We’ve Moved!

Just a quick note to let you know that The Black Market has moved. You can now meet us over at blackmarketmag.com!

Inspired By: Vintage Fashion Ads

If you are like us, there are large piles of old fashion magazines occupying much space in your apartment. One of the reasons that we can’t bear to part with magazines that are (sometimes) decades old is the ads. Beyond being able to see models-of-the-moment in their prime, we love to look back at labels that are no longer on the scene (Claude Montana), or have been taken over by new designers (Thierry Mugler). Here, a few vintage ads that we have come across lately. Our favorites being the DVF ad with both Iman and Gia(!!!) and the CK One image featuring the lovely model-turned designer Lois Samuels (that’s her on the far left).

The Market: Moschino Cheap and Chic Tuxedo Silk Shirt

Moschino Cheap and Chic Tuxedo Silk Shirt, $768, harrods.com

Franco Moschino holds the softest of places in our hearts. The void that his death left in the fashion industry is still palpable and we have made it a point to keep up with the label that still bears his name. We are on the hunt for cool, cheeky tops for spring and came across this subtly subversive take on a classic tuxedo shirt.  The  piqued collar and the short, pleated sleeves inject just the right amount of femininity.

The Collections: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012

The lens of the fashion world has shifted to the couture, but we are still gleefully haunted by the Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012 collection.  Most of the time, words are easy to find when reflecting on the impact of a collection, but Sarah Burton has again left us utterly speechless. Insanely gorgeous. For some reason, we have an urge to go belt shopping…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty Addictions: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Smashbox, BB Cream, $39, http://www.smashbox.com

Whenever beauty editors and beauty fanatics start tweeting and raving about a product, our ears perk up and we get to digging around for what makes this product so special. Smashbox is always on our radar and now they’ve got a bonafide reason to celebrate with their latest launch – BB Cream. This multi-tasking moisturizer not only smooths fine lines but it also primes and preps skin for makeup, rids skin of oil and keeps your makeup and skin looking good all night long. They should’ve named this product – My Little Miracle!

Beauty Addictions: Tweezerman 18K Gold Eyelash Curler

Tweezerman, 18K Gold Eyelash Curler, $20, http://www.tweezerman.com

We aren’t usually ones to hoop and holler about decadent items but we must say there’s something overtly luxurious about an 18k gold eyelash curler. The instant we received this gorgeous tool, we knew it would become a beauty addiction. There’s something fun, whimsical and totally unnecessary about this item which makes it altogether more appealing. The eyelash curler is a wonderful way to prep and prime lashes before you apply mascara. Most top makeup artists use it just before they apply false lashes as well as it gives the lash a nice bend and curl which makes applying the falsies that much easier. Tweezerman is known for making some of the best beauty tools around and this gold eyelash curler is at the top of the list in our minds!

Inspired By: Antonio Lopez

When we think of 70′s fashion, one of the names that comes to mind is legendary fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. The Puerto Rico-born artist was an ubiquitous presence on the NYC and Paris scenes and is said to have discovered model Jerry Hall as well as style icon Grace Jones. His illustrations were elegant and lively and often had a moody vibe that was perfect for fashion.

Antonio Lopez in Paris, 1971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Trench Book by Assouline

The Trench Book, Assouline 2007, $35, assouline.com

Few pieces of clothing are more evocative than the classic trench coat. They may have had a humble military pedigree, but they have definitely come into their own as a must-have staple in both women and men’s closets. Just name a Film Noir movie, and you will find that both the male and female characters will be stylishly wrapped in a trench at some point, and, of course, we hardly need to mention the scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Holly is looking for her cat in the rain… (who hasn’t cried at this moment?) Our favorite publishing house, Assouline, gathered all of these classic trench moments in a gorgeous book from 2007 called The Trench Book.  Written by Nick Foulkes, The Trench Book explores all aspects of the iconography of the trench coat, from the no-nonsense uniform of the detective to the more erotic iterations that were the seed of many a fantasy. We seriously love this book and have given it to many a chic friend as a gift. You can purchase it here.

Beauty News: Chanel Rouge Coco Baume

Chanel, Rouge Coco Baume, $32.50, http://www.chanel.com

Luxury lip balm may sound ridiculous to some but when the weather ravages your lips to the point where you can wear your favorite lipstick or gloss, you’ll be happy to shell out big bucks for serious lip treatments. Chanel has decided to throw their hat in the ring with a new lip balm that has beauty fanatics buzzing. Coco Rouge Baume glides on smooth and shiny but dries down to a matte finish leaving lips prepped and primed for lip color or even better yet a smooch or two. We adore the clear balm as a lip base or primer and can’t wait to toss this pricey lip treatment into our Tory Burch cosmetics bag when we hit the sandy beaches of Miami this summer.

Beauty Addictions: NARS Spring 2012 Collection

 

NARS Spring 2012 Collection Has Us Ready for Warmer Days!

 NARS is one of our biggest beauty addictions as they continuously create some of the most stunning products, colors and finishes in the beauty business. Spring 2012, they’ve done it again! The prestige beauty brand recently launched a sophisticated yet edgy color collection that is sure to be on the beauty “it” list this spring season. We are ready to rock the succulent shimmer lilac shade – Diamond Life. We’re also mentally preparing ourselves for the color shock of Mexican Rose lip pencil. This seriously hot pink is not for the faint at heart or the shrinking violets. We know we are still in the dead of winter but with warm temperatures in the forecast, we know spring is just around the bend which means NARS Spring 2012 Collection is well on its way into our lives!