No one makes looking downright flawless quite as effortless as Olivia Chantecaille—and oh, what a coincidence that she works in beauty! As the Creative Director for Chantecaille, Olivia works overtime to deliver us the lovely products from her eponymous line that we obsess over, time and time again (hello—today’s ZOE Beautiful feature, the Zebra Kabuki Brush!) We asked this makeup maven everything from what products she swears by to what tunes she’s currently streaming—check out her answers below!
Currently dwelling in your makeup bag…?
- Nano Gold Energizing Eye Serum
- Biodynamic Lifting Fluid
- Future Skin in Cream
- Ultra Sun Protection Primer SPF50+++
- Coral Reefs Palette
- Gel Liner Pencil in Jet
- Cheek Crème in Coy
- Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara
- Luminous Gloss in Lychee
- Rosewater Spray
- Petales Roll-On Perfume
- Clear Eyes drops
- Bottle of Jasmine Essential Oil
- Tweezerman tweezers
(Though it’s clearly your specialty) Ever had a beauty blunder moment from your past that you wish you could take back?
I can remember a time even before high school when I thought that using the same foundation shade year-round was appropriate! Thankfully, I had access to some expert tips along the way.
Let’s talk fashion—what pieces/trends are you loving at the moment?
I can’t get enough of the bright colors and prints out there right now. I am loving Peter Pilotto’s dresses…the cuts are so flattering and the prints, so beautiful!
Favorite spot for a summer vacay?
Our family home in East Hampton has always been one of my favorite places to escape the city. I also love traveling to Capri every year and stay at Punta Tragara
5 songs you’ve got on replay?
- Dancing On My Own- Robyn
- Sabali Vitalic Remix- Amadou + Mariam
- Shake It Out- Florence + The Machine
- Feel So Close- Calvin Harris
- Moment Before Dreaming- The Ananda Project
If there’s anyone in the handbag biz today that without a doubt knows her stuff, it’s Joy Gryson—her impressive resume speaks volumes about the impact she’s had on the industry, and she’s at it again with the advent of her newest collection, IIIBeCa. Her business and personal life are deeply rooted in NYC, so who better to give us a virtual tour-de-TriBeCa?! Read on and take notes…a wealth of chic-city knowledge awaits you! 
1. Part of the proceeds of your new IllBeCa bags are donated to a series of charities that are near and dear to your heart—how and when were you inspired to create a whole collection with a philanthropic component?
I am so passionate about fashion and design and this is opportunity to also give back while doing what I love. My parents have always made us aware of the world and community in which we live and ingrained in us the concept and importance of investing our time and talents in causes we felt strongly about so since the start of GRYSON seven years ago I have been planning when I could create a line with charity at its core. I took my time as it was so important I do it in the right way and with the right message, which for us, meant people everywhere could join the cause. We wanted the line to be approachable with bags that were simple, yet refined - wearable to many and affordable to most. And thus, IIIBeCa evolved where 3% of the proceeds will go to each charity I stand behind including 9/11 Memorial, Sloan-Kettering and my mother’s adoption agency, Family Focus Adoption Services.
2. All of the charities you support have ties to New York—as a Tribeca resident, what are your favorite places/events that define the city for you?
Food (TriBeCa):
Nobu Next Door - my go-to restaurant
Bouley - my favorite for fine dining - the ambience and food are hand-in-hand amazing!
Edwards - my family eats brunch here almost every weekend. My daughter Olivia lives for their chicken fingers and french fries!
Tribeca Treats – if you’ve never tried their cupcakes, you haven’t lived.
Shopping (TriBeCa):
Nili Lotan – You find instant serenity when you walk into the store. I always find a great wardrobe staples here.
Edon Manor – Fabulous selection of designer shoes
Steven Alan – home to so many great brands, all under one roof
Stella - amazing bedding / great place for gifts for the home
Adeline Adeline – super chic bicycles and accessories to go with
Events (TriBeCa):
TriBeCa Film Festival
Walking around TriBeCa during Halloween and admiring all of the kids’ creative costumes!
Manhattan as a whole:
Central Park- a little bit of respite in the fast pace of the city
The fabulous museums - I will never tire of the MET.
Fashion Week – The amalgamation of diverse talent and creativity coming together to share their hard work with the world in New York, both energizes and inspires me to continue designing.
Theaters - I love seeing on- and off-broadway shows with my husband Pete and Olivia. Escaping the hustle and bustle of New York and fully immersing yourself in a storyline for a few hours, is certainly one of the City’s finest treasures.
3. Best NYC memory?
Visiting Central Park in the dead of winter with my husband and daughter. It was just after a snow fall when all was white, still and beautiful and just before Olivia came tearing down a steep hill on her sled!
4. Greatest sources of inspiration in the city?
Its people.
5. As a certified handbag maven, we all want to know…what’s in YOUR purse?
Too much…..
— My new Gryson wallet - coming out for Fall
— Lancome Ultra Brilliant lip gloss and Rodin Lip Balm that I use interchangeably
— 1 oz flask of Atelier Cologne - Blois Blonds perfume
— Stila liquid eye liner - for last minute touch ups
— IIIBeCa nylon pouch - that I can easily snap out of one of my IIIBeCa bags to hold my make-up
— Tiny black Moleskin soft cover unlined notebook - that I use for my sketch pad
— My favorite Delfonics pencils
— Kid Robot Yummy Breakfast Strawberry Keycharm that Olivia gave to me
— Mophie back up iPhone charger
— Faliero Sarti scarf (always carry one with me, even in summer) in case the air conditioning is on full blast
— Olivier Peoples or Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses - I keep going back and forth with the 2 Olivers this summer
It’s no secret that we’re smitten with all things Jenni Kayne (our newest obsession = her croc leather loafers!), so who better to consult on our summer packing list than one of our most beloved style mavens? Peep her jet-set checklist below: 
Clothing Essentials?
My D’Orsay Flats, J.Crew Panama Hat, Steven Alan Beach Blanket, and an LL Bean tote to put it all in.
Beauty must-haves?
Santa Maria Novella Rose Water, SkinCeuticals sunscreen, and Anita Louise Lavender Hair Oil.
For the kids?
California Baby sunscreen, Makie sun hats, and TOMS slip-ons.
Miscellaneous items?
Pressed Juicery juice!
Few things are more satisfying than shopping for a cause—walking away with a bevy of goods whose proceeds go to charity is a serious double whammy! Totally smitten with today’s AccessZOEries feature, CJ Free bracelets, we wanted to know more about the gorgeous and do-good designs—who better to ask than one half of the brains behind the label, Miss Jamie-Lynn Sigler!? Read on and fall in love with our latest philanthropic label du jour!
1. How did the concept of CJ Free come about?
When I moved out to LA after the Sopranos wrapped, I lived with Holly, her husband, and their baby Colin for a few months. We would stay up late after putting the boys to bed :), watching American Idol, and talk about how we wanted to figure out a way to work together. We initially thought about a production company, but after discovering our shared love for accessories, we just started playing with jewelry. Holly had some gold beads lying around, and the rest is history. In one night we started making our first few bracelets and I started sketching ideas for charms, etc…we had a name, a logo, all of it.
2. The amazing thing about the collection is the charitable element behind it all—what sparked your passion for these causes?
Holly’s childhood friend was diagnosed last year with breast cancer at age 34. We were inspired to design a bracelet for her friends that symbolized the bond between them. We created a bracelet with seven 14K rose gold beads – one bead for each friend – threaded onto pink cord, the color that has long signified breast cancer awareness.What began as a personal pursuit to support her friend has since evolved into our company’s mission. We are both longtime advocates for a variety of non-profit organizations. We decided to use CJ Free to further our philanthropic passions . This month we’ve partnered with the American Cancer Society to promote their biggest fundraising campaign, Relay For Life with a purple bracelet. We will also be introducing this year a pink-themed bracelet for Breast Cancer and a turquoise bracelet for Ovarian Cancer. We also continue to have successful partnerships with the American Heart Association, the Nancy Davis Foundation for MS with more being added every day.
3. You design the line with business partner and pal Holly Freeman—how has it been to creatively work alongside one of your closest friends?
It’s been so fun! Its always seamless when you are working with someone you are close to and get along with so well. We are girly girls and love so much of the same things, so getting to be creative together and see it come to life is a dream. My schedule is so all over the place at times, and Holly does an AMAZING job of keeping up on all of it when I am off filming, and allows me to just be the “artsy” one. She will email me sometimes about a new charm someone is requesting and I will quickly draw up some ideas and get them over to her. It’s a perfect partnership. And plus, you always root for your friends to succeed…and now we get to do it together.
4. Besides CJ Free of course, what do you consider your other everyday jewelry staples?
Holly and I have the same watch. A Rolex Daytona. Super fancy, i know.. probably the most fancy thing about us :).. and our jewelry mixes in perfect with it. Because I am an actress, I love to play with fashion and style. I am a bit all over the place when it comes to a specific dress.. sometimes you will find me for a few weeks in nothing but jeans, converse and good splendid tees.. and then next few weeks you will see me in tights and dresses with motorcycle boots.. Boho, preppy.. i go all over the place. One of the things we made sure of with CJ Free, was there was enough variety to keep up with my every changing style :)
5. What can we look forward to next from the line?
We’ve been busy sourcing some of the most beautiful high quality, natural turquoise beads in the world. We’re going to be doing some collaboration pieces with Ray Lovato and Twin Rocks Trading Post in Utah. Just trying to add on to our bead theme, and keep it growing. We are always influenced by our friends and creative people we get to meet. The more ideas the better.
If you’re not familiar with the jewelry genius that is DANNIJO (check today’s TZR for our patriotic piece-of-choice), allow us to give a short-winded introduction—from collabs with their BFF Leandra (The Man Repeller) to charitable organization Falling Whistles, super sisters’ Danielle & Jodie Snyder cool-girl designs have achieved cult status within a matter of years. No longer just a destination for jewelry (they’ve expanded to phone cases and handbags as well!), DANNIJO effortlessly encompasses everything the modern girl wants in her accessories lineup—fun, fresh, unexpected pieces that catapult a basic outfit to hero status. We recently caught up with the sisters on their holiday plans, warm-weather memories & summer must-haves—read on!
1. You guys are easily considered the “life of the party” in the accessories circle thanks to your fun designs, so in the same regard, you MUST have some killer 4th of July plans lined up—spill!
This is actually the first 4th that Jodie and I are splitting up (tear). We usually spend the weekend out in Montauk and BBQ with friends. This year I’m either going to Utah for a summit thing—horseback riding, skydiving, off-roading type activities OR I’m going to Napa to relax. Still undecided. Jodie and her fiance are going to our hometown, Jacksonville, FL. We’ll be sending each other love notes all weekend I’m sure.
2. Any summer food or drink recipes you’re excited to try out at your star-spangled holiday bash?
I recently made this corn situation that I modeled after the corn at La Esquina. It was a massive hit. I’m not much of a cook, but I’m really creative and experimental and I LOVE to eat, so my grandma says, theoretically I would make a good cook. She’s been trying to make a lady of me since 1985. Jodie, on the other hand is a lot more domestic. She makes a killer bloody mary and this shrimp salad thing that I always devour.
3. As sisters, you guys have spent many a summer together—any fun warm-weather memories to share with our Zoe Reporters?
We were just in St Barths to celebrate Jodie’s 30th birthday. We spent most of the day at the beach then headed to town for some shopping and crepes. We ended up doing an early dinner at a restaurant on the water. We went so early that it was dead but we ended up staying all night long til it was packed and everyone was dancing on the tables barefoot. We were shazaming all the deejay’s songs and making corny dance videos of each other.
4. If you had to pick…favorite DANNIJO piece for summer?
Medine bib, Doma cuff and neon Guilia bracelets stacked.
5. Last by not least, we’re always awestruck by your inventive creations—any particular sources of inspiration you’re really digging right now?
Music Music Music. I’ve always been inspired by music festival culture and rock ‘n’ roll. Jodie’s always been really into antique shopping and all things old world. It’s a great mix. We’re constantly getting inspired by our travels — indigenous creations have a way of rubbing off on us. And, lastly, all things Africa.
Beach season’s rapid descent has set us on a wild-goose chase for the perfect bathing suit. In a timely answer to our poolside prayers, Gabby Sabharwal’s line of super swimwear, giejo, has fallen into our laps and we couldn’t be more pleased. We sat down with bikini buff herself and got the scoop on her line, her life and her summer essentials (of course)!
1. What drew you to design swimwear over any other type of women’s apparel?
The idea to create a swimsuit came about really as something that was initially just for me. I was looking to purchase a new swimsuit for my upcoming vacation with my girlfriends. We were going to St. Thomas to celebrate my 25th birthday and of course I wanted to look fabulous. I had always been drawn to the colorful prints of Missoni and the sleek silhouettes of Eres bikinis, but not to the price tags that came with them. The swimsuits available in my price range were so ordinary, and I always knew I could most likely count on seeing another girl wearing the same one. I thought why not make my own?
2. You were raised in Indiana—do you think you’ve drawn any inspiration from your time spent in the Midwest that’s translated into your collection?
Yes! While I love to mix and match prints and bold colors, the juxtaposition is pairing them with something very classic, like a stripe or checker. Consider that my nod to conservatism J
3. Do you design your swimwear with different body types in mind? Do you envision a certain girl for every suit?
I tried to address everything that I felt was missing from the market that my friends and I were looking for, because honestly the giejo girl is me and all of my girlfriends too. We wanted swim that was fashion forward and that would make us stand out on the beach. I was also trying to think of packing - the giejo girl is always on the go and trying to think of ways to simplify her wardrobe without sacrificing style.
Additionally, I wanted to challenge the way bikinis are presented by stores. Girls today do not wear head-to-toe designer and usually wear a mix of high and low, so why don’t we have that option with our swim? I used to always mix and match the bikinis I had in my closet, but sometimes they didn’t feel quite right together. With my swim you can take your favorite silhouettes from your collection at home and update them with a few simple styles from giejo to entirely make them your own. This really allows my client to create her own style, another key element to the giego girl.
I also wanted to create a collection that was smart for sunbathing and that girls would feel comfortable in. With my suits all of the straps are removable so you can sunbathe easier without having to worry about tying up your top and having anything fall out. The silhouettes I chose were a careful decision based on information I gathered from women in my target market, on top of the fact that I wanted to make something that was missing in today’s swim market.
4. What’s in your beach bag for the upcoming summer season?
Clarins skin care, my Celine sunglasses, “Fifty Shades of Grey” and the rest of the series as I read on, my ipod and magazines. I love sitting on the beach and ripping the pages out of things I love, feel inspired by and want to buy. I usually sleep on the beach and wake up for an occasional dip in the ocean, so not too much!
5. In 5 words, what should a bathing suit be to a woman?
Individual, cool, chic, versatile, global
By now, you’ve probably fallen in love with the label featured in Monday’s TZR, HONOR. The designer of the NYC-based brand, Giovanna Randall, recently sat down with The Zoe Report to answer a few questions. Read on and become as enchanted with Ms. Randall as we are (and have been for some time!)…
1. You’ve spanned a range of career paths throughout your lifetime—opera singer, pre-med student AND designer—what ultimately led you to the fashion industry?
I have been making clothes my entire life. I went down a couple of paths, while still continuing to make clothes at the same time and then finally I got to the point where I realized that everything you do in life is going to be hard, why make it harder? I decided to do what comes naturally and what I love the most, so I took the plunge and started HONOR.
2. If you had to characterize the kind of girl you envision when designing for HONOR, how would you describe her?
She is feminine and fearless. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty but she’s graceful. She’s confident and comfortable in her own skin.
3. During the design process, what are your main sources of inspiration?
I am often inspired by movies, vintage pieces, art and my surroundings. I like to make up a story for each collection and then I imagine that I am designing for this character, this woman in my story…
4. Moment of truth—favorite item from HONOR’s spring collection?
The white Chantilly Lace Cupcake Dress.
5. If you had to edit down your wardrobe to just five items, what would you choose?
I need 7 items at least! A vintage YSL dress (circa 1965), YSL tribute pumps, Current/ Elliott jeans, the perfect white button down blouse, the Honor Signature Coat (Autumn Winter 2011), a bikini for surfing, and Prada black patent leather loafers.
You’d have to try really hard not to love Pamela Love—a jewelry visionary, her personality is just as fabulous as her namesake collection of Southwestern-inspired baubles. Our favorite boho babe shared a few insider tips with us concerning her spring collection and current obsessions. Read on and feel the Love!
1. We love the versatility of the Arch Cuff, how would you personally wear it?
I love mixing statement jewelry with casual and more masculine looks. I would probably do the arch cuff with a worn-in white or black tee and some slouchy boyfriend jeans.
2. What are your other favorite pieces from your latest collection?
From my lastest collection I particularly love the inlay chokers and the citroen bangles.
3. For our ZOE Beautiful readers, what is one of your secret makeup or skincare tips?
I can’t live without Joanna Vargas products for my face. I’m also a huge fan of Just Be Skinline’s Chai Body Scrub and face oil.
4.This spring, never leave home without ________________.
Jewelry!
5. What’s on your iPod right now?
Talk about a way fun interview full of tips and tricks concerning a makeup bag staple we all know and love—mascara! Max and Nina Leykind, the fabulous founders of Eyeko, were kind enough to swap stories with us at Team Zoe, and the results are a real treat—these two are well versed on all things lashes!
1. Given the seemingly limitless possibilities of the beauty industry, how did you choose to hone in on mascara specifically?
From talking to top make-up artists and beauty editors around the world, it was evident that they hadn’t discovered the perfect mascara. For every name dropped there was always a ‘but’. For 10 years we’ve been combining the best formulations and brushes to create a unique mascara wardrobe. 50% of women cite mascara as their go-to-product (the other 50% must be wearing sunglasses!) and it’s the one beauty product that can instantly transform everyone. We’ve got OCD when it comes to creating mascara - that’s why we focus on the eye in EYEKO!
2. At Team Zoe, we’re big fans of your Curvy Brush Mascara—we’ve never seen an applicator that looks quite like it! What are the advantages of using that brush over more standard mascara wands?
The triple-tiered clusters plump lashes into a long-lasting curl with gravity defying hold. You can use Eyeko Curvy Brush Mascara vertically too to push up outer lashes for extra curl.
3. In your extensive experience in working with mascara, what have you found is the best way to achieve that lush faux-lash look without resorting to falsies?
Mascara wardrobing is the best way to create a faux-lash look without the hassle of falsies! Apply two coats of Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara using the Eyeko Shield to maximise length and colour lashes from root to tip. Then add Eyeko Curvy Brush Mascara to thicken and curl outer lashes for a lush lash look that’s naturally beautiful! Best of all Eyeko Mascara conditions your lashes to prevent breakage and help them grow especially if you’ve been wearing falsies too often!
4. How did you come up with the concept of the Eyeko Shield, the little tool users put behind their lashes when they want their mascara to get right to the root sans smudges?
It’s rock n roll baby! A nifty trick with a guitar pick led to the realization that the Eyeko Shield makes a perfect lid guard and acts as a ‘back board’ for when you want to load your lashes with colour and stretch to maximise length.
5. What can diehard beauty buffs like us expect to see in the future from Eyeko?
We’re on a mascara mission to bring you the perfect mascara so expect more brush innovations, advanced formulas and products to dress up your eyes!
We’re all familiar with Juicy Couture and their eponymous tracksuits—if you weren’t sporting those logo-emblazoned sweatpants in the early 2000s you were certainly in the minority. In a departure from their wildly successful loungewear, Juicy creators Pamela Skaist-Levy (@juicyfounder) and Gela Nash-Taylor (@juicyfounder2) have moved onto their next venture, a Cali-cool collection called Skaist-Taylor, which is showing at NYFW on Sunday! The lovely duo was kind enough to entertain a few burning questions we had about their latest endeavor—read on, and join the rest of us at Team Zoe in anxiously awaiting their approaching presentation!
1. You recently just took an eighteen-month hiatus after leaving Juicy Couture in the hands of Liz Claiborne Inc.—can you fill in our Zoe Reporters on how that time was spent?
We really spent the long 18 months thinking about what was important to us. It was just enough time to get us totally wound up and count the seconds until we COULD create again…Fashion jail was tough but invigorating.
2. How did the inspiration and creative process for your new line, Skaist-Taylor, differ from that of your previous endeavors?
The process is always the same. We think about clothes we are dying to wear. With Juicy we were obsessed with casual luxury. The vibe of Skaist-Taylor is more of a well-rounded collection concept.
3. Do each of you have distinct roles in your partnership, or do you find you share most responsibilities?
We like to stick together. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with their best friend all day?
4. You have been best friends for over two decades—how do you remain such close friends while maintaining a business relationship?
We really don’t have a business relationship. We are friends first and foremost.
5. The upcoming Skaist-Taylor presentation will serve as the first time you two are showing at NYFW—what fashion week experiences are you most looking forward to?
We are looking forward to everything…It feels like the early days of Juicy, creating with a kick ass team, where everyone is happy and loves the product. We are looking to share California Eccentric with NYC.
6. What’s next on the horizon for Skaist-Taylor?
We don’t quite know what’s next, just want to enjoy where we are right now…NYC!!
(Source: wwd.com)
