TopShop Fall 2009 Collection

The lookbook from Topshop’s fall 2009 collection are slowly leaking out to the blogsphere. The collections include Horror Girls, Marianne, Manhattan Girl and Highland Fling. Each unique to their own, has a different theme, texture, color and style. My favorite being Marianne and Manhattan Girl.

Horror Girls is a quirky take on Hammer House of Horror movie dressing. The collection plays with cobweb-esque gothic lace and crushed velvet jacket lines. Materials are inspired by Victorian nightwear for blouses and corsets while shirts and jeans are inspired by 80s denim.

Mahattan Girl uses exaggerated shapes and show-stopping colours, fabrics and textures such as leopard print t-shirts adorned with gold studs and gem stones. The blend is such that these flashy outfits could be worn during the day.

Marianne collection is a fusion of vintage glamour and grunge, inspired from 70s groupies and dress-up box feel. It contains luxurious fabrics made to look antique such as tarnished sequins and matted faux fur. It has extravagant material mostly dark but with occasional bright splashes.

Highland Fling combines classic tartans in oversized black watch check but with a modern twist. The full Scotland themed collection includes Fair Isle patterned luxurious knitwear, quilted nature coloured casual coats and brushed cotton check shirts

Bag Borrow or Steal

"I think they meant it when they said you can't buy love. Now I know you can rent it A new lease you are my love, on life Be my life"

Featured in the Sex in the City movie, Carrie's personal assistant Louis (played by Jennifer hudson) dons an assortment of designer bags, the character rents the handbags from Bag Borrow or Steal. I decided to check the site out. Here's how it works; enjoy the designer accessory of your choice for a month a week or as long as you like for a small fee either weekely of monthly when you're done with it send it back.

While they have an awesome collection of handbags ranging in designers like BCBG to the most recent Chanel. I think the concept is great especially for girs like Louise on a budget. BUT, I am one hundred percent addicted to handbags and couldnt imagine having the caviar Chanel of my dreams and having to part with it. Also, what's considered the couture line of bags, the Louis Vuittons and Gucci's will run you about $350 a month. I've always thought why not put it on plastic and pay it off over time, yes, there will be interest a small amount depending on your card but atleast its an investment and you would have somehing to show for it after being paid.

Hermes Vintage Crocodile Kelly Handbag One of the original "It" bags, this Hermès "Kelly" bag is named after its most famous wearer, actress Grace Kelly. This version is made of luxurious genuine crocodile skin, and its keys come inside a detachable bag.

Bag Borrow or Steal have added a new eliment to the site, renting jewelry. BINGO! I think this is the best idea yet! Celebrities rent jewelry for events constantly so consider this site your personal stylist who will deliver gems to your home. Rent Kenneth Jay Lane costume jewelry for as little as $8 a month or a Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Bib necklace seen below for around $100 a month

Or if you have a special event coming up where you would like to make a big statement why not say it in diamonds?? Designers like David Yurman, Alex Woo, and Vera Wang will ensure you look your best

1. David Yurman 15mm-square faceted olive quartz cushion clasped in a four-point 18kt gold setting. Each point is accented with pavé diamonds. Imported. Total carat weight: 0.13. Approx. stone diameter: 5/8"

2.Alex Woo Narissa Cuff Diamonds wink from the delicate coral-like fan of this yellow gold Alex Woo bracelet. This cuff's uneven edges give it a unique, hand-crafted look. Approx. band width: 2".

3.Vera Wang Japanese Akoya Pearl and Diamond Bow Necklace A sweet and sparkling platinum pave diamond bow completes Vera Wang's timeless Akoya pearl necklace. Approx. pearl diameter: 1/3". Approx. length: 16".

The site also offers sunglass rental from a slew of designers. Check out all they have to offer at www.bagborroworsteal.com

So You Think You Can…Be A Socialite?

Ever wish you knew the how-tos of being a socialite gal (also known as ”socials”) about town? It’s tough work and takes years of ruthless training (debutante balls, gallery openings, spa appointments–le sigh…). But The Fashion Bomb’s got a new fast-track course for those of you too impatient to get on to the right charity committees, cozy up to publicists for exclusive invitations, or buy that duplex on Park Avenue. So, what are the essentials for occupying this exalted perch on the social ladder?

1. Have a Go-To “Ladies Who Lunch” Outfit:

Socialite style is the perfect marriage of chic and quiet elegance: subtle, timeless, pieces that whisper “wealth” instead of screaming “rich!” A little daring is not unwelcome, and some socialites (like Zoe Kravitz) prefer a more bohemian style. Maggie Betts and Susan Fales-Hill, above, wear perfect examples of “Lunch” outfits (and don’t forget to reserve your lunch date at The Four Seasons dining room, where any social worth her salt goes to see and be seen).

2. Perfect Your Blasé Stare:

Practice diligently in the mirror, thinking thoughts like “I could so be on Roberto Cavalli’s yacht right now” or “Woe is me: another front row seat at Zac Posen.” The stare is all about projecting “I have better things to do but sure, I’ll indulge you and take a photo.” Then, of course, secretly scour socialite photog sites, like Patrick McMullan and New York Social Diary, the next day to see if you’ve got it down like Zoe and Genevieve Jones.

3. Develop a Signature Piece:

It’s important to have a fashion signature, whether it’s inventive evening clutches or headbands–a little stylish eccentricity adds some color to your social profile. Studio Museum in Harlem Director Thelma Golden is known for her bold jackets and coats, quite fitting given her artistic background. Ms. Golden is the perfect model of a career woman with socialite status, which leads us to…

4. Cultivate Accomplishments:

In this day and age, it’s OK to be smart and social (hey, not everyone’s parents can be multimillionaires). A successful career of your own lends your socialite sheen some purpose and depth. Some of the more accomplished socials include White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, finance mogul Pamela Joyner, and fashion publicist Bonnie Morrison. Today’s socialite should have an interesting answer to the perennial conversation opener “And what do you do when you’re not front row at B. Michael?” (and if you don’t know who that is, well, I just can’t bother to tell you dahhhling…) ;-)

Finally, one of the most important requirements for flaunting your socialite status is…5. The Quiet Statement Bag:

So exclusive yet low-key that only other socials may know the brand, the bag must be big enough to fit your Smythson planner but small enough to carry easily in your manicured hands, have few to no embellishments, and, of course, be almost always black. Favorite socialite brands include Bottega Veneta (for their famous woven leather pattern), Hermès’ Birkin Bag, and, of course, the classic quilted Chanel Caviar bag. Take your cue from the above socials, actress-socialite Kerry Washington, and philanthropists Prudence Solomon Inzerillo and Grace Hightower De Niro.Ready to channel your socialite soignée but lack the trust fund? Here are a few options to indulge your inner social gal! Toodles, daaahlings…~Adri

Credits* The fashion Bomb Blog Adriana

Back to work!

After an awesome Fourth of July Weekend its time to get back down to business! Bringing you the best of fashion, beauty, and everything *LUXE*! Stay Tuned!

XoXo-Saroya

Sasha Fierce for House of Dereon

Beyoncé and Tina Knowles are looking to capitalize more on Sasha Fierce. Says Womens Wear Daily

Utilizing the name of the singer’s alter ego and third solo album, “I Am…Sasha Fierce,” the mother and daughter design team plans to launch a new junior apparel label, Sasha Fierce for Deréon, for back-to-school selling

The collection, Tina said, is “edgier and trendier and reflects Sasha Fierce’s daring and outgoing attitude.”The jewelry, shoes and eyewear, she added, “are really over the top” with large chains made in mixed metals such as silver with gold, heavily studded shoes and oversize sunglasses such as the ones Beyoncé has been seen wearing on tour. The clothes are a little more subdued to make the accessories stand out — a one-shoulder dress, black bodysuit, fake leather jacket with oversize collar, leggings and destructed jeans with mesh and lace details lining the ripped material.

“When the tour started, we noticed the definite style of it,” Tina explained. “Thierry Mugler designed the clothes for the tour, but we really wanted to celebrate the style and interpret that into a collection.

”Beyoncé, who said in a statement “the line really exudes a different side of my personality, which I am grateful that I can express,” had a lot of say in the creation of the collection, Tina said.

“She definitely tells me what she likes and what she doesn’t. It was her suggestion to line the rips of the jeans with the mesh and lace,” she said. “It makes the jeans look really different from what’s out there.

”Tina said while they launched the Sasha Fierce for Deréon collection to pay homage to the tour, she said they would happily keep it going if customers respond to it at retail.

“We have had tremendous success with our graphic T-shirt business based on the lyrics from Beyoncé’s new CD,” said Philip Davis, president of Deréon’s parent company, Beyond Productions LLC.

“We believe the Sasha Fierce collection will enjoy the same success at retail and coincide with the success of Beyoncé’s world tour.”The collection wholesales from $25 to $75. Davis declined to give first-year sales expectations for the label.

Credits* WWD

Hustle Hard!

Try these tips to make enough cash to pad your savings, knock out debt, or take a vacation.

Lakenya Linton of West Deptford, New Jersey has a cute bubbly personality and the accessories to match. A registered nurse by trade, Linton has taken up a second calling as a costume jewelry vendor. " I started Divas Diamonds & Pearls earlier this year because I would get so many compliments on my jewelry" she says. Her initial outlay was $1000 for the packaging and $500 for the jewelry. In just a few months, shes in the black. Fresh from a women's conference with 1200 attendees, Linton cashed in with $900 in two days.

Have some fun while earning some moola this summer with these ten side-hustle sweet spots that have minimal start up cost and require little or no training.

Bartender

Being the queen of cocktails can pull in $375 a week.

If you're a people person and enjoy a little nightlife, this job can give you the best of both worlds, plus some extra change. "learn from the bottom up. try to get a position at a big hotel or restaurant, ask about openings in the service bar, says Ray Foley, founder and publisher of Bartend Magazine and author of Bartending for Dummies. You don't need a license. Seasoned professionals can make $25 to $20 an hour including tips.

Get Started: Find a class through professional Bartending School of America at psba.com/links.html. Or take a course at bartendingonline.com

Personal Trainer

Getting others in shape can return $211 a week.

Health-conscious American are expected to increase the number of fitness workers by 27 percent by 2016. For Natalie Benson, of Plano Texas, a workout queen, starting a boot camp was ideal. "we work out three times a week and every other Saturdays,says Benson, who makes $1,000 a month with up to ten clients in camp.

Get Started: Get Certified at acefitness.org

Tutor

Teaching kids how to catch up on school work can get $375 a week.

"Special education is a good area for tutoring," says Avery Austin, vice -president of National Tutoring Association (ntatutor.org) and executive director if Lerner4Life Consulting Services. Its an area of specialization that tutors can tap onto, and there's a growing market.

Get Started: Take a course at Crossroads of Learning (crossroadsoflearning.com/affiliates.htm). Find side gigs at teachortutor.com or tutornation.com

"How I Make Fast Cash"

Sex Toy Seller- Simone Griffin, Atlanta

You have to be outgoing and creative and not easily offended. I have parties in the evenings and on weekends. I bring lots of fun to the ultimate girls night in.

Profit: Up to $5,000 per month

Web Site Creator- Leslie Jones, Washington, D.C

I took some continuing education courses in Web design and then redesigned my sorority's Web site. i also helped a non-profit with theirs. thats when I said 'Hey, i can get paid!'"

Profit: $1,200 per month

Afrocentric Clothing Designer- Stanice Anderson, Washington D.C

I found a plain pair if pants and tunic and put Afrocentric material on them. Then I made a hat to match and started selling."

Profit: $700 per month

*Credits Tamara Holmes Essence Magazine

Valley of the Dolls

Valley of the Dolls

Valley and Portia & Manny Open

You’re supposed to be revamping your career, tightening your belt, and spending time with the people who matter to you.

But while you’ve been trolling the web pantless from your loft bed, Nina and Julia Werman have been on the move.

The sisters reimagined their LES boutique (Valley) as a salon and relocated to Nolita, where they set up beauty shop in the old Hollywood space.

Their gang of pros came with them: Lavinia, the expert waxer; Emma, the graceful facialist; and Mika’s Japanese nail art mani/pedi stations.

New for you: Minx, light therapy skin treatments, and product lines like Nature Girl Organics.

Pal Christina Kornilakis (of Sweet Tater fame) split the space for her new shop-in-a-shop, Portia & Manny, lining racks with vintage Dior, Betsey Johnson’s ’80s punk label, thrifty Greek tunics, shoes, and — soon enough — a one-size-fits-all-curves dress collection.

So you won’t have to think about downsizing.

Valley and Portia & Manny, 198 Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-274-8985 or valleynyc.com Credits* Daily Candy

I wanna be like Mike

Eleven Thousand Dollar Balmain Jacket Sold Out On Net-a-Porter

If you were hoping to get your hands on that crystal embellished Balmain jacket from Spring 09, you'll have to wait until Net-a-Porter gets their re-order or look elsewhere. The $11,410 which went on sale for $6,389.60 jacket sold out in, as far as we can tell, less than 24 hours. It's hard to say how many pieces Net-a-Porter had in stock but even if there were only three or four, we still find it somewhat jaw-dropping. Wealthy women have always spent unbelievable sums of money on clothing, but never has the process been so public. After all, there's a big difference between picking up a pair of thousand-dollar Louboutins and spending eleven times that much on one very bedazzled piece of outerwear. Or isn't there?

Images provided by http://www.coutorture.com/

*Te Quiero Papi * Fathers Day Chic

Father's Day is coming and om 100% sure your husband or father can not stomach another tie. Seriously. If you've noticed, your expensive razor with the attached moisture bar became a lot more dull in a shorter amount of time than usual. Your La Mer creme container is almost empty. Is there a hungry hairy dry monster in your medicine cabinet like the one in the dryer who eats socks? Of course not! Its the male in your house and hes craving pampering! He wants smooth moisturized skin just as much as you do, so this fathers day why not give it to him!

Exceptional Grooming for Exceptional Men BBRAXTON: Harlem's very own premier mens Spa.

Owner Bredna Braxton and Anthony Van Putten have created an exceptional Spa for men. They offer many services such as barber services, hot towel shaves, manicures and pedicures just to name a few. Their list of clientel includes George Hamilton, Tony SInclair (Tanqueray Spokesmen) and Sam Crespo VP of Marketing at Atlantic Records. If it's good for Sam it's good for everyone.

BBraxton

1400 Fifth Avenue at West 116th Street New York, New York 10026 212.369.3094 Tue- Thu 10am-7pm Fri 10am-8pm Sat 8am-8pm info@bbraxton.com

Call and make an appointment, it's not too late.