Thanks to friend of THEPOPFIX and certified sommelier Brian Kulich, you’ll never pick the wrong bottle again, regardless of budget. As the co-founder of consumer wine site Block122.com, Kulich knows exactly how to find great wine at every price point. Read on for his top recommendations for all types of wine fans – whether you’re a baller, or just ballin’ on a budget.
HOW TO PICK WINE AT EVERY PRICE POINT
Under $20.00
2011 Harney Lane, Albarino. $19.00
If you’re searching for the perfect summer sipping wine, look no further. A bottle of the 2011 Harney Lane Albarino is a “fresh, crisp white wine with tons of plush fruit on the mid palate with pear and slight honeyed undertones” that is highly recommended by Kulich.
2012 Skylark, Pink Belly Mendocino County RosÉ. $18.00
Taking a trip to the south of France has never been easier. Thanks to Skylark’s Pink Belly Mendocino County RosÉ, we can all get a taste of Provence in a bottle. With hints of ripe strawberry, orange blossom, and thyme, you’ll be tickled pink after just one drink! “It’s also amazing with fresh fruit and light appetizers or chilled on it’s own,” according to Kulich.
Under $30.00
2011 Alfaro, Lindsey Paige Chardonnay. $27.50
Alfaro’s Lindsey Paige Chardonnay is a full-bodied wine from California’s Santa Cruz Mountains that will knock your socks off. What makes this bottle of Chardonnay so special? “It has all the body and texture you’d expect from a California Chardonnay, but with an added zippy line of acid/minerality to insure perfect balance. It’s absolutely delicious!”
2007 Yorba, Shake Ridge Ranch Zinfandel. $28.00
If you’re looking for an affordable bottle of a very big red, try the Shake Ridge Ranch Zinfandel from Yorba. This full bodied wine isn’t for the faint of heart. “The nose leaps out of the glass with black pepper, dark plum and a touch of chocolate,” says Kulich. “It’s great with anything fresh off your backyard grill, and it’s also very drinkable on its own.” Simply put, “it’s a steak knife kind of wine!”
Under $50.00
2009 Suacci Carciere, Suacci Vineyard Pinot Noir. $45.00
Have something to celebrate? Treat yourself to a bottle of wine that’s just as remarkable as it is hard to find. You’re worth it. “2009 was an amazing vintage in the Russian River Valley and it is almost impossible to find bottles like these from quality producers,” says Kulich. But this stunning single vineyard Pinot Noir containing notes of cedar spice, black cherry, and english tea. from rising rockstar winemaker Ryan Zepaltas is a must-try that you won’t regret, or soon forget.
2009 Calluna, “Aux Raynauds” Merlot. $40.00
Don’t like Merlot? Just remember, not every bottle is created equally. Calluna’s “Aux Raynauds” mimics a Bordeaux, and is lush and round in the mouth with hints of cassis, blueberry, and according to Kulich, is well worth the place in your wine cellar. “This is the work of a rising star. Look out for this grower/producer who is starting to get some serious recognition.”
We know – it’s an annoying tradition. Why should anyone be punished with a pinch for not wearing green just because it’s March 17th? Can’t we all just celebrate in non-coordinating color schemes? After all, no other holiday has a dress code reinforced by the pinching-police.
In an effort to help you avoid the St. Patty’s Day pinchers, here are some fresh, and fun ways to work some green into your wardrobe this spring – without looking like you just jumped off a box of Lucky Charms.
POP 5: New Ways To Wear Green On St. Patrick’s Day
1. For the girl on the go – the simple scarf
What’s more simple, classic, and chic than a scarf? If it’s versatility you’re looking for, it’s the ultimate accessory. Fold it into a headband, tie it around your neck, or loop it through the handle of your favorite purse – and voila! Working green into your wardrobe has never been this easy. Try out this Jonathan Adler Dip Dye Scarf in Mint/Turquoise from Nordstrom.com, for $118.00.
2. For the commitment phobe – the crossbody bag
For a hint of green that you can put on, take off, or sling around the back of a chair like you just don’t care, try a crossbody bag in a pale mint green. This woven leather purse is the perfect way to casually wear St.Patrick’s color, without technically “wearing” it. Fossil’s Sydney Crossbody in Mint is available at Macys.com for $128.00.
3. For the sophisticate – the elegant earring
The pub doesn’t have to be your scene in order to make a scene in green this St. Patrick’s Day. Add a pop of color to an all black, white, or neutral wardrobe with the help of these 18k yellow gold Irene Neuwirth earrings set with rose cut chrysoprase and diamonds, available at Barneys.com for $1960.00.
I hope you’ve been saving up your allowance…
4. For the party girl – the neon wayfarers
Plan on spending your St. Patty’s Day partying? Stay out all day, or all night, in these neon wayfarer sunglasses. Featuring colored mirror lenses and a matte finish, these retro sunnies are the perfect way to showcase your seasonal spirit in a way that won’t break the bank if you happen to lose them after a long night at the pub. Pick up these neon wayfarers at Forever21.com for just $5.80.
5. For the classy broad – the sexy silhouette
For a look that’s just as classic as it is sexy, stand out in a mint green silhouette with chic lace panels for an elegant look that works for day or night. Try BCBG’s Maude Boatneck Dress for a timeless look with flirty details that show off a hint of skin, listed at $298.00 at BCBG.com.
Images via Glamour.com
How can we incorporate these trends into our beauty routine? Sometimes, all it takes is switching a few new products into your cosmetic collection in order to make some big changes. “Maybe we can’t afford a 500 dollar purse, or a pair of Christian Louboutins, but you can spend 30 dollars on a lipstick for a little piece of luxury and enjoy it every day,” says Orr, always a true believer in the magic of make up! Thanks to Orr’s expertise we can now confidently put our best face forward, knowing which luxe beauty items are splurge-worthy for 2012.
Best Beauty Splurges for Spring 2012
Splurge: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Why you want it: “Winged, black eyeliner is something we’ll see a lot of this spring. It really does stay all day! You can even wash your face and it won’t come off. Once it dries, it’s there for good. It also has a very thin felt tip so it makes for fantastic precision if you’re creating a cat-eye look.”
Splurge: Alterna 1 Night Highlights
Why you want it: “On the runways, we saw a lot of color streaks. If you want to translate that look to everyday wear, the 1 Night Highlights are perfect because they wash right out. You don’t have to commit! They come in caramel, blonde and red, and they’re great for going out…especially when you’re feeling a little bit funky. Also, Alterna is a natural hair care brand so all of their products are on the organic side, and a little healthier for your hair.”
Splurge: Guerlin Rouge G Lipstick in #21
Why you want it: “Red is in! #21 is a true, classic red, which is great if you can’t decide whether you want to try an orange-red or purple-red lip color. Guerlin is one of the oldest luxury brands around, their products are amazing. Not only do they have beautiful rich colors, but this product also has a built-in primer so it lasts all day.”
Splurge: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid
Why you want it: “On the spring 2012 runways we saw a lot of hair gel, creating a wet-look. I think the best way to make this a wearable trend is to add shiny, loose, natural waves into your beauty routine. Also, all kinds of ponytails (high, low, loose, or tight) are going to be popular. This Aveda smoothing fluid gives a lot of shine, and can be used on dry or wet hair, whether it’s worn up or down.”
Splurge: Amore Pacific Tinted Moisturizer
Why you want it: “Good skin is always in. The Amore Pacific Tinted Moisturizer can be expensive as far as luxe products are concerned, but it’s amazing because Amore is a waterless line, it actually helps skin retain more moisture. This is one of the only moisturizers where you can actually get skin care benefits. This product is great because it’s one step, the bamboo sap provides antioxidants, it helps fight aging, and it’s oil-free and paraben-free.”
Splurge: Bare Essentials Touch Up Mineral Veil
Why you want it: “This product is great for creating an ethereal illuminated look that’s so popular right now. The important thing about the Touch Up Mineral Veil is that it’s the first pressed powder from Bare Essentials. This is a big step for this brand! Mineral Veil has always been one of their staple items, and now it’s easier to transport. This product gives a flawless finish. And, speaking of upcoming trends, you might want to keep your eye out for more pressed foundation powders from Bare Essentials as well.”
Splurge: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Why you want it: “This is going to be huge. Urban Decay’s Naked 1 palette was in such high demand that beauty stores couldn’t keep it on the shelves. Naked 2 is the palette to look out for because it comes with a double ended brush and a lip gloss. Also, the colors are cooler tones this time around, and in my opinion Naked 2 has a better variety of light colors and highlights. Perfect for creating a peach, shimmery eye shadow look that is going to be a big trend this spring.”
Splurge: Lancome “La Roserie” Illuminating powder
Why you want it: “This powder is really pretty to use on temples and cheekbones to give a natural glow. Rose colors will be big this spring, and La Roserie is perfect to achieve a blushy, fresh-faced look.”
Splurge: Clarisonic Mia 2
Why you want it: “The Clarisonic Mia 2 does the same thing as the original Clarisonic brush, except it’s less expensive. It’s the best thing you can do to your skin. Not only is it a gentle cleansing system that drives cleanser deep into the skin, but it also allows for a deeper clean, and helps products to work on your skin better. You’re going to see a smoother texture in your skin, just like what we saw on the runway for spring 2012!”
Hear ye, hear ye, all you ill-prepared shoppers! The list of the following last minute gift ideas is conveniently divided into three categories: I Have A Day, I Have A Few Hours, and Last Ditch Effort, for the most desperate of individuals. Good luck.
2. Books: You can easily feign thoughtfulness by purchasing a book for your last minute gift-recipient. Whether it be of the coffee table, celebrity biography, or self help variety, you should easily be able to target a few specific interests and search your local bookstore accordingly. If all else fails, be stereotypical and trust the masses: Hit the best-seller’s table.
I Have A Few Hours:
1. Groupons: God bless Groupons. Why? Because it’s an easy way to make it look like you thought of the perfect spa day, adventurous hot air balloon ride, or laser hair removal treatment. You can be as cheap or as generous as you want, and all it takes is a credit card and a printer to give the glorious gift that is Groupon.
2. DIY Baked Goods: Nothing says “holiday season” like mulled cider spiked with Captain Morgan. But decorated cookies and gingerbread houses come in at a close second.
3. Tickets To An Event: Even if it’s a few weeks or months in advance, tickets to a play, concert or sporting event can be an easy gift appreciated by anyone from your Grandma, to your boss, or even your drug dealer. Now that’s versatility.
Last Ditch Effort:
1. Re-Gifts: Giving a gift you already received won’t earn you any points with Martha Stewart, but she’s probably not on your holiday shopping list, so let us rejoice! Just remember, when attempting to pull off this desperate excuse for a present, make sure you change the name on any tags attached to the gift and for the love of all that is holy, don’t re-gift back to the original gift-gifter unless you’re great with handling humiliating awkward moments.
2. DIY Coupon Book: For those of you who have no shame.
“You make the world your office. You branch out and give back. The way that people are now shopping and mixing clothes up – Topshop to Prada to Michael Kors – you have to live your life that way. You have to mix the high and the low. The Vogue offices are full of what I call very angular women wearing stilettos, and maybe that’s just the consciousness – that people think that they need this look when they work at Vogue. But Grace Coddington does not fit that mold and she’s elegant. Look at Michelle Obama, she’s the most fashionable woman in America. But she’s not a fashion plate.” – André Leon Talley
Recently, André Leon Talley graced Time Out New York with a short interview, probably as part of Anna-Goddess-Wintour’s strategy to promote “The September Issue,” the documentary of her work on Vogue’s largest issue ever, September 2007′s.
Even though it’s a very uninteresting interview, it does convey an important reality: people should mix and match designer and regular brands in order to look cool without having to spend money they do not have. I have done this before, as any fashionista, and there are some tips I am more than willing to share (especially because I know 99% of the humanity has no clue whatsoever on how to dress).
1) Always wear a good top.
Never, ever wear cheap looking upper clothes. The reason is simple. When trousers are cheap, it’s often not that obvious because denim is the most ordinary of clothes. Yet, if a shirt is not consciously elaborated, it will show.
2) Cheap shoes should go to hell.
The design, the material, the sewing. It’s too easy to notice when shoes are cheap, so don’t do Payless, as shown below…see?
Image via Payless.com
3) Accessories can come from the uptown mall or downtown flea market.
The cheaper, the better. Go vintage, go green, go whatever because there is nothing wrong, especially now, from plastic to gold, everything goes.
4) Things should be fitted even if they are old.
You can go for vintage blazers, but never ever wear them as if they were coats! Blazers can be both old or new, but always with a good fitted cut.
I hope these tips will help you next time you go out shopping. Remember you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks.
The Jo Bro's Fashion Line
Stylists are popular in Hollywood, they create a celebrity’s look and then pretend not to exist…unless we’re talking about Rachel Zoe. Now, how just getting dressed with the clothes someone else chose, build up a celeb’s résumé to become a designer? Contrary to popular belief, it is hard to design, choose colors, patterns, styles, silhouettes, let alone have the feeling for what’s in and what’s not. How can people pretend to know? How can these kids play designer? How dare they?
I love these kids, I really do, I have Miley on my phone and every Hilary Duff album. But that does not mean I think they can model or design. That is beyond my comprehension. They have not studied, they have no experience in the craft. Kanye West actually interned for Louis Vuitton, he has tried, he understands fashion and learns as much as he can. But the rest, I think they are just in it for the money. And it’s plain sad.
Ladies (and cross-dressing men), we all know that there’s nothing better than finding that truly fabulous pair of shoes, on sale, that do all the right things to your rear view, without making you feel like you’re about to pay for this at the cash register and at the chiropractors office. Ouch…That would almost be too much for ask for, wouldn’t it?
It would. That’s why I’m not guaranteeing they’ll be comfortable. But they will be hot, and at a discounted price. It’s almost the total package! But that’s what you get while shopping online, you can’t exactly sample the merchandise. But before you hit the sales yourself, take some hints from a pro who has been there, done that…
Hints for the best online shoe scouring experience:
Best selection of shoes on sale? Definitely Neimanmarcus.com.
Second best sale selections? Saksfifthavenue.com! Woo!
Worst? Stevemadden.com. Lame.
Site that you’d think would have better items on sale? Zappos.com. I guess with a return policy that good, you have to stingy with the sales!
If you’re still looking for a little shoe inspiration, enjoy my online picks of sexy shoes, all on sale!
If you’re going for gladiator gams, check out these studded sandals, originally $80. Now, $39.98 at Aldoshoes.com
Image via Aldoshoes.com
Looking for a strappy shoe from Jimmy Choo? I think I’ve found the best! Originally $830, now $415, here.
Image via Jimmychoo.com
These boots are made for walking. As in, walking all over boys as they drool over you as you rock these ridiculously sexy Charles David boots. Normally $344.95, now $205.90. Yup, that’s 40% off at Nordstrom.com.
Image via Nordstrom.com
Can you say Legally Blonde? These pink Manolos are a little over the top, but undeniably cute. Originally $1190, now $790 at Neiman’s.
Image via Neimanmarcus.com
Simple, and silver. This is a classic shoe worth the $127.90 investment, a 40% discount from the original price of $214.95 at Nordstrom.
Image via Nordstrom.com
Get fringe benefits with these Gucci sandals, $452 at Neiman Marcus. Originally, $675.
Image via Neimanmarcus.com
Classic, comfy and never out of style. Chucks are on sale for $36.99 at Macys.com. Originally $50.
Image via Macys.com
Sleek and skin-toned. These Marciano sandals put a stylized spin on the simple neutral shoe. Now $101.99 at Marciano.com.
Image via Marciano.com
These embellished flip flops with pastel colored details scream summer. Now, $88 at Anthropologie.com.
Image via Anthropologie.com
One word: Badass. Find these Gucci platforms at Saks online for $524.86. Not bad for a shoe originally priced at $1125. Damn.
Image via Saksfifthavenue.com
Beth Ditto is now everywhere for her exuberant looks, her powerful interpretations and for being all over from LA to Paris, performing for Fendi at Fashion Week, or just appearing at galas to promote both her music and her outrageous image, that goes from long colorful McQueen dresses to rock and roll diva leather jackets. She is more famous for her looks and quotes (she loves stating that she will kiss this or that girl) than for her glorious music.
Topshop, that has successfully triumphed all over Britain and now is loved in the USA, with trendy styles that are actually affordable, presented Ditto with the opportunity to perform at their London stage, which she declined, for being too oversized to ever fit one of their twinkly little mini dresses. In her opinion, it was stupid for her to put her face in an event honoring something that was not accessible to her at all. And she was right for doing so.
As I mentioned before, fashion is turning into a freak circus where everyone tries to loose weight and look like Skeletor, yet, no one considers how this is affecting younger generations.
Luckily, thanks to powerhouses like Ditto, now Americans and the British can dress according to their weight in those fun-loving styles they deserve to wear. Evans, part of Topshop’s conglomerate, offers plus-size clothing designed by Ditto, so everyone from our LA pop fixers to New York fashionistas can actually go online starting July, and shop ‘til they drop. It will reflect her style and outlook on fashion, from long dresses in flamboyant colors, to biker jackets and accessories with an edge, like the monochrome scarf portrayed in her advertisement.
It is evident that females of all sizes want to be fashionable, trendy and cool, with those boho looking dresses, high heeled shoes (that all my not-so-skinny friends know are killers for the ankles) and belts to match, strutting their sexy stuff. No one is to blame for wanting to be sexy, or for aspiring to be the center of attention. The reality thus far has been rather complicated, with chains like Zara that carry such small sizes it is impossible to fit the average Jane Doe, let alone someone with Miss Ditto’s measurements. She’s vindicating too many people, setting a world-known face into a product for a market eager to fit in, regardless of the shape.