55 Secret Street

You Want This: BUILT + Alexander Girard Shoulder Bag

I can't tell you how much I love this bag. I am a true bag lady, carrying my life with me everyday, and I have been able to fit so much into this soft, sturdy tote without killing my shoulders. Books for class, makeup, my umbrella, flat shoes.

I had heard of Built, but after being introduced to it in person at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory during New York Fashion Week last month, I have been carrying it just about every day. Thankfully, the artful design by Alexander Girard cuts down on the schlep factor considerably, no matter what I am wearing. 

I wish I could throw it in the washing machine, but the directions say hand wash, and I will follow because I want to keep this bag forever. And get a few more. 

BUILT shoulder bag by Alexander Girard, $69.

55 Q&A: Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi

 

I shot this video with Robert Verdi last February at his Luxe Laboratory during New York Fashion Week.  However, thanks to technology issues, I nearly lost it!  Now, with NYFW starting again, I thought it would be a good time to finally share it.  In the video, Robert talks about what it means to be at the top of your game, dressing  celebrities for the red carpet (his clients include Eva Longoria Parker, Kathy Griffin and Ana Ortiz) and getting a (personal) life.

Ginger + Liz at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory

 

Every season during New York Fashion Week, Robert Verdi (currently the star of The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi!) hosts a fabulous retreat for editors, bloggers and other fashion-types to relax between shows at his gorgeous event space, Luxe Laboratory. 

There is always a manicure station and this season, I was excited to learn about Ginger + Liz Colour Collection, a fantastic line of nail colors with unforgettable names like "Put a Ring On It" and "Hold the Drama."  It was also nice to meet Ginger and Liz (above) and have a little chat with them about their new line.

Miss J with his multi-colored mani.  Each color was selected to match each stone on his ring:)

Harriette Cole of Ebony magazine gets a manicure with a fabulous grey shade that was eventually named, "Can You Keep a Secret?"

My manicure ("Trance" and a dash of "Swagger") holding up well a few days later as I hold a yet unnamed MAC lipstick backstage at Carmen Marc Valvo.