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The world has to wait another 6 months for the massive fashion trade show MAGIC to come around again…February simply seems eons away. Until then I thought I’d leave you with a few impressions from this season. The show was full of colorful characters, beautiful clothing, painting on both objects and people, creative booth designs, and sparkle. In fact, if there is one thing that will not be OUGHT (effect Heidi Klum accent here please) is the sparkle. If you are sick of it, you better hide your eyes via hibernation for the next 6 months. Everything from jeans to jewelry is still bright and shiny. If they can pop a rivet into it they will.

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2.75 (4 votes)

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As you would imagine, the style on display at MAGIC was pretty diverse & inspiring.  The foremost fashion trade show features wholesalers from all across the United States, competing with one another for attention & of course, retailers’ money!  I feel like I saw everything imaginable, from Lycra jumpsuit-clad promo girls to Suge Knight prowling the aisles.  Here are a few examples of the looks exhibited.  Who’s your favorite?  My pick is Micheline Pitt, the girl with the fabulous beehive who just happens to be an incredible make-up artist, stylist & clothing designer.

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2.40 (15 votes)

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You can walk the show floor at MAGIC for miles and still not see all the fashion brands and what they have on offer.  Smaller brands sometimes get lost in the madness, but there are some real gems that you can find if you look hard enough. Fables by Barrie is one of those diamonds amongst the dust.

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3.67 (3 votes)

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With so many t-shirts on the market I have a hard time getting excited. Since the t-shirt became a staple of the American teenage uniform since the beginning of the last century (going back almost as early as 1913) it has monopolized the wardrobes of society, young and old alike. There is nothing like finding a favorite T and then wearing it within an inch of its life. But lets face it, the basic t-shirt doesn’t really change much…its all about the graphic. And its super hard to stumble on a graphic that speaks to me enough to actually reach down in my pocket for my wallet.

The guys at Exact Science might have gone and changed that for me. Their philosophy is one of collaboration motivated by urban art. And they are pretty true to the source. The above photo is of a painting and the below photo is the t-shirt graphic inspired by that painting. I have to say I’d be happy to own either.

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2.50 (2 votes)

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Best use of pyramid studs: Dollhouse

Pyramid studs have been — & will continue to be — huge.  I saw approximately one million different interpretations of the pyramid stud on a shoe while I was at MAGIC, but Dollhouse won out with this simple but fantastic platform heel.  Managing to look clean & simple while maintaining a tough edge is tricky, but they nailed it.  Every girl should own this shoe.

Best neon sandal: Chinese Laundry

The resemblance to a Barbie shoe is not lost on me, but these were so much fun I couldn’t resist.  In blue, pink, black, yellow or green, they come with a whopping big wedge & three straps to keep them on your foot.  These would be très fantastique for poolside lounging or midsummer beach pilgrimages.

Best T-strap heel: Poetic License

I love the combination of materials on these heels, from the pink & white faux-skin to the cork, pink patent leather & grey suede.  There’s so much going on with this shoe but somehow it works, & would be completely delightful with a sweet little dress & knee-socks. I really do need a pair of these.

Most likely to get Liberace’s attention: Pleaser

So sparkly they could cause a car accident, Pleaser’s Bordello platforms in purple, pink & crystal are really quite fabulous.  With a good-looking heel, concealed platform & 5 inches of height, these are the perfect shoe to add a little bling to a simple outfit — & are sure to get you stopped in the street in the process.

Sparkliest sandal: Poetic License

Sandals really can be so dreary, but they don’t have to be, as Poetic License have proven.  In reflective magenta & draped with sequined bows, they’re practical for hot weather while also having a sense of humor.  They’d be marvelous with sun-dresses, over dyed slip dresses or even your favorite pair of jeans.

Words by Gala Darling

2.20 (20 votes)

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I am always attracted to the gaudy & sparkly — my magpie instinct is strong.  Switchring is a ring made of two parts, the base & the wedge, which separate easily.  This doesn’t sound like a terribly novel concept until you realize that the wedge can be switched out for any OTHER wedge… & that Switchring has a huge variety of designs.  They started off with printed wedges, but recently brought out their Sparkler range, in which the wedges are bedazzled with Swarovski crystals in a rainbow of colors.  What does this mean to the average punter?  Bling that matches your mood.  Genius.

Tokyoflash are revolutionizing the way we think about time.  The legendary Japanese watchmakers have never been content to just slap a face on a timepiece & leave it at that.  Their watches feature flashing lights, unusual grids & bizarre-looking displays which are much more reminiscent of a rocket ship than a Rolex!  The faces of their watches are so unusual, in fact, that they come with information booklets so that you can work out how to use them.  The perfect conversation piece, I always imagine Tokyoflash watches residing on the wrists of misunderstood prodigies & mad scientists.

These wallets are incredible in their simplicity.  They come in a range of designs, from Air Mail envelopes to postcards, newsprint, subway maps & comic book panels, & are pretty much indestructible.  Made from microfiber — like those impossible to destroy express mail envelopes — they’re tear-resistant & water-resistant as well as being recyclable.  Constructed origami-style without a single stitch, you can even use the surface to jot down great ideas.  Dynomighty also make amazing magnetic jewelery, luggage tags & tote bags.  Best of all, president & designer Terrence Kelleman is a very good sort.

Words by Gala Darling

2.17 (23 votes)

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