The Blay Report

05/21/2012

Owls and iPads, together at last #HootSuiteiPad http://ow.ly/7trpr

02/13/2012

Refined Around the Edges Tape Set

Loving these printed rolls of tape? Or leaving this alone?

Dress up your parcels, mail, or latest collage with a strip of tape from this sweet set! Delivered in two distinct widths, this trio of paper tape provides a pleasant surprise at every seam, with a ban

02/10/2012

J’Die: Classic Fusion 42mm Zirconium x Hublot

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York – In the rarefied world of luxury watches, Hublot is the new kid in town. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot  rapidly made  on impression on the luxury watch industry. In a fraction of the amount of time it took other luxe labels to dominate the category, Hublot has garnered several awards, [...]

02/02/2012

Wanted: Dorian Waterproof Boot by Cole Haan

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York – Now, it’s not just the weatherman who will be thrilled at accurate predictions of rain – you will too! You’ll have Cole Haan to thank for that . The innovative company has debuted the Dorian Waterproof boot. Styled just like a traditional motorcycle boot, the calf-length Dorian features a chic buckle detail, [...]

02/01/2012

Wanted: Banana Republic’s Wildbloom Vert Fragrance

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

  New York-  Official descriptions for fragrances seem to exhaust every possible way to say ‘smells’ good. The one for Banana Republic’s new Wildbloom Vert Eau de Parfum is no different – but with great reason.  Developed by renowned perfumer Ilias Ermenidis of Firmenich, Wildbloom Vert is a lush combination of green Violet leaves, crisp [...]

02/01/2012

A Closer Look At Clemence Poesy x G-Star Ads

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

USA – G-Star RAW has made it a habit of late to pick spokespeople as unexpected as their silhouettes. They’ve continued this tradition with this season’s faces: actress Clemence Poesy. Get a look at these images from the campaign and a look at the pieces they were styled in.

01/31/2012

Wanted: Bally’s Passion Collection

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

Switzerland – Bally is so coveted that I’m not sure you need a reason to purchase the luxe pieces. But if you did, Valentine’s Day is as good as any. The Switzerland based brand has launched the Passion Collection, a line of coin purses and wallets crafted from rich, red leather.

01/24/2012

J’Die: Swatch Olympic Games Collection

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – You may not be able to run like a champion, but you sure can dress one like thank’s Swatch. The watch brand, known for fashionista favorites like the gold, Full-Blooded collection has created a special edition specifically for the upcoming 2012 Olympics. The games, which will be based in London, served as inspiration [...]

01/09/2012

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE WITH ANTENNA MAGAZINE ONLINE DIRECTOR, WILLIAM BUCKLEY

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

hat else?

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
It would be a toss up between a dullness of spirit and manner, like boring convo coupled with zero joie de vivre, or incompetence. I cannot stand incompetence.

01/07/2012

J’DIE: @ZANDILE ON TUMBLR

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – You know how no matter how messy the rest of the house gets, you like to keep the living room neat? That’s exactly what TheBlayReport.com is to me. That family den which stays pulled together, even if every other space has unravelled. For the new year, I’m delegating all posts about personal updates [...]

01/05/2012

TOP TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ASOP

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York – Is a city filled to the brim with dynamic, special, uber-luxe skin care lines, ready for another? If you ask Aesop, the answer is yes. The Melbourne, Australia based beauty line, lauded for their unwavering dedication to plant-based products has recently opened another boutique in New York City.

01/05/2012

SPRING STYLE, RUDE CABBIES & BLOND WEAVES: K-MART FASHION EPISODE 3

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York – Last year saw me launch one of my favorite brand partnerships of the year with K-Mart. The US retailer drafted myself and three other bloggers for their dynamic new Conversations on Style Series.  Each episode starts with a roundtable on seasonal style, followed by a glimpse of our day as NYC based [...]

12/21/2011

TOP TEN GREAT GIFTABLES: INTERMIX EDITION

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW –  If you are looking for luxe, look no further than Intermix. Since storming the scene eighteen years ago (yes, eighteen!) the boutique has gained a dedicated following for it’s eclectic mix of established (McQueen, Chloe, etc) and emerging (LaRok, Sass and Bide) designers. They also get cool points for an amazing website which [...]

12/21/2011

J’DIE: Concept 360° Freestyle™ Steam/Dry Iron

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – Are you giving me the side-eye over today’s J’die? I kindly ask that you reconsider! Any fashionista worth her garment bag or dry cleaning bill can appreciate the importance of a good iron or steam cleaner. Luckily, this Panasonic’s Concept 360° Freestyle™ Steam/Dry Iron  offers  both features in one.

12/20/2011

TOP TEN GREAT GIFTABLES: COACH EDITION

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – Coach has been keeping it cute  with chic bags, fun scarves and head turning accessories. As one of the five bloggers behind their Fashions Night Out Celebration this year, I got an up close look at some of the brands best pieces of the season, including their iconic bucket bag.

12/20/2011

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR NEILA GRANZOTI RUDDEN

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

  New York – Some stereotypes are sexier than others, like the one about Brazilians knowing a thing or two about swimsuits. When it comes to diNeila swimsuits this rings true! The sultry line, which designed in New York City and manufactured in Brazil, is building it’s name as a one-stop shop for figure flattering, [...]

12/19/2011

J’DIE: CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE PERPETUAL CHRONO

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – This is one of those times where I’m compelled to humbly ask that in case you can afford this item, either a) buy one for me or b) consider dating me….but I digress. Today’s J’DIE goes to non other than Citizen’s new Eco-Drive Perpetual Chrono watch. This dazzling timekeeper has the distinction of [...]

12/19/2011

TOP TEN GREAT GIFTABLES: VINCE CAMUTO EDITION

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – Okay, I’ll keep it honest: my great giftables series came in like RuPaul and left Rihanna during her on-stage performance this week. But you’re family, so I know you won’t judge! Instead, you’ll thank me profusely for the latest in the series: Vince Camuto. The shoe company, which built it’s business on private [...]

12/13/2011

J’DIE: PEA COAT x JOE FRESH

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York – To be perfectly honest, I haven’t slipped into a pea coat since sophomore year in high school – it’s been all fur vests and Norma Kamali coats since then. But there’s an exception to every rule, and this pea coat is just that. The wool blend coat with gold plated buttons was [...]

12/13/2011

SIDENOTE: A QUICK LOOK AT CLOTHES WE CAN’T AFFORD, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN EDITION

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York –  …or maybe you can afford these clothes? In which case, I’m extremely interested in being your best friend or girl friend….but I digress. Last week, Alexander McQueen presented its Resort 2012 collection. The beautiful clothes were staged with equally breathtaking furniture from the Hudson Collection in New York City.

12/12/2011

GREAT GIFTABLES (DAY 1): JOE FRESH

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

  WWW – Besides cold vodka and a hot toddy, there’s nothing that makes holiday shopping easier than a gift guide! Welcome to my my first ever (or at least first in a long time) series to help you give great gifts! Starting today, I am highlighting a handful of products from brands that offer [...]

12/11/2011

WHEN BARBIE GOT BANJEE AT BLEACH….

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

London – Banjee is a noun from the Black, gay ballroom scene which describes a certain type of boy. As time has gone on it’s become associated with women as well, hence the term Banjee Girl.  It’s generally defined as a certain type of no holds barred ghetto fabulous, urban luxe moment.

12/08/2011

THE NIGHT SHIFT: SPORTS BRAS, STRETCHING MODELS & ROB KARDASHIAN @ DREAM HOTEL

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York City – While you were sitting down for a nice dinner (or not), I was running around Manhattan in the rain testing out my new wet and wavy weave. In between, I squeezed in some time to check out the launch for dancer Cheryl Burke‘s and Ideology. Burke, a two time winner on [...]

12/08/2011

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR HOWARD BROWN, OF STEWART & BROWN

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

VENTURA, CA-  ’Dynamic Duo’ is an understatement! Karen Stewart and Howard Brown have mastered the art of balancing love, life and a label. In 2002, the married couple and parent of one launched their organic collection, Stewart & Brown to rave reviews. Since then, they’ve built their brand and following, and recently nabbing the 2011 [...]

12/07/2011

FIVE FACTS ABOUT ANDY WARHOL x BOND NO. 9

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York  - So far as perfume companies go, Bond No. 9 is in a class of it’s own. The boutique fragrance firm continues to debut custom, crafted scents that are as thoughtful in conception as they are seductive to smell. The latest scent in their family is Andy Warhol x Bond No.

12/06/2011

COACH’S BLOGGER BAG HAS MORE TRICKS THAN….

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

London – …Houdini! At first glance the Blogger Bag, designed by Fashion Foie Gras’ Emily Johnston, looks like a standard chic tote. But taker a closer look and you find compartments and sleeves meant to house everything a blogger needs from a laptop to an iPad to flats! I love the ‘Blogger’ angle, but the [...]

12/05/2011

FIRST LOOK: BALLY LOVE #2 Collection (on hot naked models)

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

Miami- One of the best parties I attended during Art Basel 2011, which wrapped yesterday, was by Bally. The poolside party took place at W Hotel in Miami’s South Beach and was in honor f their newly launched BALLY LOVE # 2 Collection. It was so good that I totally neglected to actually look at [...]

11/25/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are STILL drooling over these ASOS SS2012 Accessories. j'die!

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/25/2011

FOUR BLOGGERS ENTER A ROOM…

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York –  ….and fall in love! That’s exactly what happened last month when I connected with the fashionistas behind Donna Daily, I Spy DIY, and HollywoodLife.com. Kmart captured our shenanigans at lunch and followed each of us for the rest of our day. Check out the video and if you can – don’t judge [...]

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are STILL drooling over these ASOS SS2012 Accessories. j'die!

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are STILL drooling over these ASOS SS2012 Accessories. #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are STILL drooling over these ASOS SS2012 Accessories. #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are still gagging at the accessories we saw ASOS SS 2012 preview! #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are still gagging at the accessories we saw ASOS SS 2012 preview! #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are still gagging at the accessories we saw ASOS SS 2012 preview! #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES | THE BLAY REPORT

We are still gagging at the accessories we saw ASOS SS 2012 preview! #jdie

New York - While H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the

11/23/2011

FIRST LOOK: ASOS SPRING 2012 ACCESSORIES

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York –  While  H&M, Top Shop and even Forever 21 continue to lead the narrative when it comes to fast fashion, ASOS is quietly changing the conversation. The cheap and chic internet based retailer stalks the most fashion-forward pieces we’ve seen in a while. While you get what you pay for, the craftsmanship and [...]

11/21/2011

This is just one several pieces from @eugenelin Spring 2012 collection. Take a look at our q&a with him. http://theblayreport.com/2011/11/21/five-questions-for-london-based-designer-eugene-lin/

11/21/2011

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR LONDON BASED DESIGNER, EUGENE LIN

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

London- When I was earning my M.A in Fashion at Central Saint Martins in London, I remembered one thing about fellow student, Eugene Lin – he  was ubiquitous. His graceful presence, quiet smile and soothing manner was invaluable to the dozens of student designers whom he assisted. Finally, he’s stepped out on his own with [...]

11/21/2011

ZANDILE: Are you still as in love with fashion as when you first began?
EUGENE: No. When I started with fashion I was enamoured by it. But now it burns deeper than passion....

One of my favorite answers - ever. From today's lead story!

11/14/2011

Am I the only one who caught the shade thrown at Tom Ford in the Hedi Slimane piece in NY Times?

11/14/2011

AROUND THE WEB: HEDI SLIMANE IS LIVING GOOD, DJ KASKDADE MAKES $200K A NIGHT & MORE

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

WWW – Forgive me for ripping all today’s news from the New York Times. Nothing else was of interest. I know you feel me… Writer Austin Considine manages to talk glowingly about Hedi Slimane’s post Dior life, while throwing slight shade at Tom Ford’s post-Gucci one – here. Ryan Raddon aka DJ Kaskade makes $200,000 [...]

11/14/2011

R.I.P – EVELYN LAUDER

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York –  An industry is mourning the passing of a legend. Evelyn Lauder, 75,  died in Manhattan from complication from non-ovarian cancer.   I took to Google to learn more about the enigmatic woman who has so many sad at her passing. Here’s what I found…. Evelyn was the daughter-in-law of Estee Lauder She [...]

11/14/2011

R.I.P – EVELYN LAUDER | THE BLAY REPORT

Evelyn Lauder was the picture of 'eleganza' itself! Check out ten things you may not have known about here...

New York - An industry is mourning the passing of a legend. Evelyn Lauder, 75, died in Manhattan from complication from non-ovarian cancer. I took to

11/11/2011

Ten Things To Know: New Joe Fresh Boutique Debut

Blaynistas, check out our new post and tell us what you think.

New York –  Ever since learning about Joe Fresh earlier this year, I’ve waited with baited breath to check it out. The Canadian-based retailer was founded by Joe Mimran, who launched Club Monaco back in the ’90s. My love affair was rekindled again when I visited Joe Fresh’s new Manhattan boutique on 16th and Madison.