What Makes a Social Icon?

The term 'socialite' gained its modern coinage in the 1920's. Before that time prominent American families were recorded in the Social Register - the foremost arbiter of elite society. The Social Register was founded in New York and 1886 and continues to be updated today. In the 20's the definition of high society broadened to include the Nouveau Riche.

The 1930s saw a period of unparalleled extravagance in the socialite community. This was sharply juxtaposed with The Great Depression which made it very difficult for most Americans to feed their families.

After World War II airplanes made world travel more manageable and the defining boundaries of socialites expanded once again welcoming foreign counterparts into the fold.

 The tradition of throwing extravagant parties in the name of charity was introduced early on and is largely continued today but with the discrepancies that exist can we really compare socialites like Brooke Astor and Millicent Rogers to Paris Hilton or the Kardashians or even Daphne Guinness? Babe Paley was criticized for alienating even her own children so obsessed was she to reach the top of polite society. Beyond that its difficult to find bad press on socialites of earlier decades. Elanor Lambert was among the first to revere fashion as an art form and helped establish the Costume Institute at the Met. Alva Vanderbilt fought for Women's right to vote and established the Political Equality League. Its possible that the goings-on behind closed doors may not have been any different from today but it seems like there was a time when public digression was more highly valued among high society. And I just can't see Paris Hilton fighting for anybody's right to anything.

At what point did socialite behaviour become more excessive thereby losing credibility among the rest of us? Many would say the difference comes down to simple manners. These days social icons are people who seek public attention in addition the expensive excursions their fortunes can afford them. What the public interprets as an appealing image has changed too. At one time grace and poise resonated strongly with social prominence. Now its all sex appeal and bad behavior. And the media should take its fair part of the blame for seeking out and publicizing ever more extreme stories.

 Though social icons have always been revered in newspapers and magazines the sense of entitlement which emanates from every photograph has always irked the public and given cause for criticism. Are we jealous because we want what they have or are we incensed because they are so out of touch with reality having not worked for the fortunes they acquired. Maybe its a combination of both.

With the current economic crisis here and abroad I cant help but ask myself: How long until those who are famous for being famous loose their significance completely?

Something worth mentioning:

The Stylist Handbook is a great resource magazine for fashion and wardrobe stylists available online and in print. It is the first of its kind. Founder and Editor-in-Chief Devon Poer aspires to deliver pertinent and interesting content that will foster relationships between the many different sects of the fashion industry. On the website you can now read, download, and print the first 3 issues which are brimming with helpful information and beautiful images.

Let me whisper in your ear...

I shouldn't be telling you this because I also run our website which offers our product at full retail price but.....

We are having a sale on Haute Look where our current fall season is up to 75% off!

Many of our furs, faux furs, sweaters and jackets from Fall 2011 are available and they're selling pretty quickly. Although New England has already seen snow this year its been unusually warm elsewhere until now so our pieces are even more desirable.

All of our tops are very versatile but the Haute Look marketing team does a really good job of styling them on the models so its easy to see how you can apply them to your wardrobe.

We're offering a lot of cropped styles that highlight the waist and many of our cardigans drape long in the front while hitting right at the natural waistline in the back which gives a slimming look.

Take advantage of the prices while you can! They make great gifts too!

All Over Town

Love Token sure gets around these days!

Its possible that some of you don't know about Natasha Henstridge. Try to remember back a few years.... you were flipping through the channels bored on a Saturday and you stopped because you saw this irresistible image of an impossibly beautiful blond woman and you were just entranced. She seemed somewhat doe-eyed and unsure but there was this quality of confident seduction about her and then - she sticks her tongue through some guy's head while kissing him. That was Natasha Henstridge in Species.

Natasha's gets around too. She began her modeling career at age 14 when she left her home in Canada and traveled to Paris. She quickly succeeded in securing a spot on the cover of the French edition of Cosmopolitan. After making her foray into commercials she continued moving forward onto the big screen while keeping her feet on the ground with multiple roles in indie films. Natasha still works in Television starring in the CW's Secret Circle

I like Natasha. She reminds me a little of Sharon Stone. They're both blond and beautiful but what I really love is their strength as women. They both own their sensuality and aren't afraid of it. Sharon Stone has a little catching up to do though because Natasha Henstridge has already discovered the beauty and wonder of Love Token clothing. When we design our clothes we like to keep all kinds of women in mind but its so important to us that we remember to design for real women with real curves. I think that might be one reason why Natasha chose to wear our fur pieces in her photo shoot for Regard Magazine recently.

Whether it was the considerate design philosophy, the luxurious textiles, or the simple beauty of the pieces we're really flattered that Natasha liked our stuff well enough to be photographed in it. We think she has great taste!

Kristin Cavallari wearing Love Token!

I only had to type in the first 4 letters of her name before Google exploded with search results for Kristin Cavallari.

People sure do say alot of things about her, but what's important to me is that she's wearing Love Token:

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Its also pretty impressive that she's been involved in charity work and activist causes. She's done ads for PETA and public service announcements for Until There's a Cure. She's also done charity work in Africa and El Salvador. Despite all that and more, she was still robbed in Dancing With the Stars! 

Miss America in Love Token!

Rachel Smith won the title of Miss America in 2007. During her reign she helped raise breast cancer awareness and traveled to Kenya to work with medically challenged children at the Bomu Medical Center courtesy of Project Sunshine.

Born an only child of two military parents Rachel cultivated an interest in entertainment from an early age. Since starting school Miss Smith has always been an active volunteer and she won her first beauty competition at age two.

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With a degree in Journalism from Belmont University she now co-hosts ABC's On The Red Carpet. Rachel also aspires to begin her own charitable organization helping underprivileged communities in the United States and elsewhere.

Charity work and fashion from Love Token look great on everyone!

Celebrity Wearing Love Token!

Casey LaBow is wearing our clothes!

This girl is pretty well known for her role as Candy in Skateland but its her part as Kate Danali in Twilight's Breaking Dawn that will make her famous. She recently did a photo shoot wearing our stuff:

In these shots she's wearing our best-seller for Fall 2011 the Scarf Vest in Leopard and Black. We think she has great taste!

And she wrote us this swell thank you note on twitter:

Your welcome, Casey!

Subtle Salute to the '70's

 The '70's are making a brief comeback this season and I've been trying to decide if and how I want to incorporate that concept into my wardrobe. When I woke up this morning something told me to stop putting it off and start putting it on!

Digging through my closet I noticed my flare jeans don't come close to passing as bell bottoms, I could wear my one piece denim jumpsuit with the butterfly collar -- to a costume party, and my maxi dress is lacking in the paisley / tie dye department. But wait... what's this now? I seem to have found something both tasteful and evocative of 1970's bohemian culture:

My Love Token Fringe Cardigan!

LT02-08 Fringe Cardigan Available in Black, white, Yellow, Blue at www.lovetokenus.com

This light weight sweater is the perfect way to show that you're hip to the passing trends but the beauty of it is that you can still wear it when the trend fades away. The long knotted fringe sweeps softly around the legs with each step and just adds a spirited feel to an outfit that would otherwise be pretty commonplace.

If you're looking for another piece that indicates a jump back to the '70's Love Token's Maxi Dress has a nice hand tye-dyed detail at the hem and neckline. This is a floor-lengh dress with a high waist made with Rayon and Spandex. It is endlessly comfortable and I could wear it every day! Both styles mentioned here are available at http://www.lovetokenus.com/

LT46-01 Maxi Dress. Available in Green, Fuschia, Blue at www.lovetokenus.com

Delicious Poncho

There are so many ways to style a poncho top! Here's one easy idea:

My girlfriend from Texas would call this a great 'eating top'. It's body-conscious drape obscures the form so you can indlulge in corn bread and collard greens if you happen to stumble across, say, an amazing Soul Food restaurant!  

The great thing about this poncho top is its weightlessness. Its made with Rayon and Linen so it just flows around the body. I also like its basic-ness. The front is like a blank canvas so its easy to dress it up with a necklace or scarf.

The sleeves are a nice surprise too. Normaly ponchos will completely hide the shape of your body with wide sleeves. But the slender 3/4 sleeves on this one help to define your shape so you don't get lost in a bunch of bulkey fabric as you reach for another fried chicken leg.

My favorite detail on this top is the computerized contrast knit at the cascading side seams

It gives a nice little touch of delicate femininity which will make up for any unlady-like gastronomical.... hiccups that may ensue after packing away that last spoonful of mac 'n cheese.

For Purchase at http://www.lovetokenus.com/ Asymmetrical Poncho Top Style # LT20-06

On the Edge of Romance

It occurred to me recently that Love Token's clothing might have something in common with the work of Alexander McQueen. I don't want to sound bombastic so bear with me as I explain.

Love Token's Cropped Jacket LT43-02

                                                                  McQueen's Oyster Dress

                                                       

I recently went to NYC and saw Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met where I learned more about the late designer than I knew existed. Just so you know the details: the exhibit was organized by the Costume Institute, funded almost entirely by Alexander McQueen and curated by Andrew Bolton of the Costume Institute.

Savage Beauty lets you get right into McQueen's head. More than just an homage to his vast body of work (there are 170 pieces spanning 19 years) this exhibit takes the viewer into the dark waters of his creative inspiration. The prevalent theme throughout the galleries is Romanticism - in all its unconventional forms.

I found this to be very thought provoking. Love Token is a line inspired by romance in a very traditional way that applies to daily life. McQueen on the other hand applies a beautiful perversion to the idea of romance finding it in even the darkest of recesses. McQueen's work is highly informed by Victorian culture, primitivism, and the precise art of tailoring. But more than anything he was inspired by nature. This happens to be the same thing that inspired the Romantics of 18th century Europe. The interesting thing is that these European artists were operating in the context of (and reacting against) the Industrial Revolution. All the art and literature in praise of nature that came out of this era was juxtaposed with a newly mechanized mass culture. McQueen's work is rife with this same duality of theme.

The first gallery is designated The Romantic Mind. This is partly McQueen's 1992 graduation collection completed while at Central St. Martins in London. Here he mingles life and death, lightness and darkness. In pieces from Jack The Ripper Stalks His Victim the lining of a seemingly innocent frock coat is  made with the slightly more macabre element of encapsulated human hair.

Frock Coad from Jack The Ripper Stalks His Victim

Romantic Gothic is the second gallery. Here we see romance layered with darkness and aggression. Upon entering this gallery one can get a sense that McQueen's fashion designer iconicism was only a step away from couture costume design. Romantic and Gothic aesthetics are often incorporated into modern cult fashion like steam punk and 'goth'. McQueen takes this to the next level.

The most stunning and inspiring room (in my opinion) is the Cabinet of Curiosities. McQueen mentions his admiration for the sado-masochistic aspect of accessories. You'll excuse me if I'm being imperceptive but I don't think this notion of the veiled violence of jewelry would occur to most people - until they enter this gallery. Cabinet of Curiosities also includes clips from McQueen's fashion shows which often played more like performance art pieces. In one show a model in a white dress stands on a spinning platform between 2 robotic spray paint machines. She is frightened and disoriented as the robots slowly gain awareness and begin pelting her with spray paint turning the white muslin dress into No. 13




No. 13


As a former apprentice to a tailor McQueen understood garment construction as well as a person can. It was very important to him as a designer to be fully dexterous at his craft so he could undo, destroy, and challenge the conventions of his trade. In Romantic Exoticism towards the middle of the exhibit he reinterprets elements of traditional fashions from cultures all over the world.

Dress from Its Only a Game Spring/Summer 2005

I was amazed by this exhibit. I was amazed at how brilliantly the production design by Sam Gainsburry and Joseph Bennett complimented Alexander McQueen's work and made me feel like I was inside his head.  McQueen was not only a fashion designer. He was also a performance art director, a fine artist, an expert tailor and craftsman, a proud Scottish native, a quirky story teller, a self-proclaimed rule demolisher, and a true Romantic. While Love Token's clothing looks nothing like the work of Alexander McQueen we are proud to uphold his valued tradition of romance as it applies to our daily lives.

Today at Love Token we made a big donation to Goodwill. 5 giant boxes of designer clothing will soon be arriving at the Carthay donation center. Come to find out Love Token and designer Briana Morrison in particular are very involved with different charities around Los Angeles.

Besides donating to Goodwill Love Token has also sent items to Good Shepard. Good Shepherd is among the nation's first domestic violence shelters and opened its doors in 1977. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd strive to break the cycle of domestic violence by healing its survivors with therapy, legal advocacy, and enrichment programs for mothers and children. It is a small facility which rehabilitates a dozen families at a time from the day they enter until they are reestablished in their communities. The program includes training for mothers and educational facilities for children and adolescents. Good Shepherd depends entirely on private funding and volunteers. You can donate on line and you can even check out their wish list which includes items like a digital camera, art supplies, and pre-paid phone cards.  http://www.goodshepherdshelter.org/Volunteers.html

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch but at The Hippie Kitchen in downtown Los Angeles they serve free afternoon meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Briana can often be seen volunteering here. The Hippie Kitchen is part of the Los Angeles Catholic Worker an organization that has recently been receiving pressure from LAPD to stop serving free meals out of their vans citing minor health code violations. LACW follows Catholic tradition only loosely and is not boxed in by the institution of the church. A quick view of their photo gallery reveals celebrations for both Easter and The Seder. The folks at LACW are also political activists who protest war and excessive military spending. They even publish The
Catholic Agitator written, designed, and edited by community members. At the Hippie Kitchen up to 2000 guests each day eat their nutritious and tasty meal in an outdoor garden maintained by volunteers. To become a volunteer or make a donation, visit  http://lacatholicworker.org/visiting-and-volunteering

The fashion industry is often viewed as being superficial and selfish. Love Token will continue working with local Los Angeles charities to help balance out this misconception.

New York, New York!



New York,



New York!

 We're bustling around the office today getting ready for Moda Manhattan where Love Token will be showing our Fall 2011 collection! After a huge success at the Vegas show we're pretty confident this is going to be another smash hit!  I wish I could show you photos but the line is top secret for now! What I can tell you is that The California Market Center (www.californiamarketcenter.com) LOVES our Spring line! Here's what they said about us on a recent blog post entitled Swoon-Worthy Summer Wear by Love Token: "Love Token's sweet summery designs radiate California cool with flowy tops, silk blouses and maxi dresses, the must-have item of the season, all made from breathable linens and light weight fabrics. Perfect for a beach cover up or Memorial Day BBQ, these pieces will transition through the Spring and Summer months perfectly."  ....Like I've been saying all along! Here are just a couple examples:

Long cotton linen vest sweater with ruffled edging. Can be closed in the front with a broach or blanket pin or even cinched with a belt. Available in black, white, kiwi, and yellow.
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Super silky tunic top with hand sewn metal bead details at neck line and side seams Available in black, kiwi, fuchsia, blue, and ivory


So if you're in the Big Apple for the trade shows stop by booth 428 at Moda to check out the upcoming fall styles.



So, I'd like to talk to you about silk.

People love to blend silk with everything from cotton to velvet. They crinkle it, suede it, embroider it, and brush it. It is considered the most luxurious textile on the planet.

Raw silks

The details of silk's history are not always agreed upon since it was kept secret for so long. Essentially Silk production was discovered by the Chinese thousands of years ago and has been used in textiles ever since. The Silk Road opened trade to Europe and Africa and much later to the West.

Lady Hsi-Ling-Shih

Originally worn only by Emperors, silk has become an amazingly versatile textile. It is used in everything from lingerie to long johns. There are ceaseless possibilities for blending silk with other textiles thereby adding an element of luxury to an otherwise simple fabric. One of the best examples of this is silk cotton. This blend offers an understated elegance that is also very practical and can be used for any garment. The silk fibers lend a subtle sheen to the cotton and give it a softer drape and feel.

An Emperor's Robe

And it just so happens that many of Love Token's spring tops use this sumptuous yet pragmatic blend. Here is my favorite example:

Style number LT44-02

This top feels like the softest cotton shirt you've ever worn. The top-stitched pin tucks at the front are echoed on the center back and the waist is slightly empired so its flattering on any body type. the rolled sleeve cuffs give it a casual feel and the beautiful trim at the bottom makes it very feminine. Since the top is not body conscious its best worn with leggings or fitted jeans. Even a cute denim mini skirt with tall boots or sandals will work. The photo shows the shirt in navy but its also available in kiwi green and off white. Keep in mind the sheerness of the top and perhaps pair it with a simple tank.

Love Token on HauteLook!

Very exciting news! Starting April 12th Love Token can be found on sample sale website HauteLook! 

Tim is proud of us!

A leader in online retail HauteLook offers 50-75 percent off retail prices on rarely discounted designer brands such as Chanel, Rock and Republic, Decadestwo, Jovovich-Hawk and many, many more.

Mohawk shoes by DecadesTwo

You get all the benefits of finding great designer items at sample sale prices without the potential for sample sale drama or the often limited sample sale sizes. These 48 hour "flash sales" make hard to get labels more accessible to everyone in these belt-cinching, wallet draining times. You can find contemporary fashions for women, men, and kids and even great deals on travel getaways. I found a discount for a getaway to South Coast Resort and Spa in Temecula for $133/night!

South Coast Resort and Spa

You'll also see home items from popular movies and TV shows at amazon prices to wall art by Parvez Taj who uses special UV cured inks layered with photography and water paints to create unique compositions.

Art by Parvez Taj

HauteLook also hosts periodic sweepstakes and streams video from behind the scenes at fashion shows. You can even find exclusive interviews with designers revealing the inspiration for their current season. The site's home page will remind you of events ending soon and will also alert you to upcoming events a few days in advance. The way it works is you go to http://www.hautelook.com/ and sign up! In no time you can begin to sprinkle your wardrobe with unique designer pieces. Membership is gratis and so are the bragging rights!

Catherine Baba: Style Maven of Paris

Love Token will be offering Spring items including luxurious silk cotton tops in bright colors inspired by the designer's experience in India.

Maxi Dress by Love Token in pink