was independent, others saw as brave or even weird. But I'm beginning to see after four weeks that things are better shared with others, which is why I'm grateful for the kind people I've encountered along the way, angry at those who've preyed on me and unfortunate a woman can't enjoy a simple dinner or photography outing without feeling uncomfortable, but thankful for the opportunity I've been given to experience everything, and now wise enough to appreciate what is in my own backyard.

Liya Kebede

For this absolutely stunning model's full portfolio visit: here.

Tuesday Accessory: Kate Bosworth Designs for JewelMint

Bullet Necklace

Charleston Earrings

Mint blossom Bracelet

Trinity Rings

Lunar Blue Necklace

Jackie O Earrings


Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter

Want to give your accessories collection a fresher taste? Need a mint? Two years ago, fashionista Kate Bosworth has teamed up with her personal stylist, Cher Coulter, to launch JewelMint, an online jewelry boutique with handmade pieces designed by them based on their own personal inspirations! Their pieces reflect timeless elegance while balancing modernity with chic and edgy twists at the same time. JewelMint has been a hit as its pieces have been making increasing appearances on television shows, features in magazines, and on celebrities as seen in their blog. Don't expect to splurge because each piece can be a part of your wardrobe for only $29.99, and every month, a new collection of jewelry is recommended to you by Kate, Cher, and the JewelMint team themselves. Especially in a time when the same trends are being produced everywhere, this site will definitely become a personal favorite knowing that these $30 designs cannot be found elsewhere when certain in-store cliche items can cost up to a hair-ripping 50!

Having been a JewelMint customer for over half a year now, every month I return to the site eagerly to see what new items Kate and Cher have instore for us. In the photos above, I have shared with you some of the pieces from my personal "Storeroom" that were recommended to me this month. More recommended pieces?

Rachel Earrings

Recently, Rachel Bilson has teamed up with JewelMint for a cause! For every purchase of a pair of Rachel Earrings, 50% of the proceeds will go to Invisible Children to help fight for peace in Uganda. Although the last time I checked, these amethyst delicacies were out of stock (sadly), Kate and Cher continue to support other celebrity activists and their charities. You can support DoSomething.org with Jared Eng from Just Jared by purchasing these earrings which are still in stock! Join the club and give back with JewelMint!
Brixton Earrings

-Stephanie

TREND Editor