Zip Her Up Boys!

Zippers are showing up everywhere. Exposed on backs and fronts of dresses, across handbags and layered on this seasons hottest boots. Not only being used for function but for details, and embellishment. Giving ordinary items a hint of edge. This latest trend has also led to an entire heap of easy affordable D.I.Y's. Being the headband hoarder that I am I came across this DIY zipper headband courtesy of MJ trimming and thought I would share with fashionistas alike. Enjoy! M&J Trimming just got these new Zipper Rosettes. Here are some ideas of how you can make your own accessories or embellish the ones you already have. It’s a great way to get the look of this seaon’s strongest trends. They have a flat back that makes them easy to stitch or glue, depending on your project. They come as individual 2 ½” Rosettes and a larger 4″ version which comes with 4 Rosettes attached as one piece. If you want to make a headband, all you need to do is get a plain headband and glue the Rosette on the side. You can also use a hair clip or a hair comb. Fall is around the corner, so have fun and start getting ready for the season making your own accessories.-MJ Trimming

Skull Gang

"Pirate skulls and bones, sticks and stones and weed and bongs" I'm very diverse when it comes to fashion, I am not one thing more than another and never a complete look all at once. With the seasons ruffles draping and very Victorian looks, it can get very soft and romantic. I cant be all soft all the time, I'm just not that kind of girl. I have to mix elements, even if just small hints that say I may look sugar but I can get Spice and quick! What better way to add edge to your flowy garment then with an Alexander McQueen signature skull accessory? Here are some of my favorites. 1. Red Double Wrap Skull Charm Bracelet 2. Black Skull Ring 3. Skull Clutch, Crystal, Gold and Knuckle Duster 4. Faithful Bootie 5. Silks

Intermix

Just a few short blocks away from the Barneys Sale, why not make a day of it! Get some!

Anna Wintour: Bigger than Madonna?

Anna Wintour: Bigger than Madonna?

America's fashion fixtures fete the New York debut of The September Issue

Thursday, August 20, 2009

(NEW YORK) "There's nobody like her! She's the best!" boomed Donald Trump as he grabbed Anna Wintour. The editrix was downright chummy Wednesday evening, as fashion's hautest stars gathered at the MoMA to celebrate the Maybelline-sponsored New York premiere of R.J. Cutler's The September Issue. Posing alongside Andre Leon Talley, his velvet electric purple slippers and Thakoon-clad covergirl, Sienna Miller, Wintour worked her printed Prada frock for the paparazzi. Generally pleased with the documentary, Condé's reigning empress gave due credit to costar (or perhaps, leading lady?) Grace Coddington. "I've always had the utmost respect for everything that she does," Wintour said. "My Vogue could not exist without Grace."

Coddington, who famously fled the film crews for the first few months of filming, was ultimately pleased with her decision to participate. The creative director, who appeared sans partner and co-author Didier Malige, revealed that her cats will not be privy to a screening. "I haven't let them see it because my Bart was in it--he was filmed, but they cut him out. So I'm a bit upset."

Members of the Vogue crew weren't the only red-carpet features. The always-cheeky Marc Jacobs lit up the room with bedazzled Louis Vuitton shoes and soon-to-be husband Lorenzo Martone.

Such American icons as Oscar, Vera and Donna took turns posing for pictures, and their praise of Wintour flowed freely. "I don't think that there has ever been an editor in chief of any magazine ever who has done the kind of work that Anna has been doing for many many years. She's brought that particular job to another level," said the flawless Mr. de la Renta before entering the theater with Carolina Herrera on his arm.

Sean "Diddy" Combs closed the red carpet festivities after discussing his intimate bond with the woman of the hour. "We're both crazy in a positive way. She probably doesn't know, it but I've adopted her as a godmother to me in fashion. She was the first one who took me to the shows in Paris. She's the one who's always treated me like a designer. And when she was reviewing my collections, she told me the truth about what was right and wrong."

After a packed screening and roaring applause, guests gathered in the MoMA lobby for a post-party to sip champagne and discuss the flick. The likes of Hillary Rhoda, Tory Burch, Phillip Lim and Helen Schifter were served hors d'oeuvres from glass-covered Vogue magazines by waiters sporting Fashion's Night Out tees. Anna was mysteriously missing (The Daily hears the woman of the hour decamped to Monkey Bar with Talley), but her aspiring-lawyer daughter, Bee Shaffer, easily filled in and entertained chatty guests in her purple Proenza frock.

Thakoon Panichgul, a "main character" in The September Issue, stood by his on-screen affirmation that Anna is "like Madonna." "Anna is much more than Madonna now," he cooed. "I think she's bigger than Madonna!" Jason Wu later joined in on the love-fest. "I think she came off real," he declared. "Authentic. The film showed a different side of her that I think is great."

More candid than his peers, Zac Posen thought the film was "fabulous." But before resuming his chat with Jessica Joffe, he added, "I thought it had lots of truths, lots of lies."

As the evening came to a close, director Culter could finally relax. "The response was terrific," he said with a smile. "This is an audience that knows the subject of this film better than any audience we'll ever screen it for. And for them to have laughed with such gusto at the funny moments and gotten so intensely involved in the more serious moments as they were was very gratifying. And the response at the end of the film was....what you'd hope for." When asked to name Grace or Anna as the film's most fascinating character, the director laughed. "Their relationship is the star!" KATHARINE ZARRELLA

*credits* Fashion week daily

Nars Exhbit A Runway to Realway

François Nars | Marc Jacobs

After a 10 year hiatus, François Nars marked his return to the fashion runway in a larger than life way by leading the makeup direction for Marc Jacobs’ Autumn/Winter 2009 show. It included working with 65 models, and creating 65 different makeup looks. Nars’ unexpected return to fashion week can be attributed solely to Marc Jacobs. “We’ve known each other since the beginning so it was really fun to work with Marc again. I really love what he does,” said Nars.

Inspiration: The Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 collection paid homage to the New York night club scene of the 1970s and ‘80s. Drawing inspiration from these decades and the works of Sprouse, St. Laurent, and Halston, François Nars took into consideration each model’s individual beauty before creating a separate edgy look, reminiscent of the past but still very modern. “We are doing quite an eclectic look,” he said. The inspiration for diversity came from Nars’ book XRAY. “[Marc] wanted to keep that feeling,” said Nars, “the variety of looks, the same way we do the campaigns for NARS.” Overall, it was important that each girl look beautiful, even with strong theatrical looks. Much like the fashion, Nars emphasized having fun with makeup for the coming year, despite the times we live in- “It’s a good antidote.”

Look: Focusing on an edgy, night clubbing look, strong eyes and bold color were a major theme. Black shadow laid the foundation for creating the dramatic eye, to which the artists added cobalt blues, deep greens, bright purples, reds, fuchsias, and glitter. “There is a wide variety of color,” said Nars, “it’s whatever looks good on the girl.” For many of the models, porcelain skin was a key component, allowing the black eyes and bright colors to pop. “You want to play with makeup,” says Nars, “makeup is a great accessory - that is the message.”

Now that you have the business, here are the basics. While clearly this look is runway appropriate only, there are way you can incorporate this in to your everyday look. Makeup artist François Nars used Nars Exhibit A blush on Sessilee Lopez and your probably wondering how the heck could I wear this blush out side of a Dynasty marathon viewing the trick is to just dab a small amount and blend blend blend. And when you think you have blended enough, blend some more. This color looks amazing on brown skin tones, Ive tried for myself, and loved the results. Though I have over 10 blushes and have sworn off new makeup for a while, a great friend of mine Naomi swear by it and it looks FAB!

NYC Sample Sales

Seismic Sample Sales

What’s your velocity?

What: Lauren Merkin

Why: Day bags are $95-$195. Clutches are $40-$100.

When: Aug. 14 & 15. Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 231 W. 29th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 201 (212-239-2459).

What: Delphine, Russell+Hazel, Smock, Linnea’s Lights, Green Paper Company

Why: Letterpress, smart office supplies, stationery, journals, the works. Plus snacks, drinks, and raffle prizes. A $5 donation to charity gets you in the door.

When: Aug. 17. Mon., 5-8:30 p.m.

Where: 920 Broadway, b/t 20th & 21st Sts., 17th flr. R.S.V.P. to erika@delphinepress.com or 858-759-7181.

What: Rachel Roy.

Why: You can never have enough flirty cocktail attire. Everything is 85 percent off.

When: Aug. 19 & 20. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m

Where: 1411 Broadway, b/t 39th & 40th Sts., 37th flr

What: Gabriella New York and Bella Bridesmaid

Why: Up to 70 percent off wedding dresses (Angel Sanchez, Carmela Sutera, Matthew Christopher), veils, headpieces, and matching frocks for bridesmaids.

When: Aug. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., noon-7 p.m

Where: 400 W. 14th St., at Ninth Ave., 2nd flr. (212-206-1915).

What: Saja

Why: Sweet, simple sweaters are $20; pants and tops are $30; and dresses (tea-length silk chiffon, jersey, or cotton) are $70.

When: Aug. 20-23. Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 250 Elizabeth St., b/t Houston & Prince Sts.

What: Jimmy Choo

Why: Mix with professional sample salers. Click your heels for up to 70 percent off.

When: Aug. 26. Wed., 1-6 p.m.

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., at Sixth Ave. .

What: Temperley London

Why: Leather jackets for $449 (reg. $1,795), minidresses for $374 (reg. $1,495), and showroom samples up to 80 percent off.

When: Aug. 26-29. Wed., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m

Where: 453 Broome St., at Mercer St., 2nd flr. (212-219-2929).

Street Chic

I recently thought about following the trend of recent magazines and take photos of stylish New Yorkers going about their daily life. However I'm actually an introvert extrovert so, while I'm outgoing, I can be very shy and I wasn't one hundred percent sold on the idea of going up to strangers, and asking to take their photo.

While having dinner with friends I thought, hey these are a pretty fashionable bunch! How lucky for me! So I got out my Blackberry Curve and put on my photographer hat. Excuse the quality of the photos, this was very spur of the moment. Never the less FAB! Check it out. >

Dice Suzuki is wearing jeans by Edwin. A two pocket oxford shirt purchased on the UK ASOS.com site topped with a Calvin Klein hat. My most favorite accessory Dice is wearing is the belt wallet combo. The vintage studded belt is by Beth Frank only 400 were manufactured and his "Riders Long Wallet" is handmade by Japanese company KC Leather and Craft on internet site Rakuten.co.jp

How hot!

Escada files for Bankruptcy

Restructuring plan rejected by bondholders Thursday, August 13, 2009(NEW YORK) Troubled fashion house Escada may be in its last days of existence. After months of searching for a financial solution, the company has filed for bankruptcy this morning, Bloomberg reports. A month ago, Escada chairman Bruno Saelzer said that the company only had enough liquidity to last through August, though a state-aided bailout plan was proposed. Escada asked investors to forego over half of their investments in a bond swap to exchange €200 million in seven-year bonds by the end of July, to earn support from its banks. At least 80% of bond holders had to agree to plan for it to be passed, and reportedly only received such backing from about half its investors. The thirty-three-year-old company, as of this afternoon, had a market value of only 20.7 million euros, having lost 72% of its share value in the last three days. It appears inevitable that the company will cease trading.

*credits EMILY GYBEN

Vogue Documentary

Wednesday marks the date of the premiere of, quite possibly, the most talked (and blogged!) about fashion documentary ever, R.J. Cutler's The September Issue. Anna will most certainly be in attendance at the Maybelline-sponsored showing, along with, hopefully, tout les Voguettes--Candy Pratts Price, Virginia Smith, André Leon Talley, and (fingers crossed) Grace Coddington. No word on whether or not Sienna Miller, the covergirl of the September issue of the film, or Charlize Theron, 2009's September beauty, will be making appearances...but if they do, we can only imagine the blonde showdown that will perfectly cap off the week's glam screenings showdown

New York Fashion Week Schedule

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 9 AM MICHAEL ANGEL Salon 10 AM BCBGMAXAZRIA Tent 11 AM DAVIDELFIN Promenade 1 PM DUCKIE BROWN Salon 3 PM PORTS 1961 Tent 5 PM ROSA CHÁ Salon 6-10 PM FASHION’S NIGHT OUT 7 PM CESAR GALINDO M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th Street

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 9 AM CYNTHIA STEFFE Salon 11 AM YIGAL AZROUËL Promenade 2 PM CHARLOTTE RONSON Promenade 6 PM NICOLE MILLER Salon 7 PM ARISE AFRICAN COLLECTIVE Promenade 8 PM ERIN WASSON x RVCA Tent 9 PM VENEXIANA Salon

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 10 AM LACOSTE Tent 11 AM GEORGES CHAKRA Promenade 1 PM ANDY & DEBB Salon 3 PM ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY Tent 4 PM CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Promenade 7 PM CHADO RALPH RUCCI Tent 8 PM VIVIENNE TAM Promenade

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 10 AM LELA ROSE Salon 11 AM DEREK LAM Promenade Noon TONI MATICEVSKI Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street 1 PM DKNY 711 Greenwich Street 2 PM THUY Salon 3 PM HERVÉ LÉGER BY MAX AZRIA Promenade 4 PM DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Tent 5 PM REBECCA TAYLOR Salon Y-3 7 PM TULEH Promenade 8 PM CUSTO BARCELONA Tent 9 PM VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS Salon

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 10 AM CAROLINA HERRERA Tent 11 AM CARLOS MIELE Promenade Noon JILL STUART 1 PM TRACY REESE Salon 2 PM DONNA KARAN NEW YORK 711 Greenwich Street 4 PM YEOHLEE 5 PM TADASHI SHOJI Salon 6 PM TONYCOHEN Promenade 7 PM GOTTEX Tent

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 10 AM BADGLEY MISCHKA Tent 11 AM BRIAN REYES Promenade 1 PM PAMELLA ROLAND Salon 2 PM MAX AZRIA Tent 3 PM DENNIS BASSO Promenade 6 PM WILLOW Salon 7 PM TIBI Promenade 8 PM NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Tent 9 PM TONI FRANCESC Salon

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 9 AM TORY BURCH Salon 10 AM MICHAEL KORS Tent 11 AM NANETTE LEPORE Promenade 2 PM 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Tent 3 PM MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH Promenade 5 PM ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH Salon 6 PM ANNA SUI Tent 7 PM DOO.RI Promenade

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 9 AM RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street 10 AM RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street 11 AM RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street 1 PM ALLUDE Salon 2 PM ISAAC MIZRAHI Tent 3 PM TRIAS Promenade 4 PM CALVIN KLEIN 5 PM CALVIN KLEIN 6 PM CHOCHENG Salon 7 PM ARGENTINEAN DESIGNER COLLECTIONS Promenade 8 PM TOMMY HILFIGER Tent SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Invitations are for the private use of each designer and its designated guests and may not be sold to, or through concierge services, internet resellers or in any other manner; not open to the public. The Tent, Promenade and Salon are in the Bryant Park Tents, Sixth Avenue at 41st Street. v.21.081209

Rachel Roy Sample Sale (The Big One)

The Rachel Roy Spring 2009 Sample Sale is finally here! The designer collection will be 85% off!

Who:

Rachel Roy Sample Sale

Where:

1411 Broadway (between 39th Street & 40th Street) 37th floor

When:

Wednesday, August 19th from 10 am - 7 pmThursday, August 20th from 10 am -7 pm

Legit Way to Get into Fashion Week

While last year I was quite lucky to attend The Tents, because of the fab company I worked for. I will confess, as a teen obsessed with fashion and growing up in New York, I've snuck into a show or two in the past. Hey, I had no problem with faking it until I made it. With this years Fashion Week being just a few weeks ahead. I wanted to provide some ligit ways to attend the shows if you arent a celeb, socialite, fashion editor.

Let's assume you're not a model, an A-list celebrity or Tim Gunn, but you'd still like to get into Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Technically, the entire run of catwalk shows under the tents at Bryant Park is closed to the public. But that's not entirely true. The NewYorkology travel blog has found more than one way to buy your way into the tents. One way in is with the W Hotels Catwalk package, which gets a pair of VIP passes into one runway show, plus a suite at W Hotel on Union Square or on Lexington. Passes are still available to shows including Miss Sixty and Tracy Reese. The hotel package is priced at $799. Another way in is through the American Express entertainment packages, available only to American Express cardholders. Remaining tickets for those packages are $250 each. Elsewhere, American Express is offering its platinum cardholders a private Diane von Furstenberg Fashion Show, with tickets priced at $150 each.

Credits*Copyright NBC Local Media

E-Shop Til You Drop

E-Shop 'Til You Drop

Alexander Wang, Martin Katz, and Michael Angel launch e-commerce sites

(NEW YORK) Brace your credit cards: as though you don't spend enough time browsing the web for new wardrobe must-haves, three designers have just jumped on the e-commerce bandwagon. On Wednesday, Alexander Wang's website will introduce a shopping section, offering his ready-to-wear, along with his coveted bags and shoes and his T by Alexander Wang line. As of now, it's just for the ladies-although come spring 2010, his foray into menswear will also be available. Martin Katz, a favorite jewelry designer of the likes of Freida Pinto and Jessica Biel, has just launched the e-commerce portion of his website, where shoppers can pick up his signature diamond and gemstond micro bands (prepare yourselves: prices start at $2,400). Finally, Aussie designer Michael Angel's graphic shift dresses, tanks, and legging have just become available at michaelangelshop.net

*credits Madison Avenue Spy

Louis Vuitton Chopsticks

Can Your Sushi Handle LV Chopsticks?

No one knows where to find these, but everyone wants a pair. We’re talking about the Louis Vuitton VIP Chopsticks Set that go for a cool $450–and make your eel sushi taste that much more chic. Each set comes in a Monogram Plexi-glass and includes four sticks. To our knowledge, these are not sold in stores just yet…though Russian billionaires always have a way of getting their hands on indulgences such as these.

*credits Chic report

Gucci Sale

DSW's Secret Shipment

Designer Shoe Warehouse, or DSW, has been running an ad on CBS radio all day talking about a secret designer shipment coming into their Union Square store. At first, like with most commercials, we didn't listen. By the third go-round, however, the message started to stick.

Secret designer? Not for long. We have received high  level  intelligence that DSW's  mystery designer is GUCCI!

 The Union Square location is stocking their shelves with a large quantity of Gucci merchandise 

 

on Thursday, August 6th. The shipment, includes shoes, handbags, luggage and belts all at 60% of retail.

Other DSW Gucci Participating Locations: California

Metro Point at South Coast, Costa Mesa Union Sq, San Francisco Westfield Mission Valley, San Diego

Florida

Biscayne Boulevard Plaza, Aventura

Kendall 1 Plaza, Miami

Georgia 

Buckhead Station, Atlanta

Illinois

Shops at Oakbrook Place, Oakbrook

Maryland

Germantown Square, Bethesda

New York

DSW, Carle Place

Ohio

Easton, Columbus

Texas

Post Oak Galleria, Houston

Preston Center Pavilion, Dallas

Prestonwood Town Center, Dallas

*credits* Madison Avenue Spy