The ideeli scoop with Louise Camuto

They say behind every great man is a great woman. We see that, and present to you a woman who is far from just standing behind her hubby--she's right there next to him, calling the creative shots atop a fashion empire we know and love. We're talking about none other than Louise Camuto, Creative Director of Camuto group and Mr. Camuto's gorgeous and business-savvy other half. With all the exciting happenings going on at the go-to label (check out all the insider dish straight from Vince here!), we just had to know how Louise achieves her work-life balance (and in true Camuto girl style, looks perfectly put together while doing it.)

What's it like working so closely with your husband in the development of his brand?
"We have so much fun and we really work hard--but as a team. We live and breathe the brand every day!"

Walk us through a standard day at Camuto HQ.
"Vince and I both start our days at the office reviewing product. Vince will look at the footwear line and work on the color palette, silhouettes, and fabrics. I will be working on product for the whole brand and taking the time to meet with all the design teams to ensure the highest level of quality and consistency of the brand message cross-category."

Does working with Vince affect how you dress for the office? What are you wearing on any given weekday?
"I wear a lot of Vince Camuto product because I love the line we are creating. I change what I wear to the office based on the types of projects I am working on during the day. I love flat boots when I am running around New York city but I love a great pair of heels any day! I really just like to look good by feeling comfortable that what I am wearing can take me anywhere and everywhere my day takes me."

How does your aesthetic align with Vince's?
"Vince and I both love design and architecture so we get inspiration from being out in the world. I tend to appreciate clean lines and Vince loves the Renaissance so we open each other’s eyes to new ideas and inspiration."

What's the best part about working with someone who you know inside and out?
"Working together allows us to each express our vision for the brand while allowing ourselves to be inspired by each other and the world around us. I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and opinions since Vince is a great listener. Every day is a great collaboration!"

What do you guys do to unwind off the clock?
"We love going to movies. A great meal is also always a nice way to spend an evening with the family."

Where do you look for inspiration when creating for the Camuto woman?
"I am inspired every day! Seeing how women put together different looks everyday lets the streets be the runway."

Will you and Vince be exchanging gifts this holiday season? What are you hoping for?
"I am just looking forward to spending some time off with the family this holiday. I feel blessed every day and wish everyone all the joy and happiness of the holiday season."

For a look at the latest in all things Camuto--from wear-anywhere boots, to animal-print bags and belts--check out today's sale here!

The ideeli scoop with Vince Camuto

It's no secret that we LOVE shoes. That's why when we were given a shot to pick the brain of design dynamo Vince Camuto, whose shoes we've obsessed over for, we don't know, FOREVER, we jumped at the chance. The multi-talented designer is in the process of launching his first ready-to-wear collection, not to mention taking the Big Apple by storm with not one, but TWO, storefronts in NYC. We couldn't be more excited to shop head-to-toe Camuto once the new locales open, or to have his latest bags, belts, shoes, and sunnies--many ideeli exclusives--here today! Check out what Vince himself had to say on all the exciting happenings at the house of Camuto:

You're known for your collection of luxe footwear that's also accessible to the everyday fashionista. What inspires you when you're designing for the Vince Camuto girl?
The Vince Camuto woman is every woman! She is contemporary, sexy and sophisticated and wants versatility in her clothing and shoes. When I design, I think about dressing the woman for every facet of her life.

It's a digital world and we're just living in it. Do you Tweet?
I very much believe in developing our digital and mobile presence. I think it is the new way to shop and it brings all of us together. I do not tweet myself but we have a team of people dedicated to talking to the customers and listening to what they have to say. I also read everything that is posted because women tell you what they like and what they don’t like about every shoe or piece of clothing that they own or are buying, so I am very involved in our online communities as well. I like to listen to women :o)

You've recently opened your first NYC store in Grand Central Station, with an upcoming opening in Soho. What can Camuto fans expect?
We are really looking forward to employing new technologies in the stores and offering fun product mixes and unique events that allow the customer to have the best time while she shops!

We're so excited about Vince Camuto apparel! What can we expect from the first collection?
The line is really great. We offer women clothes to wear to work, outfits to wear out for a date night or a look to take your kids to a play date. We never compromise on offering great product and the response has been tremendous already.

Do the shoes make the outfit or does the ensemble dictate the shoes?
The shoes make the outfit!

The ideeli Scoop with Von Vonni

If you shop ideeli often, then you know that one of our (and our members') most-loved brands is Ravon, makers of the essential convertible dress. What you may not know is that Ravon's designer, Von Vonni, is himself multifaceted; besides designing Ravon, he's also the creative force behind the Von Vonni line (his eponymous collection) and, most recently, a judge on Russia's Next Top Model. We recently corresponded with Von to get the ideeli scoop on his Von Vonni line (on sale today on ideeli), what inspired him to become a designer, and a sneak peak into his days with the top models.

What was it that sparked your love of fashion, and how did you decide to become a designer?
My love of fashion came from a very early age. My parents tell me that even at a year old, I cried nonstop until they would dress me in an outfit that I liked! My favorites at that age were stripes and anything with a fish print on it; I would wear winter boots on hot summer days when I was 3 years old just because they were new and I thought that they looked good with my ensembles. I also began drawing dresses when I was about 4 years old. The love of fashion was just always there, and the decision to become a designer was a natural next step.

Who and/or what are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
Life itself is probably my biggest inspiration of all. New York City is a constant source of inspiration, too, for me and my designs, as are femininity and beauty. All of the above are always in my head and form the foundation of any collection that I design.

Your Ravon line gets so much love from ideeli members, so it's exciting for us to now feature your other line, Von Vonni. Tell us about the concept behind the Von Vonni line, and how it came to be?
I am extremely flattered by the amount of positive and excited emails we get every time Ravon sells on ideeli. Let me take this opportunity to once more thank the members for all of the love and attention!

I launched Von Vonni almost two years ago; I'd always wanted to work for myself and own my own business so as to have more freedom creatively and design-wise.

What makes the Von Vonni line different from Ravon?
Von Vonni is my signature line and expresses more of my perspective as an artist and designer. It's very feminine, romantic, and somewhat classic. We use a mix of novelty silks and laces, chiffons, and anything flowy and girly. I'm excited to see the ideeli members' reaction to it!

Among the many hats you wear, one of them was being a judge on Russia's Next Top Model. What was that experience like?
It was so much fun, and a refreshing break from my daily tasks! They filmed the second-to-last episode in our New York City showroom, and it was great to see how the girls were so eager to win, and put their hearts and souls into this competition. As of now I can't share more until the show airs, though!

Fair enough! Tell us something that your fans would be surprised to find out about you.
I love throwing chiffon fabrics up in the air when I work in my studio!

The ideeli Scoop with Marc Bouwer

This weekend's Red Carpet Style sale celebrates the gorgeous evening looks that we love to covet during awards season, which culminates with this Sunday's Oscars. You'll find everything you need to outfit you for your own personal glam moment, from clutches to jewels to gowns, some of which are designed by red carpet perennial Marc Bouwer.

Bouwer, of course, is no stranger to glam moments, having essentially ushered in the modern era of dressing celebs for awards shows via his dedicated celebrity following. Innovative and with an unerring instinct for what women want, his designs have graced countless A-listers, including Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and Oprah Winfrey. We recently chatted with the iconic designer to get the ideeli scoop on topics ranging from his love of leading ladies to which celebs he enjoys outfitting. Read on for the 411! Growing up, you were fascinated by the movies and, in particular, the beautiful women who graced the big screen. How did you make the leap from admiring stars to wanting to dress and design for them?
As a child, I loved the woman I saw in the movies. After I won the South African Vogue Young Designers Award, I left South Africa and moved to New York, where I knew I had a chance to dress these women I saw in the movies.

You've dressed countless celebrities—everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Halle Berry to Heidi Klum—and really ushered in the modern era of red carpet dressing. Who have been some of your favorite celebrities to dress and why?
Angelina Jolie—she's an icon, a beauty, a movie star and she looks great in designer clothing. I'll never forget the time I spent with her in LA, getting her ready for the Oscars. Heidi Klum—I love, I've known her since before she was famous. I love her fearless fashion style. Beyoncé—because she's curvy, sexy, always looks like a goddess and pushes the fashion envelope.

One of the techniques you're most known for is your draping. Why does it speak to you as a designer?
I love malleable fabrics, the fluidness of draping on a woman's body. Draping on a woman's body—the possibilities for me are endless.

How do you stay inspired? Can you share some of your design inspirations?
By looking to the future, to new technology, and to what's going on in the world and embracing it.

What's are some facts about Marc Bouwer that your fans may not know?
I'm an open book...That's a hard question, maybe I'll write a book.

The ideeli Scoop with Mindy Shear

One can easily say that Mindy Shear, of Mindy Shear Make Up (shop our sale today), was a cosmetics prodigy, if ever there was such a thing. Her obsession with makeup began even before she was a teenager, and by the age of 18, she'd already graduated from cosmetology school and opened her own makeup studio. That precociousness paid off beautifully: Today, Mindy is one of the most sought-after makeup artists in her native Canada, and is poised to make a splash in the U.S in much the same fashion. Her mineral-based cosmetics both look good and are good for your skin, and the sheer variety in her color palette is enough to make any beauty aficionado's makeup bag spin. We sat down with her to get the ideeli scoop on her early start, favorite fall trends, and just which of her own products she simply can't live without.

How did you get your start in the beauty business?
When I was 10 years old and convinced an Avon sales rep to let me sell makeup for her (I did really well!). Then, when I was 13, I worked as the cosmetologist at my cousin’s pharmacy everyday after school. I would sit in front of the mirror for hours creating new looks, playing with textures and colors, and applying makeup on all my friends. My mother didn’t know what to do with me…yet when I was 15, she had a local makeup company as a client in her bookkeeping practice, and got me into their makeup school. I graduated 1st in the class while still in high school. As soon as I received my diploma in cosmetology, I got a weekend job as a professional makeup artist at a make up counter. After 2 years, I opened my first small studio at 18 years old.

What separates Mindy Shear Make Up from the thousands of makeup brands already out there?
Mindy Shear Make Up’s strategy centers on continuous innovation, simplicity, lifestyle, and personalized service. Our cosmetics are made of the finest user-friendly minerals; they’re also a feast for the eyes and a delight to the touch. They reflect the latest innovative formulations, highest safety standards, and high-tech manufacturing processes in which there is no animal testing (all products are hypoallergenic). We pride ourselves, as well, on customized service and encourage clients to visit our Make Up Studio, or “Ask an Artist” on www.mindyshear.com.

What are some of your favorite and most useful tips gleaned from your years as a makeup pro?
Applying your makeup should be simple. When given the right advice, colors, and tools, doing your makeup in the morning should take only 5-10 minutes, and not reduce your much-needed beauty sleep. The key to successful makeup application is employing the right tools. Using your fingers is not the way to go. You end up removing more than what you are applying and you waste much more product. Another hint: after applying foundation, I like to start with the lips by defining them with a pencil that blends into the lipstick and/or gloss (and, of course, the rest of the lips), then the blush. By doing this first, you already feel better and look less tired. Lipstick adds 60% of the color to the face, so it takes out a lot of the guesswork of what to do with your eyes, and how dark or too light you should go. The other tip one can’t live without is BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.

What fall trends in beauty are you most looking forward to? Which ones should makeup mavens take a chance and try?
This year’s falls beauty trends are bold, yet feminine and romantic. Hues vary from natural to colorful, and can be blended together to create a glamorous effect. You’ll also see gunmetal shades in the mix, and they’re really something that makeup mavens should go for. Smoky eyes are very big, too, but with a twist of shimmer and color to add light and a je n’e sais quoi. Lashes are a must whether they’re falsies or lash thickener with mascara to really make your eyes stand out. Strong brows (not drawn on) are also not to be forgotten this fall, as they define and shape your face, and lend sophistication to a beautiful makeup look.

What is the one product line your line that, if stranded on a deserted island, you would absolutely need with you?
Just one “deserted island” product in my line is impossible to conceive! My absolute minimum requirements are four products (and even that’s hard to fathom): My TV Touch concealer works magic; the Mineral Powder all-in-one with a brush is finely crushed loose powder, so that when you don’t want to wear more coverage or just need a touch up, it’s perfect; my mascara for thick long lashes; and my LipTox, which has collagen, peptides, and diamond dust that plump up the lips and reduce fine lines instantly and with a long-term effect.