Dots, Stripes, & Color at Kate Spade

I am completely smitten by this cheerful video featured on the Kate Spade Website!


Here are some stills:



I am also finding it hard to resist Kate Spade's dotted and striped accessories:

{l to r} Brompton Stripe Bangles $95 (dot bangles $95); Lorna Sandal $295; Ipswich Constantine $350; Color cafe brompton ring $55; all @ kate spade.


Everyone needs a bit of color, no? Watch the video here.

Madewell for Shopbop

I constantly rave about Madewell, to the point where my friends and family who do not live near a Madewell boutique make it a must stop when they visit me here in NYC. I am happy to report that I finally have good news for all of you who have been wishing for Madewell online shopping--the online shop isn't here quite yet, but Madewell has collaborated with online boutique Shopbop and the ultra cool denim creations are available online now. Baby steps people, baby steps. Check 'em out below:


{top} Madewell for Shopbop Station Denim Skirt $130; Madewell for Shopbop Worker Jacket $138; Madewell for Shopbop Dispatch Vest $125; all @ Shopbop.

{bottom} Madewell for Shopbop Ex-Boyfriend Jeans $200; Madewell for Shopbop Switchyard Denim Shorts $130; Madewell for Shopbop Vintage Flare Jeans $200; all @ Shopbop.

Nintendo DSi

Nintendo will be launching an updated version of their popular hand held gaming system, the DS, here in the states on April 5th. The system is already available in Japan, and they will be getting new color choices (pink, lime green & metallic blue) in addition to the ones they already have starting on March 20th:


The updates to the DS are pretty much negligible, so unless yours is on its last leg I don't see why you would need or want to upgrade. Compared to the DS lite the DSi is slightly thinner, has a larger screen, improved sound, the ability to download games via a WiFi connection, a SD Slot that replaces the Game Boy Advance slot, a music player, and two cell phone quality cameras. The new DSi will have no backwards compatibility and will not be compatible with the DS version of Guitar Hero and games that make use of the Game Boy Advance slot.

I currently own a PSP and have been contemplating getting a DS ever since I won that DS tourney back in November just for the fun of it. Backwards compatibility isn't an issue for me, and with some of the new games set to launch this spring for DS, I am planning on holding out until April 5th to hop on board the DS train. Sadly, the U.S. will not have the option of a pink DSi on April 5th, only a basic matte black and a pretty matte blue. I reserved a blue DSi for myself...


Pre-order the DSi for $169 @ Wal-Mart or @ Amazon.

Erickson Beamon for Target

Vicki Beamon & Karen Erickson have brought their gorgeous jewelry line to the masses through their collaboration with Target. If you're looking for fun cocktail rings, and costume jewelry at a fraction of the cost look no further! Here are my favorite pieces from their Target line:


{top} Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled White Cluster Small Pendant Necklace $39.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Dome Ring - Size 7 $29.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Flower Bracelet - Black $39.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Multi-Colored Cluster Pendant Necklace - 36" $39.99; all @ Target.

{bottom} Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Cluter Ball Ring - Size 7 $29.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Link Chain Braclet - 7.5" $29.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Multi-Colored Flower Pendant Necklace - 36" $29.99; Erickson Beamon for Target® Jeweled Charm Bracelet - 7.5" $29.99; all @ Target.

Orla Kiely Spring/Summer 2009

Orla Kiely's Spring/Summer 2009 look book has me coveting her lovely vintage inspired prints, patterns, and color combinations. I adore the retro style swimsuits:




the lovely spring jackets:


and the bags of course:


Check out my favorite Orla looks from Spring below:


See more from Orla here.

Cheap Thrills In Chicago

Attention Chicago Fashionistas! Some of our favorite boutiques will be combining their stock at an ultra-fabulous warehouse sale this coming Saturday February 28th from 11am to 5pm in the Wickerpark/Bucktown neighborhood. The Cheap Thrills sale event will be held at the Around the Coyote Gallery, located at 1935 1/2 w north ave 2nd floor Chicago, IL 60622. Boutiques participating in this year's event will include Eskell, Tangerine, Veruca Salt, Penelopes, In God We Trust and Hayden-Harnett. Happy shopping!

81st Academy Awards: Oscar Fashion & Winners

Red, metallics, white, and barely there hues were huge on the red carpet. There were a few who went a different direction and as a result stood out in my mind.  Here were my favorite looks of the night:

{top} Marissa Tomei in Versace; Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera; Penelope Cruz in vintage Pierre Balman; Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab and gorgeous emeralds with Brad Pitt;

{middle} Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent;  Taraji P. Henson in Roberta Cavalli; Vanessa Hudgens in Marchesa; Tina Fey in Zac Posen; Jessica Biel in Prada;

{bottom} Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive;  Frieda Pinto in John Galliano; Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture (I am still on the fence about this); Diane Lane in Dolce & Gabbana with Josh Brolin;

More Oscar Looks:


{top} Natalie Portman in Rodarte; Reese Witherspoon in Rodarte; 

{bottom} Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab; Jennifer Aniston in Valentino Haute Couture; Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott;


See a complete list of Oscar Winners below:

BEST PICTURE
'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight) A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, producer

LEAD ACTOR
Sean Penn in 'Milk' (Focus Features)

LEAD ACTRESS
Kate Winslet in 'The Reader' (The Weinstein Company)

DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
'Departures' -- Japan (Regent Releasing) A Departures Film Partners production

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Heath Ledger in 'The Dark Knight' (Warner Bros)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz in 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (The Weinstein Company)

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black for 'Milk' (Focus Features)

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

ANIMATED FEATURE
Andrew Stanton for 'WALL-E' (Walt Disney)

ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Kunio Kato for 'La Maison en Petits Cubes' (A Robot Communications Production)

ART DIRECTION
Donald Graham Burt for art direction and Victor J. Zolfo for set decoration on 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (Paramount and Warner Bros)

COSTUME DESIGN
Michael O’Connor for 'The Duchess' (Paramount Vantage, Pathe and BBC Films)

MAKEUP
Greg Cannom for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (Paramount and Warner Bros)

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Anthony Dod Mantle for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

LIVE ACTION SHORT FIRM
Jochen Alexander Freydank for 'Spielzeugland (Toyland)', a Mephisto Film production

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
James Marsh and Simon Chinn for 'Man on Wire' (Magnolia Pictures) A Wall to Wall production

DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Megan Mylan for 'Smile Pinki', a Principle production

VISUAL EFFECTS
Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (Paramount and Warner Bros)

SOUND EDITING
Richard King for 'The Dark Knight' (Warner Bros)

SOUND MIXING
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

FILM EDITING
Chris Dickens for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

ORIGINAL SCORE
A.R. Rahman for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight)

ORIGINAL SONG
'Jai Ho' from 'Slumdog Millionaire' (Fox Searchlight), music by A.R. Rahman, lyrics by Gulzar

Coco strikes a pose

Jeremy Kost caught up with Coco Rocha at Zac Posen as she showed off a series of her best poses in a video you simply must watch:

Zac Posen Fall 2009

On a piano lined runway the quintet 5 Browns performing models showed off the latest Victorian inspired designs from Zac Posen. The collection had a dark, romantic feel with a seductive quality to the designs. The dramatic gowns, and dresses were show stopping. I loved his version of the exaggerated shoulders, and the ombre suits, and the gowns were spectacular. As if there was any doubt, this show trumped them all.


M.A.C. Beauty Face Chart for Zac Posen F/W 2009:

{click image to enlarge}

Watch the looks on the runway:


{images via Coutorture}

Libertine Fall 2009

Libertine presented a collection of re-purposed, re-tailored vintage clothing all of which had a cool D.I.Y. feel.

{images via Coutorture}

Anna Sui Fall 2009

Anna Sui presented a whimsical yet moody collection and sent Agyness Deyn down the runway for the first time this fashion week. The head-dresses, shoes, and boots captured my interest instantaneously while Sui's signature layering of prints, patterns, and embroidered pieces in a seas of black, orange, purple, blue, and pink made me feel like all is right in the world.

Watch the looks on the Runway:



{images via Coutorture}

Devi Kroell Fall 2009

The details at the Devi Kroell show were quite amazing, and the shoes were sick. The jewel-toned collection hit the money with luxe fabrics, perfect draping, orgami folds, and interesting textures all in the form of dresses and suits favored by the modern young professional.

{images via Coutorture}

Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009

Ruffles, exaggerated shoulders, slouchy trousers, and darling tulip skirts lined the Rebecca Taylor runway for Fall. I loved everything except for the hair. :)


Watch the looks on the runway:



{images via Coutorture}

Brian Reyes Fall 2009

Something was going on with the Manolos at Brian Reyes, models were falling out of the stilletos left and right. It was so bad that by the finale they all walked out barefoot. Aside, from that the clothing was absolutely gorgeous! While the palette stuck to a somber mix of stone, black, bronze, and taupe with marble graphics & embroidery. The collection was ladylike, yet incredibly modern and that I loved. I would have loved to see one of the marble mini dresses in a brighter hue, but I stick to pairing these looks with bold accessories (that I can walk in).



Watch the looks on the runway:




{images via Coutorture}

Ports 1961 Fall 2009

The Ports 1961 collection was inspired by India--the models walked down the runway to the tunes of a live Indian marching band! As you would expect, the collection was full of sari dresses. The gold lame dresses were my favorite, while the coats and jackets were a close second. I found myself obsessing over the long braids the models wore in their hair at this show, it was simply stunning!

Watch the looks on the runway:




{images via Coutorture}

Erin Wasson x RVCA Fall 2009

Model, stylist, & designer, Erin Wasson is sexy, cool, and maybe even a bit crazy but that is why we love her thrown together style. Her looks have a sexy rock n' roll edge that seems to come naturally. The Erin Wasson girl stays up all night partying but can throw one of these looks on in the morning without a second thought and we will all clamor for her grungy downtown style.

Milly by Michelle Smith Fall 2009

I associated Michelle Smith with vivid prints & colors, and usually favor her spring collections, but while the color was lacking in her collection there was plently that pleased the eye. Classic feminine looks in traditional fall colors reigned on this Milly runway. The high-waisted mini skirts, feather prints, and coats with the three quarter length sleeves rounded out my favorite looks.

Watch the looks on the runway:


{images via Coutorture}

Proenza Schouler Fall 2009

Consider the Fall 2009 Proenza Schouler collection the downtown girl's guide to dressing. The collection was truly back to basics for them with a dark palette with a few jewel tones thrown in for good measure. The crushed velvet pieces with jagged sheer panels were my favorite pieces in the collection, and I know I will crave the wool & tweed jackets and coats come fall. The collection was well-tailored and incredibly wearable which is exactly the kind of thing a young designing duo needs to produce in a dark economy.

{images via Coutorture}

Doo.Ri Fall 2009

I found myself swooning over the tights embellished with crystals the models were wearing with nearly look at the Doo.Ri Fall 2009 show. They were fabulous as were the clothes with the amazing draping, orgami folds, and interesting embellishments. The collection was polished, feminine, and perfectly styled making it one of my favorite collections this NYFW.

Derek Lam Fall 2009

Derek Lam's Fall 2009 collection was polished and chic with dramatic fur coats, beautifully draped jersey dresses, leather pants, cocktail frocks with belted waists, and plenty of chic looks for day. There were no gowns in the collection, and sadly, they were missed.

Marchesa Fall 2009

Marchesa's gowns and dresses are the things fairytales are made of. They are dreamy, breath-taking creations with details I could stare out for hours. It is no surprise that this designing duo's creations are consistentaly a top choice for starlets heading down on the red carpet. These beauties are Oscar bound...


As for me, I'll take this look in lilac:


{images via Coutorture}

Oscar de La Renta F/W 2009

{images via Coutorture}

Oscar de La Renta's Fall 2009 collection offered an endless supply of uptown suits and tea-length dresses with bouffant hair to match. The bubble hem dresses & skirts, leopard prints, and breathtaking princess gowns were my personal favorites.

The gowns...

{gown images via Style.com}



Watch the looks on the runway:

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009

Lissy Trullie opened the 3.1 Phillip Lim F/W 2009 show giving it the ultimate rock & roll vibe. The models wore their hair in bowl-cut bobs to match Tao Okamoto's latest hair style while marching down the runway wearing band-leader esque jackets, easy-to-wear dresses in lovely bohemian prints & party girl sequins, lean suits, and fabulous coats & jackets.

Watch the looks on the runway:


{images via Coutorture}

Vivienne Tam Fall 2009

Vivienne Tam and HP set out to befriend bloggers with the live-blogging stations set up at the show. We love when designers show the bloggers some love at NYFW! If I weren't such an Apple computer loyalist I would run out and buy the uber-cute HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition. Truthfully, I would much rather buy one of her gorgeous textured dresses in purple, red, or teal.

{images via Coutorture}

Chris Benz Fall 2009

Chris Benz brought on the color this fashion week, effectively ignoring that pesky fashion rule that says in trying times everyone is to wear black. In a vivid palette of poppy, yellow, blue, & green we were served up a lesson in 70s inspired preppy dressing. I for one am thankful for the burst of color.

{images of Coutorture}

Zero+Maria Cornejo F/W 2009

A sleek silhouette was presented on the Zero+Maria Cornejo runway for fall, in a primarily black palette with looks that had a bit of androgynous feel. The looks were modern, innovative, and highly functional with hoods, zippers, and pockets. My favorite looks in the collection were found in the jewel-toned graphic printed dresses that brightened the otherwise dark mood.

{images via Coutorture}

Michael Kors Fall 2009

Michael Kors went neon this season! He also accentuated the shoulders. I really loved his one shoulder dresses, and like the drama the exaggerated shoulder added to an otherwise simple and ubiquitous look. I don't know who in their right mind would opt to wear a neon coat, nevermind, a matching hat, but there were so many amazing looks in the collection, I can't be mad at him for having a bit of fun.

Watch the looks on the runway:



{images via Coutorture}

Nanette Lepore F/W 2009

The Fall 2009 Nanette Lepore collection was full of prints in vibrant colors of salmon, purple, mustard, teal, and black. Leopard print belts were seen throughout as were rasta style hats. The majority of dresses and coats had uneven hemlines which I personally found a bit odd for Nanette Lepore, however, it wasn't wholly unsuccessful as it gave the collection more of a downtown and relaxed vibe.


Watch the looks on the runway:


{images via Coutorture}

Temperley Fall 2009

Like many other top designers, Alice Temperley opted out of traditional show this fashion week. Instead, she presented her "Empress of the Orient" collection in her Soho shop over the course of two days. She also produced a cool companion video for her designs.
The entire collection was beautiful, but my favorite looks were those dresses with the "flower" or "petal" detail that was found on the neckline, bust and bodice of many of the dresses. I also would kill for one of those leather jackets!


Watch the video:



-OFFICIAL- Temperley London's "Empress of the Orient" from Starworks Digital on Vimeo.

{images via Coutorture}

Luca Luca Fall/Winter 2009

Luca Luca presented a gorgeous collection for fall with the models looking like Hollywood starlets from the 1940s and 50s. I am head over heels in love with the one-shoulder red dress, and I plan to replicate the red lip created by the M.A.C. team (see details below)!

M.A.C. Beauty Chart for Luca Luca F/W 2009:


{images via Coutorture}

Donna Karan Fall 2009

The Donna Karan Fall/Winter 2009 collection featured a strong silhouette with accentuated shoulders and lean fits from the waist down. The gowns were beautifully draped, many with belted waists. Her bare shoulder pieces were my favorite as they offered instant sex appeal. Overall, a stellar showing for Donna Karan.




M.A.C. Beauty Face Chart for the Donna Karan F/W 2009 Show:

Watch the looks on the runway:

Part 1:


Part 2:



{images via Coutorture}

Thakoon Fall 2009

With a very successful collaboration with Target under it's belt, and the fact that Michelle Obama counts herself as a fan, Thakoon has few worries as he presented a beautiful jewel-toned collection this fashion week. The dresses, and powerful, yet feminine suits were among the more successful looks. The colored fur was a bit baffling to me, but all things considered it was a great showing with plenty of looks I could see Mrs. Obama wearing.


Watch the looks on the runway:



{images via Coutorture}

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2009

The Marc by Marc Jacobs girl for Fall will be well prepared for the elements as nearly every look was accessorized with hiking boots, socks, striped tights, scarves, fringed wraps, or brimmed hats. Despite the crazy mix of stripes, argyle, tartan plaids, prints the collection was oddly practical as even the girliest dresses were paired with sensible shoes.



Watch the looks on the runway:



{images via Coutorture}

Betsey Johnson Fall 2009

Betsey Johnson presented her Fall 2009 collection in her garment district showroom instead of the runway, but if you were expecting something mild to suit your "recessionista" then we must not be talking about the same designer. Betsey always delivers the most cracked out collections that are fun, upbeat, and of course full of color and "flair". It is her recipe for success, so maybe that is why the collection had a "Betsey Crocker's Kitchen" theme. Rose prints, tights, striped leggings, corsets, cropped cardigans, printed t-shirts, lace, poofy skirts, and petticoats were seen through out. Wear anything by Betsey and the fun sort of just comes with the territory.

Rodarte Fall 2009

The Mulleavy sisters sent yet another crowd pleasing collection down the runway this fashion week with a collection inspired by the work of Gordon Matta-Clark who was known for his "building cuts"--installations in abandoned buildings where he removed sections of floors, ceilings, and walls. The models wore killer thigh high boots made by Nicholas Kirkwood with mini dresses and skirts made of pale leathers, and silk chiffons. The materials were died and cut-up and reassembled to look like marble or stone. The final product was beautiful, many of the creations were paired with shaggy knit cardigans or jackets and belted. The models wore their hair in tightly wound, woven, braided chignons completing the collection's sleek, polished, and modern feel.

M.A.C. Beauty Face Chart for Rodarte F/W 2009:

{click image to enlarge}

Watch the looks on the Runway:


{images via Coutorture}

Matthew Williamson Fall 2009

I've been having a love affair with Matthew Williamson for the past few seasons, but if I'm perfectly honest I liked this collection the least out of Williamson's Fall 2008, Spring 2009, and Pre-Fall 2009 collections. With that said, there were high points for me--namely when it came to the zig-zag, spiro-graph, and zebra prints. Ultimately, the fact that, there was a lot of fur, the color orange dominated, and aztec look prevailed made it a collection I could admire but not love because it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I am however, looking forward to visiting the Matthew Williamson shop in the Meatpacking District, and to browse the designers H&M creations come April 23rd.


M.A.C. Beauty Face Chart for Matthew Williamson F/W 2009:


{click image to enlarge}

Watch the looks on the runway:

{images via Coutorture}