Aritzia Ruway

A few years ago I was wandering around in Chicago and stumbled upon Aritzia. Now it's a "must shop" stop every time I'm in the city. I always find great designers and unexpected pieces that have timeless style. In fact, my oversize taupe sweater/coat we affectionately refer to as "the blanket sweater" always travels with me and ended up being a perfect accessory for the first football game of the season. Enjoy their runway show and be sure to stop in a store if you every have the chance.



Artizia FW 2010 Runway from Aritzia on Vimeo.

Cheers,
t

It's Emmy time, which can only mean one thing...

Only 16 hours left to shop...

Last night Kathy Rose was named the winner of Bravo TV's Launch My Line. She's amazing and so are her clothes! Her line is available exclusively on Rue La La for the next 16 hours and here's your invite to shop 

Hurry! These clothes are going fast and guaranteed to make you look fabulous.

Shop on!
t

A hot night of fashion and beauty in NYC!

If you're in NYC and have plans tonight, cancel them, because Sue DeVitt and Tracy Reese are teaming up for a fabulous evening of fashion and beauty. Two of my favorites! Call to schedule an appointment for a Sue DeVitt makeup consultation and then shop while you wait with an exclusive 25% discount on Tracy Reese designs. Either way, you're bound to leave looking even more beautiful than you did when you walked through the door!

Have fun!
t

Tis the season to be STYL'D by MTV!

The tricks may have ended with Halloween but November is already promising to be a month full of treats - an extra hour of sleep, some much needed sunshine, and the premiere of MTV's new show STYL'D! If you haven't heard, this full-fashion reality show follows four aspiring stylists all vying for one position at the Margaret Maldonado Agency.

The guys are hot, the girls fab, and of course there will be drama, divas, and killer clothing galore. The real beauty for me is following the senior stylist icons - Jen Rade (LOVE!), Eric Archibald, and Julie Weiss. They're three of the most amazing stylists to ever hit the music and celebrity scene, and STYL'D gives a sneak peek into the genius behind their work.

It's going to be scandalous and I can't wait to watch! Here's a sneak peek at tonight's episode with Kim Kardashian. One more thing - let me know which of the cast members you'd like me to interview to keep bringing you the latest behind-the-scenes scoop.

Cheers!
t

Anna Sui for Target

I know many people are sad to see summer slipping away but I for one can't wait for fall. This change in season means that I can leave my limping and less than beautiful summer in the past and move on to bigger and better things - like fall fashion! I couldn't be more excited about Anna Sui's new collection for Target. Not only is she an amazing designer, but her collection was inspired by the trendsetting style of Gossip Girls. MEOW! It's planned to be in stores mid-September, so mark your calendars because I'm sure her pieces are going to fly out the door.

Back to being tipsy!
t

Aveeno's FREE Earth Day Give Away

Happy Earth Day beauties! You know whenever beauty and fashion come together I can't help but get excited, and here's one fab give away I wanted to pass along. In honor of Earth Day, Aveeno asked FIT students to design the print for a limited-edition eco-chic bag. The winning design was created by Jeff Tsui, a name I'm sure we'll hear about for years to come! It's whimsical, one-of-a-kind, and only available to the first 1,000 people who log-on to aveeno.com/jubilance at 12PM (Eastern Time) today!

Even better, you won't just score a green tote, you'll receive a sample of the new Aveeno Nourish + Hair Care Collection and for every bag given away Aveeno will make a $10 donation to Global Green USA. Log-on, support a great cause, and then show the world just how stylish green can be as you strut around town with your "exclusive" bag!

Be beautiful,
t

Fashion Stimulus Package

Fashion week is definitely a bit "less" this year. From fewer shows to fashion that reflects the current economy, the vibe may be more subdued than years past but some designers are using it their advantage. One of my all-time favorites, Carolina Herrera, took a new younger spin on her always classic line. While the color was still minimal the feel was urban chic. She's definitely trying to appeal to new, modern woman.

Donna Karan took this chance to go back to her roots, making jersey look like the most elegant, luxurious fabric a woman would ever want to wear. Hints of fur, studs, and animal prints reinforced the urban face of fall. Similar elements were seen on the runways of Alexander Wang and Diane von Furstenberg. I would have to say that DVF had my favorite quote when she said, "Clothes should be a woman's friend. When you open up your closet it should be full of friends."  I LOVE that! 

With that very sentiment in mind, I'm launching my own line - tonya mann apron couture. Yes, you read that correctly, aprons like the fashion world have never seen before. More to come and I promise you'll love it!

Cheers,

t

Is it possible...

That a month has passed without any tipsy. I'm so sorry! It's all been a blur and so much has been going on, including relaunching my jewelry line and launching a new line of designer aprons. Yeah, aprons, but they're like hot little dresses, not Betty Crocker. And to answer all the questions I've been getting about where it's appropriate to sport an apron - ummmm, pretty much anywhere, especially these. For holiday I have plaid, polka dots, and chiffon. LOVE! Here's one pic of a cute halter-style apron and I'll post more soon. 

Missed you,

t

Project Runway has me tipsy!

After being away for a bit of summer fun, I'm totally tipsy about the season five premiere of Project Runway! I missed the first show but thankfully Bravo is so smart and they're replaying it. My initial reactions....

• Mr. "one-of-a-kind" designer - How about making yourself a shirt? Come on! You design clothes, try wearing them.
• Joe - Happy to see Detroit represent! I'm certain one day we'll all be watching my niece follow in your footsteps.
  
• Tanaliscious - I hope you like leather! No matter what clothes you design, you're going to be looking at leather in the mirror if you keep up your tanning obsession... I can recommend some great self-tanning products.
• Betsey Johnson meets Ms. Westwood - So far you're one of my faves.
• Little Italy and Portland are tied for my second.
• Rock Chick is just killer for how totally honest she is! She'll design for a hooker or rock star if they're edgy enough to wear her clothes.

OK, first show outfits, I love what was done with the mop to top transition. And the candy girl dress - LOVE. Anytime you can add chocolate deliciousness to clothes, why not! And my favorite was the bleach and dye vacuum bags with corset closure on the back. MEOW!!! Can't wait to see who wins this challenge.

Muah - so happy!

t

Cocktails, Sex, and a Leather Punch?

It's really not what you're thinking. While enjoying some seriously amazing fondue, strong cocktails, and the company of friends pre-Sex in the City the conversation turned to shoes. I know it's hard to believe! Actually, it turned to the benefits of owning my tipsy must-have #3 - a leather punch!

My dear friend Jess is currently living through the "wedding-circuit phase" of her life. That's the period that starts right after college and goes on for roughly three to four years. It's something like this:

1. The majority of your friends get engaged and married.
2. You spend most weekends either planning or attending a shower or wedding-related event.
3. You know you went to college for "X" but question whether you should start a party-planning business.
4. You wonder how it is that you're working but don't have any more money than you did in college and realize it's the "wedding-circuit phase" of life.
   

The silver-lining is that you have total justification for buying several pairs of fabulous shoes! 

When one of those pairs is a buckled slingback that keeps falling off , you can either play Cinderella and hope that Prince Charming saves the day or buy a leather punch. I typically recommend the later. It may not be glamorous but it's totally addictive! In this case I let Jess borrow mine and as soon as I get it back I'll post a picture.  

So there you have it, over cocktails and fondue I shared the secret to keeping all of your buckled shoes secure and belts looking perfectly cinched. Now head directly to the hardware store and pick up a leather punch of your own. Who knows, Prince Charming may be waiting there too! 

Cheers,

t (aka 60% Carrie and 40% Samantha)      

Strut your way through summer!

While the calendar may not say that summer has arrived, the temps outside are on the rise and unfortunately the humidity is too. That means it's the perfect time to share my must-have items of the season. Let's start with some fabulous footwear!

tipsy must-have #1 FitFlops

Typically a strappy sandal or sky-high wedge would top my list but not this year. Probably the BEST shoe of summer is the FitFlop. Those innovative Brits brought their genius product across the pond and now everyone can enjoy the flip flop that actually helps slim you simply by wearing it! The look is sporty, not chic but the payoff is worth it. And they did come out with black patent, bronze, and silver versions that are more stylish.

Anyway, it's the specially designed midsole that deserves the credit. It works your muscles, helping to tone your legs and improve your rear view. The benefits of an improved posture and reduced joint strain deserve a mention too. You're supposed to "ease" into wearing them, but if a shoe's going to help shape my bum and slim my thighs, I may never take them off much less am I going to start out slow. I'm going to measure my progress along the way but all you have to do is slip them on and strut your stuff!

cheers,
t

Speaking of Stars...

The always fab MTV Movie Awards are just a few days away (June 1) and sure to attract some serious star power. Not only will Coldplay and The Pussycat Dolls rock the stage, the always entertaining Mike Myers is sure to keep the night rolling as the 2008 host. 

While I love a good show, I love a great gift bag even more! Here's the skinny on a few of my fave finds that will be gifted this year.  

Emilio Pucci is taking hot to a new level! The unmistakable Pucci print is a summer staple that's no longer bound by sheaths and scarves. 

Pucci eyewear will launch exclusively at the MTV 

Movie Awards. Love, love, love!

Dooney & Bourke is gifting their Everyday Tote and Patent Large Slim Wristlet and Cosmetic Bag. In my book this counts as a "gift bag" all on it's own...

Autumn Cashmere - scandalously soft, lightweight knits in gorgeous colors, need I say more?

Vans, the old-school kicks that never seem to go out of style, will include four pairs in each bag. Perfect for that casual Cali look. 

29 Cosmetics will help keep the stars beautiful and looking younger for years to come with their gorgeous Napa Valley Palettes. The anti-aging power in every product is a direct result of their signature ingredient, grape seed extract. 

Ugo Cacciatori is giving their multi-tasking masterpiece, the

sterling silver sword pendant. It's edgy and crafty at the

same time, converting from a pendant to an earring with one little clasp so everyone can look like a rock star.

The list goes on with notable brands like Habitual, Carol's Daughter, Rodial, and Lee Angel.  There's simply too much to covet and not enough time! 

Here's to gifting some serious style!

t