Cornelia Guest on Eco Style & Her New Vegan Accessories Line
Cornelia Guest, the daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest is a well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur. Cornelia’s passion for animals and nature are the sources of inspiration for her business ventures. Her most recent project is the launch of an amazing line of eco-conscious handbags. She also has a vegan catering business called Cornelia Guest Events with delicious and healthy dishes, many of which are made from produce selected at her own garden located in Old Westbury, NY. Named by Donna Karan as “One of the Women Who Inspire”, I am excited to share what Cornelia has been up to lately and of course get some of her green tips and product picks.
MM: Tell us a little about your new handbag and accessories line.
CG: I wanted to create an intelligent alternative; a line of accessories that used no animals, was luxurious, and very wearable, that you can take all day to all night.
MM: Where is it available for purchase and what is the price range?
CG: It’s available at Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdales.com, Target, Tootsies, C.Orrico and boutiques around the country. A list of stores is available on CorneliaGuest.com. All under $350.00.
MM: Three words to describe the collection?
CG: Humane, affordable, beautiful.
MM: Most of the vegan handbags on the market are lacking in style- how did you do it, and so well- I love them!
CG: Thank you. It’s a compilation of all the things I love and I asked lots of my friends for help!
MM: A lot of people hear the words “cruelty-free” tossed around, what exactly does that mean to you?
CG: “Cruelty-free” means “humane.” No animals are ever hurt while making my products. My cookies are also cruelty-free. My book, which is coming out June 12, 2012, “Simple Pleasures,” is a humane, cruelty-free lifestyle book.
MM: What are some of your favorite vegan finds?
CG: Clothing: Stella McCartney
Restaurants: NYC Angelika Kitchen, Organic Avenue
Shoes: I’m working on my own. That’s my next task.
MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
CG: Badgley Mischka, St. John, J.Crew, Levi’s, American Apparel
MM: How would you describe your personal style?
CG: My style is humane and classic with a twist.
MM: Name three of your eco-conscious staples?
CG: Fine & Raw Chocolate, Juice Press, CleanWell sanitizing wipes, and Dr. Frank Lipman’s Sustain Protein Supplement powder for smoothies.
MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
CG: Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara, MAC VivaGlam because it goes to AIDS charity, lypo-spheric vitamin C.
MM: What type of skincare do you use?
CG: Joanna Vargas — all her products, and I swear by her facials!
MM: What about hair care? Yours always looks so good!
CG: Wen. I LOVE their shampoo and Nikki Ray at AKS Salon cuts it.
MM: What do you do to de-stress?
CG: Pilates, dance, play with my dogs. I love the water. The ocean is the best de-stresser ever!
MM: What tips do you have for someone who would like to transition to a vegan lifestyle?
CG: Find what humane, cruelty-free products you like and slowly start to incorporate them into your daily life. Bit by bit, baby steps grow into big steps.
 Cornelia Guest has been passionate about animals and nature since she was a child. Her passion is reflected in every aspect of her life including her philanthropy, animal activism, and business enterprises.In 2009 she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering high-end charity and entertainment events with healthy, vegan dishes. Her mission is to encourage and inspire people to be conscious of the diet choices they make in their daily lives.Cornelia is currently designing her own line of jewelry, as well as a collection of animal-friendly handbags, wallets and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather; both lines are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011.Daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia has been able to use her media attention and professional contacts to support Humane Society of New York, and was named by Donna Karan as one of the Women Who Inspire. Cornelia is also an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and hosted their fall 2010 event with Mayor Bloomberg. |
Re-invent Your Wardrobe for 2012
Annie Ladino is one busy woman. The stylist (her personal celebrity clients include: Julia Roberts, Brooklyn Decker, Becki Newton and Erin Andrews), editor, and Chief Stylist for Shop It To Me, shares her tips for re-inventing your wardrobe in 2012. Think classic, clean , and minimalist.
PD: What are some classic staple pieces that every closet needs?
AL: A great tailored pantsuit. You can wear it together or break it up for more use. Also, a crisp white button up and a Little Black Dress. Every closet needs a great comfortable pump to take you from day to night.
PD: What trends/looks can be tossed?
AL: Grunge -Out with sloppy looks and in with classic, clean and minimalist looks.
PD: How important are accessories when it comes to building personal style?
AL: Accessories are the finishing touch to a look. They are an essential part in defining your style.
PD: What types of shoes does every closet need?
AL: A sexy black pump, a nude evening shoe (it goes with everything).
PD: What are some ways to organize your closet?
AL: It’s as simple as having a place for everything. Once you establish an organized system it will make it easier and cut time in keeping it neat.
PD: What’s a great jean that works well on various body types?
AL: Bootcut jeans are slimming on curvy figures and accentuate curves on slender figures.
PD: What are some of your must-have accessories?
AL: A silk printed scarf, a gold men’s style watch, a cross body bag and always a sexy stiletto pump!
PD: How do you define your personal style?
AL: I’d like to think of it as French Bohemian. I like flow, comfort yet beautifully tailored clothing.
PD: What are some of your favorite brands?
AL: Azzedine Alaïa, Stella McCartney, Céline, The Row.
Buy Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week Pack, $195
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Buy Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week Pack, $195, at net-a-porter.com
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Shopping the Kid’s Department: A Big Perk to Being Little
Dear Marc Jacobs:
Can I ask you a favor? Would you please design a children’s clothing line for Gap Kids? Pretty please with sugar on top and a cherry? Stella did. Tag, you’re it!
Here’s the thing—it’s not always easy being short. You’re always asking for help to reach things. Your pants always need to be hemmed. And someone’s head is always in the way at movies. But this summer, I discovered Stella McCartney for Gap Kids, one humongous perk to being 5’3”. (Fine, almost. I rounded up, ok?) I had gone to get my daughter a bathing suit. Mission accomplished, but that’s not the fun part. That honor belongs to Stella. Not only were her sheer peasant-style blouses for kids sexy and feminine, they were practically free compared to grown-up clothes, much less designer clothes. Better yet, by the time I discovered them, they were on sale! So, I scooped up several pieces in kids XL, and my adult XS wardrobe is very pleased.
But now, fall fashion is upon us, and those little cuties need a dash of leopard and a splash of sequins to call their own—and so do their little mommies!
Best wishes,
Nancy Rotenier
Stella McCartney Ribbon Sandals, $395
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Stella McCartney Ribbon SandalsOur shoe-obsessed editor-in-chief is living for these Stella McCartney Ribbon Sandals. From the wooden heel to the open toe, these sandals fulfill her childhood dream of owning Candies, but with more fashion-forward flair. Price: $395 |
