A degree in finance isn’t exactly the kind of background you’d expect from an emerging fashion designer. But for Canadian-born Jay Godfrey, it was his knack for numbers and passion for architecture and interior design that prompted him to launch a namesake clothing collection. Now in its third season, Jay Godfrey’s cutting-edge day-to-night dresses have been flying off the racks at some of the hottest names in retail such as Intermix, Saks, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus.
Known for his knockout one-shoulder shift dress, initially designed for leading Hollywood ladies like Rachel Bilson back in ‘05, Jay Godfrey is now the sought after contemporary evening label amongst global fashion insiders. Made for fearless fashionistas who aren’t afraid to flaunt their gams, Jay Godfrey’s knee-grazing silhouettes exude sex appeal and, dare I say, a dash of debauchery. Bring out your inner Bond girl with Godfrey’s sultry, yet wearable pieces that come in a combo of limited-edition, au courant hues such as fluorescent yellow and orange as well as the signature black.
Standouts include a stunning one-shoulder red ombré dress (degradé is a huge trend this Spring), a neon yellow shift with an over-sized bow (pictured above), a chic Kimono-style tunic with a waist-cinching sash, a rose-gold metallic halter swing ensemble, a racer back zipper silk jersey dress and a striking silk apple-green gown (exclusive to Neiman Marcus). Other trademark features include assymetrical zippers, racy back cut outs and hidden pockets, which are perfect for stowing your lipstick, credit card, handcuffs and other secret agent essentials.
Thanks to weeks of gorging on greasy pizza, red meat, chocolate truffles, red wine and Stilton cheese (gotta love the holidays), my digestive system is desperate for a tune-up. Rather than flush out my toxin build-up with several heaping bowls of Super Colon Blow (a.k.a. Fiber One), I’m kick-starting my New Year’s with Boots’ Feel The Difference 5-Day Detox Plan – a more intense yet palatable total body cleanse.
A strawberry-flavored liquid that won’t make you hurl like those Milk of Magnesia products, Feel The Difference (FTD), when used regularly, will magically cleanse, purify and revive your body from the inside out. Formulated from a blend of Grape Vine Leaf and Marine Pink Bark, two antioxidants that naturally flush away impurities from the skin, liver, kidneys and digestive system, FTD is a healthy and hassle-free way to put your system back on track. Another active ingredient, Schizanda, a strange-sounding herb that promotes liver cleansing, helps neutralize potentially damaging toxins such as pollutants, alcohol, smoke and even pesticides (eek!).
Ready to join me in taking on the new year with vim and vigor? Simply add a 30ml dose of FTD to a litre of water every morning and, in a matter of days, you’ll look and feel completely revitalized. Just make sure to avoid processed foods, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol, and just about any other vice you can think of, as they’ll interfere with the detox. If this doesn’t work, its back to bran!
As the season’s most in-demand accessory, elbow-grazing opera gloves should be simple to find. But having ransacked every big name department store from Barneys to Bloomies, it seems extra long cashmere-lined leather gloves in small sizes are seemingly non-existent. Having been on my radar screen since mid-October, I practically put the kibosh on the search until I stumbled upon Sermoneta – a bustling Madison Avenue boutique that only sells gloves.
A well-lit, snow white space no larger than a walk-in closet, Sermoneta’s lone U.S. location carries a deceivingly large selection of haute hand coverings. The holy grail of gloves, Sermoneta is littered with over 60 jaw-dropping styles, all of which are artfully displayed on hand mannequins that sit atop gallery-like Lucite shelves. Rather than rummage through messy bins to find your size, the shop’s stock is securely stowed behind the counter in space age-y cubbyholes.
This season’s handi-work includes sleek opera length silhouettes (a cut so coveted, they’ve re-stocked ‘em five times!), purple driving gloves with half fingers (perfect for pressing numbers on your cell), an ivory ensemble with intricate lace cut-outs, a timeless teal number with side buttons, racy leopard prints adorned with zippers, punk-infused pairs with metal grommets and a standout style with shimmery silver strips (pictured above). Prepare to pay top dollar for the finest fabrics such as rabbit fur, mink, buttery suede, pigskin, patent and quilted leathers, all of which are handmade at Sermoneta’s headquarters in Italy. With such an abundance of styles and sizes, one thing’s for certain… you won’t be leaving empty-handed.
Special Fashion Junkie Announcement: Fashion Junkie will be back on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. Have a Happy New Year!
While baldness runs in my family, it typically affects the men, like my older brother, father and grandfather. At least that’s what I thought ‘til I noticed clumps of my curly hair recently clogging the shower drain. Since I’m technically still of childbearing age, I can’t use those chemical-laden hair-stimulating shampoos like Rogaine. And because I refuse to wear a wig or a blue rinse until I retire to Del Boca Vista, I’ve found the next best alternative – the Hairmax LaserComb.
Far safer and superior than those pricy prescription lotions, potions or pills, the LaserComb is the only FDA-approved DIY laser therapy, hair-growth treatment. A lightweight, hand-held gizmo with an easy-to-grip ergonomic design, the LaserComb works by stimulating scalp cells with a low-level laser beam for thicker, fuller and healthier hair in a matter of weeks. Ideal for girls on the go, LaserComb comes equipped with a sleek leather carrying case and universal power supply, making it handy for overseas trips. The hidden value: it even helps control severe dandruff (who knew?).
With a lifetime commitment of only three times a week for 10-15 minute sessions, LaserComb is about as routine as brushing your teeth. Activate the high-tech tool by plugging it in and slowly glide the comb-like teeth across your scalp at 4-second intervals. Go against the direction of your hair growth, starting from front to back and then bottom to top. Once you start treatment, you should begin to see dramatic results in as little as 12-16 weeks.
Buyer beware: once you stop using the LaserComb, your hair will gradually revert back to its original thinning state. While a price of $545 may make some of you want to pull your hair out, with a lifespan of 10+ years, LaserComb may well be worth the investment.
Fashion Junkie’s tailor-made, NYC shopping tours were profiled in journeyPod’s 2008 Luxury Gift Guide. Check out all their fabulous holiday finds here. Happy shopping!
A degree in finance isn’t exactly the kind of background you’d expect from an emerging fashion designer. But for Canadian-born Jay Godfrey, it was his knack for numbers and passion for architecture and interior design that prompted him to launch a namesake clothing collection. Now in its third season, Jay Godfrey’s cutting-edge day-to-night dresses have been flying off the racks at some of the hottest names in retail such as Intermix, Saks, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. 
