It's glove at first sight as the quintessential ladylike fashion statement returns.
We gotta hand it to her. When George Clooney’s bride Amal showed up to this year’s Golden Globes wearing a black gown and white opera gloves a la Hepburn, the fashion world gasped. Would this formal throwback style be embraced or panned? Some critics loved the classic look. Others argued it was slightly uptight. To make the situation even more interesting, we later found out Amal had sewn the gloves herself, just hours before the awards show, prompting DIY fans to start pinning like crazy.
Whether or not we think gloves and the Golden Globes go hand-in-hand, one thing’s certain: This past year, the retro, ladylike accessory is enjoying a strong revival. Many of the models coming down the fall runways seemed to have been plucked from the pages of a 1960 Vogue or the set of Mad Men’s first season. There were elongated opera gloves, the quintessential evening statement that would look regal at a holiday gala—or, of course, a Puccini premiere. There were mid-length looks, often lavishly ornamented, that would grab attention at your next ladies-who-lunch lunch or work dinner. And there were shorter daytime gloves, often with sporty details such as fringe, appliqués and buttons, suitable for everything from date nights to weekend outings. Even mitts—those fuzzy little blankets for one’s arms—made a cozy appearance in some collections.
So, this winter, don’t keep these babies at arm’s length. Embrace this trend and you’ll shine at your next holiday party—or breakfast in front of Tiffany’s window.
From left: Current runway looks from Prada, Balenciaga, Boss and Tracy Reese
The Upper Hand: Dolce & Gabbana’s bejeweled, appliquéd offerings.
Up in Arms: At New York Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs opted for leather mid-length gloves.
Give the Girl a Hand: Amal Clooney accessorized a black gown with DIY white gloves—and, of course, George.
Glove Child: Oscar de la Renta sent a model down the runway in pink opera gloves and a chartreuse skirt.
The crisp autumn air and frosty mornings are warning us of the long winter that lies ahead. As much as we might like to hibernate the way some animals do, a better way to endure the cold is to snuggle up next to a roaring fire with a good book and some tea, wine or whatever else warms our cockles. Here, 10 amazing reads to help get you through the chilly months.
1. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. Reminiscent of Gone Girl but written with a decidedly more poetic hand, this jigsaw puzzle of a story forces you think beyond the stereotypes we associate with the institution of marriage. The main characters are Lotto and Mathilde, a husband and wife who meet in college, endure lean times as Lotto fails at his acting career, then rocket to fame and fortune when he becomes a successful playwright. The first section of the book is told by Lotto, while Mathilde covers the second part to fill in any gaps and completely change the reader’s perspective of what seemingly occurred in the first half. The question is, which character believes in fate and who cannot contain his or her fury?
2. The Coincidence Of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert. If you are looking for a romantic read, then dive into this delectable book about a girl, Lou, who struggles with her personal and professional life as a chef and owner of a French restaurant in Milwaukee, WI. On one of her most challenging days, a British food critic dines at her establishment and writes a scathing review leaving her wondering when her bistro will close and offering him a chance at becoming more well known. One things leads to another in this story and an unexpected romance develops. Only time will tell if their relationship will remain strong when they both discover the truth about each other.
3. Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan. This true story, which is currently being translated into a film starring Chloe Grace Moretz, will leave you with chills and have you questioning your own brain and the way it works. The author had a dream job writing for the New York Post when she was suddenly overcome by a mental illness that sends her life spiraling out of control—and has doctors scratching their heads. The book covers the very long month during which Susannah suffered this terrifying ordeal. Our advice: Read the book before you see the movie.
4. The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens. Wolf is a teen that plans to kill himself in the mountains, but when he meets three women—a widower, a triathlete and a rebellious teen—his plans change as he tries to help them through the dangerous terrain and make it back down alive. The characters must dig deep for mental strength and physical endurance as the days pass and the conditions worsen. This story, told as a flashback to Wolf’s son, has a surprise ending.
5. Slade House by David Mitchell. Set in a British town, this story is about a house that holds a deep secret that would alarm the locals if they were aware of it. Every nine years, the residents (a brother and sister) extend an invitation to a person who is lonely, depressed or withdrawn from society. At first, their guest doesn’t want to leave, but by the time they discover what really goes on in this house, it’s too late. This story, which spans 30 years, offers a fresh twist on the haunted house horror story.
6. The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirahk. This book became so popular in Estonia that it was turned it into a board game. Now, translated into English, the novel sweeps us into a story about a boy named Leemet who lives in a primitive village and is the last to speak the native language, Snakish, which allows him to control woodland creatures. A fantasy fable that has bears, frogs and a louse, this tale will take you to a place you could never imagine on your own. The author also describes a 13th-century Estonia so well that readers will want to visit this country for themselves.
7. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. From the author of The Devil In The White City, Erik Larson’s new historical nonfiction concerns itself with the sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania, which in 1915 was hit by a German torpedo between England and Ireland, resulting in the death of 1,198 passengers and crew. Larson has a knack for intertwining characters and telling a story from different perspectives, and his latest endeavor is a suspenseful and engaging read. Readers will particularly enjoy discovering little-known details of the incident that are both riveting and revealing.
8. The Heart You Carry Home by Jennifer Miller. Becca’s father, King, is a Vietnam vet who has struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), leaving her and her mother to live without his presence most of the time. Now, Becca is engaged to a soldier just returning from his second tour, and her mother tries to prevent her from making the same mistake she did. When her fiancé turns violent, Becca runs to her father for advice. Although some parts of the story seem far-fetched, the book takes you on an unexpected journey into the minds of those suffering from PTSD and sheds light on a topic that is rarely addressed.
9. All The Houses by Karen Olsson. Helen Atherton is living in L.A. and not having much success as a screenplay writer. After her father suffers a heart attack, she returns to Washington, D.C., to take care of him. While she is home, she uncovers things about her father’s past in politics, specifically how he was involved in the Iran-Contra Affair—and how that entanglement led to her parents’ divorce. This book is a great examination of the relationship between father and daughter, as well as internal family issues among siblings.
10. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. This is the story of two sisters living in France during WWII. Vianne, the eldest, watches as her husband leaves to fight at the Front. She must take care of their son and make some unimaginable choices as enemies invade their town and her home. The younger sister, Isabelle, falls in love with a man who wants to fight the Germans within France. After he betrays her, Isabelle joins the rebellion and learns the consequences and realities of war.
The word “superfood” has become one of the most overused words in our culinary vocabulary. We’ve all read about the enormous health benefits that nutrient-packed goodies such as avocados, fish oil, flaxseed, acai berries and coconut oil can provide. But the truth is, there are many more powerhouse foods out there waiting to boost your health while adding flavor and variety to meals. Here are 10 superfoods you may not yet have heard of, but should definitely get to know.
1. Spirulina. A member of the algae family and one of the hottest superfoods, spirulina is harvested from both the ocean and fresh water and is available in flake, tablet or powder form. Not only does spirulina contain the most concentrated source of protein known to man, but it also supplies a wide range of photonutrients, vitamins and trace minerals. It may help fight cell-damaging free radicals, curb hunger and increase stamina, as well as aid digestion by suppressing the overgrowth of bad bacteria. How to consume this deep green stuff? Just blend it into your favorite smoothie or salad dressing and reap the benefits.
2. Dulse. An edible seaweed whose name rhymes with “pulse,” this superfood provides a wealth of protein and fiber and is rich in vitamins, trace minerals, healthy fatty acids and antioxidants. Resembling a leafy red lettuce, dulse grows wild on the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts and is most readily available in dried leaves or flakes. With a slightly spicy, salty flavor, pulse leaves can be crumbled into soups, stews and casseroles, while the flakes may be sprinkled onto a variety of foods as a nutritious condiment.
3. Nutritional Yeast. Affectionately called “notch” by vegans and others in the know, this gluten-free superfood is now being discovered by the rest of us. This inactive yeast is grown on a food source—some brands use sugar cane or beet molasses—then harvested, heated, dried and crumbled into flakes or powder. Found in the bulk or supplement section of most health food stores, nutritional yeast is chock full of B-vitamins and folic acid, and has a mild, nutty-cheesy flavor that makes it a great substitute for cheese in recipes. It can also be sprinkled over popcorn or salads, added to juice, cereal, smoothies, gravies, soups or casseroles, or used to make sandwich spreads.
4. Bee Pollen. One of the richest sources of complete protein in nature, bee pollen has been consumed by the Chinese for centuries. Packed with all the B vitamins (except B12), vitamins C and E, potent antioxidants and essential amino acids, it’s said to provide stress relief, improve digestion and stamina, and balance hormones while cleansing toxins from the body. Some claim bee pollen also fights acne and depression, and enhances fertility and libido. Always buy organic pollen from an environmentally healthy region and an ethical beekeeper. Start with a quarter-teaspoon a day, and avoid if you have a pollen or bee allergy.
5. Chlorella. One of the few edible species of water-grown algae, chlorella is a great source of protein and contains all the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, amino acids, magnesium, iron, trace minerals and a unique set of phytonutrients. One of this superfood’s greatest health benefits is its ability to cleanse and alkalize the body, reducing inflammation and making it more difficult for diseases to thrive. Chlorella has also been used to relieve pain, reduce hypertension and enhance the immune system. Available in pill, powder or liquid form, chlorella may be added to smoothies and other recipes, or eaten (in pill form) as an on-the-go, high-protein snack.
6. Oat Groats. The most natural, unprocessed form of oats, oat groats are another high-nutrient plant food that packs a full spectrum of nutrition, including vitamin E, the B vitamins and minerals. Oat groats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, making them quite filling, and don’t spike your blood sugar the way refined carbohydrates and sugars do. They’ve also been found to benefit heart health, lower blood pressure and possibly help prevent diabetes as part of a high whole-grain diet. If you can’t find them in your local store, a good substitute is steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, which are the groats cut into pieces with a steel cutter.
7. Hemp Seeds. This super seed possesses one of nature’s most concentrated plant sources of essential fatty acids (even greater than the mighty flaxseed) and supplies a rich source of easily assimilated amino. It’s loaded with phytonutrients to nourish healthy blood, tissues, cells and organs and provides a rich array of protein and minerals, including zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron. Hemp seeds may help you support a healthy metabolism and fat-burning functions and reduce inflammation. Because they don’t contain phytic acid, they won’t cause bloating when ground into smoothies, sprinkled on salads, or incorporated into other recipes.
8. Raw Organic Honey. More opaque and dense—and significantly healthier—than the processed variety that often comes in a cute teddy bear jar, raw honey boasts antibacterial properties that make it an effective topical remedy for sore throats, burns and other wounds. Containing both hydrogen peroxide and phenolic acids, this unpasteurized version is a natural infection-fighter and antioxidant that, when taken orally, may also increase immunity and fight the buildup of “bad” cholesterol. Because it still contains pollen, raw honey also been used to prevent allergy flare-ups. Note that honey should never be given to children under age 2, and that you should consult your doctor before using it to treat allergies or infection. And always purchase an organic variety from a local, ethical beekeeper.
9. Turmeric. Best known as one of the ingredients in curry, turmeric has a warm, peppery flavor and a deep yellow-orange color. Traditionally called “Indian saffron,” this spice comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Touted for its anti-inflammatory and possible cancer-preventing properties, turmeric tastes delicious added to many different recipes, including sautéed apples, steamed cauliflower or green beans and onions. Or, add some turmeric and dried onion to creamy yogurt for a flavor-rich, low-calorie dip.
10. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Long used as a natural health remedy, raw apple cider vinegar is a strong digestive aid that has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and helps promote the growth of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria in your system. This unique vinegar contains potassium and other trace minerals and elements, and has been used for centuries as a natural health tonic and weight-loss aid. Select a version that’s labeled “raw” and “unfiltered” and include in salad dressings, use instead of cooking wine to brighten dishes, or dilute 1 tablespoon in a glass of water to drink before meals.
It's classic, versatile and goes with almost everything in your closet.
The white shirt has been a mainstay in women’s wardrobes for decades. From 1070s-inspired menswear versions to frilly, neo-Victorian styles, over the years this classic has topped everything from boyfriend jeans to ballgown skirts. And this season, the style makes its biggest comeback ever.
“I love white shirts because they feel like a security blanket,” designer Carolina Herrera told Vogue a few years ago. “You can wear the white shirt with anything—the most important thing is the fit. If it fits well, and you like the way it looks, you can accessorise it with diamonds or with nothing. It’s up to you.” Herrera has been churning out her signature white shirts since 1981 and said she isn’t stopping anytime soon.
While the white shirt never truly goes out of fashion, occasionally it makes a notable splash on the runways. This season, designers like Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors sent models down the catwalk in many different interpretations, employing sheer fabrics, lace and other frilly details to punch up the pure hue. So whether you prefer a classic tailored style with a menswear-inspired collar (a la Carolina Herrera) or a ruffled-collar, puffy-sleeve silhouette that would make Queen Victoria (or the cast of Seinfeld) proud, there’s a white shirt for you right now.
How to wear it? Accessorize it with a lady tie for a chic daytime look, pair it with a textured skirt and embellished cropped jacket for a holiday party, or wear it casually over your favorite worn-in jeans for running around town. But remember: When it comes to the LWS (little white shirt), rules are there are no rules.
To see how some of our blogger friends are wearing the look, and to find out where to buy the perfect white shirt, check out Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page.
The Great White Way: White-hot fall 2015 runway looks from (left to right) Carven, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Rodarte, Tory Burch.
Wrap a loose “lady tie” around your white shirt for a classic look. Photo courtesy of LesMechantes.com.
Jerry Seinfeld immortalized the Puffy Shirt. PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC.
Designer Carolina Herrera believes a crisp white shirt should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
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