Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Rockin it with Style....

While it's highly unlikely Eric Ginsberg ever sat down with his band the New Originals one night and devised an on-stage uniform of loin cloths and hairnets, the idea of aesthetic unity has never been short of desirable. Much to his disdain, each member of the band has shot it down without so much as an afterthought.
“I'd really love to get back to the Beatles' idea of everybody wearing this kind of uniform look” says the 26-year-old singer/songwriter from the Jersey Shore, “but I just can't talk my band into it.”
The Beatles, easily the root of motivation for thousands, if not millions of bands across the globe, went through their share of phases. While something as eccentric as the Sergeant Pepper's look would certainly catch the eye, Ginsberg has an earlier sense of style in mind.
“I'm talking about the Ed Sullivan look” he boldly states. “Matching suits with no collars; the idea of the whole band dressing nice and just matching.”
Unable to talk his band into a uniformed look, Ginsberg has opted to diversify his own collection via the closet collections of friends and family. Dubbed as “retro chic”, the frontman is very meticulous about his stagewear of vintage clothing. And he's not afraid of taking a few chances.
“I find that when I take a risk I often get a few compliments out of it” Ginsberg says, stifling a chuckle.
Ginsberg, who says anyone not finding inspiration from the Beatles is lying to you, is clearly one of the most honest musicians around. His music blends an upbeat vibe with catchy hooks for a combination more lethal than letting an alcoholic loose in an open bar.
And yet lyrically Ginsberg takes inspiration from life experiences, more often than not focused around the opposite sex. On his 2003 release I'm Glad I'm Not As Good As You, Ginsberg released a song titled “Painfully Attractive.” This, of course, has it's story.
“I was working at a record store on Long Island and there was this cute girl named Tara” Ginsberg says, as I picture the thought bubble slowly forming above his head. “It was difficult to just work around her at the time, but right now I can't even remember her last name. I couldn't even track her down if I wanted to.”
Needless to say, my image of the bubble burst immediately, replaced instead by the sounds of our unified laughter.
Does this make Eric Ginsberg a hopeless romantic?
“Sure” he said with a laugh. “You can print that.”
As Eric Ginsberg and the New Originals head back into the studio to work on a new album, the man at the mic may routinely find his ideas of stylistic unity kicked to the wayside with a collective thumbs down. In any case, Ginsberg will continue to pursue his music career with an individual drive for success and a sense of style.

- Frank Della Femina
Music/Fashion Reporter

Monday, April 28, 2008

Is My Tie Conservative Enough? A look into Politics and Fashion

Does fashion matter in politics? Yes it does. Should it matter? Well, let’s see.....If you are involved with politics, not only does your policy have to have an appeal, but so does your appearance. While I strongly believe that a politician’s attire has nothing to do with his stance on the issues, the public seems to focus on their attire.

For men, the basic attire is a dark suit, white shirt and a solid or striped tie. However, I like to do various styles....especially ones of the independent level. For example, if and when male politicians were to wear polka-dot ties, I am pretty confident that it will be a huge appeal to women voters. However, there is nothing wrong with the usual....such as the old fashioned and never out of style pinstripes. I cannot describe in words how big of an affect pinstripes has on people. A three-piece pinstripe suit is very spicy and yet conservative. Personally, I would sport a pinstripe suit with a polka-dot tie so that attention is brought to the suit, the tie, and the appeal of the person. It has a sophisticated, eloquent, classy and conservative touch.

In politics, you can look conservative, but classy as well. Brooks Brothers, Joseph A. Banks, Stafford and Ralph Lauren are some of the basic conservative attire worn by public officials. This is indeed a good choice of clothing, and I not only approve it...but also wear it myself....with a little spice at times too. To do this: Express, Banana Republic and Gap are my favorites. Their pattern of shirts and ties are somewhat similar to Brook Brothers and Stafford, but with a little bit more of a classy appeal.

Then there is the accessories. Suspenders for example, although viewed as an elderly man look in some circles, has become very popular in this modern era. Not only do young men wear them, but it is becoming popular among young women as well.

As a member of the political arena: I have taken this all to heart but still do a little mix of everything to bring out my personal fashion appeal. For example: striped shirt with a polka dot tie is conservative and stylish at the same time. Dressy plaid pants are a favorite of mine because it brings attention to you and it stands out and people like things that are different.

There has been an absolute narrowing of fashion in the political world, even certain ties have specific relevance in politics. For example, if I was giving a State of the Union address, I’ll sport a black suit, white wide-collar shirt, and a blue tie to symbolize unity, compassion and the strength of the nation. If I am giving a War on Terror speech, I would wear a red tie to symbolize power, authority, and boldness. A gold tie with a blue shirt symbolizes confidence and optimism. This would be appropriate for a politician accepting the nomination for their party. They have to be hopeful and confident not only for their party, but for the nation as well. Hence, it just goes to show you yet again that style even in the most subtle forms can speak volumes.

However, Many politicians may worry that some colors or styles may be too bold or too loud. I would like to argue that sometimes it is good to take a risk because it will appeal to the younger and more modern generation. I like the striped ties and solid ties, but taking a risk is more acceptable. Suspenders, polka dot ties, plaid pants are not expected in politics. Therefore, if you bring about change in fashion, it is quite possible that more and more people would be attracted to the politician, as well as to politics.


-Demetrius Minor
Social Fashion Writer

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Season of the Shoulder

One of my favorite episodes of Will and Grace is when the rich addict Karen convinced an arch nemesis to have plastic surgery to expand the broadness of her shoulders. Lately, looking at the photos of so many celebrities walking out in the shorter dresses which the spring has allowed them to wear comfortably, I believe that it may be, as Jack stated, “The Year of the Shoulder”...or at least the season of it. For not only has colors brighter than ever have been placed by stylists on our favorite special people...but they have also been showing below their neck and beyond more and more this season.

Many women sadly have seen off the shoulder dresses as being boxy; I have seen myself agreeing with them in the past. However, while realizing off the shoulder is a trend, they are also bringing cinching and other tightening aspects to the dresses. For example, Ginnifer Goodwin wore a Yves Saint Laurent dress at an event for the designer which not only tightened at the waist with a black bow like wrap belt which separated a smooth skirt and a beaded top.

This dress actually rises yet another fabulous constant of this new trend: highly embellished tops. While some believe this addition somehow assists the lack of fabric which the shoulder showing dresses present, I believe that that it gives the dress more independence which the lack of fabric introduces in the first place.

Take for instance Rink Kikuchi's YSL dress which she too wore to the designer event. While still having the bright color style staple, the top presents a strong yet feminine embellishment. Both these dresses made such an impact, that Style.com recently used them to find their “Look of the Day”. So show those shoulders ladies....and don't worry about it being the only aspect of your dress, your favorite designers will assure that will not be the case.

Stay Fabulous!
Heather Bachman
Editor-In-Chief

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Here's to a great event

Last night, our magazine was a part of a great event at the amazing Grand in NYC!!! This is going to be one of many events for this upcoming magazine...So Stay Tuned!!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Seven for the Season

Storage time for our favorite winter coats...for we are getting all the signs that the freeze we were once in is finally drawing to a close. The weather is warming, the birds are returning and...was that a swimsuit commercial I just saw on television? Spring is coming through the door.
In order to assist in your preparation, here are the Top Seven (as in days of the week that you will be enjoying these) Trends for spring of 2008:
7. Rollable/Foldable Purses
Let's face it, the small purses we buy are cute and go with outfits but what else can you fit into them other than at times just a lipstick. In the words of Sarah Jessica Parker's infamous character, many of us don't wake up looking the way we do outside our door..we need things. Thankfully, our lovely designers have heard our cries just in time for the spring functions...foldable and rollable clutches and bags.While still having all the room which say the busy fashionistas we are require, lines have used fabulous fabric that still is durable and able to be manipulated without issue. The results have been so amazing....even when there is still that worry that the folds will keep and ruin the product. The Fave for this item: Nine West.
6. The Gloves are off but the Hats are on!
Many of you can recall those old movies where the strong women wore hats that either perfectly matched or companioned their ensembles. Who can ever forget the hats of My Fair Lady or Casablanca? Well, they have returned with a vengance. True, they are not as large, extravegant or eye catching, but they have their moments. So get out there and cover those heads with some fashion!
5. The Glasses!
Small, big, Jackie O, John Lennon and wild...these are just some of the words that are attached to those amazing shades that not only protect our eyes, but sometimes protect the outfit from falling apart. Further, While once upon a time one was good enough...multiple ownership is more likely than anything these days getting to the point of being near the reality of needing multiple pairs of shoes. So get as many as your hands can carry...a tip for this is to find the right shape for your face and get every color in that style. The Fave for this item: Isn't it obvious? The Great Michael Kors.
4. The Shirt Dress
An oldie but a goodie, not only are these returning with a vengance but with more exuberant and outstanding designs. Who knew things such as circles and swirls could look so yummy on you? Not only are the colors amazing but the fabric is always breatheable yet can move with you like butter. The Favorite for this is of course the Great DVF. The woman who has continued to make this dress more and more in is still the leader of this trend...
3. Those heels look more dressed up than you do.
Dangles, gemstones and stitching oh my! The backside of our heels are starting to compete with our total outfits and we are loving every minute of it! Further, more designers seem to putting less in the front and putting it in the back, and it's about time...we girls love to leave with a great note...and the back of these heels is the greatest pitch we could have ever asked for.
2. Transparency.....
Seductive and sexy while still being a bit mysterious, Spring Fashion Week was overwhelmed with transparent clothing that not only left many jaws on the floor but has arrived on our Need it in your closet list..Because although you always want to have the people you leave (especially of the opposite gender) wanting more, you always want to show a bit too.
Bright colors
Orange, yellow and even blue are coming so bright that you may need number 5 just to see them. This just goes to show you the boldness of women that continually comes out, not only in our clothes but also in ourselves....

Welcome To Hetty!

Welcome one and all to Hetty: The Fashion Magazine. I know for a fact that this ride we are embarking together is going to be fabulous beyond any possible imagination. In this magazine, you will see a rebirth of what fashion really stands for...Art you live your life in. As they say in Devil Wears Prada retail is not only a factor of the business world, but also what society as a whole presents itself.
As Editor-In-Chief, I take full heart into the passion which as given this venture life and will continue to support it. Until we can grow enough, the magazine will not be in your hands but will be growing before your eyes from this small blog to a website and beyond. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being a part of this ride and I pray that it is as enjoyed and inspiring to you as it will be for me.
Welcome to Hetty!