CLIP OF THE DAY: When we love something...

Today this quote got my attention:

When we love something, emotion often drives our actions.

This is the gift and the challenge entrepreneurs face every day.

The companies we dream of and build from scratch are part of us and intensely personal. They are our families. Our lives.

Work should be personal. For all of us. Work should have meaning, not just for the entrepreneur.

Haward Schultz - Starbucks President.

CLIPPING 3 tips:

-TOMOE - 172 Thompson Street, New York - by far the best sushi I have ever had.

-H&M  - and their new winter hats collection - @ines4connect instagram pic above.

-ONWARD - Starbucks book, NY Times bestseller, my latest reading.....insightful & greatly inspiring.

CLIP OF THE DAY: She is back.

Morning Clippers -- Quick inside scoop today: Globetrotter fashionista sweetheart, Tatiana Santodomingo is back with The Muzungu Sisters latest collection from all the hip corners of the world and I cannot wait to check it out. If you are in London make your way to BLAKES HOTEL, today from 12-9pm, 33 Roland Gardens. From home Marrocan furnishings, to tribal handbags from Peru, balinese sarongs and unique handcrafted pieces....all ethically produced, preserving the (almost lost) work of talented artisans. Their moto; our devotion. xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Coolio.

Question?

Great.....being a nomad myself this year - you can only imagine how look it me to answer this one when I got it on my email...(I sincerely hope you have yours by now)....but regardless of your pick, there is no doubt that this is simply (and like the name says it) a COOL project. I have been holding on to this CLIP as when I was invited as  this was "on process"....but now I'm happy to annouce them! (Special thanks to CONNECT beau Julio SantoDomingo). With a mission to know what goes on behind our wardrobe close doors - (this is the reason why they ask so many questions before taking you in)  the newest online fashion project is determined to put an end to expressions like: " I don't have anything to wear", "I don't have space on my closet", "Can't bloody find  anything" "Where am I suppost to put these" ...bla bla bla or even better "I don't have money to buy desinger clothes"  - well guys look into a new (a much desired) world of pure silence from your girlfriends and ladies say hello to The Cools - A private network where you can manage your clothers, sell them, exhange, and buy from all the fashionistas out there, in a second, free of charge, directly from the owners. Yup, its for things like that that the word cool was invented on the first place....Thank the Lord....xx I.

CLIP OF THE WEEK: Hit the road Jack.

 

 

As Europe and New York counts down for spring to officially kick in, Lisbon and Barcelona already show summer temperatures but its THE British reference of traditional sporting heritage that seems to be heating the paveways stronger than ever. Yup, Fred Perry shoes are back boys. The rich cotton twill shoes with the signature striped grosgrain trim on the back and rubber sole make seem to be matching up with hip shorts big time. If you are thinking: unpretentiously wear and classic basics, than you might have found just what you need to get by through this season....

CLIP-IT: Fred Perry's new kids line and "My first Fred Perry T-shirt" campaign. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Art makes fashion

From Zac Posen to Ascher's Artist Squares, the artist-fashion collaborations have become the latest trend and they just keep coming, so I say make more room...Who is Clippin'? Lola. She is a New Yorker, a painter, the daugther of one of the biggest figures in the '80s art world, painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel and the hottest artist turned into fashion designer. Whats the latest on Lola Montes Schnabel? Her third series of the Carte Blanche, her cooperation for Sportmax by MaxMara, more precisely watercolours on scarves, tops and bags, hand-decorated with natural pigments. So you are in the know, this is a very special capsule collection created by different contemporary artists that are bringing canvas inspirations to our wardrobes.(and we thank them)! Lola's mini collection, in a limited edition of 1.000, was presented at the  Milan Fashion week, just in time for summer: "Carte Blanche" for all the artsy clever cool shopping out there.... xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Open Closet.

Ok, how come didn't all these MILLIONS of fashion bloggers come up with this before...? A personal and private (turned into a rather and very public) view of the most fashionable closets in the world. Meet Erin Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark, the Toronto-based closet peepers behind the blog The Conveteur. Since they went live, this past fashion week, they have all of the sudden been the talk of the town and the inspirational fairy queens of this season. From fashion obsessives, to grand editors everyone wants a free pass entree into the closets of who sets the trends themselves. Yes, were are talking about Bulgari, Rachel Zoe and Gabrielle Coco Chanel...their houses, their secrets, one photo montage and small detail at a time...maybe it is really the case of being well CONNECTED to make obvious happen...

CLIP OF THE DAY: Trench coats are forever....

In 1880 Thomas Burberry, introduced the gabardine: a hardwearing, water-resistant yet breathable fabric, in which the yarn is waterproofed before weaving. Clever, practical, elegant and the world has never been the same...To me it still is the ultimate key piece on anyone's wardrobe, and for the ones who know me personally, its a no wonder that I'm (finally) Clipping about Britain's largest luxury fashion brand: Burberry today, for I have had the privilege of being part of their team in London. Three years ago my days were spent at the historical building: The Haymarket, the site of Burberry’s corporate headquarters, where my desk and memories still have the best of me every time I look at one of their brilliant billboard campaigns wherever I am around the world. With a historical turn over: an impressive 31 percent increase in half-year sales, sending the U.K. luxury brand's stock to an all-time on the London Stock Exchange, from 860 million pounds, or $1.37 billion in six months and a visionary creative director on board, I have nothing but gratitude for learning and having grown professionally surrounded by such outstanding moguls. A special thank you to Rafaela Feio for 'connecting' me, Cecile Robbe for guiding me and Nathalie Gallo for her everyday efforts on keeping our busy showroom the international success it has become. I treasure each and every single day of my experience with me. 

CONNECT has a bit of you in it... xx Ines 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Brazilian Bombshell

 

I guess its a no brainer that when it comes to bikinis as no one does it better than Brazilians...but it was definately a surprise when I was first introduced to Brigitte - think elegant chromatic combinations and classical hip printed patterns tailor cut. The brand launcehd in 2006 is the brainchild of my stylish friend and connect gal Fernanda Maia and 2012 seemes to be paying off all her talent and personality (reflected on her own line) as her swimwear collection has been featured  by pretty much all the Brazilian bombshells in every magazine cover this summer. I was lucky enough to get my own bespoke pair and so it seems, I'm not looking back...its Brigitte all the way on my closet from now own. Perfecto if you're looking for subtle  and  remarkable pieces made to fit, really. Thank you Fe, keep on the good work!

CLIP OF THE DAY: These boots are made for...

Thanks to Mr. Henry Norris, an American entrepreneur who landed in Scotland in 1856, today rainboots went from a functional pair to a fashionable statement. During World War I, his company was asked by the War Office to design a boot that was suitable for flooded trenches - And so it seems, Mr. Norris did his homework: in all a total of 1.185.036 pairs of "Hunters" were made. In 1955 The Original Green Wellington became the first orthopedic boot and the rest is history (literatelly). From World Wars, to simply gardening, or walking on muddy music festivals, from remote snow mountains to famous catwalks Britain's true sweetheart: the "wellies" (how they call them) are everywhere...including my wardrobe since my very first University rainny year in London: green, black, navy blue, yellow, red and counting...no its not about people, places or trends today, its about the moment. Because truly, only great ones shall endure. Clipping yours in or out of the closet any time soon? xxx

CLIP OF THE DAY: You've got talent.

As the new year starts showing its true colors so does new talent. Start Clipping in mind labels that are turning our fashion heads around with fresh inspiration for 2012. My January's first discovery: Marques Almeida, the Portuguese duo Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, Vogue's new it pair. After graduating with honours at Central Saint Martins they were hand selected by Fashion East's Lulu Kennedy and with a mission to "capture youth code". My new favorite: Huishan Zhang. Chinese globetrotter who moved from Qingdao to New Zeland, Paris, trained at Dior's haute couture atelier and now based in London he is Brown's wonder boy. Fast known for producing a couture collection influenced by Kimonos which can be folded into sophisticated dresses and I'm loving him for that. xx 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Al fresco.

The word is frescobol and the mode is fun for brazilian's beach basic; from Gisele Bündchen to Justin Timberlake, frescobol went from carioca sport to Hollywood hot (al fresco). Clip the world's coolest bat in hand when you're next heading to the seaside and Max & Harry's hip FB Collection before packing. My dear and talented longtime friend Harry Brantly (one of the co-founders of FB) shares the same passports, sun mania, and my passion for Rio and London. Together with his biz partner Max Leese, they have cleverly created "timeless style to the beach" bringing the best of both worlds. Fashionistas now call them the king's of frescobol style - For my part: I now, know no other accessory to match my bikinis but their (as hip as) linen towel collection. After taking 2 to Rio and Trancoso, I can officially say: I'm addicted to all of them! Thank you boys.   

Clip of the day: Back on Track

Happy 2012 Clippers! Thank you for all the emails, suggestions, press releases, images of your holiday spots, new finds and hot trends around the globe. Above all thank you for bearing with me and my (much anticipated) time off...Can't wait to start CLIPPING about it all. As you may have noticed, the lay out looks different, it wont be permanent but we are working on creating a formula for all of you to find your favorites faster, so expect more soon - Will keep you in the loop. Being back on track also means tracing down all my notes and all the tips from my latest trips as per promissed: What's new in Rio, the complete connect guide of Trancoso in Bahia, and what is going on in Sao Paulo now. 

First trend of the new year? Its my latest fashion crush this South American summer and it has a name: Shwood. Wooden sunglasses, handcrafted from Madrone trees, 100% UVB protected with vintage lenses imported from Italy. Ditto. 

Ahhhh... feels good to be back. xxx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Sister's Act

The word Muzungu means traveller in Swahili - but if you think about these two very special girls, "travelling" isn't something they do from time to time or on holidays - its who they are. If  you don't know them...well you should : Tatiana Santo Domingo and Dana Alikhani. Tatiana is my dear friend Julio's sister, from Brazilian-Colombian origin, born in New York and raised in Switzerland and Paris. Dania is Iranian, raised in Cyprus with a degree in social anthropology from SOAS in London and a Masters in Human rights from Columbia University in New York. Inspired by their own travels and (successful personal handpick of local souvenirs that they would bring to their family and friends) - that and an extremely sensible cultural awareness was reason enough for them to be determined to create an interactive portal that would bring together fair trade suppliers from all over the world ethically-sourced to all runway fashionistas out there. With a focus on "fine craftsmanship, natural materials and traditional techniques", now (and always) my Clip of the Day goes to Ethical fashion label Muzungu Sisters and my hats off to these two special Eco-fashion friendly Connect gals for their work enables communities to continue in their respective time-honoured traditions. 

I'm particularly in love with a pair of riding boots with Moroccan-inspired embroidery... Good thing they have now launched online - through the social shopping site Motilo. I guess you know what I'm doing in about 5mins...  I.  xxx

CLIP-IT: Muzungu Sisters just opened their first ever shop: a pop-up store at Momo in London - which was celebrated last month with a party (attended by their longtime friend Margherita Missoni amongst others). MSisters will be running until Christmas, so make sure to swing by Momo's café for the eco pop-up of the season alongside its North African menu. - at 25 Heddon St W1 London.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Think outside the box

True - not everybody's business are going well, (specially at this point) I do get it and despite being happy as a clam with Connect I read what's been going on in the world... but - if there is something I am a true believer and great admirer are people who "think outside the box" (that and the ones who "take their pleasures seriously") as you all know by now... Well on that note, say hello to Boxpark the world’s very first pop-up mall made completely from shipping containers. (How clever is that)? Located in London and in the heart of cool Shoreditch area (next to the underground station) the mini shopping centre just opened their multiple unpretentious, trendy and eco-friendly doors this week. Needless to say that this has been the buzz of the town for this Christmas shopping. If you are in London walk on the pedestrian-friendly box world, because they are packed with popular stores (think Lacoste, Puma, etc) - this time all compact (taking up only 1 to 3 containers) and complete with a mix of international fashion, arts and lifestyle ‘box shops’, galleries and cafes... Happy Shopping!

A special thanks to my lovely friend Kabir Chibber for keeping me in the loop! - K. is not only a Connect member but also an extremely talented writer for the New York Times, BBC and the senior editor of Port Magazine my latest CLIP obsession.  

CLIP OF THE DAY: I LOVE RIO

From pop phenomenon Justin Bieber to Coldplay beau Chris Martin everyone is loving Rio and they have THE t-shirt to prove it. The outstanding organisation Rio Eu Amo Eu Cuido has recently joined forces with all the main fashion brands from their beloved city and launched a limited apparel edition that is literately flying off the shelves of each of the participant shops as well as online. MAKE SURE TO GET YOURS ASAP! All the money will revert to this unique project which promotes good habits and civil awareness by sponsoring small gestures that are coming together to a larger scale helping maintain one of the world's most known and (indeed) loved cities.  A special thanks to my beloved long-time friend, Connect Ambassador and Rio eu Amo eu Cuido Co-founder - Eduardo Juacaba,  for keeping me in the loop and allowing me to "spread my love" for Rio with all of you.

CLIP-IT: below some of my personal favorite brands where you can buy your I love Rio T-shirt and other accessories:

-Lenny

-Cantao

-Farm

-NagNag

FYI - I'm buying mine NOW...

CLIP OF THE DAY: Old school is cool

Old school is cool and nerdy classroom look has never looked so fashionable and hot. What am I talking about? What everyone is wearing The Cambridge Satchel Company bags. The  made in UK traditional chestnut-coloured unisex leather satchels, have literately and unexpectedly taken the fashion world by storm.  According to British newspaper The Guardian, the small mother-and-daugther business, set up only in 2008 has gone from selling three schoolbags a week from their kitchen table to 1,500 a week, in a multitude of colours: "a turnover from £15,000 to £3.3m, and one that may reach £8m this year." I have my beautiful trendhunter stepmother to thank for as she was the very first person telling me about it. The founder Julie Deane, started the company to pay her daughter's school fees who was at the time also being bullied so she wanted to find something to turn the situation around. And so she did taking all of us with her. "I was quite obsessed with satchels at the time, because I was reading Harry Potter to my children and I wanted to find them". The rest is history and last year Commes des Garçons, collaborated with the Cambridge company on a range of four laptop-sized fluorescent bags that sold out in London. A cult among  fashionistas  and a phenomenon that has surprised the - unlikely fashion - mogul behind the business themselves.

CLIP-IT: My personal favorite - Fluoro Cambridge Satchel in yellow with initials embossed from £98 which has made it to my x-mas wish and gifts list. (picture above). FYI: You can also order online. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Underneath your clothes

On my last weekend in New York before heading to Europe I mentioned my last minute "requests shopping list" - I saved the best for last and today I'm sharing my newest fashion obecession: Piamita  Truly Chic Loungewear. Fashion editors turned into designers and clever business women: Ceciclia de  Sola who worked for Marie Claire and Vanity Fair joined forces with Karla Martinez who worked for American Vogue, The New York Time and is currently accessories director for W. Knowing the market inside out they both saw that it lacked something to wear that was casual and confortable enough to sleep in and elegant enough to go out. The rest is history, they decided to call  their friend Brazilian fashionista Luiza Leitao and launched what IT girls in New York already call it the "brunch-date" must have piece on your wardrobe this season. I  would have to agree and CLIP about it, since I got my Leonora Capelet I haven't taken it out - absolutely love how it feels and fits: Chic Alternative at its best, well done Piamitas!

CLIP-IT: Where can you find Piamita? Barneys New York (where I got mine) and Shopbop.com

CLIP OF THE DAY: What goes around comes around

 

I'm a true believer in karma. You get what you give, whether it's bad or good. Our life is circular and what goes around comes around, so 'how people treat you is their Karma, but how you react is yours'. I'm also someone who has been truly blessed with generosity around me and the least I can do is share and CLIP about it every-time it happens. Recently someone special gave me this beautiful Karma golden bracelet and I absolutely love everything about it: its design, its meaning and the fact that the very own fashion brand to whom I'm an ambassador for has it as well! Way to go Coco Ribbon! 

CLIP-IT: Next time a name or a face comes to your mind, get a Coco Ribbon Karma Golden bracelet to that person on your thoughts, it might be your mum, maybe a girlfriend, sister, a good friend, or anyone who is special to you and who resonates your good Karma. And we shouldn't necessarily wait for a special occasion...