Little Blue Box for Holly Golightly

It isn't every day you get to carry around a piece of Audrey Hepburn with you, but come this fall thanks to Tiffany's you can. Expanding from their jewelry and relaunching themselves into the world of accessories and leather goods, Tiffany's is bringing you the "Holly" clutch named after Hepburn's famous character from Breakfast at Tiffany's. (Which begs the question, what happened to Deep Blue Something? Remember that song in the 90's? "And I said what about Breakfast and Tiffany's? She said, "I think I remember the film." I was so into that song when I was 13... Memories... Anyhoodle...)

The clutch - that does in fact come in Tiffany blue - can be yours for a measly $595 (plus tax unless you live in Oregon).

Bananas!

She's backkkkk! That's right the Queen of "I Die" is returning to your living room television set come Tuesday night for another season of The Rachel Zoe Project. Be sure to tune in and not miss a single minute of her signature sayings, amazing style, and crazy antics with Brad (I know Taylor is no longer with RZ Inc so who knows if she will be on the show? Drama!) Also, check out this article on her Fall Fashion must haves. I "literally" cannot wait :)

Barney's Warehouse Sale

Starting today at the Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason the fabulous Barney's Warehouse Sale graces us with it's presence. Get there while the goods are still great! Goes until August 8th, but lord knows what will be left on the last day. Mismatched Manola's and half a Birkin. Cheers and happy shopping!

Material/Gossip Girl

In an earlier post I spoke of the new line from Madonna and her daughter Lourdes called Material Girl. I also spoke of a "face" of the brand that was yet to be released. Well, well, well, here we are! Yesterday was the "official day" Macy's announced Taylor Momsen, also known as Little J on the hit series Gossip Girl, as the spokes person for the brand. Although it was "officially" released yesterday bloggers have been chatting about it for weeks now, so if this is last weeks news to you I apologize (but as an employee of the retailer selling this line, I was not allowed to write/speak/think about it until this morning).

While you may have known about Momsen's involvement in the branding of the line, what you more than likely do not know is that Madonna directed the campaign shoot. She also hand picked Momsen herself to be the face of her new brand. The article hyper-linked above has some really great photos of Madonna shooting Momsen in the clothes... Be sure to check it out.

Also, check out the clothes themselves next Tuesday, August 3rd at your local Macy's store. If you live in San Francisco we are giving away $10 Macy's gift cards and bandeaus from the line to the first 200 shoppers!

A Team or A Disaster?

I don't know what I am more distracted by (click image to enlarge and get full effect):

1. J. Biel's new lips

2. Her dress matching the red carpet

3. The frizziness of her hair

or

4. The fact she is still promoting the A Team when clearly it was a dud movie

Dolce Vita It Is!

So.... Target. Tar-gey. Targhetto for those of you who live in Stockton and still step foot in the March Lane location... This store really just knows how to get to me. Do not make me bring up my Liberty of London one shoulder maxi, my tribal Cynthia Vincent wedges, or my highly coveted Anna Sui for Gossip Girl dresses unless you expect me to go on, and on, and on... Welp, you get the picture.



Anyway, I bring up this amazing retail establishment as clearly, they are doing another collaboration with a designer. Again, as they did with Cynthia Vincent and Sigerson Morrison, they are taking our feet on a journey. A journey that makes us skip rather than walk, a journey that has us looking down at our feet all day long, and journey that leaves our wallets full and our smiles large. This journey is with a shoe label that literally warms my heart just thinking about it; Dolce Vita. Dolce Vita (hell even their lower line DV) really does it all. They look great, feel amazing, cost the right amount, and seriously get me more compliments than any other shoes I own.

They are right now at the new Target in Harlem, NY and available online. However, if like myself dear readers you are a visual learner, you can see them in person on August 22nd. I hope to be the first in time.

Just Blake's Average Clevage

Blake Lively was also at Comic Con this past weekend in San Diego - see post about ScarJo from earlier this week for more info - however she was being accused of showing too much of her busty-ness (is this a word? I don't think it is, but it came to me when thinking about Blake's fahsion in general so I am going with it).

Now, I guess I don't get the outrage here seeing as Blake has solidified herself as always putting her best bust forward regardless of the event. Do we not remember the white Marchesa blazer that went to her naval? Or how about the black sequin Balmain that Alicia Keys failed at trying to reprise? And, the winner of all winners for most offensive cleavage has to go to the Versace worn at the Emmy's last year.

So we see a trend right? Blake likes to show off her chest... and to be honest, why shouldn't she? She probably paid a lot for it, she looks insane in whatever she wears, and fashion designers around the world want to dress her! I mean, hell, if I had all of the above mentioned, I may go topless! Let's all thank our lucky stars they didn't pick me to play Miss Van Der Woodsen on Gossip Girl :)

Club Monaco's Mannequins

There has been a buzz about the new Club Monaco mannequins as of late and I thought I would take a stab at addressing the issue. It seems there are a lot of Fashionistas/Style Lovers out there who are appalled by the emaciated figures that the retailer has their clothes in. With collarbones, shoulder blades and spinal cords being shown in their most bare effects, people are afraid this will provoke more girls to have body issues/feel uncomfortable in their skin.

I am really thrown off my the uproar over this. I get more easily agitated with the women who walk in the flesh down the runway looking like they may tumble over or pass out, not the mannequins/plastic version of the female form. Ever since Kate Moss said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" I have looked at models different. It is because of this issue I was so elated when Marc Jacobs had women with boobs walking down his Fall 2010 runway in Paris for Louis Vuitton and why I am so enamored with Christina Hendrix. Look people, real women eat food - sorry guys - and therefore they have something under their skin called fatty tissue and muscle. Models may not need this to survive, but we do. So, I suggest that rather than make a big deal of plastic forms - who by the way do not have heads either so clearly they are not real - we go after those who are the flesh and bones version of these mannequins. And by go after I do not mean cause a scene or personally attack, but follow the lead of Marc Jacobs and Christina Hendrix and just continue to make small strides in the efforts of creating a healthy body image for women.

ScarJo's New Do

Comic Con was this past weekend in San Diego and it had more Hollywood elite in attendance than ever before. You name it, the celeb was pretty much there. Blake Lively? Yup! Michael Cera? You bet! Peter Sarsgaard? Duh! The gorgeous husband of the woman this post is about? Uh-huh! (For those of you living under a rock, I am referencing Ryan Renolds AKA Van Wilder.)

Anyhoodle, ScarJo was also in attendance at Comic Con this weekend as she is in yet another movie where she wears a spandex suit to show off her killer bod. While she was looking very glamorous and refined in an all black bustier suit, it was her short hair that had my attention. I am still on the fence if I like it or not. Whilst I think it is a good length for her bone structure, I am not truly convinced she washed it for the event. Seems a little frizzy, no? Perhaps I shall wait until she shows up with it completely clean, styled and manicured before I give it the go 'head. So until the next red carpet - which is not until August for the Emmy's - I guess I am crap out of luck on having an answer today. Thoughts, questions, comments, concerns.... Always welcome :)

Trump's Onto Shoes

Ivanka Trump - offspring of The Donald, real estate mogul, and jewelry designer - is collaborating with Marc Fisher Footwear to create a 'moderately' priced shoe line. The shoes will hit department stores in the US, Canada and Mexico in Spring 2011. The collection will be made up of flats, flip flops and stilettos.

When asked about the design of her shoes, Ivanka made it very apparent she wanted it to reflect her style aesthetic; classic, clean lines, tasteful and nothing overly trendy/seasonal.

All in all, I feel like this is a smart move for Iavnka. She is only 28 years old, and in addition to being on her father's television show, working with him in real estate, creating a jewelry line, and writing a book, she has ambitions to expand her brand. I look forward to her shoe line, and if they are what she says they are, moderately priced, beautiful and comfortable, I may have to make my first investment in the Trump stock.

Yuck, yuck, yuck.

Since this is a blog about style, I must in fact include some posts about people who lack style. I am clearly more prone to write about women whose style I love (some faves who I have not written about: Cate Blanchett, Camila Belle, Rachel Bilson) but today is Friday and I had too much wine last night, so I am going to write about someone who has none: Britney Spears.

Now for those of you who know me, and have known me, I have never liked Miss Spears. I have actually never purchased a CD of hers (though I did buy "Toxic" on ITunes recently. That is probably her best song to date... Oh, and "I'm a Slave For You" that's a good one. I digress, sorry.) nor have I seen her in concert. I think she is a train wreck personally and professionally. My reason for not liking said Pop Star is mainly because she continuously presents herself in an unlikable way. Ever since she became famous it is as though she is slapping her fans in the face with a denim dress to match her boyfriend, punching them in the gut when she goes to Starbucks looking like a homeless person and/or pushing them out a window of a high-rise by performing at the VMA's looking like an out of shape ring leader with a bad cut and color. People pay big bucks to see her shows and buy her music, yet she still runs around town like she doesn't care! We know the broad has money, even if she is paying for K Fed's alimony, she has no excuse to dress the way she does. She has a responsibility to show young girls what it looks like to be young and famous, and what does she do with that responsibility? She chews it up, spits it out, steps on it and then leaves it to dry up on the side walk. I was always told to dress for the job you want, not the one you have. If we are going by this mantra for Britney, by the looks of it she wants a job as a either a $2 Lady of the night, Bum, or Lindsey Lohan's assistant.

Brit, let's me and you have a convo. I get you don't like the publicity/non privacy portions of your career, but it is best to get over that and behave like an independent woman who is successful, who at one time was in amazing shape, who can dance, and is going to be in the spotlight. So Brit, now that you are 28 years-old, please, please, please stop going out in public with hair extensions so bad it makes me feel like I need to shower.

Phew, I feel better. Perhaps being over served last night has it's perks, gets my aggression out through writing!

Polka Dots and Red Hair...

Make Rhi Rhi look a little like a clown. Albeit, a very pretty one, but a clown none the less.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Well, well, well. I sure hope Jennifer Aniston's new perfume, which surprise, surprise, is titled Jennifer Aniston, smells as lovely as the stralet looked while promoting it at Harrod's yesterday in London. Simple, chic, elegant, timeless and very much "Jennifer Aniston" this dress is truly something to covet (as are her legs).

In addition to the scent itself, Aniston also released - or rather her publicist released - the ad campaign for said perfume. In these images Aniston is topless and showing off that body she works so hard for. While I love me some Jen, I do feel like enough is enough with the top off. I get it, you're 41, hot, in shape, and want to make your ex jealous, but seriously, GQ, Smart Water and now your perfume? I am feeling like it is high time Ms. Aniston promotes herself fully clothed. Now, having given this piece of advice, I feel like perhaps a Team Aniston shirt would suffice for her next ad :)

J.Crew Bridal

I know, I know, I posted about J.Crew a few days ago... It is only natural for me to post about J. Crew because I love J. Crew, and I swear it almost has me thinking I should in fact get married before the ripe old age of 45 simply so I can wear one of their dresses. Without going into any detail at all my dear readers, I simply thought I would show you why it is I love said store and their bridal collection (for which they opened a store on Madison Ave in NYC in May). No need to comment, just simply take it all in and enjoy, much like I am doing at this very moment :) Okay, I will say one thing, I think I could rock the Rachel Zoe bride look (first row on the right).

It Might Get Red Hot

Karen Elson and Jack White may be one of my favorite couples. I guess I didn't really "get" Jack White until I saw the documentary he's in called "It Might Get Loud." Since then, I have been incredibly drawn to his music, seriously LOVE The Deadweather, and his wife's. Karen just came out with her first solo CD, and what I have been able to listen to illegally/without payment has been pretty good. The first single and the album are titled the Ghost Who Walks and both seem very mystical and eclectic in sound. I suggest having a listen, if you have not done so already.

The title, The Ghost Who Walks, comes form her childhood when she was called a ghost by her classmates due to her fair skin. I would like to see these poor saps now. Karen is not only using their torments to launch a music career, but she is also married to one of the most influential musicians of this day and age. I am hoping this means one day I too will be able to make a record, perhaps I will title it The Moron Who Has the Last Laugh.

In addition to the new CD and an insanely talented husband, Karen also stars in the Fall 2010 ad campaign for Louis Vuitton alongside Natalia Vodianova and Christy Turlington. I would say the ghost isn't just walking through life, but rather taking leaps and bounds above the rest.

And if I may add, since I love a Nor Cal girl and the wife of one Ed Burns, Christy Turlington has never looked better.

To Air Brush or Not to Air Brush?

Julia Roberts may be one of the most beautiful women on this planet. So why, oh sweet baby Jesus tell me why, would someone feel the need to air brush the hell out of her debut ad for Lancome? To me Julia will always be the "girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her,*" and therefore I certainly see no need in altering her face. However, I guess in this new generation we are more compelled by technological beauty than conventional and natural looks. Sad face.


*This quote is of course referencing one of my favorite movies of all time, Notting Hill. Do yourself a a favor, if you have not seen said film in the last 6 months, put it on your NetFlix queue, grab a box of Bon Bons, and indulge the night away.

Halle Berry The September Issue's Cover Girl

If you don't know that September is the January of fashion - meaning it is when the whole 'year' starts over - take one look at all of the magazine's September Issues. They are bigger, bulkier, meatier, and more beautiful than all the other 11 issues throughout the year, as it is the launch of the designers Fall Fashion pushes. We started to see some of the Fall ad campaigns in the August issues of W, Bazaar, Vogue and InStyle, (looks like Karlie Kloss will be the star of the show, yet again this season) but it is the September Issues that really launch designer's collections in a big way.

This year, Halle Berry will be the cover girl for Vogue. Halle Berry is only the 2nd African American woman to be on the September Issue cover - first was Naomi Campbell in the 80's - and if you can even believe this, it is Berry's first Vogue cover! This Oscar winner has had some bad press as of late, so I for one am very excited to read this article and look at the photo spread.

It's almost as if Vogue/Anna Wintour/Grace Coddington know me too well. Last year it was the one and only Charlize Theron on the cover of the September Issue, and this year, Halle Berry. I applaud Vogue for putting talented, independent, philanthropic, socially aware, helpful and gorgeous women on such an important piece of journalism.

Also, one of my followers will be very glad to know, Harper's Bazaar is featuring Jennifer Aniston on their cover. All I have to say is, just fill that bad boy with her Smart Water ads, and we will all be running to the closest gym!

Forever 21 Jumps On The Bandwagon

The above mentioned bandwagon being a designer collaboration that is...

Among the likes of H&M, Macy's, and my personal favorite, Taget, Forever21 has joined forces with a designer mastermind in efforts to increase sales and traffic in their stores. Forever21 has partnered with Brian Licthenberg for a 12 piece collection that will hit stores in August. Forever21's collaborative series is a bit controversial seeing as in the past they have been sued by Anna Sui, Anthropologie and Ms. Von Furstenberg herself (which come to think of it, those are three of my very favorite designers/places to shop... so good on them for taking a stand!) for copyright infringement.

The line will consist mainly of graphic t-shirts and tank tops that run around $15 each. While I am very well aware that I won't be amongst the crazed fans who line up hours before the store opens to get my hands on said graphic T's, I will say I am happy for XXI and their efforts to make their clothes original and give credit where credit is due. I cannot tell you how many times I have been running around town in one of my favorite dresses/tops/shoes when someone on the street says, "oh so cute! Forever21, right?" (Ok, that is I lie. I can tell you exactly how many times, 3, because I was so offended - not to the person's fault - when asked and mortified that my dear friends Marc Jacobs/Tory Burch/Tibi were thought of in that light). Bottom line, designers are artists and their clothing is not to be copied and then re-sold at a fraction of the price. Bravo, Forever21 for working with someone to come up with a concept that is unique to your store and will bring a high powered fashion name to your shoppers.

Oh Gwyneth. Gwynny Wynny. Gwyn-A-Rin-Tin. How gorgeous and fabulous you are on the cover of August's VOGUE that hit news stands this week. I have trouble with our dear old pal Gwyneth because whilst I think she is breathtakingly beautiful, I think she seems kind of like an arse (she lives part time in London, I am allowed to use British slag). Either an arse, or someone who really doesn't care what other people think of her. Let's examine, for if it is the latter, I think I would not only like, but love, Gwyneth.

Have you ever looked at her website GOOP? I am not too sure what to think of it (much like I am not too sure what to think of the creator). Sometimes it is thought provoking and endearing, and other times it is all, "Have you never been to Paris? If not jump on a plane (first class of course) and get to La Brassiere de Something Super Expensive and have their quail egg cavier..." Blah, blah, blah. While I am reading some of this stuff I literally see dollar signs flashing in my head and she speaks of it like I do about cleaning the toilet... Like you are crazy if you don't do it once a week, and it must happen. And then there are times, like this month, where she touches things that are near and dear to my heart like the City of San Francisco. Now of course the places she is recommending people to go to while in the City By The Bay are top notch, expensive, and high class, it doesn't bother me because I know of them.

So, perhaps it is me. Perhaps, if I had Gwyneth's life I too would write about the lifestyles of the rich and the famous and how everyone who reads my blog should do what I do, wear what I wear, eat what I eat, without a care in the world. The Huffington Post reported last year that Paltrow says she decided to launch the Web site, which carries the tagline, "Nourish The Inner Aspect," "because I felt like I had a lot of really useful information that I was privileged enough to get, because I have this amazing, super, fortunate life."

Thank you, dear readers (all 4 of you), for listening to my internal debate about Mrs. Chris Martin. I think after typing out my aggression I have come to a conclusion. I like her, I like her a lot. And she is still really, really pretty.

Trina Turk Swim and Spa 2011

I love Trina Turk. I not only think she is a doll, but I think her clothes, bags, jewelry and swimwear are amazing. The colors! The patterns! The shapes! The embellishments! This woman truly gets what it is like to live life to the fullest and expresses that with her clothing/accessories.



It should come as no surprise that her show yesterday in Miami, to launch the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, was stellar. The large straw hats with bows? Perfection. The large pendant necklaces paired with bandeau bikinis? Inspiring. Male models in floral trunks? Hot, hot, hot! The only thing better than the new swimwear/cover-ups she sent down the catwalk yesterday is the selection of sale items on her website right now. So ladies, do yourselves a favor and check out these timeless prints, patterns and colors that will have you wanting to move to South Beach a la King James.

Tommy Launches Tommy

It was announced today that Tommy Hilfiger is expanding his brand with a new "lifestyle" clothing concept geared towards twentysomething men and women. It will move away from his preppy aesthetic for a more vintage and contemporary feel. The clothing will not be available stateside until next year when Tommy.com will launch. If you're Canadian and love Mr. Hilfiger, you're in luck, the collection will roll out to stores in Toronto and Edmonton come October.

Now call me crazy, but isn't Tommy Hilfiger an iconic American brand? Are his logo's colors not comprised of the same colors as Old Glory herself? Why, oh please tell me why, would he launch a new line in Canada? I know, I know, they neighbor our country, they are part of the North American continent, but it seems to be a little strange to me to put this new line somewhere outside of the U.S. These questions could potentially be self serving because for the first time since I got Tommy Girl perfume for Christmas in the 5th grade, am I intrigued by something the Tommy Hilfiger brand is up to.

Perhaps I shall ask Tommy himself when he comes to Macy's San Francisco this fall to promote his not so young and edgy Fall Ready To Wear Collection (shameless plug for event attendance... my apologies). Stay tuned for more event info and a chance to meet Tommy at Macy's. If you don't want to meet him, perhaps you can come and protest that his more relevant clothing line come to the US before it crosses the boarder to Canada...

Jenna's J.Crew

It comes as no surprise to yours truly that as current President of J.Crew Inc, Tracy Gardner, resigns, the retail giant replaces her with it's creative genius Jenna Lyons. Since Lyons' debut on the creative end in 2007 she has already moved up the chain from 'Creative Director' to 'Executive Creative Director' in April of this year. Lyons has been with J.Crew since 1990; no wonder she knows the brands aesthetics so well! Lyon's was semi-recently given her own page on J.Crew.com where she puts together her top looks and items for the season. Bravo to Jenna, and to J.Crew! Now if only Jenna's picks were in the sale section... Then we would really be in business!

LA Face With an Oakland Booty

Sir Mix-a-lot is not a name that usually resonates with the fashion elite, but for Summer 2010, the 'big thing' is a big backside and it has me singing "Baby Got Back." According to the Daily News, "Big bums are shaping up to be the summer of 2010's hottest trend." That's right, the once rail thin body obsessed culture is now looking to the likes of Kim Kardashian and J. Lo as their muses. In fact, a big booty is so in, woman who weren't born to shake what their mama's gave them naturally, can buy padded panties. Best part, these "Bump-A-Bootys" are only $30 (plus shipping and handling of course.) So next time you're at the gym, not only should you add hits like "Daisy Dukes" and "Shake Your Booty" to your play list, but maybe when you get home, you should pop in this Butt Building DVD from SELF magazine.

Blunt Is A Blushing Bride

Some words go together so well it is almost as though they were put on this planet and in Webster's Dictionary to compliment one another:

Pinot Noir and Filet Mignon.

4th of July and Lake Tahoe.

Steve Young and San Francisco 49ers.

Neil Lane and Marchesa.

The final of the above mentioned were put together by none other than British Beauty, and newly crowned Mrs. Krasinski (lucky lady), Emily Blunt. For her wedding this past Saturday in Lake Como, Italy she donned a custom cream Marchesa gown with a sweatheart neckline and embroidered details. While photos have not been released, there is no doubt this Devil Wears Prada actress looked stunning; and I am pretty darn sure that husband of hers looked ravishing as well.

Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchesa, began making wedding gowns just over two years ago after she designed one for herself to wear on her wedding day (she and Hollywood "Big Shot" Harvey Weinstein got married in December of 2007).

My guess before the photos are released, Pam and Jim's Nigeria Falls wedding on The Office doesn't hold a candle to Emily and John's. Mr. George Clooney himself was present at the wedding this past Saturday for crying out loud; eat your heart out Michael Scott!

Fashion Weeks in the Air

With the end of Berlin Fashion Week yesterday and the closing of the Couture Shows last week, I cannot help but think forward to a Fashion Week on American soil. In less than two months we will witness the collections our favorite American designers have been working on throughout the past few months. Be sure to check out coverage on AJsStyleBubble beginning September 9th through 16th. Let the countdown begin!


Now, back to Berlin for the time being. I am none to sure if it's Lady Gaga who has everyone up in arms over masks, or if it is the new form of sun protection, but either way, the German Cat Walk had a lot of faces covered up. While I get that these masks are works of art, I cannot help but be distracted by them. For me, when I see a gorgeous Amazon Woman model walking down the runway, I want to be able to focus on the movement of the clothing and the detail of the design. However, when the models faces are covered with tulle, lace, feathers and other unconventional materials, I am by no means looking at the attire on their bodies, but rather the obstruction covering their faces. Now I know Halloween is my least favorite Holiday, and the idea of a theme party has my stomach in knots, but I doubt if I am the only one who feels these masks on the runway or more reminiscent of Costume Party Gone Wrong than Spring 2011 Trends. Thoughts, questions, comments concerns....

The King's Jerseys

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that LeBron James has gone to the Miami Heat. I know this is rather big news in the sports world, but lets go ahead and step back from all that drama and take note of one thing: "The King" is going to be wearing essentially the same colored jerseys.

I am sure this topic seems a wee bit out of the ordinary when it comes to the "issue" of Mr. James leaving Cleveland for South Beach, but for a fashionista like myself, it was the second thing that came into my head (the first being, man I wish I cared more about basketball. When does football start again?).

Let's look at the facts:

Miami Heat colors: black, deep red, white and gold

Cleveland Cavaliers colors: navy, wine, white and gold

So let's all agree "deep red" and "wine" are the same color (because they are) and go with the black and navy blue comparison. I know I am pretty much blind, but from the nose bleed section (where I would sit if I ever attended an NBA game) I am sure these two colors look the exact same. When you are Leonardo DiCaprio and Zac Efron and you sit front row at Staples Center, I am not sure how the two compare; but guess what, I never will know so I am not even addressing that issue!

I must give a big round of applause to The King, as I think these colors suit his complexion nicely and he must know his skin tone well enough to know that he looks best dunking over the other players on the court in the color combo listed above. Congrats LeBron! You have a new city, a new team, and a new jersey that will still make you look even more the (very tall) handsome devil you are.

But seriously, when does football start?

Dita Von Teases for Jean Paul Gaultier

The Fall 2010 Couture Collections are "so Haute right now," so bare with me as I post yet another blog about them. This go round, however, I will be tackling the lack of clothing on the runway at Jean Paul Gaultier's show.

Now, I know he is partnering with La Perla come Fall, but there is something to me that says "stripper" when I see his lingerie walking down the Cat Walk on Dita Von Teese. While I respect her for embracing her pin-up body type (and do not get me wrong, the woman is a looker) I just feel this is out of place when you have Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington sitting front row. I know these Vogue icons have done and seen it all, but isn't there a time and place for strutting down a runway half naked, only to take off some of the little amount of clothing you have on? Clearly Dita exudes a sex appeal people will pay boat loads to see, and I know that these shows are all about the drama, but I must say, I feel this is a little too "Dita Does Dallas" than say "Dita's Fashion Day In The Sun."

The above opinion may only be true in my head, but I am just saying, had this show been backed by the likes of "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC you may all be seeing where I am coming from...

Material Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Many of you may have heard that Madonna is launching another line of clothing (first being a line for H&M a few years back). This line, however, has a new demographic, a new aesthetic, and a new business partner for Madge. Lourdes, Madonna's daughter who also goes by the name Lola, is partnering with the Music and Style Icon to create a line that will be sold exclusively at Macy's. The clothing will be in stores on Tuesday, August 3rd (plug: check your local Macys.com/events page to see if there is an event in your market).

The clothing will be fun, flirty, 80's inspired, and all pieces will come in under $40. The line hopes to bring a new customer into Macy's doors, much like the launch of RACHEL Rachel Roy did last Fall. From what I have seen of the clothing, it will be very much like the fast fashion of Forever21, Urban Outfitters and Charlotte Russe. That being said, I think it is smart business move for the Madonna camp to keep under wraps the "to be announced" spokes person for the line. From where I am sitting, this "muse" is certainly what the line is all about: young, funky, edgy, and ever changing in their style. Stay tuned to find out who it is, Macy's is making the announcement on July 27th!

January (Jones) in August

One of my favorite television shows is Mad Men (it comes back to the small screen on Sunday, July 25th, and let me tell you I am excited). I adore this show for many a reason, but I cannot tell a lie, the thing that got me into it a couple years back was the clothing. The men, the women, the children; you name it, I am into it! From Don's sleek suits and skinny ties, to Joan's pencil skirts, to Betty's white gloves and full skirts, this show is the most aesthetically pleasing I have ever seen. And yes, I am going so far out as to say I love it's styling more than Sex and the City (I still love you Patricia Field); but if you have met me and seen how I dress, then you know why. So bravo to Janie Bryant, the shows lead costume designer for bringing the 60's look back to life!

Mad Men has two things to celebrate this week; one being the impressive amount of Emmy nominations, and the other is their continued partnership with Banana Republic. Beginning one week before the show debuts it's fourth season on AMC, Banana Republic window displays across the country will feature looks inspired by the show that shoppers will be able to purchase. There is even a contest from July 21st through August 11th to win a walk on role, so if you're as a big a fan as I am, I would check it out!

Now back to the headline of this post, Miss January Jones. The ever so lovely and elegant January has never disappointed me when it comes to her read carpet style. I am always in awe of her modern choices that juxtapose her character's timeless fashion sense. Congrats to January for her Best Leading Actress in a Dramatic Series nomination, and lucky for all of us who get to see her walk down the red carpet in Haute Couture come Sunday, August 29th when the Emmy's will be broadcasted on NBC.

Also, a Mad Men post would not be complete with the plain and simple truth that Jon Hamm is a babe and will look that way come Emmy night as well. Now let's all raise our scotches and give a toast to Mad Men and hopefully some big Emmy wins!

Good News and Bad News For Ms. Lohan

It pains me to see Lindsay Lohan's name in any sort of style section, as personally, I don't think she has style, taste, grace or class. That being said, she is relevant in today's society as a model for our younger generation - a model of what not to do that is.

The two pieces of good news for Ms. Lohan are:
1. She still takes up a massive amount of ink and type face in the press for her embarrassing behavior having to do with drunk driving incidents, not showing up for court dates, etc. I am of the opinion, however, it is better for her to be in the press for the impressive act she put on in court on Tuesday in Beverly Hills where she was sentenced to 90 days in jail followed by 90 days in rehab. The impressive act leads me to my second piece of good news.
2. Lindsay put on her best best performance since Mean Girls. Which brings me to my next topic; I am under the impression there is only one person capable of saving Lindsay. So, Tina Fey, can you call the girl up, give her a talk, and do for her life what you did for her career by casting her the lead in Mean Girls? Thankyouverymuch!

I was not born yesterday and am completely aware she will not serve this full sentence, but I am glad there is a judge out there who wants her to be punished, who wants to show you cannot simply get away with committing crimes because you were in one of the best family movies of all time (The Parent Trap), and who wants her to start wearing pants for the love of goodness sake!*

So long and short of it, Ms. Lohan, you do not get to pass Go or collect $200. Get in jail and think long and hard about the kind of example you are setting for our youth. Both with your fashion (or lack thereof) and your behavior.



*Examples of not wearing pants
*

Fall 2010 Couture Collections

It is kind of fitting the Couture Collections are shown around the time of my favorite holiday - 4th of July - as they too are a spectacle and celebration. Both the holiday and the runway collections create a wild build up in your imagination that leave you exhilarated after a show of lights, beauty and of course, an amazing finale. Of the shows thus far there is one that takes the fashion cake, and it is none other than Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel collection. Taking place at the Grand Palais, the show featured ornate and ethereal pieces, so detailed in their construction, color, fit, and style, I felt like I could reach out and touch them (even though I was just watching the shows on Style.com).

Much like it was no surprise that the front row was filled with the ever so fashionable likes of Leighton Meester, Milla Jovovich, and Natalia Vodianova (which, begs the question: do I like watching her walk the shows? Or, sit front row looking as glamorous in her "street clothes"? Something I will ponder in another post I am sure!), Karlie Kloss was my favorite model and wore my favorite pieces of the collection. It was not just the top and boots in a floral pattern (created by multi-colored sequins no less) but the chain link bracelets that mixed the edgy with the elegant that stole my heart and had me hoping H&M would start knocking these items off pronto!

Kate has done it again!

So for anyone who knows me at all, they know my deep affinity for Kate Spade. Since I was fourteen and got my very first satin boxy purse, to now,when I cannot help but drool over pretty much anything Creative Director Deborah Lloyd comes up with. However, Ms. Lloyd you have out done yourself with the new Foiled Again Allana bag. Perfect in size, shape, and texture, this pretty much seems to stand the test of time as far as classics are concerned. And in four colors to boot? Well, I may have to break the old habit of waiting until things go on sale for this gem, because I am almost positive the black version should be seen under my arm as I walk to and from work this Fall.