What better way to kick off the start of summer than by talking about swimsuits with Michael Castillo, founder and designer of Cielo Rosso!

Cantania One Piece

Exclusive and luxurious, Cielo Rosso delivers a line of Italian-inspired swimsuits that are made in the USA. The line targets the hi-end consumer, focusing on the importance of using only the finest fabrics with a cut and style unlike any other, while still paying extensive attention to detail.

Olive: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Michael. How are you kicking off Memorial Day Weekend?

Michael: We are kicking off the summer at The Roosevelt Hotel this Sunday. My team at Cielo Rosso and I designed the rooftop uniforms.

Olive: What trends in swimwear do you see this season?  

The other thing about solids, especially for Cielo Rosso since we sell separates, is that you can mix them with a print from another designer and still have a fabulous looking combo.

As far as cuts are concerned, Brazilian bottoms and high waisted bottoms are both really hot.  Last season when I was working on the 2013 line, I sort of skipped the middle of the road and went all in on both.  Fortunately, both have been extremely popular this season.

Cinzia 8 String Bandeau Two Piece

Bandeau tops have been in for a while and are definitely one of our most popular items.  I don’t know if it is because of how unique and comfortable Cielo Rosso tops are, or if it is just the fact that bandeaus are trending really hot right now.  But for sure it is something that is another must have for this summer.

Angelina Bandeau

As far as embellishments, they are definitely in style this season.  Lots of designers are going crazy and, if done correctly, the look is amazing.  As far as my designs for Cielo Rosso, I tend to stay away from them.  Probably the main reason is that if you actually use your swimsuit in a pool or at the beach regularly, they eventually fall off, wear out or rust.  I want to make sure that whatever I design will follow three rules.  First, it has to look amazing; Secondly, it must be extremely comfortable so you want to wear it all day at the beach and won’t be fidgeting with it all day long or want to rush home to change; and thirdly, but just as important, it has to last more than one season.

We manufacture everything in house right at our own factory in the USA.  Cielo Rosso can ensure that the quality and longevity are there.

Olive:  What kind of swimsuit would look best on Olive’s long, lean frame?

Michael:  Cielo Rosso Swimsuit Bath was created to remove salt, chlorine, spray-on tans that bleed over onto swimwear and will not damage the embellishments used on most swimwear. In 2012, I teamed up with Darcie DeBartelo to create Cielo Rosso Swimsuit Bath™.  Along with DeBartelo’s luxury spa expertise, we crafted the perfect formula that helps preserve a swimsuit to keep it looking like new each and every time you wear it!  Cielo Rosso Swimsuit Bath™ maintains the suit’s elasticity and removes chlorine, salt and sunscreen. Cielo Rosso Swimsuit Bath is biodegradable, hypoallergenic and does not conduct any animal testing.

Olive:  What are this year’s must-have beach accessories?

Michael: The must-have accessories for the season are, sarongs and kaftans.  We are noticing that younger and younger girls even down to the 16-17-year-old range are buying them.  It was more of a 30+ a few years ago, but pieces have become a great addition to the pool bag this summer.

 
About Michael Castillo
Michael Castillo is renowned award-winning photographer with a background in fashion and editorial work.  In 2011, while sitting on an Italian beach admiring a beautiful red sky, Castillo had a vision. This vision eventually translated into a unique concept for a swimsuit line appropriately named Cielo Rosso, which translates to “red sky” in Italian. 

Mallis addressed the graduates at the commencement exercises held at 10:30 am for students in FIT’s Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology and the School of Liberal Arts. She also deservedly received a rare honor at FIT Commencement, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

President of the fashion and design consultancy, Fern Mallis LLC, she hosts the fashion industry conversation series at New York’s 92nd Street Y, Fashion Icons w/ Fern Mallis, which features in-depth interviews with leading fashion designers and industry insiders. She also hosts Fashion Insiders w/ Fern Mallis on Sirius XM’s celebrity talk channel Stars.

In her keynote address, she offered her Top Ten “Fern Finds” Tips to F.I.T.’s Class of 2013 to keep in mind when starting out and looking to build a career.

10.  Penmanship. After an interview, write a handwritten thank you note on a nice card stock.

9.  Use Google. Use it to learn something about the person who you are interviewing with.

8.  Dress appropriately. You can’t take back a first impression.

7.  Gum. Never, ever in public! Bad breath? That’s what Altoids are for!

6.  Grooming. Manicures. It is one of the first things I notice. Sometimes, it is the only thing I notice.

5.  Resumes. This isn’t your design thesis. Check the spelling 100 times!

4.  Listen. And, think before you speak.

3.  Smile and make eye contact!

2.  Handshake. Make sure it is firm and connected. A handshake communicates for you.

1.  Be Nice! I want to work with people I like. When I interviewed Tom Ford, he said, “Only hire people you would want to have dinner with.”

In closing, she added, “Go out and make the world a better and more beautiful place!”

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

About Fern Mallis
Fern Mallis created Fashion Week in New York City in 1993. Known as 7th on Sixth, the event organized, centralized and modernized the American runways, allowing American designers to compete head to head with Milan and Paris, forever changing the global fashion business.

Before my next trip to the nail salon, I decided to call on makeup and beauty expert, Valerie Star, for her advice on the latest trends in nail art and polish colors.

Here’s what she had to say…

Olive:  What are the hot colors for nails right now?

Valerie:  Bright colors are big right now. I love the colors in Zoya’s Spring Collection. The Zoya brand is amazing and as natural as nail polish can be. It is safe for pregnant
women to use and it’s vegan friendly.

Olive:  I lam a big fan of Zoya too! What nail trends are you seeing and trying?

Valerie: The biggest trend is all about the nail art. Have fun with your nails! It is the little touches to your overall look that bring everything together.

Olive:  How often do you color your own nails?

Valerie:  I’m obsessed with doing my own nails. I end up doing mine with something fun and unique at least 2-3 times a week.

Olive: Wow, that’s frequent! I’m lucky if I get my nails done every two weeks! Do you paint your fingers and toes the same color or do you mix it up?

Valerie: I personally like to keep them the same. I do a lot of nail art on myself. If the base color is, let’s say blue with art on top, I will do my toes in that blue and maybe just the big toe with the same pattern. Or, I will paint my toes with a French manicure using the color pallette from my fingers’ nail art.

Olive:  Do you have any cool nail art suggestions for my friends and I?

Valerie:  For you, I have been working on some fun nautical themes for your nails. In shades of blues, reds, greens and golds. Are you feeling nautical? Try this!

Olive:  I LOVE it! You are always full of surprises. Speaking of surprises, let’s play a game! I’ll say a word or phrase and give me your immediate response and thoughts…GO!

Color blocking?

Valerie: Okay…Circles, square, triangles oh my…

Olive: Textured nails?

Valerie: Caviars and velvets.

Olive: Um…I don’t know what that means precisely, but…next question! Crackle look?

Valerie: So last season.

Olive: Ouch! Chalkboard nails?

Valerie: Makes me think of the sound when someone runs their nails down a chalkboard…ugh!

Olive: Sorry! I heard it’s an actual trend. LED nail polish?

Valerie: Not big on the gel polishes: 1) LED polish contains very harsh chemicals and 2) It can mess up your nail bed.

Olive: Nail shapes: round or square?

Valerie: I go for a shorter square shape. I don’t like very long nails or fake looking nails.

Olive: O.K. I’m getting tired. Last question! Who does nail art better: Zooey Deschanel or Katy Perry?

Valerie: Zooey hands (nails) down!

Olive: Well played, my friend! Put it here!

Valerie: Girl, you really need to invest in a good hand cream!

About Valerie Star
Valerie Star is a jane of all trades: makeup artistry, SFX makeup, hair styling, fashion/wardrobe/prop-set styling and makeup training. She works her craft in print, film, video, multi-media, fashion, editorial,
runway and headshots. Valerie began her career in 1995 as a regional makeup artist with a renowned cosmetic line. A versatile artist with a unique style and an eye for color, Valerie creates fresh, beautiful, flawless looks, ranging from clean and minimal to avant-garde.

Rhodie Lorenz, co-owner of the Joyride Cycling Studio in Westport, CT, has created an indoor cycling experience called the JoyRide Cycling Method! JoyRide’s classes are set to music in a dimly lit, stadium-style seating studio and are led by a motivational instructor. It is different and more intense than your average spin class.

I decided to take a class myself and I absolutely loved it!

O: Is Rhodie your real name or is a beautiful coincidence that an indoor cycling enthusiast would have such an appropriate name?

R:    Rhodie is my real name! I love your suggestion that it is a beautiful coincidence, and I suppose it is. I am named after a family friend, and now my name and enthusiasm for indoor cycling are forever combined.

O:     What is the JoyRide Cycling Method?

R:     The JoyRide Cycling Method is a proprietary method of teaching indoor cycling. The Method combines cycling and Pilates principles for the most efficient and effective workout.  I developed this method with emphasis on postural alignment and core engagement during the high intensity cardio interval training, riders will torch calories, release those feel good endorphins and tone muscle.

The JoyRide Cycling Method emphasizes a strong mind/body connection during class. A JoyRide is more than exercise, it is an experience. JoyRide’s classes are set to music in a dimly lit, stadium-style seating studio led by a motivational instructor. The atmosphere during class is a key ingredient to the experience of the ride. I want people to disconnect completely from their daily lives for 50 minutes of their day and clear their minds and strengthen their bodies. The intensity of the workout coupled with the group energy in the room allows riders to let go and discover their physical potential.

O:  You look great! So, that’s obvious proof that you practice what you preach! What do you need to get started? What areas of the body does the JoyRide Method yield the best results?

R: The most important thing you need to get started is a positive attitude! One of my favorite things about indoor cycling is that it appeals to a disparate crowd – young and old, the very athletic and the casual exerciser, the triathlete and the novice. Because riders control their own speed and resistance, they are able to push themselves physically at their own pace. Riding with 45 hard-working individuals is tremendous motivation, and riders quickly discover their potential is far beyond what they previously believed.

On a practical note, you need to wear workout gear and sneakers or cycling shoes (JoyRide accommodates both). Bring some water (we sell it), and we provide the towels and amazing workout!

JoyRide is a full-body workout. During the 50-minute ride, riders rotate through different positions on the bike as well as different “gears” or resistance. A JoyRide offers the best in aerobic and anaerobic interval training, which is the most efficient way to burn calories and increase fitness levels. In addition to the cardio element of the ride, JoyRide classes improve muscle tone and strength in leg muscles (hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, calf), core (abdominals, glutes, and back), as well as arms (we offer bar work with 2 or 4 pound weights that target biceps, deltoids, lats, triceps, and pecs).

O: When you aren’t cycling and growing your business, what do you like to do in your spare time?

R: In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, going to live music shows, and spending time with my husband and three sons.

O: I heard that you love to create music playlists. If you created a playlist for me, what songs would be on it?

R:  I love music! Music enhances my world, can improve my mood, tap into emotions, or help me come alive in my body. If I had to create playlist for you, I would include a variety of genres and tempos to ensure that there was a song that matched your array of moods. Here are a few examples:

• Start Me Up: Rolling Stones (a classic, like yourself)
• Sweet Nothin’: Florence + the Machine (a strong woman with a bit of a temper, like yourself)
• Kashmir: Bond (a heavy, heart-thumping instrumental to help with focus)
• Runaround Sue: Dion (for a pick me up fun tap dance around your kitchen while mixin up dinner)
• On Top of The World: Imagine Dragons (another upbeat tune when you want to remind yourself that you are on top of your game)
• Put the Gun Down: ZZ Ward (a contemporary tune with rhythm and a solid beat! Shake out the jealousy in this song so you don’t have to take it out on your man.)
• Give Me Just a Reason: P!nk (a slow ballad type duet that will remind you of your not perfect, but pretty good romance with Popeye).

Music is always mood changing and always personal!

O: I couldn’t agree more! I love your song selections! Do you ever teach classes in New York City?

R: I teach exclusively at JoyRide in Westport and Darien, CT. I don’t currently teach in New York City, but would welcome that as a thrilling opportunity!

O: I’ll see if I can pull some strings and make that happen for you! Thanks, Rhodie, for taking the time to speak with me. It’s been a pleasure. Keep spinning those wheels of yours! Everyone should look so good doing it.

On May 19, 2013, Rhodie’s JoyRide Cycling Studio is hosting the 2nd Annual Kickin’ Cancer!® Ride & Family Fun Day in Westport, CT. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Lynne Cohen Foundation, which is celebrating 15 years of preventive care, collaboration and education for ovarian and breast cancer.

About Rhodie Lorenz
On the bike and off, Rhodie is swift, passionate and purposeful. She co-founded JoyRide and developed its exclusive method based on her belief that form (based on Pilates principles) + attitude (best positive effort) + good music (rhythm and mood) = a better you. She believes that exercise challenges us to be our best and creates new opportunities for us in the studio and beyond.

Want to see what I saw?

Check out the current issue of Time Out New York! My boyfriend Popeye is on the cover in a fantastic mural rendered by  Bronx-born graffiti artist Crash (a.k.a. John Matos).

The Time Out editors used his artwork, which was painted on the wall at Bowery and Houston Street, to illustrate their story “Amazing Outdoor Art in New York.”

Now if that isn’t a sign that I’m doing the right thing by being here, I don’t know what is!

Olive: How long have you been practicing yoga?

Kathryn: Thirteen years.

Olive: When did you become a teacher?

Kathryn: I started teaching directly after my Teacher Training at Yogaworks in Santa Monica in 2004.

Olive: You are known for your challenging handstands and poses. Do you have a favorite pose?

Kathryn: I absolutely love Handstand and Crow Pose as far as challenging poses go. They push me to my edge but also keep me playful and lighthearted because no matter how balanced you are, you’re bound to fall at some point. As far as more restorative postures go, I really love a long Single Pigeon hip opener hold.

Photo credit: Jasper Johal

Olive: What is your philosophy or mantra to which you strive for or follow?

Kathryn: My life mantra is ‘aim true.’ It is derived from the imagery Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. I teach my students how to keep their aim true by pursuing what makes their heart beat regardless of circumstance knowing that they’ll always hit their mark when their intention is pure and they do their best.

Olive: You have traveled the world teaching yoga. What is your favorite place to visit?

Kathryn: So many! New Zealand is epic and exciting. It’s one big adventure. Santorini is absolutely magical and you can understand where the Greek poets got their inspiration from. Maui also happens to be one of my favorite places to visit and it’s also where I was proposed to.

Photo credit: Daniel Stark

Olive: Congratulations on your engagement! That is wonderful news! Speaking of love, you are an animal lover and advocate. Tell us more about Poses for Paws.

Kathryn: I co-created Poses for Paws after realizing how easy it is as a yoga teacher to give back. We started off teaching donation classes and now hold events as well as sponsor others around the globe who hold Poses for Paws events. I also have products through ToeSox and Tiny Devotions that give back to Poses for Paws, which is currently supporting the Beagle Freedom Project. At the end of the day, I hope people look at us and become inspired to want to give back as well.

Olive: What is the Aim True Challenge and how can Olive Oyl fans participate?

Kathryn: I’m hosting an #AimTrueChallenge on my Kathryn Budig Pinterest board where people can post their version of my challenge pose. I’m not looking for perfect poses, just creativity and really letting your personally shine through. You can email your photo to AimTrueChallenge@gmail.com then encourage people to ‘like’ your photo to win! Prizes are coming from Under Armour, ZICO Coconut Water, ToeSox and a signed copy of my Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga.

About Kathryn Budig

Kathryn Budig is jet-setting yoga teacher, who teaches online at Yogaglo. She is the Contributing Yoga Expert for Women’s Health Magazine, Yogi-Foodie for MindBodyGreen, creator of Gaiam’s Aim True Yoga DVD, co-founder of Poses for Paws and author of Rodale’s The Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga. Follow her on Twitter; Facebook; or on her website. Come on retreat with her in Stowe, Vermont this October for yoga, archery + outdoor beauty via The Travel Yogi. (Photo credit: Ture Lillegraven)

Let’s start with the easiest: recycling. One way that I like to recycle is by shopping at and donating my clothes and unused household items to local thrift shops and vintage clothing stores.

Here is a list of several vintage stores and thrift shops located in New York that I like to support.

Shoppers can find “something old, something new” at Flying A located at 169 Spring Street near West Broadway.

Chelsea Girl Vintage Clothing is another favorite of mine. In addition to helping the planet by wearing recycled vintage clothing, five percent of your purchases goes to a charity of your choice when you shop at Chelsea Girl Vintage Clothing.

Legacy on Thompson Street in the Village is known for its vintage clothing, originals and hard-to-find designers.

And last but not least, Housing Works is a New York-based charity that runs secondhand shops to raise money to advocate for the homeless and those living with HIV/AIDS. Now is the perfect time of year to clean out your closets and donate any unwanted and gently used items to any of the 12 Housing Works thrift shops located throughout New York City.

Vintage is the new black.

Want to see who I will be modeling my look after today?

I absolutely adore Cynthia Rowley. She is fashionable and business savvy. Her style is cool yet classy. These are the very attributes that I try to apply to my own everyday style. I guess you could say that she is my style crush!

Photo from www.elle.com

Whose fashion style do you love to mimic? Does anyone tell you that you resemble someone famous?

Here’s what I am loving right now…

Pippi Polka Dot Clogs  

These are the cutest shoes ever! Made in Sweden and sold online at acacialifestyle.com, these clogs have anatomically contoured footbeds, raised arches, and 2 ½” heels on 1” platforms. Did I mention the polka dots? (Retail: $105.95 US D)

Organic Eyelift Serum with 24K Gold

I love the expression, “Good as gold,” and this anti-aging eye cream falls under that category. It consists of a luxurious blend of olive oil, essential oils and organic plant extracts, plus this serum comes with a packet of pure, absorbable 24K gold flakes! It is more than 95 percent organic (which I love) and it is made in the USA (which I love even more!). (Retail price: $32.95 US D)

Betsey Johnson Dress, Sleeveless Heart Print from the Betsey Johnson 2013 Dress Collection

Available at Macy’s, this confetti-inspired heart print and draped silhouette give Betsey Johnson’s cocktail dress an exuberant dose of energy. Made of polyester with a high neckline with a draped detail at shoulder and hip, this delightfully fun dress is lined and hits at the thigh. (Retail: $108 US D)

Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf Pendant from Tiffany & Co.

It has been estimated that the average American woman owns about 20 pairs of shoes. However, the collections of true shoe fanatics are incredibly vast and variedd. Shoe Obsession features shoes from women with incredible collections. Jewelry designer Lynn Ban owns 20 pairs of heels by Azzedine Alaïa, as well as three pairs of Prada’s spring 2012 “flame” shoes. Baroness Monica von Neumann, whose love of exquisite high heels was outlined in the 2011 documentary “God Save My Shoes,” is represented by styles from eminent luxury brands such as Gucci and Hermès. Daphne Guinness—one of today’s most influential style icons—also lent a selection of her heels, including extreme examples by Alexander McQueen and Nina Ricci.

Prada’s Spring 2012 “flame” shoes

There are so many beautiful shoes on display…it’s no wonder why anyone would become obsessed with them! Each shoe is a carefully constructed masterpiece of art. Here are just a few of my favorites from the exhibition:

Eyelash Heel pump by Roger Vivier (Bruno Frisoni), Fall 2012-2013

Andreia Chaves’ Invisible shoes feature an asymmetrical façade of mirrors

This pair speaks to the true romantic in me!

SWAK!

The Museum is open today from noon to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. For those who can’t make it in person, the exhibition is accompanied by a book, also titled Shoe Obsession, published by Yale University Press. In addition to essays by co-curators, Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator at The Museum at FIT, and Colleen Hill, associate curator of accessories, the book features more than 150 color photographs of exceptional 21st-century shoes. All royalties from sales of the book will benefit the Fashion Institute of Technology.

The Museum at FIT is the only museum in New York City dedicated solely to the art of fashion. Best known for its innovative and award-winning exhibitions, which The New York Times has described as “ravishing,” the museum has a collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the 18th century to the present. The Museum at FIT collects, conserves, documents, exhibits, and interprets fashion. The museum’s mission is to advance knowledge of fashion through exhibitions, publications, and public programs.