STUIDO TOUR: NATALIA ALLEN'S 3D PRINTED CLOTHING

For such a young woman, Natalia Allen has a very impressive track record. She graduated Parsons in 2004 as Designer of the Year (a title shared with Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford). She then became a recognized Young Global Leader under the World Economic Forum, giving speeches across the globe with a focus on making fashion better. So, it came as no surprise when she upped the ante to combine her commitment to sustainability and design, with her technologically advanced geeky side to create a label of 3D printed clothing made by robots. Totally awesome, I know. 

I stopped by her midtown studio in New York City to check out these 3D pieces and was amazed by their quality, subtle yet significant design details, and the thoughtfulness behind what Natalia has set out to do. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN LABEL?

While designing for multi-national fashion companies I was exposed to – exploitative labor practices, the excessive waste of materials and natural resources and the widespread use of toxic chemicals. With all of the emerging technologies in fashion I thought there had to be a better way. After significant research, I spent several months in factories learning about advancements in apparel manufacturing. With the freedom to choose how my garments are made I designed beautiful minimalist clothing in the USA, using robots that conserve energy and textiles.

HOW DID YOU COME INTO THE 3D PRINTING MODEL OF PRODUCTION? WHERE DO YOU THINK WE ARE HEADED IN THAT SPACE?

I view technology as a tool. When applied intelligently it can help designers to solve problems or unlock creative potential. I think we will continue to see fashion companies adopt new technologies such as 3-d printing. The advancements will compliment, rather than eliminate, traditional and artisanal practices.

WHAT DO YOU WISH TO COMMUNICATE MOST WITH YOUR CLOTHES?

Aesthetically? Primarily the pleasure and power of thoughtful simplicity.

ASIDE FROM THE WORK THAT YOU DO, WHAT DO YOU VALUE IN YOUR LIFE?

Relationships, learning and play.

WHAT ARE YOU READING OR LISTENING TO NOW? 

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull, computer scientist and President of Pixar.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

I'm inspired when observing how cultures dress, live and eat. Also when I’m in the water; swimming, surfing or sailing.

TOKYO: BROWN RICE CAFE

On my last day in Tokyo, the sun finally came out and the rain gave us a much needed break. Though sunny and slightly warmer, the wind was out in full force. I was just so grateful for a nice enough day to wonder and walk the city, that I didn't mind the wind. So, I set out and met up with a new friend who has lived in Tokyo for a long time and writes a lovely blog with a Tokyo focus called Abi Loves. Abi has an amazing international background (she grew up in Switzerland, lived in Paris for a number of years, and now resides in Tokyo), and so her taste is wonderfully diverse and always right on target. She suggested we meet for lunch at Brown Rice Cafe, which is a cafe associated with the Neal's Yard Remedies in Omotesando. Their menu is simple, healthy, and tasty! I had a steamed vegetable bowl with miso soup, Japanese pickled veggies, and of course, brown rice. 

leather jacket, The Sway, NYC, #upcycled #fair

bag, Goyard, #fair

shoes, Manebi, #fair #naturalfibers

(photo credit: Micah Spear)

Packing for Paris- Beauty Essentials

You know what they say, 'Paris is always a good idea.' And I couldn't agree more. Next month, I will be traveling to The City of Light, and will have all my beauty and travel essentials in tow. Before I visit a city, I like to scope out the scene online and try to get a sense for the style and attitude of the place. That way I will know what to bring! In packing for Paris, it is all about being classic and understatedly cool. A few choice pieces that are likely designer and of top quality fit the bill for fashion. On the beauty front, a Parisian woman is a timeless beauty who religiously uses her favorite products and a touch of makeup to perfect her look. They've got the 'no makeup makeup' look down! So, with a Carlo Ronchi toiletry bag from Manifatto, I've rounded up the beauty essentials perfect for Paris. I was thrilled to partner up with Manifatto for this post. They are a new online webshop curating the best in quality made goods that are classic and built to last from some of Europe's best manufacturers and designers. #ethical #fair #quality #local

Watch the video below to see what I'm packing, and you can shop the links a bit further down if you see anything you need for an upcoming trip. xx

Margaret & Argos

This past week we had two sets of house guests... friends in from California and a lovable pooch who we will be dog sitting for a month or so. I could not resist putting them together for a little impromptu shoot! Plus, Heucy (a designed and made in NYC brand) sent over some super cute pieces from their new collection that I was dying to style. Margaret wore their 'Problem Solver Dress' and we paired it with her Hunter boots, over the knee socks, a navaho print scarf, her fur-rimmed parka, and a classic hat from Rag & Bone. 

Margaret is one of those 'model- not-models.' Meaning, she is incredibly photogenic and looks amazing in everything. A beauty lover who has worked in the industry for a decade, and was based in Tokyo for nearly as long, Margaret has recently returned to the States and is settling into West Coast living and style. This look perfectly captured the cool cali girl vibe, and we both were gushing over the soft and very wearable dress from Heucy. Long sleeves, with a drop waist in a modal blend and with pockets! I can see a dress like this being thrown into a suitcase for just about anywhere... New York, LA, Paris... Tahoe! 

Many thanks to Margaret and Argos for being such stellar models! Also- thanks to Heucy for introducing your brand to us and sponsoring this post. xx

Simple Saturday Night Makeup Routine

Working for myself and running a startup, I sometimes forget what day it is and all of a sudden I realize it's Saturday night and I've got a date! Always in a time crunch, I found a simple beauty routine to amp up my look without needing to be too precise or heavy handed. Ever find yourself in this hurry-up-and-get-ready pinch? Try these super easy steps to create a sultry Saturday night look!

Here's what you you'll need:

+ tinted moisturizer

+ a neutral brown eye shadow (and an eye shadow brush)

+ a darkish brown brow pencil (adjust the color to your skin and coloring)

+ mascara

+ a red lip color that you love!

1. Apply your tinted moisturizer to a clean and hydrated face. I prepped my skin with Love Springs Eternal serum from One Love Organics. Try Josie Maran's Argan Tinted Moisturizer with an SPF to even skin tone while offering protection. 

2. Using an eyeshadow brush, brush on a couple layers of a neutral brown color to your lid, moving up and out toward the crease and outer corner of the eye. I used Mauna Loa from Alima Pure, $12.50.

3. Take an eyebrow pencil and fill in your brows slightly to add a touch more framing to your eyes (you can check out our How to Get Full Browns video tutorial here). Then take the same pencil and line 3/4 of the outside bottom of your lid using a bit more product on the outer corner. I used, Eyebrow Pencil 02 from Logona, $19. 

4. Then, dip your eye shadow brush back into the brown shadow and use it underneath the eye to blend the pencil into your lower lash line. Create a smudged imperfect look.

5. Gently apply a coat of mascara. Try to keep the application light so your lashes look natural. I used Dr. Hauschka's Black Mascara, $34. 

6. Dab a touch of the red lipstick onto your finger tips and rub gently into the apples of your cheeks, pressing outward and upward as you move from the center of your face toward your ear on each side.

7. Apply the red lipstick you love. Blot. Smile. I used Strike It Up from Ilia (compliments of Eco Diva- thanks so much!), and found that if I wanted to tone it down, I could wipe the lipstick away with a tissue and then add a gloss overtop. It was the perfect amount of color and shine for a daytime version of this look.

8. Add a simple, yet stunning necklace like this Keeper Quartz Necklace from Beryllina (which I selected from the OrangeHarp eco fashion app, $79), and you are ready for a dressed up dinner with someone special.