SHOPPING HAZE - Fashion News

Michelle Obama rocks Jason Wu at Inaugural Gala

2009-01-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Will the choice of Mrs. Obamas gown "woo" her fashion critics with her choice of Jason Wus' gown for the inaugural gala?. Right now, the opinion is divided. Tim Gunn told CNN he had hoped to see something with more jewel tones.
Michelle Obama celebrated her husband Barack Obama's Inauguration in a cream colored, one shoulder fitted bodice Jason Wu gown.

Michelle Obama made a bold choice for the inauguration of her husband with a a pale gold dress and matching coat by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo that divided commentators.

But she turned up the glamour later in the day as she and her husband strutted their stuff at not one, but ten, inauguration balls.

Michelle Obama has long been a fan of designer Jason Wu, since she wore his #17 from his Spring 2009 collection for her interview with Barbara Walters.
The $3,510 raw silk dress with hand-embroidered rosettes is part of a line of elegant evening gowns and ladylike dresses selling in the $1,000 to $6,000 range. The dress features hand-embroidered florets with French knots that took 100 hours of labor in a New York studio. Wu told the Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Runway that Mrs. Obama paid for the dress. It bears noting that Wu's fashionable and feminine Spring 2009 line features more than a couple of ball gowns which could be perfect for an Inauguration gala but apparently Wu isn't focusing on that, telling the WSJ that it's "a long shot."

Jason continues to receive accolades including Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award for Women's Ready-to-Wear in January 2008 and in July 2008 he was named one of the finalists in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

Michelle Obama chooses Isabel Toledo for inauguration

2009-01-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

Now, we can all relax. The First Lady chose Isabel Toledo for the inauguration, now lets see what the evening wear is. We love the green Jimmy Choo "Glacier" pumps.

The designer had no idea she would pick their outfit as they shared with WWD.

"We're levitating - we really are," Ruben Toledo said minutes after watching Michelle Obama on CNN in an ensemble by his wife Isabel. The husband-wife team tuned in surrounded by their staff in their Broadway showroom.

The soon-to-be First Lady did not tip her hand in any way. "We had no idea. We hoped she would wear something because she has bought Isabel's clothes before. We never know what's going to happen," he said.

"It's just another shock, but a great shock."

. [Michelle and Barack Obama started their new life by leaving Blair House, the official presidential guest house, and heading to church]

[Sasha and Malia Obama]

[Michelle Obama holds the Lincoln Bible as her husband officially takes office]

[Outgoing President and First Lady, George and Laura Bush, greeted new First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama on the North Portico of the White House.]

[Waving goodbye to the outgoing President and former first Lady, George and Laura Bush]

Mrs. O arrives in Washington in Narciso, again!

2009-01-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

Mrs O. and President Elect Obama on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009. Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Now once the real issues facing America have been resolved - Who is designing his wife Michelle's inauguration gown? Who will be attending to her hairdo? What kind of puppy will the first family get, then President Obama can get to the actual business of running the country.

If all accounts of the designer of this dress are to be believed, then Narciso Rodriguez and the first lady may have had another chance to silence fashion critics , who lambasted the choice of the First Ladys Grant Park outfit.

Every fashion choice she makes will face merciless public scrutiny and we think she looks great in everything she wears including this absolutely gorgeous outfit. We particularly like the coats' great inner lining detail in black. Mrs. Obamas color choice falls right into the tans and earthy tones that look so great and sophisticated on mostly everyone, plus she adds a little sass in the sparkly details on the top.

How to dress skinny without Spanx

2009-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

No, it's not Spanx. Spend New Years in a pair of Spanx and you'll come to the conclusion that control garments have a crucial role to play in our lives but most definitely not on a daily basis.

If all your weight is in the breasts, ( repeat- I am blessed to have such an asset, don't look upon it as a negative ) Needless to say- get a fantastic bra and show them off with good judgement. Wear a neckline with a little dip that says...Look, I'm not fat, it's all in the boobs. Never buy a turtle or round neck top. Ever! and no ponchos, never. The Rachel Pally T Back Tank is perfect in that it has a wide support 3" mesh T strap , and has a classy dip in the neckline.

If your weight is in the hips, (you sassy bella -find a tailor and make the waistline fit perfectly ). Wear pants that fall away at the curve of the bottom. That gives your back and legs a longer leaner line. Remember, for you, it's all about proportion. Anything that hugs and curves onto your hips right now must be followed by a top that fits like a glove. (See Beyonce above).

Watch the belt thing, it can give the appearance of trying too hard, especially when you have a small waistline. The look you are going for is definitely not Vegas showgirl.

If your weight is in the waist, you are all about creating an illusion. Fitted garments, fitted shirts are your friend, right now, not blouses...yet. Anything that hugs and curves into your butt right now must be followed by a top that falls a few inches below the curve of that butt. Get it???

So, leggings and tunics, wide pants and fitted jackets - kind of the opposite all the time. It's about drawing away attention from an otherwise perfect body.

Fitted blazers must follow you everywhere (casual and not casual) - you cannot, cannot wear anything shapeless otherwise it mirrors what you are trying to avoid. Denim jackets like the appropriately named Rich & Skinny Speedy Denim Jacket are perfect for this body type because they mirror the shape of the body, so no one can tell if the jacket is boxy or you are.

Just remember to wear with a longer top to create that waistline. If you wear low rise jeans, good cut for no waisters, pair with a great belt, with a 4inch monster buckle. The trick is to wear a fitted blazer unbuttoned, so that the buckle shows.

For all body types:

High heels are your friend, repeat, your best friend, so are belts. Belts???...yes, gorgeous belts with four inch buckles. High heels, all the way - because they make you more aware of what you are doing. You don't slouch and you dont drag your feet. You have to strut in them.

Fitted garments are our best friend.

Go easy on the necklaces. Avoid looking like a Florida matron by wearing one statement piece and not several.

Pants that fall away at the curve of the bottom. That gives your back and legs a longer leaner line. Remember, you are creating an illusion. Which means you can wear skinny jeans but a garment like a longer tunic must be worn on top. Try for skinny jeans in a very dark rinse and wear with dark shoes. If you can do boots, dark boots and dark shoes elongate the line causing the legs to flow mercilessly.

Don't force any color changes at any crucial point, which means don't break up the line. If you are wearing a white, gold, green (colored top) shirt, have the jacket match the pants and the pants match the boots.

Belts are our friends even for the waist challenged of us. People will notice your belt and subsequently leave you alone.

Avoid pencil skirts for now. Movement is important, so if you must wear a skirt, find one that gently flares away about mid thigh so that it creates a mini hourglass effect below. If in doubt, picture how all the stars that wore fishtail gowns at the Golden Globes looked stunning regardless of what they were wearing?

Dont pile on the fabrics as much as you might be tempted to. Be wary of the scarves and don't ever tie anything! that resembles a fabric around your waist..as in a sweater?. You are not fooling anyone, you just look like you are trying to hide a fat butt. For scarves, wear thin scarves, no bulk.

Now put the fork down and hit the gym.

Fashion recycles Barbie, Stephen Sprouse and Supermodels...

2009-01-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

In just the same week, fashion heralds (again!) the Stephen Sprouse grafitti bags (and oh yes, there is a waitlist for the bags), Barbies 50th anniversary and now former supermodel Tatjana Patitz, is attempting a comeback?.

The German-born model, who featured on the iconic 1990 Vogue cover deemed to be the watershed moment in the supermodel era alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford, has revealed that she "wouldn't say no" to stepping back into the fashion limelight now that her only child, Jonah, is getting older.

The industry has changed a lot since she left, she adds.

"There's a sea of girls. It's almost like a fast-food market - a girl does well for a few seasons, then she's forgotten. Before, it would take you a few seasons to get going and it was more possible to have longevity."

Which girls???

BARBIE NEWS:

In Barbie news, coinciding with the 50th anniversary plans that will see Barbie have her very own catwalk show in New York, the plastic beauty will sponsor shows of Ilincic and Scutt in the UK; and to say thank you both designers have created a special outfit, just for her.

"I couldn't wait to dress Barbie," says queen of romance Ilincic. "She's such an iconic model and the perfect front row show guest."

Seriously, we hope the above is said tongue in cheek but even more so, we hope is the bottom quote from Richard Dickson, general manager and senior vice president of Barbie:

"There has never been a better time for Barbie to reinforce her high fashion credentials and with Danielle Scutt and Roksanda Ilincic, alongside our global fashion celebrations, she is ready to embrace her 50th year in style."

Victoria Beckham looking stunning in Armani lingerie ad debut

2009-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Victoria Beckham looks absolutely sensational in a series of photos for Armani. The pictures of Ms. Beckham, will grace billboards and magazines and are from her first shoot in a three-year multi-million dollar deal. Armani himself praised Victoria, herself a designer, as 'a style icon, a dynamic lady whose influence and recognition will add great excitement to the continued international growth of our Emporio Armani women's underwear business.'

For a mom of three, who has often complained about her body saying;

'There are loads of things I don't like about my body', she said. 'I've got so much saggy skin on my stomach.'

All we can say is... Well done, and we won't say anything about airbrushing and lighting. (Daily Mail)

Vogue Feb. Cover Girl is Gossip Girl Blake Lively

2009-01-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

Check out Blake Lively on the cover of Vogue in a Marc Jacobs dress and bracelet. This outfit would have been a better choice than the Nina Ricci gown she had on at the Golden Globes.

Lively's mother, a former model, inspired the ingenue's interest in clothes. Of the show, she says;

"The fashion is unbelievable. You can watch our show on mute and be entertained,"

Lively often jokingly refers to her California fashion pedigree as "sweatpants and UGGs," but actually, she has always had an interest in clothes, inspired by her mother, a former model from Georgia, who sews and used to take Lively as a child to boutiques and vintage stores and tailor adult clothes to fit her.

"She just did that because she was so creative and because she didn't want me to be dressed in big T-shirts cinched with a plastic clip like all the rest of the kids."

Ironically, it was fashion that gave Lively a taste of how cruel girls can be. When she entered a private school in Los Angeles in second grade, for the first and only time in her life she did not fit in. "It was the only school where people were just downright mean to me," she recalls. "They would make fun of my clothes because I dressed differently than the other kids." Somehow we don't think they're laughing anymore.

The end result of the photo shoot....Simply Gorgeous!!

Read the entire interview on Vogue.com

Prince Harry said What?...Beckhams gowns dissed, for older ladies?

2009-01-13T23:50:00.000-08:00

With his brother creating headlines of a responsible sort, ANDthe Press hoping Prince William would propose to his girlfriend, it was Prince Harry who ended up stealing the entire show.

On Monday, after racist comments he made in a 2006 home video surfaced in Sunday’s News of the World, the press whipped him in the news. In the video, filmed when Harry was at officer training school at Sandhurst, the prince refers to a Pakistani pal as “a little Paki friend, Ahmed” and tells another fellow soldier he resembles a “raghead.” He also pokes fun at his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, mimicking a telephone call in which he sends love to her corgis.

The Royal Family could only issue a lame apology that "raghead" is the term used used for Pakistanis and that Prince Harry has a Pakistani friend named Ahmed.

The conservative Daily Mail accused the prince of “incredible crassness,” while The Telegraph, another right-wing title, said the prince was showing “an unfortunate propensity” for finding himself in hot water due to inappropriate remarks or activities. Guess who takes after Mommy?

VOGUE LOOKING TO MAKE MONEY ANYWAY THAT IT CAN:

Vogue has opened its archive and selected 10 images that have been put on display in the lobby of 4 Times Square — and are available to buy. Editors selected photos that span nearly 70 years, including Arnaud de Rosnay’s photograph of Cher in 1967 wearing Sonny Bono’s aviator sunglasses, Justin de Villeneuve’s shot of Twiggy in 1970 and an image of model Tatjana Patitz, taken in 1988 by longtime Vogue photographer Patrick Demarchelier. The images can be viewed until Feb. 16 and prices start at $2,500. (WWD)

POSH FROCKS DISSED BY CHERYL COLE:

Definitely not something Victoria Beckham wants to hear. Chery Cole said of her friends line, describing it as for "older women".

Her Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh interjected, saying: "She means older than us! Not, you know..." "Yeah, it's not like stuff we would wear," Cole continued. (Yahoo UK)

Golden Globes Fashion Round Up...the LBD in short supply!

2009-01-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Strapless gowns, Assymetric dresses and lots of colour. To some of the stars like Jennifer Lopez and Glen Close, the Golden Globes was a themed evening as Lopez dazzled in a gilt Marchesa number. The LBD however, was definitely in short supply which made Kate Winslet stand out in her Yves St Laurent gown. The jewellers of the evening were Lorraine Schwartz and Fred Leighton.

Only a handful of actresses took the black route and include Renée Zellweger in Carolina Herrera and Evan Rachel Wood.

Christina Applegate in Roberto Cavalli and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Eva Mendes always brings her A game wherever she goes. Stunning in Dior Taffetta and a Van Cleef & Arpels tourqouise necklace, we like her. A lot!!!

Gossip Girls' Blake Lively looking anything but lively and extremely uncomfortable in Nina Ricci.

Cameron Diaz in Chanel. We are seriously divided on this dress. Was it deliberately made so it would like like a horrible bridesmaids dress or is it genius? You be the judge.

Thank goodness Beyonce did not show up as Sasha but if this is dress a tad snug, Beyonce certainly pulls it off. She pairs herElie Saab couture gown with a 200 carat Lorraine Schwartz platinum and diamond necklace.

In Oscar de la Renta, Fred Leighton jewels and Jimmy Choo heels, America Ferrera is not taking style lessons from Ugly Betty for sure.

Looking better than fine wine, how does she do it?. In Dior chiffon and there to support her daughter no less.

Eva is back! Eva Longoria seems to have put her fashion lapses behind her in a gorgeous Reem Acra gown. Splendid!

Sombody is most definitely having fun doing her best Marilyn Monroe impersonation. Drew Barrymore channels Monroe in Gallianos Dior Haute Couture.

For more photos go to People.com

"Vertigo" - Making a case for comfortable designer shoes!

2009-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Shoe shopping recently, the height of the heels was enough to send a girl into back spasms or give you nose bleeds. Who the heck is making these shoes and who the heck are they making them for? (All the heels shown in this post are between 3 and 4 inches).

If Christian Louboutin Yoyospina pumps don't do anything for you and Leopard shoes are not your thing, and frankly we are shocked that they are not!, read on.

Christian Louboutin Gigi Kid slingbacks look fairly tame but when you calculate the cost per wear and how many times you will actually wear them, they start looking like a really good buy.

If your shoe Rx calls for a little more comfortable, yet more statement making and a lot more showy, the Christian Louboutin Bebe Fusee slingbacks will most likely fill that prescription.

Then, a little Ferragamo caramel beauty whispered nearby with a normal 3 inch heel and the rest is history (we are now sole mates).

Needless to say, the sale rack was full of all the YSL beauties, the Louboutins, the Jimmy Choos all at half off and nobody was buying. We bet these Givenchy Silver strap sandal's would not stay on the shelves very long.

So as much as these vertiginous babies are gorgeous in print, their reality is exactly not our reality. Even models are falling off these shoes. Let's leave them to Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna and Victoria Beckham as we remember they all have chauffeurs. Not that we would ever turn down a chauffeur even while wearing a flat shoe!.

We did find one pair of Jimmy Choos (Jimmy Choo Pleasant patent pumps-nice name too) that will take you from the Office to a cocktail and you probably wouldn't mind slipping them right on the next day. Now that's what you want from a shoe, isn't it?.

Flat shoes have their place and their time as do high high heels but there's got to be a safe meeting point at which we can wear comfortable, drop dead sexy shoes and if we don't have large bunions, seriously why not?.

Once the designers figure this out, maybe there won't be endless stacks of gorgeous shoes on the sale racks. While we are on this topic, can someone tell the designers to please add cushion insoles to the shoes, even if they think their shoes are not meant to be comfortable.

How to be a Supermodel...The reality of ABC'S True Beauty.. American Apparel Legal Soap Opera continues

2009-01-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

WANNA BE A SUPE?:

Wanna be a Supe?...Read Julian Short's new book, A Model For Living: The Aspiring Supermodel's Self Help Guide.

Even if a modelling career isn't for you, the tips for handling rejection, boosting self esteem, managing relationships and developing assertiveness are certainly something that can be applied off the catwalk.

"This is a great book - it offers positive advice about dealing with difficult and every day situations," says Nineties uber-model and Storm girl Lorraine Pascale. "As a model, this would have been an invaluable guide for me when I was starting out and meeting different people, travelling, and being away from home and family. It also offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy self esteem and learning to be confident, and this is really important for today's young models - and women in general."

THE REALITY OF TRUE BEAUTY:

[Hadiyyalah - 1st ejected contestant rated herself a 20 out of 10 ]

Did you catch the season premiere of True Beauty. The new Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks collaboration? If you did, are you wondering how many of your brain cells were lost in watching this show which we are sure is going to be a hit. If you did, you are not alone.

The only thing that had true beauty on the show were the cars and oh yes... Vanesssa Minillo. Cute girl. The "Hall of Beauty", the silly asinine little contests - if you opened someone elses file or didn't help the guy loaded down with coffee cups instantly showed you were not a true beauty.

Take these people to a kindergarten class, a hospital, a soup kitchen or an old peoples home if you want to see true character. You start to wonder if the choices of the true test of ones character reflects the shallowness of the producers themselves.

The woman who was sent packing at the end of Monday's first episode, Hadiyyah-lah, (an Omarosa in training) was less than pleased to be labeled a hopeless bitch with an imperfect jawline.

The most scary part of the show is that they were all so serious. The guy who was told he was as perfect as Brad Pitt actually looked and acted like he had won the Nobel Prize or something of great importance. Yikes! or Maybe he was thinking of the $100,000 cash prize and a spot in People Magazines 100 most beautiful people.

MARKS & SPENCERS GET POOR MARKS IN RETAIL:

First Woolworths, now M&S. MARKS & SPENCER is to cut 1,230 jobs and close 27 stores after its UK sales fell 3.4 per cent in the 13 weeks to December.

During the M&S third quarter media conference call this morning, M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose admitted that the head office job cuts would be across the board.

He said: "We need to be careful about duplication of roles. No one will be immune."

The trading figures, revealed in M&S' third quarter trading statement, are a huge blow to the retailer which, under the leadership of Sir Stuart Rose, has enjoyed a period of phenomenal profitability personified by its band of supermodel faces - among them Twiggy, Elizabeth Jagger (Drapers)

AMERICAN APPARELS' LEGAL SOAP OPERA:

First it was employee discrimination, wrongful termination, Sexual harassment- all cases pending.

Now, The Los Angeles-based company finds itself embroiled in yet another legal battle with its former head of European operations after being hit by a lawsuit, filed by Bernhard-Axel Ingo Brake, who alleges he was fired after complaining about the company’s employment practices in Europe.

Brake --who joined the company in 2002 when it was still a fairly small company and privately held -- is further alleging that he is owed more than $1 million in bonuses and commissions that were verbally promised to him by founder and chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based American Apparel Inc. Dov Charney.

In a counter law suit, American Apparel is charging that Brake hired his mistress for a high-level job managing the company’s Switzerland business despite, American Apparel is alleging, the fact that she did not fulfill the duties of that position. In addition, the company alleges Brake hired his daughter to work in a company store -- violating American Apparel nepotism rules -- and paid her unwarranted bonuses, in an effort to enrich himself. (WWD)

COSMO ANNOUNCES CHINESE FASHION DESIGNER OF 2008:

The winner is OmniaLuo, Chairwoman and Chief Designer the "2008 Chinese Fashion Designer of the Year." Ms. Luo received this prestigious award at the Chinese version of the publication's December 11th "2008 Women of the Year" ceremony.

Sponsored by the Proctor & Gamble brand "Olay", this high profile event highlighted the achievements of Chinese female leaders across sports, entertainment, design, literature and more.

Online Sale Alert: 50% off at designer shoes at Piperlime!

2009-01-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

Be the first to shop Piperlime’s sale for women. Piperlime has great deals on shoes, lots! of shoes including this pair of JustCavalli boots marked down from $690.00 to $339.99. And they always offer free shipping and free returns. What could be more hassle free.

: Just Cavalli Soda88 in brown croc.

Pull-on ankle boot

Round toe

Moulded heel cup

Suede tipped strap accent

3 1/2" covered heel

Leather lining

Leather outsole

Dual elastic gore panels

Upper: 80% croc-embossed leather, 10% suede, 10% elastic

Made in Italy

Enjoy free shipping and free returns.

Furry boots or just electrocuted kittens at your ankles?

2009-01-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

In the January issue of Lucky Magazine, the Accessories segment is on furry boots. You know how we are, how we free associate. One minute we are looking at furry boots, the next all we see are elctrocuted kittens glued to your legs.

Since it's still in the middle of winter, and I just attended a football game where I couldn't feel my toes (I could have used a good pair of furry boots), we can still talk about boots, right?

We have since decided that since we have nothing against furry boots, we would find great sleek boots and not the ones that look like those worn by Las Vegas girls in bikinis or Mariah Carey in her furry red Dior boots in Aspen or Pam Andersen in Malibu.

Are there any such things? Sleek furry boots or is that an oxymoron? We found a couple of sleek ones and that's saying much since Australia's Uggs pretty much dominate the market for furry boots.

You know some thought about your appearances would go into Jimmy Choo Yanis suede boots. The Ugg people are all about comfort while Jimmy Choo is all about style...and some comfort.

Appropriately named Kors by Michael Kors Blizzard boots was the next best boot we found. If they call them bizzard boots, they better come through in blizzard like conditions like afore mentioned football game.

Caring for your wardrobe ....Now that you spent all that money!

2009-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

We always discuss what to buy and what to wear but how about - how to look after some of those insanely expensive or pricey items that we buy. Our clothing live on us and in the wardrobe and just a few preparatory steps ensure that the pieces we spend so much on, look phenomenal each and every time we pull them out of the closet.

YOUR CLOTHES

RULE #1: Always air out clothing after each wearing. Drape them gently over the back of a chair before hanging them up. Dry cleaning is great but not a solution for every stain or blemish that makes an appearance on your garments.

Dry cleaning actually shortens the life of clothing, as it tends to weaken fibers with harmful long-term effects. Many stains can actually be addressed using proven remedies that range from water and soap to dry cleaning products.

To reduce the possibility of stains especially those of the underarm variety, invest in Garment Guard Disposable Underarm Shields 12 pairs, Standard Size, Beige

HANGING YOUR CLOTHES

Invest in high quality hangers be they padded, fabric, wood or heavy guage plastic. They are perfect for preserving the shape or shoulders and preventing unsightly creases and droopy shoulders.

Avoid wire hangers, as they may rust and leave stains on fabrics, or even tear garments. Don't know your hanger size? The size of the hanger references the width when measured from shoulder tip to shoulder tip directly across the hanger.

Slacks or slacks should be hung from the cuff or hem, or placed on hangers with a horizontal bar that allows the garment to fold over without leaving a crease.

SWEATERS

They should be folded, as this allows them to maintain their shape (Hangers are not so understanding). Fold them a little differently each time so they will not develop creases. Cashmere storage bags are perfect for folding your out of season sweaters.

LONG TERM STORAGE

Launder or dry clean before storage, as this will ensure that there are no residues of food on the garment that may attract moth larvae. The storage area should be clean, well ventilated and away from sunlight. Read our moth busting hints.

Ideally, an acid-free tissue paper like Adorama Acid Free Print Cover Tissue, 13" x 19", Pack of 100 Sheets should be placed between folded items to preserve their good looks. (Check with your local Staples for acid free paper).
Woolen clothing should go into a cedar trunk or chest like Antique Finish Trunk Style Storage Cedar Chest that is sealed and lined with a well-laundered white sheet. Other clothing can be stored in lightweight plastic boxes that have vents and are waterproof.

YOUR SHOES

Fendi Grosgrain bow front pumps
Did you think we were going to forget about our shoes? Not on your life. Shoe trees, remember them? They are and have always been a practical investment. They kinda just went out of style, like polishing ones shoes.

The average foot perspires a pint of moisture per day. This moisture stays within the linings thus deteriorating the shoe. The moisture also magnifies the internal temperature of the shoe thus creating potential discomfort. Full cedar shoe trees absorb damaging moisture from the linings of shoes thus increasing the life of your shoes and making them more comfortable to wear.

The Combination Shoe Trees for Women (Cedar) is perfect for all types of shoes, dress or casual.

Our own Shoe puffs (at right) are also an excellent way to keep the shape of your shoes. They have been designed to maintain the toe shape of mules and strappy sandals. They are filled with special pot pourri, and not only do they keep the shape of the toe, they smell fragrant too!

While travelling, also keep your shoes in bags for their protection.

Fashion Investments or Fashion Recycling?

2009-01-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

[Balenciaga 08]

What are fashion investments? A trench coat..blah, blah blah. Yes, these are items that have withstood the test of time but even Vogue was recently accused of being predictable and boring.

We're talking about those special pieces that add that "that's what I'm talking 'bout" to your wardrobe.

Hint... Did you buy Pradas lipstick skirt of 2000? The one featured on Charlotte in Sex and the City? Yeah! Poor you, but not so fast. Miuccia Prada has just re-released the print for 2009.
Question #2- did you buy the Louis Vuitton graffiti bags? Yep, re-released. If you didn't throw away either one of the above items, you can smirk and act like you knew all along that they would return.

Did you buy the bowling bag? Another classic! so does this mean you should buy the new Prada "Trembling blossoms"? Whew! this is super hard work, I tell ya!

Alber Ebaz 2003 tulle necklaces... they are back, completely recycled by the designer.

How to predict a long-laster? How should we know? All previous pleated Armani pants are waiting for Mr. Armani himself to decide if we all need to add on a few pounds at the belly. Here's fool proof shopping (well, almost fool proof).

Buy what you absulutely fell in love with. This way if it sits in your wardrobe for ever, you will still love it. Kind of like a pet.

Buy Rick Owens, Halston, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Marni and you too can look tres smug. Anything these designers make never seems to fall out of favour.

Don't buy anything that is a MUST-HAVE for this season! They are not called must-haves for fun. They are must-have today, cause you might not want tommorrow!.

Usually anything that was big for Fall of the previous year works street wise the following fall e.g a futuristic Balenciaga dress, for instance, or a caped jacket from Rick Owens. Pieces like Haider Ackermann's tough leather jacket or Fendi's funnel-collared furs command confidence and typically dictate that they will return.

Reconsider stuff that looks moderately eccentric on the runway, perhaps some of the Superhero stuff by . They will look normal in a few years. Wait till they are marked down seriously and if you want to consider them as a purchase, only then. You might consider yourself a smart fashionista in a few years.

All these collections, whose elements seemed a bit "out there" or eccentric when they were first shown, have become "normal" over time. That's because they've been so copied, of course. The moral, though, is that only the originals have survived to look great (their cost forgotten). It's the cheap copies that have by now literally turned out to be a crying waste.

Rihanna - most stylish of 2008...Vogue is boring and predictable?..

2009-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIES TO BE SOLD?:

Francois Pinault is which he bought in May 1998 for $1.2 billion. While all auction houses across Bonhams, Sotheby's and Christie's haven't experienced a great year, Christie's has already cut a couple of departments, shrunk others, let a few employees go and plan more reorganization for the company in January. The speculation is based on one simple fact, Christies is simply carrying way too much debt.(Alphaville)

NET-A-PORTER LAUNCHES OUTNET IN FEBRUARY:

Natalie Massenets' website Net-a-Porter is going one step further and launching the outnet in February. Think Bluefly and Overstock.com but with premier designer merchandise. Yum! Massenet is keeping details top secret but she describes theoutnet.com as a site her customers can "call their own". Theoutnet.com is due to launch in spring 2009, so save the date (Telegraph)

RIHANNA- MOST STYLISH OF 2008:

Whether you agree or not, keep it to yourself. Says the website Film.com:

We can't enough of Rihanna's risk-taking, trendsetting style. It must have been all those stylish red carpet appearances and her daring on-stage costumes full of feathers, frills and fringe. Her love of color puts Rihanna on our good side. She rocks the red carpet in bold red, purple and yellow, or keeps her look sleek in black and silver. Her funky fashion sense, trendsetting haircuts and bold, bright makeup keep us guessing, and we can't wait to see what Rihanna will do in 2009.

Did you vote? So, you can't complain.(Film.com)

CATHY HORYN THINKS VOGUE IS STALE AND PREDICTABLE:

Kind of like its editor Anna Wintour? Vogue Reader reader, Kathryn Williams of San Diego, said.

“I could make a calendar of your cover girls, and it would probably repeat year after year.” She added: “Let’s face it: Vogue is getting a bit stale. It is a pity, too — because the magazine is still much better than the others.”

and kudos to them, Vogue did choose to publish the letter. (NYTimes)

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO SAY ABOUT BEYONCE BUT COULD NOT ACTUALLY PUT INTO WORDS?:

Well then, let the Black Snob help you. After viewing Cadillac Records, the Black Snob launches a worth reading analysis of Beyonce in the role of Etta James. She says;

I'm not saying Beyonce needs to get in a dysfunctional relationship, be abandoned by her family, pick up a drug habit (or several drug habits), becomes completely disallusioned by fame and moved to the islands, become a conflicted Christian who went pop or go nutbar on me but the great ones give up some pain. There's really no way around it. Without the pain, you're just a more charming Mariah Carey who can actually dance. Or worse, Janet Jackson with better vocals. (Blacksnob)

ENTIRE MALLS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS:

The slowest retail holiday season in 38 years could end up dooming 2,000 to 3,000 malls by the middle of the year with an estimated 200,000 more businesses shutting down. Even those that are still around will be cutting back on store locations, shutting down stores that aren't making good sales numbers. So where will people shop? (Luxist)

Happy New 2009!

2009-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

10 exceptionally chic ways to reinvent your style in 2009

2008-12-31T14:55:00.000-08:00

Tired of the same old humdrum look of 2009? If you ever hear recessionista chic again, will you hurl? Yeah, we understand. Here are 10 exceptionally chic ways to update your style for 2009 and it does not involve spending a fortune. Just follow the rules!

Polish your social skills - Improve yourself by resolving to wear your LBD at least once a month. That way, you expand your rolodex, meet interesting people and who knows what's on the horizon. A new husband???

Get your V5 - 5 Vibrant colors. Maintain a healthy wardrobe of tomato reds, apple, respberry, lemon and bluebery. Start with a Catherine Malandrino Cashmere blend top. and work your way through handbags, scarves, shoes etc. The choices are endless.

Celebrate - wear something sparkly that reminds you of champagne every single day! like a Versace Faceted Stone Ring in Champagne. A sparkly ring or bracelet will suffice but if you had something bigger in mind...just go for it!

Take up a new hobby e.g Gardening and clothe yourself in lovely florals in the coming year. Make hothouse flowers your choice in 2009.

Embrace Bondage - bring out those Herve Leger bandage dresses and if you can't ,slip into some bandage shoes or gladiators like Giuseppe Zanotti Strappy leather sandals. Oh yes, and maybe you'd like to try liquid leggings? You know you do.

Dvelop your animal instincts - Take a walk on the wild side and devlop your animal instincts. Earn your stripes, your spots, your dots with 2009 animal prints.

Go back to school - Take a crash course in geometry. Prints, abstracts, collages are all part of the years trends.

Dress like you mean business - invest in a suit this season. Mix and match the jacket and pants like you mean business. Time to take a refresher course in Style 101?

Learn a little more history - The 80's, the 50's, acid-wash, holey jeans. Keep right on top of history and know which era you are dressing for each day.

Get fit - Take up a sport or hobby or at least look like you can take up a sport. Either way, you might be able to fit into those bandage dresses and make them look fab.

Online Sale Alert: 30 to 70% off at Pink Mascara

2008-12-30T13:49:00.001-08:00

Online Sale Alert: Post holiday sales at Shopbop- 30 to 70% OFF!

2008-12-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

2008 - the year of the stupid and the winner is...

2008-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Rod Blagojevic, Bernard Madoff, John Edwards, George Bush all made their mark on the year 2008 but our winner is the guy who asks, What is a Barack? Where he from..Africa? Our answer is: What is a DMX?.

DMX, definitely not the name of an intellectual or even a lightbulb. DMX, your ignorance is showing, not that it was ever hidden.

[Rapper DMX]

In a published interview, DMX displays the obvious.. a lack of insight. He claims a disinterest in Politics, but could that be because he can't vote? Hmm???

Fine, he does not follow Politics but he elaborates on his own stupidity as he wonders how anyone could name her child Barack. Yes, DMX, but you do know English is not the only language spoken on Earth, Right????

Follow the 12 most stupid people of 2008 at Ebony Magazine. From Elliott Spitzer, OJ Simpson, Jesse Jackson to John Edwards to the current Illinois governor Blagojevich, 2008 was a year of the dumba***.

12 Stupidest people of 2008

2008 Photoshop Hall of Shame

2008 Worst dressed Celebrities

Worst trends of 2008

Jourdan Dunn isa well grounded model.. Macy's, H& M open 24 hours..French Vogue needs you

2008-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES:

In an effort to entice shoppers, Toys R' Us, Macy's and H&M have announced that they will be open all hours. Let us know who pops in at 3a.m. besides people like Camilla Joseph.

Saying she hates crowds, the 37-year-old Ms. Joseph was thrilled to be able to finish her shopping when no one was around. Surrounded by packages filled with a dollhouse, videogames and a robot, she sprawled on the floor next to a cash register. "Could you imagine being able to do this during the day?" said Ms. Joseph, who by day is a manager at Starbucks. (WSJ)

BILL BLASS IS STILL CIRCULATING AS DIRECTOR DEPARTS:

Mr. Gurung, who joined Bill Blass from Cynthia Rowley in 2003, was among the 20-something employees let go Friday as the label prepares to shutter its couture line.“It’s disappointing,” Mr. Gurung said in an interview Friday afternoon. “It’s really an end of an era. (The brand) Bill Blass was around for almost 40 years — fashion in America has really lost a great part of its history.”

While the line has disappeared from the e-commerce sites of retailers Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, NeimanMarcus, and Saks FifthAvenue, associates at both Bergdorf and Saks have confirmed that the collection is still available on the floors in their department stores. The line seems to have earned increased visibility in their final resort season as starlets like Eva Mendes have been wearing the gowns to red carpets events.

GIVE US YOUR OLD, YOUR CHIC, YOUR ISSUES, YOUR FRENCH VOGUE:

FRENCH Vogue wants your old issues — the ones that have been gathering dust on a some shelf like bottles of Bordeaux — and preferably in a vintage older than 1975. What do you get in return? We don't know. (NYT)

JOURDAN DUNN FEELS THE STING OF BEING CALLED SKINNY GIRL:

Famously scouted by Storm Models in Primark when she was just 14, native Londoner Dunn remains refreshingly down-to-earth despite her near-instant rise to fashion fame - and admits that it still stings when her siblings call her "skinny girl" as the ultimate insult during arguments.

"My issue when I was growing up was always my weight," she tells The Observer. "I would see Beyoncé or J-Lo in music videos and I would ask, 'Why can't I be like them?' They have a curviness, a sexiness. Coming from a black [Jamaican] community, curves are celebrated and being the skinny black girl when I was growing up was hard." (Vogue UK)

THE WORST DRESSED PEOPLE OF 2008?:

Did you imagine you would see the Editor of Vogue on the worst dressed list? Well she is, Anna Wintour makes the list in her silver outfit at the Met Costume Ball. It did say Costume! Are we missing the point..Daily News? (NYDN)

NO ARRESTS YET IN HILTON ROBBERY:

No arrests have been made yet in the Paris Hilton Robbery case. It's so hard not to be cynical and wonder if this is just a publicity stunt. (YAHOO)

"FACE OF ASIA MODEL JUMPS TO HER DEATH:

Sahar Daftary, 24, jumped from the 12th floor (150 ft) of a building in Salford Quays, Manchester, over the weekend. She had recently split from married property developer boyfriend. (Daily Mail UK)

Louis Vuitton sues rapper T.I over use of LV products in video...

2008-12-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Louis Vuitton - One billion served and Counting...(McDonalds much?)

"Alright, okay, I don't dance, no way
I just take my Louie rag out and wave it round in the air
Take my Gucci rag out and wave it round in the air
Alright, okay, I don't dance, no way
I just take my Louie rag out and wave it round in the air
Take my Gucci rag out and wave it round in the air"

The lyrics to T.1's song "Swing ya Rag" which he recently performed on SNL and the video of which is the subject of a lawsuit.

The match between rappers and Louis Vuitton is a rather ambivalent one indeed. Wasn't it just a few moments ago (at least it seems like), Foxy Brown sang about Marc Jacobs and they became BFF'S?. (He recognised the economic power and influence of rappers).

Who could possibly miss Kanye Wests' love for the label, but now in an effort to retain their cache (very funny) and to protect their brand, LV is going after the rapper T.I.

First Louis Vuitton sued Britney Spears over use of a Vuitton-embroidered dashboard in a video and now it's T.I. He won't be releasing his "Swing Ya Rag" video which highlights both Gucci and Louis Vuitton products due to actions from both companies.

Just so you know, LV. That scarf was also recently seen on Jamie Foxx and that is solely because of this song, we think.

Says T.I:

"We spoke to them. The video, it's done. But I guess it's one of those corporate things where they don't wanna be associated or affiliated with a certain type of brand," T.I. said in a statement. "A T.I. video ain't the best look in their eyes right now. No harsh feelings."

"At the end of the day, it's gonna be a time when somebody is gonna have to sit at my table, and we gonna have the same type of conversations," T.I. shared his thought further. "It might be something as simple as just a party or endorsement. One thing is, the world goes around and comes back. I can take it when it's my turn."

Louis Vuitton has to decide if it wants Mega profits or status. You can't be the McDonalds of Fashion and then overzealously who sings or does a video about your product.

Strangely, when the musiciand sing or speak about it (free advertising), nothing is said but when a video is put out, a law suit occurs. Can we say Overzealous Lawyers?

Just Chill, like it or not, folks up at Louis Vuitton-when these guys decide your product is played out, you won't be too happy.

$10m reward offered for Shoe-cide bomber shoes

2008-12-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

[Shoe-cide bomber Journalist Muntadar Al Zaidi]

We just love a good shoe story! This one only gets more bizarre.

A Saudi man has offered $10 million for the shoes of Iraqi journalist/shoe thrower Muntadar Al Zaidi who has become a shoe-in for a hero in Iraq.

"This is a gift from the Iraqis, this is the farewell kiss, you dog!" Al Zaidi shouted just before he chucked his shoes at the US president during the live broadcast of the press conference.

"This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq!" Al Zaidi shouted as he hurled his other shoe.

The $10m offer comes from sixty-year-old Hassan Mohammad Makhafa of Aseer (south west of Saudi Arabia).

He's prepared to sell all his properties - which would be going to his sons - to purchase the shoes, which he describes as a "medal of freedom."

Dignitaries of the Saudi man's tribe expressed their solidarity with Makhafa and their willingness to share the $10m reward with him.

We are assuming the shoes are no longer in the Journalists' possession, but where are they? Evidence? We think not. We've got shoes and can throw them all, but definitely, definitely not at George Bush. The journalist is lucky to be alive, if he is.

It would have been so much easier to shoo him out. Its silly and tacky to laugh at ones jokes but ha! ha! ( Gulf News)

Sequin Shoes- Blame it all on Marc Jacobs!

2008-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

[Miu Miu Perla Sequinned Pumps]

Say what you will, you can't ignore a pair of Sequin pumps. Apparently Marc Jacobs is to blame. In 2004, he slapped a chunky heel onto a plimsoll, covered it in Dorothy-esque red sequins and sold it for upwards of $400. And as they say, (we still don't know who says it) the rest is fashion history.

If the pumps were covered in Pailettes like these Pigalle Paillettes pumps, we would love them so.

[Loboutin Pigalle Paillettes pumps]

Yes, these we like and we like a lot!. Priced at $945.00, well, hello they are Loboutins. You expect that price, don't you? The reality of your wallet dictate that you go lower? Charles by Charles David - Soul do a sequin pump at $114.95. Its not the same but it will have to do.

Juicy Couture even does an Espadrille in sequins. Priced at $225.00, they have been marked down to $79.00. Great for a casual dressed up look in the summer. Available at eLUXURY.

[Juicy Couture Sequin Platform Espadrille]

In the mood for a flat? Give Antik Batik Soot Stone & Sequin Ballet Flat a try. For the Rihannas among us, continue to carry the torch for Fashion and get the Antik Batik Dinah Sequin Boot.

Want to channel Dorothy in Red Sequin Pumps? Your Martinez Valero sequin pumps will do just that.

[Martinez Valero Sequin Pumps]

Martinez Valero Pumps available at Zappos.com but if all these sequin shoes are not enough for you, voila! Gold Sequin Boots below. There's always a costume party somewhere.

Is Karl Lagerfeld the Obama of fashion?

2008-12-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

[Lagerfeld and Lohan in front of his Chanel plane- bet you did not know Chanel had a plane]

Why did bloggers blog endlessly about his $1,500.00 teddy bear, not even pausing for one moment to wonder why a grown man should be seen posing with a teddy bear.

In someones else's hands, that picture would seem so....perverted?

His sales pitch? "Bears are very nice, as long as you are nice to them … Nothing scares me more than people with some doll collection. Frightening."

You nailed it monsieur!. All those weird QVC Marie Osmond and Barbie collecting people. Hrmph!!

Let's not even discuss the perpetual sunglasses and the gloves.

We write about his super expensive $25,000 fishing rod and the guy most likely does not fish and may have never ever fished in his life. Not that we blame him, but can you imagine him touching worms??? Especially a man who says "I never played with anything like toys. I wanted to be grown up". Somehow you don't envision worms in his past. At least not those kinds of worms.

Then heaven forbid that he put on a safety vest for France and all hell breaks loose.

He is the Obama of Fashion. Whatever he does, the fashion world wants more, and more and more!

Then he parts ways with Obama because he wants absolutely nothing to do with the common man. Imbeciles, all the rest of us! and yet we still thirst.

Lagerfeld turns into an Obama plus Oprah hybrid fully loaded with a larger than life ego. You know when Oprah says she couldn't decide between the green Bentley and the blue one, so she bought both.

Yet, somehow we don't resent them. We want more... and what are you going to do tomorrow! we wonder and we wait for word.

He says as he continue to drive his gas guzzling 3 hummers.... The Hummer is like a tank and gives me a feeling of security. I don't want to drive at the same level as the others. Yeah, read the quote below.

It now appears that he has heard of that thing called a recession and he is trying to adjust.

For one thing, "I have moved to a smaller house in Paris, and I don't fancy having so much staff now," he reveals to German weekly Die Zeit. However, "The chambermaid, chauffeur and chef are still musts," he says, "around the clock." His passion for gas-guzzling Hummers - the largest model, H1 - continues. "I have three of them," Lagerfeld tells the Die Ziet. "Two here in Paris and one in Monte Carlo.... The Hummer is like a tank and gives me a feeling of security. I don't want to drive at the same level as the others." He also weighs in on his new house in Vermont, noting, "It's very Emily Dickinson. In fact it's almost Puritanical. For me it's a new form of modesty."

Ah! Monsieur Lagerfeld, you are tres charming in a je ne sais quoi type of way. Is that french for weird? Unfortunately, he is right about keeping the H1 hummer. It is the best of the best. All the other hummers are meh.

Well, I guess as long as he continues to dangle super expensive bags we covet, and clothing we cannot afford if we earn a salary, we will forgive all his foibles and attribute them to the eccentricities of a fashion genius. Non???

[Lagerfeld and his $1,500 teddy bear]

Jennister Aniston,nude on the cover of GQ...but why Jen?

2008-12-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Jen, Jen, Jen. Whose idea was this? We know it could not possibly have been yours, it was your publicist.

Fire her because, Sorry Jen, the cover smacks of desperation and we don't understand why. In a sense we understand why you think you should do it but actually doing it?

We get it. Your husband left for some gorgeous creature from another galaxy and the husband lacks a sensitivity chip.

We understand you want to show the world that you still got it, smoking body and all but.....us middle aged folk all have to draw the line somewhere.

The Vogue cover was good but naked GQ too? You said Vogue misrepresented you and then you did it again?

The only more cringeworthy act you could possibly pull now is to go to Vietnam, Ethiopia, adopt a child, and name them Pax, Zahara and whatever.

We agreed with you that Angelina was uncool and inappropriate even when we did not understand why you were talking about it 3 years and six children later.

We can only imagine Brangelina snickering at this point and Jen honey, Sweetie, please don't even mention their kids names in an interview. Sigh! Tut, tut, tut.

According to GQ:

As we finish lunch, she talks about the project she seems most excited about: a movie she’s developing called Pumas, in which she hopes to star with Elizabeth Banks. “It’s sort of a female Wedding Crashers,” she says. “It’s these two girls who are aspiring cougars. It is so a comment on the sexual double standard—and what’s been ironic is how hard it’s been to get this movie made. Studios want it, but they’re afraid of Middle America. They’d want to change it; they’re saying, Oh, you can’t do that, people just can’t imagine you…” She’s alluding here to Hollywood’s formula for romantic comedies and her default character within them—offbeat, likable, and unlucky in love…before I leave, I have to ask about what she—referring earlier to the photo of her and the half-naked dudes—described as “sort of a cougar thing.” Her friend Courteney Cox has just announced a TV show called Cougar Town, there’s that Pumas movie, and of course, the younger man. Sure, it all seems a little heavy-handed, but if Jen’s trying to signal that in the next episode of her life she’ll play a fortysomething sex symbol, well, we’re certainly not going to complain.

No, Jen, no! Angelina did the ridiculous "WANTED" then redeemed herself with "Changeling" and now you are going in the exact opposite direction? Don't, just don't play a cougar-ever! Don't even ask why. All you have to ask is What would Demi do? or what would Halle do? or better still What would Mariah do?

Somehow we don't see them playing cougar roles in movies beacause if acting is fantasy, they are living that fantasy in real life and so are you.

She also says:

“I still can’t wrap my head around how old I’m going to be,” she says. “I feel more comfortable today than I ever did in my twenties or early thirties. I’m healthier. I’m more at peace in my mind and with my body.”

So, Jen, as a friend (well, in our dreams) we would like you to give yourself a good head shake and truly be at peace with your mind and body. Ignore those people because when their potential 10 children watch the movie where their parents (according to Angelina) fell in love, all the children will say is "Mommy, why was Daddy trying to kill you?" or vice versa.

Your'e rich, mega rich, thin, very thin, tanned and Oprah likes you. What more could you ask for?.
Anyway, we expect Angelina to counter all this publicity you are getting by announcing that she is adopting nine more children and pregnant with quadruplets.

Update: Victoria Beckhams' collection is doing well round the globe!

2008-12-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

[Victoria beckham in one of her own designs]

Okay, okay Victoria Beckham is getting the ultimate revenge on everyone who laughed at her. Success! Despite the rumours that she got a lot of help form Roland Mouret or that she knocked off his designs, her dresses are selling out at Bergdorf Goodman.

She hit Bergdorf Goodman last Friday wearing one of her own designs as she showcased the new dresses on three models and described each look.

She was at the store to personally introduce an early delivery of the line (which ranges from $1,000 to $3,000) to an intimate crowd of 65. And less than a week later, a Bergdorf representative confirmed to NYMag that half the stock is sold out.

Apparently, some items already generating waiting lists.

This follows her line's success in England where Selfridges sold out of her entire collection at both the London and Manchester locations in one day. "I don't have a doubt in my mind that these special pieces will sell out," Linda Fargo, Bergdorf's senior vice president, Fashion Office & Store Presentation, told us. "Our gals still want the rare and hard-to-find pieces, and especially things that are so flattering and well made. They're sexy but elegant at the same time — a lethal combination for my money."

If you say so, Ms Fargo! Now that her line is doing well, can she stop with the endless PR of wearing her own lines? For heavens sakes, there are only 10 pieces or so in the collection.

Are you up for silver shoes and black tights?

2008-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

[Katie Holmes and daughter Suri Cruise]

While it was odd and still is odd and rather disturbing to read Forbes declare Suri Crusie as the hottest tot of the year, cutest perhaps but hot?

Anyway, it was hard to miss the cutest mother/daughter moment in this shot.

The mettalic shoes and black tights is a very interesting fashion choice for Mommy. On the tot, it is simply glorious but seeing as Mommy is a fashionista and all, we weren't sure if we would actually wear black tights paired with silver shoes or gold shoes or white shoes.

Paris appears to be the master of this look and our jury is till out but if Katies' style appeals to you, Just Cavalli Snakeskin Leather Pump are a perfectly gorgeous pair of mettallic silver pumps.

Want the flats? we don't blame you. Sigerson Morrison Silver flat ballerinas with beads are a great dress up pair of flats.

You can also try either Michael Kors Metallic Halo Flat or Versace Greek Key Metallic Flat or Y-3 Washiba Ballet Flat. You get the picture - there are lots of pretty silver flats out there.

Whether you choose to pair your choices with black tights or not, we'll leave entirely up to your fearless fashion choices.

Did Posh Spice knock off Roland Mouret designs?

2008-12-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

[Victoria Beckham in her own design]

Fashion tongues are wagging and wagging furiously. Last week it was reported that Victoria Beckham had sold out of all the dresses Selfridges ordered but 3 (just so you know, they ordered 20).

While the collection is very classic and unadventurous which is a good thing.

As Style puts it:

Every one of them could've been pulled from Beckham's own closet. The silhouette is beyond body-conscious, ultra-fitted from shoulder line to below the knee, with special seams along the derriere and torso to ensure against flat rear ends and busts, respectively. And each comes with woman-friendly details like a rose-gold back zipper ("so you don't have to dive into it and mess your hair and makeup") and a removable grosgrain ribbon lining the waist ("for posture"). If the collection owes a debt to anyone, it's Roland Mouret, whose Galaxy dress gave curves to even the most skeletal of celebrities, or maybe Dolce & Gabbana. But Beckham denies the inspiration. "This has been a lifetime in the making," she said, adding that she's been wearing the best designers in the world for about as long. And she's not interested in making an It dress. "I don't want to make dresses that will date. I've always been about clever buying." The dresses will range from $1,500 to $3,600.

And while we certainly don't think the rumors will affect her fashion credibility as a designer, since she never had any design credibility, we predict this will simply go away as will her stint as a serious fashion designer.

Now the question is Did Posh Spice actually design her own clothing? or did she get immense help (as in rip off) from Rolan Mouret whom she refuses to give any kind of credit to.

Th collaboration of the pair is hardly a surprise because Victoria Beckham had been rumoured to be designing a set of limited edition dresses, with the help of one of her favourite designers, Roland Mouret but how many of the dresses did she actually design if any?

[from the Beckham collection]

Same seamstress as designer Roland Mouret. Same pattern makers. Same fabric suppliers. Same atelier. Even the same label. Click here to see similarities.

[from the Beckham collection]

[from the Beckham collection]

According to the Daily Mail, A fashion insider said: ‘There have been a lot of comparisons between the dresses and when the collection launched people were picking up the Mouret dresses and Victoria’s and comparing them.’

Mrs Beckham has confessed that although she is the designer, she has not actually drawn the dresses.

In a recent interview, she said: ‘Do I draw? No. Then again, nor do lots of designers. But I put it all on myself and walk around in it, and I know what feels comfortable. I know how a dress should sit.

'I’ve worn so many in the past and when I see the photographs I think, crikey, my boobs are up round my neck again because the corsets are too short and not cut high enough.’

Mimosa is the color of 2009..

2008-12-05T15:58:00.001-08:00

Vogue UK has declared Mimosa the color of 2009. What the heck is Mimosa, you say? Like champagne and orange juice? Precisely.

A "warm and engaging" shade of yellow like the Carolina Amato Gloves Shorty Leather GlovesMimosa represents hope and optimism - buzzwords for the new year after a 2008 full of instability and upheaval.

The colour yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Designers showed yellow/Mimosa all through the runway but for those who cannot absolutely wear yellow? Do it in accessories like a Fendi Medium Baguette in Lemon Yellow

Halle (our very own official cougar mascot) wears them, so does Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Fergie. They are much nicer than all the other beaded bracelets on the market, because they are made of fine gemstones - diamonds, sapphires, coral beads. Plus, they are supposed to posses supernatural powers...yup!. The Sydney Evan Large Evil Eye Bracelet or the Orka Mesica Black Beaded Bracelet are great stacked up and add punch to any outfit.

Available at Max and Chloe

What will Michelle Obama wear on January 20th?

2008-12-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness most of these designers will not have the opportunity to dress Michelle Obama for the Inauguration. WWD requested sketches from designers for the big day, a few of Mrs. Obamas' current favourites declined, but most other designers were happy to offer their opinions. We think the girls should wear Rodarte and Mommy should wear Christian Lacroix.

[Isaac Mizrahi]

Anyone who featured the girls in their sketches, we found ourselves extremely biased towards, like Rodarte and Isaac Mizrahi.

[Oscar de la Renta]

and Oscar de la Renta. You just wonder what YSL would have come up with. We were quite sad and dissapointed to see how boring Michael Kors outfit was. What would he have said to a Project Runway designer, were he to have come up with this prom looking outfit?. "That's just boring! It doesn't excite me"

[Rodarte]

Next up, we think Christian Lacroix did an amazing job while Betsey Johnson would have left the first lady looking like a fool.

[Christian Lacroix]

[Michael Kors]

[Chanel]

Tips for shopping online...start your search engines!

2008-11-29T13:46:00.001-08:00

We welcome you to the most unproductive day in worker history aka Cyber Monday.

Start window shopping - today for after Christmas sales and beyond as well.The best days for online shopping is Fridays - a lot of items are reduced even further on Fridays.

Sign up at your favourite websites - and designate a particular e-mail address e.g lovetoshop@yahoo. If they sell your info, you can always and create another but at least you have an idea who is selling your info.

Shop to your hearts content on line. Add everything to your cart and walk away. Make dinner, go running, anything then come back. By then, only the things you really like will stay in your mind. Then check that list again.

Also you can 'Proceed to Checkout,' but then close your browser window. "Very often, you'll get a followup, computer-generated e-mail from the company asking if there was anything they could have done to complete the transaction. Then respond and ask for a deal sweetener or if you are comfortable with small lies:), tell them you found a lower price.

Don't underestimate the value of free shipping. Depending on how much you buy, free shipping can be a blessing. You can demand it these days!

Don't forget returns and re-stocking fees. Find a merchant who will offer you free returns and may even send you a pre-printed mailing shipping label like shopbop.com and zappos.com.

Beware of final sales. If its a horrible item, you want to be able to send the cr**p back.

If you can, shop during commuter travel when everyone is off to work or returning. Before 9.a.m or after 5p.m. Also try shopping at dinnertime in your area. Forget lunch, spend that time browsing if you must, or actually have lunch to get you fortified.

Check Ebay. Yes, you'll be pleasantly surprised but beware of fake items.

Watch for the taxes in your state. Only your state taxes are applicable to you.

Now that Black Friday is over, settle in for Cyber Monday

2008-11-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Why does anyone fall for the concept of Black Friday and then waits in line for hours only to trample a store employee to death when they can shop in the comfort of their own homes all year round.

Here are some of the sales we think are worth checking out. You can still get the best deals.

Editors Closetcarries amazing items like Oscar de La Renta, Swarovski Jewelry, at up to 70% off. You have to be invited to shop so enter our email when you do and tell them we invited you. Click on BECOME A MEMBER and enter vivre@shaw.ca

Name it - Missoni, Cavalli, Olivia Harris, Badgely Mischka, Earnest Sewn, Malo, Natori for Men, the Gilt Group has them at unbelievable prices. Shopping is by invitation only so click here to join their fab sales.

Herve Leger dress

BCBG has a great sale on at half off. We don't think the Herve Leger dresses are on at half off, but the site is worth checking out. Plus a special FREE SHIPPING offer running on MONDAY December 1.

Looking for a dress under $100? We are sure you can find it but it won't be a Herve Leger. Check out Cyber Monday Only; Designer dresses at $75 from eDressMe.com. We will!.

Okay, this is a first but Cephalon cookware is delightful and if you can find free shipping on that bulky stuff, grab it. For all the cooking you may be doing during the holidays, it might be worth it. This week's special is Free Shipping on all Calphalon cookware. Use Code 66040. at Fortunoff. I discovered Fortunoff for their jewelry and stayed for their cookware.

Of course our favourite online store eLUXURY still has amazing deals from 40 to 70% off. Take an additional 20% off all sale apparel!

For accessories and they have some nice accessories and if you find anything you like enter 20% OFF at Max & Chloe. Use code CYBR20.

See you online! :)

Diddy submits BOND - 007 Audition Tape

2008-11-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

Watch your back Daniel Craig, here comes tooth-picking Diddy as the new 007.

Back in 2006, Diddy, then known as P. Diddy told the BBC. "One day the time will come for a black Bond and hopefully I can audition for it," the then 36-year-old said at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Copenhagen.

Well, the time has come and try not to laugh as you watch Diddys' Bond audition/I am King advertisement shown below.

Diddy spent more than $1m in an effort to be the next Bond and perhaps, just perhaps it does not work, he segues into an ad for "I am King" - his fragrance.

Dressed with a License to Kill, Diddy dons a tuxedo and cuts through the sky at the helm of a helicopter, draped with beautiful Bond-worthy girls. However, saving himself from utter humiliation, the audition tape will also promote the star’s new fragrance, I Am King – are you, though, really Diddy?

Somehow we suspect if he does manage to get the role, it will be the lowest grossing Bond movie ever but he'll keep us entertained until then.

One thing for sure, the Bond producers don't need to shell out for more Bond jewelry - did 007 wear jewelry?? you say?? Maybe he could play the villian - Blingfinger, a black rapper who wants to take over the world and all its diamond mines. Now, that might work. Maybe we can write the screenplay...oooh.

Confidence is a good thing - Non??

ANTM News: Miss Jay to release new book on Poise and Presence

2008-11-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

America's Next Top Model judge and walking coach J. Alexander (Miss J to the fans) has sold a book, Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power, to Simon Spotlight Entertainment, to be edited by Patrick Price (Mr. Price was also responsible for the seminal He's Just Not That Into You, not to mention the Lance Bass biography Out of Sync).

The book promises to include "inspiring advice, life lessons, and self-esteem coaching for all women," punctuated by Mr. Alexander's "colorful anecdotes."

Watch for the book to launch when his new reality show - Operation Fabulous debuts.

Hayden Panetierre designs handbags for Dooney & Bourke

2008-11-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hayden Panettiere, who is Dooney & Bourke’s spokesmodel, has teamed up with the label’s designer Peter Dooney to create the perfect bag for Spring 09.

Named after the star herself, the “Hayden Clutch” is made from Italian calfskin and fastened with a 24 carat gold plated lion head, inspired by her astrological sign the Leo.

According to PEOPLE, who caught up the new handbag designer who told them she was part of the design process from the initial drawing to the lion’s head clasp. “Instead of putting my name on it, I put a lions head on it. It’s a way of representing me,” says Hayden.

The clutch shape was also her idea. “I asked if I could design a clutch because it’s something that I’ve familiar with because I carry them around all of the time.”

The bag will come in a variety of colors including blue, red, black, white, brown, hot pink (Hayden’s favorite) and purple.

The Hayden Clutch, $295, will hit Dooney & Bourke stores nationwide in December.

What do you think,? Are her bags going to be a bestseller?

Chanel Iman studded Lou-boots...

2008-11-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

Send a whole new message in studded boots - biker-chic, sophisticated but definitely not understated. Chanel Iman recently did at an 11/08 Teen Vogue event. The Christian Louboutin Donjon boots (retail $2,350.00) above have long been sold out but you can get the same look in Cesare Paciotti's studded boots - $784.00 now $509.60 Available at zappos.com

or rock the same look in Giuseppe Zanotti.

Giuseppe Zanotti studded boots - priced at $1,024.00. Available at zappos.com

A lesser priced option are Beverly Feldmans - Selma (Black Suede/Gold) sudded boots priced at $239.96.

Chanel is making money.... literally making Money!

2008-11-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfeld unveils a new five Euro coin at the Hotel de la Monnaie, the national mint responsible for making official coins and medals. Mr. Lagerfeld was commisoned to design the limited edition collection coins for the French Mint . The coin features Chanel’s signature quilted pattern on one side and the head of Coco Chanel on the other and was created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Ms. Chanel’s birthday.

You know this is destined to be a huge collectors item on every side of the Atlantic and Pacific. Although the coins bear the stamp of Five Euros, they will retail for far more than that — the four gold or silver versions range in price from 45 Euros to 5,900 Euros and will go on sale at the French Mint on Dec. 1.

ANTM - Cycle 11 winner is......

2008-11-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

....McKey. For once, we think they actually got it right. After a really dull ANTM season, you just could not trust Ms. Tyra. It was a shock to see Sam at the finale, Sam who looked like she was on her way to her afternoon shift at Cinnabon. As Nigel said, the two finalists looked "linebackerish".

If you missed it, watch it here.

: ANTM Winner- McKey. Photo:courtesy CWTV

This one might actually get work, No?. Anway, it's time to start thinking of putting ANTM to rest.

B-o-r-i-n-g??? Anyone? Its beginning to feel like Survivor and the Apprentice. The only ones doing the surviving are the ones on the Island. Do you even care that they are still on?

A little Ruffle goes a long, long way

2008-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

How do you jazz up a plain outfit? Like them initially or not, ruffled shoes eventually grow on you. The above Python Christian Loboutins (what else did you expect, Bruno Frisoni?) are available upon request. You can however, ruffle a few feathers immediately by wearing Prada's ruffled suede sandals below. Nothing could say sexy any more than these shoes can.

Fendi Satin Ruffle Wedge - Comfortable, sexy, sophisticated? How many times do all these features show up in one shoe? $565.00 now $339.00

Cute as Pie and as sophisticated as ever. Fendi Satin Ruffle Flat, even the price is great. Regularly $450.00, now $269.00. We love their price slashing.

: Bruno Frisoni #H8P 900

These Bruno Frisoni beauties are available at www.saks.com and www.brunofrisoni.com

Steve Madden Women's Impereal T-Strap Ruffled Pump

Georgina Goodman Halle Open Toe Ruffle Pump

Got a few serious events, slip a pair of Ash Helen Ruffle Flats under pants or a suit for a little frivolity.

New York Fashion Week - Day 1 and 2 favourites

2008-09-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

There is a new minimalism in fashion these days, thanks to the economy. Or is there?
Some designers interpreted the clothing in muted colors while some stayed uplifted in brighter colors. A lot of athletic inspired fashions on the runway, these first few days - a nod to the recent Olympics perhaps?

Some responded by adding immense amounts of fabric to the dresses - hoping to convince you that you were getting a lot of fabric for your money, perhaps?

The obvious question on the designers minds is likely to be how New York Fashion Week will translate into sales. The merchandise from this show hits stores when the economy is predicted to be at its lowest point.

This fact must not dampen their creativity but the recession is a hard fact for the designers to ignore with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in the background.
BCBG however, opened up the show with muted colors and quite simple silhouettes.

No surprise as Lubov Azria counted Hillary Clinton as one of her inspirations for the collection. She also, once again no surprise counts the Olympians as heroes and inspiration for their line.

Very wearable as usual and It will be interesting to see what the other designers will be showing as the week moves along.
Alexander Wang showed a fair amount of color, great for Spring but how the Swarovski sweatpants will do in regular life is going to be rather interesting to see.

Karen Walker showed crisp, muted clothing, lots of great blue colors, but nothing that would make one reach for ones wallet.
Jose Ramon Reyes was a tad dissapointing. Last year, he showed great wearable pieces but this season, he opted for "cutesie" with bows, ties and epaulets. And large pockets and drawstrings.

He showed pants like I used to make in school, the ones with the simplest pattern of all, that pouf out at the hips. The kind you know you won't wear next year?

Far too much fabric on the dresses, and the chiffon cover ups? - Mind your reputation, Reyes.

Yigal Azrouel has so far been my favourite of the shows. Great easy,funky wearable pieces, even the bathing suits.

Now, here are some pieces that could be recession proof and can make you say - What recession? We'll buy the rest of the stuff from Target, we hear they are doing great stuff these days.

Carolina Herera, Isaac Mizrahi, Jill Stuart, Thakoon, Ports 1961,Marc Jacobs and others show today but the real fun is always to see who the next hottest designer is. The breakout star.

Kind of like American Idol, but in fashion.

Mankini's, bustiers and handbags on the Mens catwalk????

2008-06-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

The mens shows have been a tad dissapointing, but mens fashion is pretty much limited anyway.

How to spice it up? Introduce heels and handbags and the ocassional mankini.

Even the occassional "bustier" showed up.

FROM the beaches of Kazakhstan to the catwalks of Milan, enter Borat, fashion arbiter. The mankini has finally found its way into high fashion.

In an outfit that can only owe its inspiration to the male one-piece swimsuit worn by the Sacha Baron Cohen character Borat, British designer Alexander McQueen sent this brave male model to front the crowds for Milan Fashion Week.

Guaranteed never to let the wearer down, the original mankini made its debut in the movie Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan.

The mankini was a low point of the male collections, which included Donatella Versace dedicating her collection to US presidential hopeful Barack Obama, Giorgio Armani presenting jackets and suits, and Dolce & Gabbana unveiling pin-stripe suits as loose and easy as silk pajamas.

What Alexander McQueen really wanted to convey was the “über glamour” of seventies discos (in fact, he said he wanted “über über”). With such a goal, his new collection was hardly going to speak to this particular season, which has already pitched its tent for pajamalike ease. And it wasn’t actually a collection that spoke to warm weather in any shape or form, making the surface-of-the sun temperature in the show venue that much more intolerable. (One sympathized with the model who had to bear the final outfit, a metal-fronted, zip-backed jacket that must have felt like a giant, binding foundation garment.)

Now, gentlemen and ladies, if you ever thought your man was not in style. You are absolutely correct!. However, don't panic. Its nothing a handbag, cellophane suits, a mankini and a bustier wont fix.

JUST IN!!! Sneek pic- July All Black Vogue Italia.

2008-06-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

From left: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.

Cathy did it again. The New York Times got a sneak preview of Italian Vogue's all-black issue, and now we can resolve the pressing Who's the Cover Girl issue: As you see, Liya Kebede got the top spot on the fold-out cover followed by Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn, and Naomi Campbell. She gives us a sneak peek at the Steven Miesel pictures for Vogue Italia. The All Black Vogue Italia issue will be on European newsstands next Thursday and in the United States soon after.

Racial prejudice in the fashion industry has long persisted because of tokenism and lookism. For the July issue of Italian Vogue, Steven Meisel, one of the most influential photographers in fashion, has photographed only black models. Naomi Campbell is featured in one of these images.

In a reverse of the general pattern of fashion magazines, all the faces in the July issue of Italian Vogue, including Sessilee Lopez, are black, and all the feature topics are related to black women in the arts and entertainment.

Mr. Meisel was given roughly 100 pages for his photographs.

Tyra Banks

Ms. Sozzani (Editor, Italian Vogue) said the issue was not a response to criticism that she, too, has under-represented blacks or portrayed them as stereotypes. “Mine is not a magazine that can be accused of not using black girls,” said Ms. Sozzani, noting that Naomi Campbell has had several covers, and that Liya Kebede and Alek Wek have also had covers

Naomi Campbell

Over Ms. Sozzani’s initial objections, Steven Meisel also hired Toccara Jones, a full-figure model, who became known from “America’s Next Top Model.” “I wanted to say something about weight, and I’m never allowed to do that,” he said. “I met Toccara and thought, she’s beautiful. What’s the deal with her? She’s great and she’s sexy.”

Sessilee Lopez

Ladies, life truly does not get much better. First Obama, then this.

Read Conspicuous by their absence

Is it a thong, Is it a boot? Open booties anyone?

2008-06-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is one trend that goes waaaayy above our heads. Is it a shoe, Is is a boot? Sorry, we are just not cool or sophisticated enough. We cannot even pretend to get it. We saw it last season, as a shoe boot?

And now, - the thong boot. If anyone gets it, please explain.

It is described as "Downtown cool with a certain sophistication. Like something we picked up while vacationing in Italy." If they wear it in Italy, it must be okay right???
The point of wearing boots is to keep your feet toasty, right? The point of wearing thongs is to keep your feet airy. Or is the thong bootie to keep your ankles warm.
We will continue to try to understand. It just all seems rather redundant.

Harry Potter star lands $6m Chanel deal, Naomi settles housekeeper dispute.

2008-06-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nice job to land at 18.

Emma Watson, the actress who stars as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, is the new face of Coco Mademoiselle, the Chanel fragrance.

The 18-year-old has signed a two-year contract worth £3 million with the French fashion house, and will replace another young British actress, Keira Knightley, who has featured in its advertising campaign for the past two years.

Miss Watson has signed with Storm, the leading model agency, which was thought to have secured her first major campaign.

Chanel has been dressing her for film premieres in recent months. Chanel claims to be creating a new role for Miss Knightley. What? That of Emma Watsons mother?

'Once it became clear she is growing into a beautiful young woman and wears the Chanel brand so elegantly, they had to sign her up. Chanel realises it is important to target a young audience.' Now, we know what Mr. Lagerfeld watches in his spare time.

NAOMI CAMPBELL SETTLES HOUSEKEEPER CASE -June 16/08

Don't know about you but we certainly are finding it hard to keep track of Naomi's shenanigans as much as find them so very exciting. Yes, we'll date the post titles:) and see if it works.

WHILE Naomi Campbell is gearing up to appear in court this week to answer charges relating to that incident at Heathrow Terminal 5, she can at least breathe a sigh of relief having settled another case against a former housekeeper at an employment tribunal.

The supermodel has settled out of court with Slovakian former maid Ivana Lovas, who brought a case of racial and sexual harassment, unfair dismissal and breach of contract against her - claiming that Campbell made her life a "living hell" prior to being forced to quit her job last October.

In this latest case, she has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum - which is reported to run into thousands of pounds - in damages.

"I can confirm the matter has been resolved," one of her representatives confirmed to the Sunday Mirror.

Clooneys' ex - Larsen lands major fashion campaign.

2008-06-16T08:12:00.001-07:00

Who knew being a gold digger would pay off so fast and so furiously. Ladies, head off to Vegas and apply for that job as a cocktail waitress and before you get to Vegas, stop off, eat some scorpions on that ridiculous show - Fear Factor. You might meet your own potential meal ticket.

Oh well, Ashley Dupre is also a star, of sorts. A girl has to find work after her meal ticket expires.

Trust men to make such an obvious mistake, Clooney does not bring anyone out in decades and then shows up with Miss Cocktail waitress who is bent on milking every single last cent out of her fame by association. Yeesh!

Larsen is the new face of "Christian Audigier" a member of the same group that make the "Ed Hardy" and "SMET' fashion lines.

"She is a fresh, elegant and classy girl," says the designer of his new muse, who models a variety of dresses from his new couture line in the ads. "I saw her on a red carpet and liked her style and European look."

Did you mean "her Vegas look" perhaps?

Larson was in LA last week for the shoot, which will be unveiled later this month, according to PEOPLE.COM.

Lanvin Resort 09 - Hampton meets Hawaii

2008-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Alber Elbaz described his cruise collection as a Frenchified take on American sportswear, with plenty of that South Fork easy allure. "But twisted Hamptons," he noted while tucking into a bowl of sorbet to the helium strains of Dolly Parton at his Paris studio on Saturday. Shapes are light and languid, not to mention a bit Thirties with an emphasis on a new elongated silhouette for the house.

Case in point: his polkadot silk gazar column gown worthy of a latter-day siren à la Jean Harlow. Add to that the designer's cheekily embroidered T-shirt matched with a formal floor-length silk skirt and his "jogging suit for the woman who doesn't jog" cut in sexy black silk and you get the rest of the season's message: carefree glamour.

His accessories, in his words, "screaming" — embellishments spicing up the collection. Especially notable are his versions of a luxury lei: glitzy garlands made from iridescent flowers strung on fake pearl necklaces. (WWD)

30% off Anya Hindmarch - 3 days only!

2008-06-12T20:44:00.001-07:00

Swarovski Runway Rocks!

2008-06-12T14:30:00.001-07:00

SWAROVSKI RUNWAY ROCKS, the glittering catwalk show hosted by Nadja Swarovski at The Phillips De Pury Gally in SW1 last night, featured innovative crystal designs from the likes of Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab.

Of the show, Nadja Swarovski said: "Last night's show was the culmination of five years of innovation and creativity in jewellery design by the world's most cutting-edge designers, using Swarovski crystal. We are proud and honoured to be able to work with such visionary individuals."

Johnny Rocket's creation

Each one-of-a-kind creation was a celebration of crystal - while the more wearable creations from Marios Schwab and Christopher Kane incorporated the style from their ready-to-wear shows (Schwab's model wore a long, body con dress draped with crystal pearls while Kane's girl swapped ripped layers of denim for white crystals), others were avant-garde reminders of what a little crystal can do to enhance an outfit.

Zaha Hadid, Alexander Byrne, Farah Khan and Erickson Beamon, one of my favorite jewellery makers ever was featured. To view Erickson Beamon jewellery, check out BlueBee.com

Corset-maker-to-the-stars, Mr Pearl stayed true to form and created a crystal-embellished corset for Swarovski Fashion Rocks. Amazingly amazing!

The night's glittering Swarovski Runway Rocks was one hell of a hot night - in every sense of the word.

The air-conditioning was off and guests were left fanning themselves.

Just Gorgeous and breathtaking. Watch the show at SwarovskisparKlesTV

Julien McDonald for Swarovski Fashion Rocks

New York leads Fashion week 2009 line up.

2008-06-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Where this coveted position in the kick off of Fashion Month for the year used to belong to London, launching ahead of New York, Milan and Paris, these days it's settled in between and equal to the big guns, taking the second spot after the world's buyers and press return to Europe having witnessed New York kick off the collections.

There could still be a change in schedule however, as CFDA is trying to prevent its members from having to show over Labour Day - which traditionally falls on the first Monday of September.

In a bid to try and start the date shake up as early as possible, that means the Council, headed by Diane Von Furstenberg, has announced that New York Fashion Week will run from February 13 to 20 (as opposed to the more traditional February 6 to 13). In other words, it'll run straight over London Fashion Week.

So far it looks like London will have just four full days to show - from February 21, the day after New York ends, to February 24, the day before Milan Fashion Week launches.

We want to give all the designers enough time to produce and deliver their collections between seasons, and international fashion weeks have been under pressure for some time to condense for press and buyers who find it difficult to spend so long away from their businesses," says a spokesperson for the BFC.

Click here to view your Fashion Calendar

Mischa Bartons Chanel Carnival look.

2008-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Chanel handbag, diamante black heels and a Broderie Anglais summer dress aren't what you'd usually wear to a carnival but then again not everyone is Mischa Barton.

The actress was at the A Time For Heroes Celebrity Carnival in LA to support an AIDS charity. Do you like Mischa's carnival look? (

Are "It" handbags now a thing of the Past?

2008-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Think about it, its been a while since we had a Baguette, a Balenciaga, a Chanel - the handbag that was guaranteed to open doors and earn you respect. Are women finally coming to their senses??

Our own new favorite handbag, practical with the right amount of fashion rush.

Of course there are still a few women who rush out there to purchase whatever purses are declared to be the new thing, but even they cannot ultimately keep up with the unending roster of handbags that we are bombarded by. Show-off, celebrity-endorsed totes, with silly names and even sillier price tags, are the fashion equivalent of negative equity. Face it, there has been no "it" bag for a while and frankly we hope it stays that way.

But what to carry instead? Something anonymous and expensive by an unknown brand? A blue-chip classic? Or something cheap and cheerful? These are all sensible options, but they don’t provide that magical fashion hit.

The bags that matter now are the ones that work with the wearer, rather than overpowering them. Instead of being a catch-all purchase that guarantees instant fashionability, it is part of a bigger picture.

These bags reflect the lifestyle, personality and attitude of the wearer, not just their bank balance. When you look at it like that, brand names and price tags matter less than quality, design and general gorgeousness.

And thats the way it should stay. Say hello to the "Me" bag! Me buys it, because Me likes it!

CK " Secret Obsession" last minute venue change.

2008-06-06T08:51:00.001-07:00

GUESTS wanting to enjoy a glass of bubbly with Eva Mendes for the launch of Calvin Klein's new fragrance, Secret Obsession, in New York last night had their hopes dashed when organiser Coty Inc cancelled the party at the eleventh hour due to a dispute over the venue.

The location, on SoHo's Broome Street, was vetoed on the afternoon of the party when the building's landlord apparently realised that the tenant had rented out the venue without notice.

"Coty Inc, the licensee for Calvin Klein fragrances, had planned to celebrate the launch of its latest Calvin Klein fragrance at a private New York City residence last night," the company explained in a statement.

"As a result of ongoing disputes related to the use of the contemplated space, of which it was not aware until shortly before the proposed commencement of the event, Coty felt compelled to cancel the event as Coty did not wish to be embroiled in a dispute to which it was not a party.

Calvin Klein Inc was not involved in the production of this event."

All was not lost, however; despite the short notice, the party managed to relocate to Barolo restaurant on West Broadway, reports The Daily

Target wont quit, Hindmarch and Morrisson added to roster.

2008-06-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Target just wont quit. Anya Hindmarch and Sigerson Morrisson join the roster of celebrity designers for Target. Target is partnering with renowned footwear designers Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison to launch a limited-edition footwear collection, Sigerson Morrison for Target.

Left: Anya Hindermarch pewter collection

They've just announced two new limited-edition diffusion lines by Anya Hindmarch and Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison of Sigerson Morrison.

Anya Hindmarch handbags:
This collection is the sixth handbag launch in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers at Target.

The Anya Hindmarch for Target collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com October 12 through December 26, 2008.

Sigerson Morrison will do the shoe collections. This is the third footwear collection in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers at Target. The Sigerson Morrison for Target collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com October 12, 2008 through December 26, 2008.

Paris bids adieu to Yves St. Laurent

2008-06-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

PARIS — Hundreds of onlookers thronged behind barriers around the Eglise Saint-Roch here Thursday as the world of fashion bid adieu to Yves Saint Laurent.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by First Lady Carla Bruni, decorated Saint Laurent’s oak coffin with the French flag and gave Saint Laurent military honors in the late designer’s capacity as a grand officer in the French Legion of Honor.

When Saint Laurent’s remains arrived at the 17th century church on the Rue Saint-Honore on the Right Bank, applause erupted from the crowd that had come to pay their respects to the celebrated couturier, who retired in 2002.

Saint Laurent died of brain cancer last Sunday at age 71.The memorial mass is likely to be remembered as one of the most important and biggest French fashion funerals since the death of Christian Dior in 1957.

People began to arrive in the morning to stake out a spot behind the police cordon from which to watch the mass. A giant-screen television, first broadcasting YSL fashion shows, was erected outside the church for the public, who snaked around the block. Inside, the church, Paris’ parish for artists, was redolent with lilies and jasmine, while the outside was ringed with bouquets of white roses.

The mass started at 3:30 p.m., but the more than 800 guests began to trickle in as early as two o’clock. A visibly emotive Catherine Deneuve arrived cradling a bouquet of wheat. “Saint Laurent was pure elegance,” she said.

Other notables included Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano, Alber Elbaz, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stefano Pilati, Kenzo Takada, Hubert de Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood and Ricardo Tisci. Giorgio Armani and Hedi Slimane were among designers awaited, but were ultimately unable to attend.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton chairman Bernard Arnault, PPR owner Francois Pinault, Bernadette Chirac, Paris mayor Betrand Delanoe, Jacqueline de Ribes, Philippine de Rothschild, Farah Diba, Bethy Lagardere, French writer Bernard Henri-Levy and his wife Arielle Dombasle, Ines de laFressange, Laetitia Casta and Claudia Schiffer also climbed the stone steps to the church. (WWD)

Why Linda Evangelista is STILL a "Supermodel"

2008-06-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Before there was Giselle, there was Linda!. Linda Evangelista that is. There were Linda, Christy, Cindy and Naomi. The original Supermodels.
They were the real butter, everything else after that is "I can't believe its not butter." Something else masquerading as the real thing.
Canadian Linda Evangelista makes the cover of June Vogue Italia as we all wait with bated breath for the much hyped July vogue Italia issue with the all black models.
Linda Evangelista was one of the best of the best models in the 90's and now, at age 40 something, she looks like she can still teach younger models a thing or two about modelling.

Lindas' chameleonlike ability to transform herself was what booked her jobs until she made her now infamous statement about how she wouldn't get out of bed for "less than $10,000 a day".
That statement in 2008 does not seem the least bit inflammatory but back then, it drew gasps. Linda was the favorite of Vogue Italia in the 90's after featuring in an unprecedented number of covers.

YVES ST.LAURENT IS DEAD!

2008-06-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Yves Saint Laurent, one of the greatest fashion designers in history, died at his home in Paris late Sunday at 71 after a long, undisclosed illness. He had been bedridden recently and friends said in the last week he had been unable to eat or talk. Saint Laurent had been rarely seen over the last year, and even then he was wheelchair bound and weak.

The designer’s health had been precarious throughout his life. At age 21, he burst onto the scene as the sensational new designer at Christian Dior, replacing the late Monsieur Dior himself. The bespectacled, shy, soft-spoken designer quickly became an icon — and would remain so for the next five decades.

Informed of Saint Laurent’s death, Oscar de la Renta said: “His circle had become smaller than small and he saw only his closest and most loyal friends — Loulou de la Falaise, Betty Catroux, Pierre Bergé.…He marked a period of fashion in an extraordinary and exciting way. He had an eye for color, an eye for the exotic. At one point, for a very long time, he was the king of fashion. Everyone wanted to be Yves Saint Laurent. He was such an unbelievably gifted man. He sketched beautifully, he wrote beautifully.

“He’s my big fashion hero and always has been and it’s really sad that he’s gone,” said Marc Jacobs Sunday night of Saint Laurent’s death. “I just think to me and to so many others he has been such a great inspiration in terms of everything, first and foremost in terms design. Saint Laurent was the first to look at youth and street culture and take elements and make them chic.

Yet Saint Laurent always seemed to have a love-hate relationship with the fashion world. On the one hand capable of breathtaking creativity, the pressures continually wore on his nervous nature and he would disappear for months to recuperate. There were so many warnings over the state of his health through the Eighties and Nineties that they became a type of macabre joke — rivaled only by quips over what color his hair would be when he would take his bow.

Throughout his life, Saint Laurent shunned the spotlight. With homes in Paris and New York, a villa in Marrakech and a chateau in Normandy, he could create his own environments. He owned paintings by Goya, Matisse, Leger, Munch, Klee, Picasso and Cezanne but it was the writer Marcel Proust whose work most informed his life. At Chateau Gabriel, a 19th-century castle in Normandy that he owned jointly with Bergé, all the guest rooms were named for Proustian characters.

He was a voracious reader, with Christian Berard, Jean Cocteau, Orlean Petit, Louis Jouvet — and, of course, Proust — among his favorites. He said he never wanted to finish reading “Remembrance of Things Past” because he couldn’t bear to part with it.

His parents wanted him to study law. He wanted to go to Paris and study art. In 1953, when he was 17, he did. A year later, he met Michel de Brunhoff, director of the French edition of Vogue, and sold him some sketches. At de Brunhoff’s suggestion, Saint Laurent entered a contest sponsored by the International Wool Secretariat. One of the judges was Christian Dior, who looked at the drawings and realized they had a startling similarity to his own sketches. Saint Laurent was hired as an assistant

He said his happiest and most productive period was the late Sixties and early Seventies, during which he introduced his “rich peasant” look, his gangster tuxedos and his “tarty” Forties collection.

“I work because I have to,” he said, “not to make money, but for the people who depend on me. If I don’t create the next collection, and the collection after that, they will end up on the streets.”

At the end of October 2002, Saint Laurent left his atelier and his office for the last time. “I am much more at peace now,” he told WWD, adding he had no regrets. “I am not sad — just nostalgic.”

At 1 p.m. Saint Laurent left the premises for the last time, his faithful dog, Moujik, in tow.

Over the next six years, the designer would devote himself to the foundation, mounting exhibitions culled from the house’s vast archives. He would appear in public occasionally, always saying he was glad to be out of fashion.

After all, as Saint Laurent said in a phrase that could serve as his mantra, “Fashions fade. Style is eternal.”

OOPS! Why are you wearing my one of a kind dress???

2008-06-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

This week for the New York premiere of “Sex and the City,” Sarah Jessica Parker wore a strapless Nina Ricci gown designed by Olivier Theyskens. It was one of 40 outfits that Parker planned for the movie’s premieres in London and Berlin, and the press junkets. New Yorkers have no trouble seeing SJP as Carrie, and given the TV show’s name-dropping familiarity with the fashion world, what she wore to the opening was bound to get attention. It had to be a stand-out.

Left, Sarah Jessica Parker at the New York premiere of “Sex and the City” in a Nina Ricci gown designed by Olivier Theyskens. Right, Lauren (Davis) Santo Domingo at the Met ball with Olivier Theyskens. (Photos: Joshua Lott/Rueters, left; Billy Farrell/PatrickMcMullan.com)

Parker was surprised, then, to learn the morning after the premiere that the silver pleated Ricci dress had already been worn on a red-carpet—by Lauren (Davis) Santo Domingo at the Met ball, on May 5. Santo Domingo went to the Met with Theyskens.
What bothered Parker was that she felt she had been deceived by both Grauso and Theyskens, who met her in the studio and assured her that the dress had never been worn except for magazine shoots.
Now she feels she was used by the house. Look, my affection for the dress hasn’t changed,” she said, “but what they did was so short-sighted. It’s just unethical and disappointing that they would allow the dress to be worn again.”

On Grauso - “He didn’t say, ‘Well, actually I just escorted Lauren down the red carpet at the Met.’ ” said Parker, adding, “I just wish it had been handled differently and they had been straight about it.” (NYT)
Grauso claims they did not inform the actress because Lauren Davis is NOT a celebrity and that he and the designer only think of her as a friend. What a cop-out but what a seriously juicy story.
Grauso who heads the house then asks incredulously, "Does everyone look at Style.com?'.
We ask, did somebody just put their foot in their mouth?

As always with SJP, she took the high road.

Sneak peek at Versace Resort 2009

2008-06-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

For cruise, Donatella Versace went to town with drapes and tucks, combining loose and slim pieces with references to the Victorian era. The color choices spanned from muted desert tones to vivid brights in a range of silks and crisp cottons. Donatella, you can do so much better, I am such a huge fan of Donatella's stuff. Spring 2008 was phenomenal, just perfect (If you ever find yourself in Bailly Romainvilliers, France -check out the Versace outlet. I hope they are not closed down yet.)

It kinda looks cheap and even the collar necklace cannot distract from the fact that the looks are so eighties and so tired and so lame. Can you believe the Press release? The colors date back to the Victorian Era. The colors spanned from muted Desert tones - Victorian and desert? Okay, now we've just heard it all from the land of PR and writing copy.

It looks like a collection for Steve and Barrys, or H&M or .....you get the picture and it would be perfect. But Versace?.....

Now that you know our opinion, :) What do you think of the new Versace Resort 2009 looks?

Maybe we should wait to see the rest of the collection. There might be a few redeeming pieces in there.

Our obsession with all things Tory Burch

2008-06-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone including ourselves seem to have a Tory Burch obsession. Extremely moderately priced, her caftans, clutches and shift dresses appeal to both high-end shoppers and those on a budget. That's why they're endlessly copied, the Palm Beachy printed clutches at Old Navy, the two-tone cardigans with jeweled buttons at J. Crew, the beaded tunics at Banana Republic, the indispensable flat shoe with a gold insignia on the toe at Target.

Tpry Burch Sequined Silk Tunic - $998.00

Look everywhere, notice the often copied gold insignia on just about every slipper etc in department stores have been influenced by her designs.
What took Ralph Lauren decades -- developing brand signatures such as the Polo pony, Polo shirt, concho belt and blanket coat -- Burch has done in a handful of years. The tunic top, the sequin knit dress, the dickey sweater and the $195 Reva ballet flat named after her mom and adorned with the double-T logo have become classic designs, some of which are cleverly re-created as charms on a bracelet. (More than 300,000 pairs of Reva flats have been sold.)

She launched her line in February 2004 at her own retail store in New York, before wholesaling it. She began with 15 categories, which is a lot for any business starting out. Many pieces, such as the caftans and espadrilles, were inspired by things that her parents wore when they vacationed in the 1960s in Morocco.
Of course, things took off in 2005 after she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. Her site Toryburch.com got over 8 million hits the next day.
With handbag sales up 50% and accessories sales up 200% last year, she'll be unveiling more small leather goods and jewelry.

Tory Burch Provence Woven Clutch - $275.00

But she's also standing at a precipice so visible and so imitated that she has to be careful not to fizzle out. (Kate Spade comes to mind.) (latimes)
Tory Burch is easily the DVF of this generation.

"PRADA" - Trembled blossoms

2008-05-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Found this strange, animated video by Prada and couldn't take our eyes off. It was part of a campaign to launch Pradas new "Trembled blossoms" handbag.

After the incredible success of the Prada Fairy Bag, currently with a long wait list, Prada is trying to score again with their multicolor vibrant bags. The short animation is whimsical and strangely disturbing capturing the viewer from the first second to watch the transition of a cyber-woman’s journey through a magical Prada filled forest. At the end, she meets Pan who shows her how a tropical fish can transform into the stunning Prada Trembled Blossoms Bag. Would it that life was this magical? Love, love, love the sunglasses.

The lush landscape evokes Miuccia Prada's vision blending suggestions of Art Nouveau,Liberty,Audrey Beardsley and Hieronymous Bosch.

In stores, $1,675.00

Cheap Chic with Patricia Field and Payless

2008-05-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

Now, for a pairing that actually makes sense. Patricia Field, stylist to SATC, The Devil wears Prada, and lipstick Jungle etc,etc. Sex and the City turned high-end shoe labels like Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik into household words. But not every Sex fan can afford to buy pumps that can come with a four-digit sticker price.

Needless to say, not everyone can afford $700 shoes, she then turned her attention to design a budet firendly collection for Payless Shoes. As long as they dont foam in the rain, we are cool.

Her new Capsule Red Carpet Collection for Payless is finally in stores.

The limited-edition holiday line includes edgy metallic and snakeskin platform shoes and boots and big-screen-worthy clutches. And even if you don’t plan on walking the red carpet any time soon, you can wear shoes that have, with a pair of metallic heels just like the ones Patricia Field wore to this year’s Academy Awards. Prices range from $20 - $35 and you may actually end up feeling guilty.

She claims they are as good as Monolos. “I love some Louboutins and some Manolos,” said Field. “But personally, it kills me to spend that kind of money on a shoe. I’m much happier getting a shoe for less money that looks gorgeous.” Hmm!! I understand, but last time I bought a pair of shoes at Payless (like 10 years ago) and there was a little drizzle, the shoes kinda started to foam at the corners.

Can we trust Payless again? While in Payless, also check out Alice + Olivia for payless. If you do buy the shoes, drop us a line.

Le Bron James' Vogue cover criticized!

2008-03-25T12:20:00.001-07:00

Will this issue of racism in America or perhaps the world ever die? I truly hope so.NEW YORK - When Vogue announced its April cover starring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen, the magazine noted with some fanfare that James was the first black man to grace its cover. But the image is stirring up controversy, with some commentators decrying the photo as perpetuating racial stereotypes. James strikes what some see as a gorilla-like pose, baring his teeth, with one hand dribbling a ball and the other around Bundchen's tiny waist. Read more

Got handbag envy? Rent one!

2008-03-25T11:54:00.001-07:00

Green with envy over Hermes "new" Kelly bag? At $129,000 US, I am assuming this is not the most pressing "must get" item on your shopping list.

If you must however, really really have one, dont fret, help is at hand. There are so many handbag rental places online and I never figured out how they actually work except that I know you pay a monthly fee which is a fraction of your retail price and then you return the handbag.

Thanks to strong word-of-mouth and a healthy internet buzz, there are now a number of US websites offering thousands of handbags from brands such as Yves Saint-Laurent, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Chanel, each for rent by the week or the month, with an option to buy.

Looking to make a more glamorous statement? A crocodile skin "Kelly" bag - named after the legendary actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly - by fashion pioneer Hermes will set non-members back a whopping $US500 per week.

The online boutiques operate much like other shopping sites, with a search function, scores of product photographs, rental prices, and a purchase basket that helps whisk you through the digital checkout line, of course with your credit card at the ready.

On the aptly named "Bag Borrow or Steal" website, a Bottega Veneta number in woven leather costs $US90 per week or $US229 per month for non-members - members receive a 30 per cent discount.

The core customer demographic, he says, are women aged 20 to 55: "Single women with income of $US60,000 per annum, married women with household income of $US125,000 per annum and college students."

He admits certain celebrities use the site but won't provide names, undoubtedly to protect starlets whose reputations would plummet if fans discovered they were accessorizing on the cheap.

The most coveted bags this year? A padded Chanel ($US299 per month), a Louis Vuitton carry-all ($US139) and an evening handbag by Gucci ($US85).

Upon return of the bag, experts undertake three separate screenings to make sure it has not been replaced with a fake.

Counterfeiting has crippled the luxury consumer goods industry, but Mangiere "guarantees" his bags are the real deal.

An email reminder is sent a few days before the bags are due to be sent back, and clients risk another charge to their credit cards if they don't return the loaned items on time.

But women have been known to develop an affection for their handbags, and could find it near-on impossible to be separated from the "Kelly" of their dreams once the rental period comes to an end.

For more info, visit Bag Borrow or Steal or visit our website to drool over other handbags.

If you ever wanted to know why a handbag should cost $129,000, read this and if you are still not convinced, check out other handbags under $129,000.

Now you can know exactly how the process works!

Lipstick Jungle- Fashion Inspiration if not the storyline..

2008-03-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Dori Csengeri necklace $1,550.00 - featured on Lipstick Jungle

Okay, I admit it, I have waited quite happily for new episodes of Lipstick Jungle these past few weeks. Not for the plot which is beyond weak - yeah, she truly did not know who her benefactor was! Please don't give fashion designers a bad name.Nor is it the dialogue which sounds like something out of a Jackie Collins novel. (And Jackie was happening back in the day -trust me, she would not do well now.)

I am watching Lipstick Jungle for the clothes, for the fashion. I have been watching "Sex and the city" reruns and the fashion is beginning to just look dumb, (the premise is till great!) so yaay, another show where the fashion rocks.

Take the necklace (above) featured in the last show, I could not take my eyes off it. I also loved Victory's closet and hope to see more scenes shot in there.

Jessica Simpson - Brenda (Dark Cream/Tan Leopard Patent) - Women's
It was also nice to see a lot of the items (aside from the obvious) are also affordable like the Jessica Simpson Brenda pumps featured.

By the way, what happened to Cashmere Mafia?

FENDI - Create your own baguette

2008-03-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Okay,sometimes we run out of ideas, but this one actually went to market. Now why on earth would I pay $1,300 for a bag and then in all my artistic genius paint it! Hmm! Well it sounds like fun for all the adventurous fashionistas out there.

It comes with, get this- ( I am assuming this is for originality)

Ten Pantone Universe markers included to create your own design on the bag but caveat - Bag must be returned in original condition but for all you confident Picassos out there, the bag is available at eLUXURY

Have fun!

Nicky Hilton and Lauren Conrad debut

2008-03-12T12:52:00.001-07:00

View Nicholai by Nicky Hilton

I knew you could not sleep waiting for this bit of news:) yeah!, but Nicky Hiltons' line Nicholai ( Paris' sister) and Lauren Conrad (who are these people??) debuted at LA Fashion week.

Who knew Nicky had that dominatrix thing or is it equestrian thing going on? Very edgy and most of the pieces are not "pour moi".

View Lauren Conrad Collection

Lauren Conrad was safe, predictable,boring and wearable. I loved it and would buy it. I am not much of an experimenter with fashion. I loves what I loves!! Lots of jerseys and fluidity.

LA Fashion Week continues...

2008-03-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

No fashion week is complete without its drama and such was the case of Veronika Jeanvie, the first Ukranian designer to show a collection in the US. Where was Paco Rabanne her mentor when she needed him at her U.S. debut? Mr Rabanne whom she refers to as her spiritual father cited a family emergency as the excuse.

Veronica Jeanvie

That unfortunately left the event, billed as "Veronika Jeanvie consulted by Mr. Paco Rabanne," without its iconic Spanish-French anchor, and cast the spotlight squarely on 28-year-old Jeanvie and her bright, bling-heavy designs. Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, designer Eduardo Lucero and musician Kelis all sat in the audience.

With rock tunes blaring overhead, models strutted down the runway in towering heels and clad in an array of shiny fabrics, from silver and gold hot pants to a skintight gold bodysuit paired with a sort of chain-mail poncho.

Her inspiration was the ocean, sky and green plants she saw while on vacation in England and France, she said. You be the judge!

Joseph Domingo

Aside from Joseph Domingo taping his models eyes shut! Yes, you heard me - SHUT! with nude mask, his collection was very lovely. Strong and gorgeous!

Julia Clancey

I seem to favor a lot of the European designers. A lot of our North American designers don't beleive in reinventing the wheel and as a result you get a "been there done that" feel for most of their collections. Julia Clancey is an English designer that works primarily out of London. Her clothing sells very well in Europe, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia,Lebanon and Russia.

Just some of my favorites!

Anya Hindmarch - How to organize your handbag

2008-03-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Anya Hindmarch Cholet bag - $1,250.00 Available atshopbop.com

No more fluff-encrusted lip-salves and lost pen lids - with tips from the designer Anya Hindmarch, your bag can be clutter-free for ever

Don't Overload Apart from anything else, a heavy bag is bad for your back, but being overloaded also ruins the line of a bag and stretches the leather. I carry a tote as well as my handbag to work, which acts like a mobile in-tray. Choose one without built-in dividers as these can be really annoying when you're trying to squeeze in something big like a file

Have a clear-out If I have a messy handbag, it feels like I've got messy hair - like I'm not quite on top of things. Don't use your bag as a dumping ground. Every few weeks empty it on to a table and sort through the four lip-salves, three chequebooks and 15 receipts you've been carting around. We all carry far more than we need every day

Divide and Conquer I sort everything in my handbag into little loose pouches, each a different colour - one for receipts, one for money, one for things such as paracetamol and lip-salve. It's like an internal filing system and makes it so much easier when transferring things from bag to bag. We've designed some beautiful leather ones - a step up from the plastic foreign-currency wallets that gave me the idea in the first place.

Louis Vuitton - Monogram meets camouflage!

2008-03-11T15:23:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK) Louis Vuitton is preparing for a major launch of a new accessory line. Monoflage, as it is expected to be called, will combine the iconic French brand's monogram canvas with a new camouflage print. Vuitton brass will unveil the new collection on April 3, at an opening night gala of the upcoming Takashi Murakami retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. As a sponsor of the event (which will feature a performance by Jay-Z), Vuitton will open a second pop-up shop at the museum similar to the one at the MOCA in Los Angeles. The Murakami exhibit will be open to the public from April 5 to July 3. Will keep you posted.

Visit www.shoppinghaze.com

L.A. Fashion Week highlights tension between celeb-turned-designers and fashion mainstays

2008-03-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Just as L.A. Fashion Week took a step forward, the celeb-as-designer trend seems to have sent it two steps back.

Though the presence of bigger and more legitimate designers has grown over the past few years, fashion regulars Sue Wong, Kevan Hall and Ed Hardy are not showing Fall 2008 collections at Culver City's Smashbox photo studios next week.

"I don't believe in reality TV stars turning into designers or a music mogul or a flash-in-the-pan turning into a designer," Wong said, acknowledging lines by Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jennifer Lopez. "It's all about merchandizing and them trying to capitalize on their 15 minutes of fame. I don't think those kind of houses can be taken seriously. What can be taken seriously is a real, bona fide talent."

Factor, though, gushed that he has always wanted to bring entertainment and music to L.A. Fashion Week, and emphasized that "the fashion we steer to our event is all very serious."

"A lot of what I see these celebrities doing, like Gwen Stefani with L.A.M.B., they're also passionate about designing. ... I would like to see more celebrities showing in Los Angeles," he said.
The season's designer-light schedule had other factors, according to Factor.
"The Hollywood writers strike affected the season 25 percent. More of the designers are watching their money. Sales are down. Fashion shows are expensive. And many designers don't have collections ready yet," Factor said.
But for Whitley Kros, named after a fictional jet-setting gal who is a "mixture of sophistication, rock 'and' roll and poetry," Los Angeles is still a glam destination for fashion designers, regardless of celebrity status, said the label's Coloma.
Her advice?
"Go for it. At the end of the day, there's room for everyone," she said.
———

Posh finally living up to her name.

2008-03-09T14:57:00.001-07:00

Of all the many adjectives applied to Victoria Beckham, 'sophisticated' has been one of the least used.

Until now. Posh Spice is at last living up to her nickname with a glamorous yet refined photoshoot for Vogue, including her first cover.

Posing in a series of flowing outfits accessorised with diamonds, the 33-year-old singer and fashion designer evokes memories of the young Princess Margaret, photographed for her 19th birthday by Cecil Beaton.

Read the full story plus the comments.

Get Kate Bosworths look!

2008-03-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Get Kate Bosworths look in a bright blue tunic (reflecting the shades of spring and summer). Pair with a pair of neutral flats.
Tunic by Rory Beca available below (and we even found it on sale too). Undeniably glam and ultra wearable. 100% silk and made in the USA.

$334 and now $100.20

Available at shopbop.com

Look for more celebrity inspiration on our website

Donatella replaces Tom Ford...

2008-03-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK) Donatella Versace has been named honorary chair of London's Fashion Fringe design talent competition. Following Tom Ford, who held the role for the last two years, and former Burberry chief executive Rosemary Bravo before him, Versace will help champion the careers of emerging designers following an annual presentation during London Fashion Week in September. Since Fashion Fringe's 2004 inception, it has launched the careers of six designers: Marcus Wilmont and Maki Aminaka (Löfvander) of Aminaka Wilmont, Gavin Douglas, Erdem Moralioglu, and Christopher Brooke, and Bruno Basso of Basso & Brooke. "London has an unbeatable reputation as the originator of unique fashion talent, and it is very exciting for me to be personally involved in discovering and supporting that talent through the Fashion Fringe initiative," Versace said in a statement. Read more

***On the the fabulous Tom Ford

Couture Fashion Week , New York

2008-01-29T19:36:00.001-08:00

Just received my invitation to Couture Fashion Week in New York. They have the most amazing fashion and names ever, some I have never heard of. Quite an intimidating experience, the first time. They have designers from India, Lebanon, Romania etc. I will be reporting back to you on the show, with my own pictures etc. I truly envy everyone who has occasion to wear these clothes.

Click here to view my favorite designer ever - Chanel Spring 2008 collection.

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY..They Watch, You Shop!

2008-01-29T19:34:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for great deals this superbowl weekend. We will update our site with superbowl specials during Superbowl. We'll kick off a little early with fabulous dresses from eDressMe - dresses for all occasions

Posh Spice in the nude in Marc Jacobs

2008-01-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

Knew that would get your attention!:)Beckham is the latest celebrity to take her kit off for the designer and his business partner Robert Duffy's initiative to raise money for The Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group at New York University — with T-shirts featuring the Spice Girl benefiting the cause.

"Since we have moved to California, I have realized how important it is to practice safe sun for myself and to keep the skin of my three boys well protected as well," Beckham said. "Skin cancer is a huge problem and I really wanted to help raise awareness by taking part in Marc and Robert's initiative."

Posh is in good company — Hilary Swank, Selma Blair, Julianne Moore and Christy Turlington are among the celebrities who have posed for the cause in the past. The $35 T-shirt featuring Beckham will go on sale at Marc Jacobs boutiques this week.

If you cannot get one of the Tees, cover yourself in L'OCCITANE Immortelle Protective Lotion and Sunscreen, SPF 15

VALENTINO BIDS ADIEU...

2008-01-26T14:58:00.001-08:00

Valentino, the Roman couturier who invented La Dolce Vita style, said his final "arrivederci" to fashion at the Paris haute couture season last night.

The designer's ultimate couture collection, his 90th in a 45-year career, was shown in a vast white marquee in the grounds of the Musée Rodin, on the Left Bank, before an audience of 900 which included European royalty, Hollywood stars and loyal customers.

Among the front-row guests were King and Queen Constantine of Greece, the actresses Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu, Dame Vivien Duffield, Lady Bamford and a host of fellow designers including Miuccia Prada, Alber Elbaz and Philip Treacy, the London-based milliner who designed Valentino’s hats.

The 74-piece collection was a romantic cavalcade which marked the end of an era and encompassed all of the designer's favourite signatures, referencing the precision tailoring, the graceful silhouettes and the red carpet gowns which led to him dressing, which led to him dressing, over the last four decades, a who's who of international style icons including Jacqueline Kennedy, the former Empress of Iran, Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightley. READ MORE

BIKER CHIC REVISITED .. make it sophisticated.

2008-01-23T10:35:00.001-08:00

While a huge fan of this trend, it completely overwhelms me until I see it on others. If you can't chanel your inner biker chic, here is how to coax her out. Try this scarf on for starters.. Subtle yet statement making.
Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Scarf

Then try these gorgeous pair of earrings. None will actually know they are skull and crossbones until closer inspection. In the meantime, you can feel pretty good.

Castaway Jewelry Vintage Brass Leaf Skull Earring in Gold

Express your inner rebel with these cropped jeans. Perfect with boots or just heels.

7 for All Mankind Roxanne Crop Jean in Mercer

Want to get your kids in on the trend, I love this onepiece by:

Best of Chums Kids - Little Ones-Skull & Crossbones (Infant) (Blue Jean) - Kids'

STUART WEITZMAN FOR KIDS... Too cute!

2008-01-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Stuart Weitzman - Bigbang (Oxide Old Nappa) - Women's

Little girls can now dress up — for play or for real — without raiding their mother's shoe collection. That's because women's shoe designer Stuart Weitzman is launching a new line of children's footwear this spring. The premiere Stuart Weitzman Kids collection comprises 30 styles, including gold, crystal-adorned flip-flops; silver, mock crocodile sandals with studded ankle straps, and iridescent, Mary Jane-style flats in a bubble gum pink.
READ MORE

AT LONG LAST! LOUIS VUITTON, BLASON AND PHARREL WILLIAMS

2008-01-22T23:15:00.001-08:00

At long last, it is here, the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Pharrel Williams.A little dissapointing, nothing particularly, creative and original. Cherubs and pave??? Come on! Too bad, I was looking forward to drooling over the line. Like most things Louis Vuitton,is it really worth its price tag??Is it truly crass commercialism being passed off as luxury? You be the judge. I bet the party was fun!

"As guests poured into the mansion on Avenue Foch that Vuitton rented out for the party, Miceli, the brand's in-house jewelry designer, escorted friends Mathilde Agostinelli, Lanvin chief executive Paul Deneve, and Sofia Coppola through a maze of vignettes where mirrors and medieval armor creatively displayed the dazzling jewelry--which launches in April, ranges in price from $2,070 to $620,760, and is identifiable by a coat of arms inspired by French Freemasons. "It's like a fun house, but done Vuitton-style," Coppola uttered in amazement as she emerged from the all-black vitrine where strategically placed spotlights cast a distinct ray of light on the chunky "secret society" rings and bracelets, all featuring an LV-logo emblem that flips over to plain pavé. "I love the cherub ring." Pharrell elaborated on the design. "The cherubs I got from the tattoo on my neck because I think that everyone could use a little divine intervention."

JOver in the tightly packed main cocktail room, Yves and Rebecca Carcelle, Virginie Ledoyen, Cécile Cassel, Justin Portman and Natalia Vodianova, Marianne Faithful, Dita Von Teese, and Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger, who made a late entrance from the Boucheron dinner, swilled their glasses of Ruinart champagne as they grooved to the music of deejay Jus Ske while screens played a launch video of the jewelry Williams and Miceli shot that features the music impresario's new track, "Everyone Knows."
"Our collaborative relationship was like a ping-pong game," compared Miceli, who added that Williams brought her books on 1930s Art Deco and Africa for design inspiration. "We're both obsessed with secret societies, and if I was in one I wouldn't tell you!" she laughed.
JIM SHI ...FASHION WEEKLY

DIOR 2008 Couture Collection.

2008-01-22T00:21:00.000-08:00

Galliano's lineup what one would call exactly wearable by any woman anywhere in almost any conceivable situation. Rather, once again he indulged in a lavish treatise of possibility marked by breathtaking craftsmanship - make that artistry. The clothes are masterpieces of construction, this time featuring controlled volume, oodles of it, in stiffened trapezes, intricate peplums, huge sculpted roses and any number of high-drama robe à la Française back panels, all embellished with stunningly beautiful embroideries and hand-paintings inspired variously by vintage perfume bottles and the mythical Greek Chimera. But extravagance to the nth degree, no matter how gorgeous its components, can turn oppressive. In fall's Bal des Artistes and last spring's ravishing ode to Japonica, Galliano avoided that trap to perfection, transporting his audience to worlds of wonder. Here his impassioned pursuit of more just felt too much. - read more -courtesy wwd

For complete pictures click here

SOPHIA LOREN - GUESS? NEW MUSE.

2008-01-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

GUESS WHO
SOPHIA LOREN is the muse behind this seductive spring/summer 2008 shoot, for Guess diffusion line Guess by Marciano - and you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the lady herself in the frame.
Line Gost, of Wilhelmina Models New York, plays Loren in the "unapologetically sexy, trend-setting, glamorous and playful" images, which were shot by Bryan Adams in Los Angles; even Loren's hair-stylist, Peter Savic, was on hand to help keep the look as authentic as possible. "I am so passionate about this incredible partnership with Bryan Adams.

I have been following his photography for quite a while and waiting for the perfect time to collaborate,” explains Paul Marciano, ceo and co-chairman of the board for Guess?, Inc.
“This project is exactly what we have both been waiting for.
It not only celebrates a fashion icon that I consistently look to for inspiration, but it also brings our campaigns back to our roots - we wanted to reinvent the look and feel of classic black and white Guess ads from the Eighties." (January 22 2008, AM)
- COURTESY VOGUE.CO.UK

Is Asian beauty the new ideal?

2008-01-20T13:57:00.001-08:00

Having posted concurrently two posts on the Asian Miss WORLD and the Asian Ford Supermodel of the Year, I begin to wonder" Is Asian beauty the new ideal?." I recently viewed a commercial with an Asian family at the dinner table and thought "I have never seen that before". About time I think, that other ideals of beauty are allowed into the norm.

There have been Asian women on TV, namely Lisa Ling who represents pretty much the stereotypical norm - (Smart Asian woman). The most famous (of Black/Asian origin) who represents beautiful, sexy and fashionable has been Kimora Lee.

Dean Ching discusses this issue of beauty among Western and Asian ideals as he explores a Universal Beauty Standard.

All three components (economic, socil and political) of the social overlay are shifting in favor of Asian beauty. The prosperity and modernity of East Asia and the fast emergence of China from impoverished third-world status to having the world's fastest growing middle class have raised the value of Asians in American eyes.

The vibrant hi-tech cultures of Japan, Corea, Taiwan, Singapore and major Chinese cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou are associating Asians with the glamour of the future rather than the dubious romance of the past.

If this is not a new fashion trend, it definitely ought to be and it ought to be longlasting.

First Chinese Miss World.... Coincidence?? 2008 Olympics??

2008-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's an odd feeling, waiting to meet the most beautiful woman in the world. There's a certain amount of excitement, obviously, but also some apprehension - a suspicion that like so many Miss Worlds before her Zilin Zhang won't be a patch on the girl who mops the tables at the local greasy spoon. Add to this that Zhang's victory in December came accompanied by dark rumours that it was a stitch-up to coincide with this year's Olympic Games in Beijing - she is the first Chinese woman ever to win Miss World - and the apprehensions grow thicker still.

Six months ago, her life could hardly have been more different. Then she was just an average, if at 5ft 11in unusually tall, Beijing business-administration graduate who was working as a company secretary. 'But somewhere inside my head I had a great beauty dream,' she says. 'Back in 2003, when I was 19, I watched Miss World on television. It was the first year that China had hosted the competition. I thought everything about it was fantastic - the girls, the clothes. And especially the charity,' she adds hurriedly. Miss World has long had a keen charitable side, and every incumbent is expected to devote much of her reign to good works. 'At the same time I never thought I could win Miss World. That seemed crazy to me. But, as I say, that was when my great beauty dream started.'
Read more
All I can say is Congratulations.

OPRAH + LOBOUTIN - A match made in shoe heaven???

2008-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

If you love shoes, you'll definitely get your kicks from this designer. "Tina Turner turned me on to these shoes. I was in her dressing room and she had them lined up," Oprah says.

"I said, 'What, do they all have names?' Yes, actually, they do. Christian Louboutin."His red-hot shoes are on the feet of the world's most stylish women. "My shoes are perfect for the very sexy woman who wants to be elegant," Christian says.

Christian is known for his signature red sole, but he says that idea came to him in a moment of frustration. "The shoe looked unfinished. Something was missing. The girl I was working with was constantly painting her nails so I grabbed her nail polish and put it on the sole," Christian says. "The shoe went totally alive.

You know, the red sole basically became my identity and totally a trademark."Oprah calls Christian's shoes "little pieces of sculpture." That's exactly the point, says spokeswoman Shawna Rose. "It's absolutely art for the foot.

Christian is inspired by many things … anything from daily life from a doorknob to a flower to, as one of the shoes is named, a sea anemone," Shawna says. "He brings that into his thoughts and feelings about women, which he's very passionate about."

Christian Louboutin shoes are so exquisite, they're like works of art for your feet! Every part of every shoe is handmade—right down to its signature red sole.

"Christian likes to say when he designs a shoe it's much more like designing a jewelry collection than it is following fashion," says Christian Louboutin spokeswoman Shawna Rose.

This hot pink pair is a perfect example of that! "The black crystals across the front are like three bracelets laying across your toe," Shawna says. "If you have a black-tie event and all you have is a black dress, then you've got all your accessories in one place."Oprah says she has a place for this shoe, but it's not on her feet. "I would take that shoe out of the box, and I would just sort of have it on the counter," she says. "I'm not kidding, y'all. I would put it on the shelf like a piece of sculpture to look at."READ MORE

Bebe Sport Toasts the New Year

2008-01-18T20:20:00.003-08:00

Guests were shuttled into the Hollywood Hills for a private New Year’s Eve party that featured a runway presentation of the Bebe Sport collection and a performance by Angelica Bridges and her pop troupe, Strawberry Blonde.

Guests included “The Kite Runner” actor Shaun Taub, Rex Lee from “Entourage,” actors Jeremy London and Andrew Keegan, and Bebe owner Manny Mashouf.

Models walked the catwalk in Bebe’s sexy sportswear—accessorized with pink barbells and bottled water. The looks were glam—plenty of gold and silver metallics, animal prints and satin. The definition of sportswear stretched from color-blocked athletic tops worn with leggings to micro-mini shorts in leopard print.

Highlights included a strapless romper in black satin, a silver motorcycle jacket and a retro fur cubby. Metallic bikinis came in silver and gold and were paired with a black trench coat or with fleece mukluks. And the models toted extra-large handbags in silver metallic or zebra-print fabrics.—Alison A. Nieder

'Desperate Housewives' Designer to License Her Collection

2008-01-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Cherokee Inc., the California king of brand building in the apparel and accessories world, has signed an agreement with designer Cate Adair to explore licensing opportunities for her Cate Adair Collections.

Adair, the Emmy-nominated costume designer for popular TV show “Desperate Housewives,” launched a line of signature Italian leather handbags on Nov. 19. She debuted them at a private cocktail reception in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, featuring the leading ladies of Wisteria Lane: actresses Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Brenda Strong, Eva Longoria Parker, Andrea Bowen and Kiersten Warren.

Adair said she partnered with Cherokee because of the company’s track record with other luxury brands. “They understand the luxury business and how to translate products into more affordable markets,” she said in a statement.
Cherokee, based in Van Nuys, Calif., is a licensor of several well-known brands such as Cherokee, Sideout and Carole Little. —Deborah Belgum

RIHANNA DEBUTS 2nd UMBRELLA COLLECTION WITH "TOTES"

2008-01-18T11:27:00.001-08:00

Rihanna will hit New York this fashion week for a luncheon celebrating the launch of her second umbrella (ella, ella) collection with Totes. (I swear I did not know she had a first)
On Feb. 5, the singer will dine at the accessories firm's showroom along with the three masterminds behind the Senz label — Gerwin Hoogendoorn, Gerard Kool and Philip Hess — who will be launching their windproof umbrella collection in the U.S.

Totes will also be debuting its new Eco collection, where umbrellas, gloves and slippers are all made of recyclable products.Rihanna Umbrellas will retail exclusively at Macy's this spring. Prices range from $20 for a slender piece in a single color to $50 for a two-toned canopy style. The word is still out as to whether the star will be gracing fashion week's front rows.

Ella, Ella, Ella!

What recession? Luxury spending on the rise.

2008-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Marco Gobbetti, chief executive officer at Givenchy, said gloomy economic data must be "taken seriously in terms of the general outlook for the business, especially in the U.S., but I doubt it will make a difference to haute couture because the clients are not really sensitive to such economic swings."

Several houses, including Chanel, have opened up their tight invitation list to their best international fine jewelry and ready-to-wear customers, eager to tempt them with the world's most exclusive and expensive fashions.

Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel's president of fashion, concurred, calling 2007 Chanel's best year in couture ever in terms of sales, client growth and number of pieces produced, the latter up some 20 percent thanks to hit collections by Karl Lagerfeld with "the right mix between creativity and wearability."
And while executives allow that a euro trading near $1.50 represents a big challenge for luxury brands and a psychological barrier for some couture clients, most houses said their American clientele is still growing and attendance would likely be up next week. In fact, occasional couture clients remain one of the few question marks for executives, who nonetheless remain bullish about the pinnacle of the luxury universe.

Robert Triefus, Giorgio Armani's executive vice president of worldwide communications, said the designer is expecting 300 clients for his Armani Privé show, a 15 percent increase from last season. These include new prospective clients from Australia, the Middle East, Russia, Spain and the U.K., he noted.

Toledano - President of Christian Dior said robust sales of crocodile handbags and elaborate, expensive ready-to-wear in Dior's boutiques are emblematic of a healthy appetite among the highest customer echelons. "These people have high incomes and they want to differentiate," he said. "They want more exclusive products."

Despite a slowing U.S. economy, the subprime mortgage crisis, lower or no Wall Street bonuses and the weakness of the dollar, many fashion houses expect an increase in American attendees this season.

"The American customer of haute couture will continue to buy," Toledano said. "Even with America, we see more of the younger customers. It's a change in generation, but the same need for something exclusive."
According to Lacroix's couture director Marie Martinez, affluent women find couture alluring — and even addictive. "They're interested in the quality and the workmanship. They really look at the fabrics and the embroidery. It's what couture is — very exclusive, and we really focus on that....When you start wearing such incredible clothes, it's difficult to stop," she said.

FORD ANNOUNCES SUPERMODEL OF THE YEAR

2008-01-17T22:54:00.001-08:00

New York - In fashion, it's always about the next big thing - and the next "it" girl and face. So it's no surprise that 28 years after its inception, the Ford Supermodel of the World competition is still going strong in order to scout for the world's freshest face.

Fifty finalists from around the world arrived in New York last week for supermodel boot camp of photo shoots, go-sees and walking lessons, culminating in a final runway show in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Jan. 16, where the girls competed for a $250,000 contract with Ford Models.

The show kicked off with a Miss Universe-style tableaux of all the models from behind a red velvet curtain, with each girl taking two turns down the runway in two separate looks.
The judges named Korea's Seung-hyun Kang the grand winner.

Though reality TV shows like "America's Next Top Model," have gotten more buzz recently, Ajuma, a model from Kenya who competed Ford's 2004 competition, sees the Ford competition as having more of a direct impact on an aspiring model's career.

"This one is so much better, because you get to the agents directly, from all over the world," said Ajuma. "If they like you, they're going to sign you. ‘America's Next Top Model' is showbiz! You get the real models doing this competition."

Carmen Dell'Orifice, who has been modeling for 62 years, agreed.
"This is authentic," said Dell'Orifice "The ones on television are made for time and space in a very synthetic way to appease the narcissistic, lazy public that has nothing better to do."- courtesy Yahoo News

GUCCI MOVIE ... STILL ON.

2008-01-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Giannina Facio, Ridley Scott's Costa Rican wife and the producer of his upcoming Gucci biopic film, revealed more details about the project on Wednesday night at pal Salma Hayek's dinner for Sergio Rossi creative director Emundo Castillo. The project is currently stalled due to the writers' strike, but Scott seems to have settled on a writer, the third scribe to work on the script.

Facio said that while she was the one who read the biography and showed it to her husband, she defers to him on all creative matters, including casting, which hasn't happened yet.
READ MORE

Isaac to save Liz Claiborne Women's

2008-01-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am sure everyone knows it by now. Isaac Mirahi formerly of Isaac Mizrahi, then Isaac, then Target is now the new designer for Liz Clairborne. This move, I know is designed to reduce the stuffiness and boringness (YAAAAWN) in the Liz Clairborne line. The line was designed originally " not for old women" but seems to have somehow become stagnant and stuck in a rut and become for old women". If anyone can fix this problem, it is Mr. Mizrahi.

Mizrahi is leaving Target Corp. — the venue that introduced him to the mainstream customer — at the end of this year and will become creative director for all categories of the better-priced women's Liz Claiborne brand, beginning in spring 2009.

William L. McComb, chief executive officer of the $4.99 billion Liz Claiborne Inc., told WWD that the "long-term" deal — the brainchild of Dave McTague, executive vice president of partnered brands for Liz Claiborne Inc. — has been in the works for months."Dave walked in the door with a charter to fill the emotional vacuum of the brand," McComb said. "Liz Claiborne is an extremely well-known, well-regarded brand that failed to deliver on the core values that made it great in the first place: color, fit, value and style. The turning point was when Liz Claiborne died [in June], and we got lots of calls and letters from consumers who didn't know she hadn't been working here since 1989."

Claiborne is hopeful that Mizrahi can bring his fashion wit and color sense to the struggling women's collection.Mizrahi's appointment follows Monday's announcement that John Bartlett will design the Claiborne men's sportswear line, under the label Claiborne by John Bartlett, also launching for spring 2009.

Unlike the men's line, the core Liz Claiborne collection will not be called Liz Claiborne by Isaac Mizrahi, though his association with the brand will be clear on the labels."Isaac is an international icon," McTague said. "He not only knows this woman, he adores her. His core values are so perfectly aligned with our core brand: fit, color, comfort, value, fun and a uniquely American brand."

Apparently, Liz Clairborne has suffered declining profits in the past few years. "It's a great move for Liz Claiborne, and a huge loss for Target," said Black. "They couldn't have picked a better person. Isaac really understands this customer, and he has done the high-end and really done a great job targeting it to the mainstream market. I would bet he would be doing lots of personal appearances once they have the product out. With him designing it, the line could be pretty great."

I look forward to seeing what he has in store.

PETA DISRUPTS HONG KONG FASHION WEEK

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Two women from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an international animal welfare group, suddenly stood up in the middle of the seminar attended by 100 people from the fashion industry, chanting “Fur is Murder”.
They struggled to unfold banners reading “Fur Hurts” before being pinned down by security guards and dragged out of the room.
Once outside, the activists stripped off to reveal two banners - on their front and back - that read: “We'd rather go naked than wear fur” and “Turn your back on animal cruelty”.

Here’s what PETA Asia Pacific’s Rebecca Chui had to say about it:
“We want the Fashion Week attendees to know that fur means cruelty to animals. They suffer terrible pain from the time they are caught. Some of them are skinned alive. Some are killed by poisoning, gassing or anal or vaginal electrocution. We are in the 21st century and there is fur substitute now. There's no excuse to kill any more animals.”
Asked for comment on this statement, the Hong Kong Fur Federation called it “extremely regrettable”—by which I can only assume they meant “bad for business.”

We welcome your comments on this topic. Would you wear fur?

EBONY MAGAZINES 10 HOTTEST COUPLES.

2008-01-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Ebony Magazines 10 hottest couples issue hits the newstands to day. A little sighing and a little drooling and then I get over myself. Here are a few, and then you have to get your own magazine.

From Kimora and Djimon to Russell and his new love, Porschla, to Tracey and Eddie, his ex-wife, Nicole, and his ex-mate Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown and her new hubby, Stephen Belafonte. Learn what these and other celebrity couples said about their relationships. “We started dating immediately, and pretty much moved in together right after that,” says Russell Simmons about his new love, yoga instructor Porschla Coleman. “It happened very quickly.”

Russell Simmons and Porschla - Simmons, arguably the most creative, successful, and respected African-American entrepreneur of the moment. He has built a career--and incubated a vast array of businesses--on the simple premise that the music and culture of today's urban youth have broad commercial appeal across the United States and around the world. As hip-hop has blossomed in Iowa, Connecticut, and Paris, so too have Simmons's wealth, power, and influence. "I consider him one of the great entrepreneurs out there today," says his pal Donald Trump. "He's a fabulous guy with a tremendous understanding of business."

Read about his ex and her new flame

Eddie Muphy (scary spice baby daddy) and Tracie Edmonds (babyface's ex)

This couple exchanged vows on New Years day on a private Island off the french Polynesian coast. Congratulations!

DEBBIE DICKINSON JUMPS RIGHT BACK IN.

2008-01-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

Who is Debbie Dickinson? Janice Dickinson's obviously quieter (also model) sister of course. She took off to Paris after her sister in 1975 and worked for the Elite Modelling Agency.

After more than 30 years away from the business, she recently signed with Click founder Frances Grill and resumed her modeling career. Grill rediscovered Debbie when the veteran model, playing a talent agent, imitated her in the upcoming movie "5up 2down" directed by Stephen Kessler. Her first job back from retirement was a bathing suit campaign for Keiko Swimwear.
I wonder why she just did not sign up with the "Janice Dickinson modelling agency".

DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS - COACH HANDBAGS

2008-01-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Miss Davenporte 3/4 Sleeve Swing Jacket

LOS ANGELES — Coach celebrated its latest design collaboration with Miss Davenporte, the contemporary line designed by celebrity stylists Estee Stanley and Cristina Ehrlich, with an afternoon-long lunch at Ago on Friday.
The megabrand and the designers collaborated on two limited edition bag styles — a smaller evening bag with chain handles and a large hobo.

The smaller bags, which represent Coach's first foray into the evening category, come in metallic and colored leather, navy lace and dark beads, which mirror colors and fabrics in the current Miss Davenporte clothing collection. Retail prices range from $398 to $698.

The large hobo comes in brown leather and retails for $1,200. Only about 100 bags were produced and sell exclusively at Ron Herman stores in Los Angeles; Brentwood, Calif.; Malibu, Calif.; South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Las Vegas.John Eshaya, vice president of women's wear at Ron Herman said, "The smaller bags work well with the little dresses everyone is wearing, and in L.A., every woman also needs a giant bag.

What I like about this collection is that it's limited, so women can feel as though they are collecting a special vintage piece. READ MORE

H & M FACES SETBACK ON CHAMPS ELYSEES!

2008-01-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

PARIS (AFP) - The famed Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, where Charles de Gaulle celebrated liberation from the Nazis, has lost another round in its battle against an invasion by global chain stores.
Faced with skyrocketing rents, the last small privately-owned pharmacy on the Champs-Elysees closed last week and the post office will soon follow suit, unable to meet the demands of property barons.

"It's over for small business. They don't want us anymore," lamented Ludovic Aissy, who ran the decades-old Lincoln pharmacy for nearly 30 years, filling prescriptions and offering a small selection of beauty products.

"The Champs-Elysees are just one big showcase for global brands," said Aissy, who was forced to close down his business on December 31 after the owners withdrew his lease.

Aissy had successfully challenged in court an attempt by the owners to double his rent, already hovering at 10,500 euros (15,500 dollars) per month, when they decided to end his contract altogether.

With the majestic Arc de Triomphe at one end and the Tuileries Gardens at the other, the Champs Elysees has fuelled much debate over its commercial development since a Virgin Music super-store opened its doors in 1988.

Over the past two decades, movie houses, small shops, cafes and restaurants have been replaced by a string of mega-shops like the US clothing retailer Gap and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton.

Amid a growing public outcry, authorities in late 2006 turned down a request by the Swedish clothes retailer H and M to open an outlet on the Champs Elysees, touted as the most beautiful avenue in the world.

"Our concern is that the Champs Elysees will become a mall, offering exactly the same shops that can be found in London or Los Angeles," said Francois Lebel, the mayor of Paris' 8th district which encompasses the avenue.

Lebel said city authorities had little leverage to prevent commercial rents from hitting the roof and driving out small businesses on the Champs Elysees.
"The question now is what is going to open in their place," he said.

READ MORE

SPICE GIRLS ADD SPICE TO CAVALLI SHOW.

2008-01-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

MILAN, Italy — The Spice Girls pepped up the Milan fashion scene today when they turned up at Roberto Cavalli’s menswear show to thank him for designing their tour wardrobe.
The tour, which began in December, brings all the Spice Girls together for the first time in nearly 10 years.

‘‘His clothes make you feel sexy,’’ said Geri ‘‘Ginger Spice’’ Halliwell, 35, speaking for the pop stars as they sat backstage chatting with reporters before the show began.
Their glam Cavalli-designed tour outfits are in bright Swarovski-beaded silk and remain true to the playful styles the Spice Girls favored the first time around: miniskirts, cropped tops and body-clinging jumpsuits.
Talking like a gaggle of schoolgirls, they sang the praises of Italian men as ‘‘very passionate’’ and ‘‘more stylish’’ than their British counterparts.
‘‘Italians are stallions,’’ said 32-year-old Melanie ‘‘Scary Spice’’ Brown, summing it up, and quickly adding, ‘‘or so I’ve heard.’’

READ MORE