Dear Diary,

Today is an ugly day.

Yes, the ugly day. We all have them here and there and today happens to be mine. I woke up and my hair wasn't right; I felt like a whale; and, of course, there was absolutely n-o-t-h-i-n-g in my jam packed closet to wear. I forgot to mention that it is also gray, cold and wet outside. I guess I'm lucky: the typical ugly day comes equipped with a giant red pimple on your forehead or the tip of the nose and I'm in the clear.

Generally, I prepare for days like these by having the perfect, most stylishly comfortable, form flattering standby outfit. You know, those two or three pieces of clothing that always look great regardless of what your body decides to wig out on for the day. Now, you know it's really going to be an ugly day when your perfect outfits is in the laundry, or even worse gets the boot.

Where is this going? I have no idea and I'm sure it'll pass by tomorrow. In the meanwhile, I think it's time for shopping, or at least find a good pair of sweat pants. Since implementing budget month and saving to temporarily leave Toronto my wardrobe feels to be severly lacking. A 1+1 = 2 kind of statement that goes hand in with the earlier realization in my bargain shopping post. No shirts, no sweaters, no shoes! Never enough?

What do I do? Spend and look great? Save, but feel boring and drabby for what feels like forever so I can take a wonderful trip or two?

Although the choice may seem obvious to some (travel>fashion) I am always conflicted with budgets. On the other hand, the thought of spending the day trying on clothes is murder. I'm going to crawl back under my desk now.

Sincerely,
Donnatron

Lesmoking

Newsha Tavakolian, 'Coffeeshop in Iran' Tehran, 2007

Yes, yes, my smoking thing pops up again. Isn't the picture lovely though? The woman facing the camera looks so inherently elegant.

(Source: Article)

Paint within the Lines

It's about time I post some art. Well, drawn-on-paper type art. I've always been a fan of Miss Cheryl's illustrations. I've posted just a few of my favorites, so you're more than welcome to pick a few of your own special choices here/here.

Simplicity: I love the stuff.

Comme on Louis Vuitton

Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons has designed a line of leather accessories for Louis Vuitton. The French luxury brand will unveil the collection on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 in Tokyo’s trendy Aoyama district, with stores deliveries expected in 2009.

Women’s Wear Daily reports that the idea came to light after conversation between Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs and Adrian Joffe, Kawakubo’s husband, and president of Comme des Garçons International. Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Kawakubo marks the brand’s third such endeavor, behind Richard Prince and Takashi Murakami.


Kawakubo's interpretation of the well-known LV monogram is diminutive when compared to the luxury brands continuing collaboration with fellow Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, whose designs generated millions of dollars for the French house.

The move allows the LV dynasty to break away from its traditional design procedures and towards fresh, and hopefully, greener (not just metaphorically) pastures, even as a small side-project. For Kawakubo, the project has allowed the fashion head to expand her ever increasing portfolio. In November Comme des Garçons unveils a one-time only H&M collection, bridging another gap between a renegade independent and a corporate behemoth.


In response to being questioned on the possibility that there was many intersecting connections between her clientele and Vuitton’s, Kawakubo replied: "Due to our clever coordination, I anticipate that the wall between us will disappear."

(Photo, Article, Photo2, Photo3)

Spin is In

If magazines go with Fashion the way stripes stick to zebras, then music and fashion represents the spots on a cheetah. In the latest lifestyle advertising trend, Spin courts Maxim's fashion editor, Kelly Rae, to increase it's appeal to readers, hires more accountants hastily dance around profits. It was inevitable that music magazines will venture into the Fashion field. After all, many designers, fashion addicts and other media sources look towards the same artists featured on the pages of these publications for inspiration.

"Musicians help to drive trends," said Malcolm Campbell, publisher of Spin. "The audiences help to drive trends. It's a very vibrant, very fertile area, and I don't think anyone's monopolized it."

Case in point: Kanye copycats run rampant and everyone from couture labels to the high school aged girl next door idolizes the English chic of Amy Winehouse (minus the drug habit) and Duffy. If done properly, Music and fashion are artistic expressions of the individual, right? I'm surprised this move hasn't happened sooner.

(Source: Photo1, Article)

Denim Products for all Americankind

Seven For All Mankind announced that as of October 1st, 2008, Topher Gaylord, 39, is the new president of the contemporary denim label. In the new role Gaylord will manage out of the company’s Los Angeles, California headquarters where he is responsible for all aspects of the business in the Americas, including the opening of 100 freestanding stores over the next five years.

Currently, Gaylord is president of the VF Corporations International Outdoor and Action Sports business, based in Lugano, Switzerland. VF Corporation is an American apparel corporation and the world's biggest clothing company, specializing in jeanswear, intimate apparel, daypacks, and workwear.


Last week, VF Corp. opened Seven's first New York store, a 3,000-square-foot retail space in SoHo. The premium denim label is also growing into new categories of clothing, including sportswear, handbags and footwear. VF’s contemporary brands segment, reported revenues of $142.3 million last year, driven primarily by the Seven brand. Surely, expansion of the label is proving to be a good thing.

(Source: Article, Info, Photo1, Photo2)

DIY Trendspotting

Predicting trends can sometimes be too easy. For instance, the last two-three years have been all about skinny jeans, right? Right! You want to be a trend setter? You want to predict the future and make your friends think you're a sartorial trailblazer? Enter the Easy Button: take any trend-de-la-creme and do the exact opposite.


The best example I can come up with is denim. Skinny jeans dominated women's fashion for three years. During this period shopper's saw the waist line shrink to lower and lower lengths, with leggings popping in all shapes and sizes and patterns and textures to usher in a new era of 1980's revival. In turn, the fashion elite respond to the corporate takeover of their beloved hipster trend by traveling back in time to relive the 1970's and live happily ever after, at least until the "it" thing. Wide leg pants are back (not to be confused with bell bottoms) and the waist lines soar above above and beyond the belly button to play peek-a-boo with consumers. Although the high waist trend in denim was not as successful as it was in the skirt (the quintessential work piece for women), we all began to notice stores carrying a brand or two, or bought a pair ourselves to toy with the fad.

So what's next? Think of all the possible opposites to what you've already seen this season, last season and the collections coming up. Think lengths (short to long), think texture (starchy linen to sexy lace and slinky leather), think color, think in terms of contrasts.

Vibrant summer florals fade into soft and sombre winter fauna, which morph into tartan prints, that meets Rockabilly sensibilities in the younger generations (or at least the young at heart. Denim seems to have to an identity crisis by attempting to capture ever trend and create a collage of various designs. The high waist meets the skinny jean; the wide leg welcomes it's sister, the bell bottom; raw denim favored by farmers makes way for an urban version of icy blue. And I swear if I have to read another story regarding Katie Holmes and her rolled up "boyfriend style" jeans, I swear I will barf. Siderant: It irks me when the media purposely confuse laziness and possibly even vacinity (as in they were the closest, cleanest thing I could pick up off the floor/closet) for style from celebrities. I love that stylists are starting to come out of the woodwork and cash in on their talents.

The best thing to do is to stick with what you know works well with your personal style and body type. Fashion is a perpetual tide of emotional, spiritual, and sadly, economic fads that some of us can't resist. It's good to be in the know, just don't pride yourself on the makings of someone else's desires.

(Source: Photo1, Photo2, Photo3)

Monday Melodrama at MTV

After watching the season premiere last week I am pretty psyched to see The Hills back on television. All drama related issues to the side, The Cut report that Whitney Port will leave People's Revolution to do PR at Diane Von Furstenberg. Although there is no official confirmation, Port would come camera-equipped to highlight her adventures in fashion, either for The Hills or for her own spin-off show. The Grapevine reveals consistent rumors and sightings of MTV producers negotiating at DVF's New York offices.

This can go either really bad or really good: TV ratings among fashionistas should shoot and so should the financial figures in DVF's merchandise department.

(Source: Article, Photo)

75 Defining Moments in Fashion - Week II

The Fashion Industry continues to rate the most significant fashion moments ever. Championed by Women's Wear Daily, the month-long vote to democratically determine the top 75 Defining Moments in Fashion has reached a conclusion to the second week of polling. To recap the event: Each week WWD posts 25 different defining moments in Fashion and wants your say. To vote, simply visit WWD.com and enter in your defining moment. Additionally, your vote enters you for a chance to win a $2500 designer handbag.

The second round of debate produced Jennifer Aniston's The Rachel Haircut (1994), Princess Diana as The Princess Bride (July 29, 1981), Ali MacGraw and her continuously copied romantic chic in The Love Story (1970), Janis Joplin's Hippie Chic of August 1969: The Summer of Love), and the man who push commercialism and the ravages of popular culture to the forefront of American society, Andy Warhol (1962)

(Source: Photo, Article)

Online Bargain Basement Hunting

I have a problem.

It's called shopping.

Everyday I wake up to go to my job with the intention of working to climb the corporate ladder and build for my future (see adulthood, mortgages, etc.), but a lot of what I earn falls prey to seasonal trends and really, really cute shoes. Most 20/30-somethings can tell you that indulging one's obsession in fashion, technology or travel is almost impossible if you're trying to save for a car, a home, or even worse, going back to school. For those of us who have yet to find the magic money tree it all comes down to prepping a healthy financial plan, which includes budgeting, or conversely, agonizing over the monthly Visa statement.

Periodically, I go through what I like to call "Budget Month". This quarterly adventure takes me to the land of bringing lunches from home to work, staying in on Friday nights, and skimping on any form of shopping altogether. However, how can I avoid the ban of shopping when Autumn Fashion is in full swing and I should be documenting it all on the blog? Exactly, I'm screwed! However, in my quest to find some statement heels for the season, I ran across Zappos.com, the Canadian edition. I'll be the first to admit that the over-organized-flea-market aesthetic of their website is an instant turn-off, but the designer brand deals are too good to pass up.


Oh, you say that you happen to be searching for an affordable pair of leather boots for every day wear? Let me introduce you to David by Charles David's Antic Brush Off boot, on sale for $29.94 USD.


Another pair of Charles by Charles David, the Kid heel, that I couldn't resist posting. For the same price as the Antic Brush boot, you can have these Oxford inspire heels. The stitching detail and overlay adds a rich quality to the shoe, while combining both the appeal of a comfortable pair of english loafers and stacked platforms of a Louboutin shoe. These can go with a cute pair of cigarette pants and a boyfriend cardigan or jacket to complete the look.


The stacked Newton peep-toe wedge by the Michael Kors label Kors, is more of a summer-to-fall transition shoe, but too pretty to ignore. This style holds well for women who need a versatile shoe they can wear at the office but also out and about after work hours. I chose the Khaki color as a compliment to the ever-changing color palette of warm hues for season, but you can opt for a basic black, brown or tan. Even better is the fact that designers are all over the peep-toe trend this Fall, so you can wear these until it's just too cold to bother for the affordable price of $103.95 USD.


Okay, you say you need a break from heels? Let's turn our attention to Type Z's Kit II ballerina flats. While I'm partial to the nude leather model, you could cop these in black, white, silver, zebra, leopard, plaid, patent, denim and ridiculousness. Read to break the bank? $30.65 USD. Don't believe this deal? Yeah, neither do I, but the customer feedback tells no lies.

I highly suggest sorting through the 30+ pages of sale merchandise available. The American version of Zappos carries a greater selection of goods, but remember that if you order from that site you will get charged with lame duty tax as your package crosses the boarder. If your budget permits a little bit of a splurge then you'll find some really key footwear that will take you into fall, albeit in the closet for winter, and back for more come spring. If you're extra patient I suggest that you bookmark your favorites and watch for falling prices, but lay off my size 7's.

Highlight: Kenzo Fall 2008

Kenzo's Fall 2008 Collection creates theatrics without flashy runway show's or over-hyped media personalities. Check the texture, the colors and fall in love with the silhouettes. Yes, not very wearable for your average Jane Doe hitting up the subway to go to her 9-5, but I bet they wear like a dream.



(Source: Photos)

Mayle: I say Hello, You say Goodbye

A slumping economy creates many challenges for an entrepreneur. More often than not, running a successful business includes juggling debt management and the inability to secure financial backing: two intensive undertakings that can wreak havoc on an independent designer struggling to bring their ideas to fruition.

Enter the story of Jane Mayle’s and her old world love and romance label, Mayle. The self-proclaimed “magpie aesthetic” label announced earlier today on WWD that it will close up shop after next season. To explain the decision, Jane Mayle states that it was an out-of-control fashion system was the was the fait accompli behind calling it quits after 10 years. In the designer’s own words: “[The industry demands] a commercial cul-de-sac in a way that the customer gets tired before the collections even hit stores.” Mayle claims the process affected her ability access the quality fabrics she sought after to construct her specialty line of clothing as one major hindrance.


Mayle developed a cult of fashion followers who reveled in Jane’s airy and imaginative creations that is no more apparently than when viewing the brands financial records, including a slew of celebrities. The business is healthier than ever, raking in annual sales of approximately $5 million with 65 wholesale accounts worldwide, including Barneys New York, Opening Ceremony, Harvey Nichols and Net-a-Porter.


[Rachel Bilson, Boots by Mayle]

"The industry has changed so much, and the little niche we entered when I started the brand, and the demands in this niche have changed, so I asked myself, ‘Do I want to keep participating?"

Mayle was turned off by the ever-accelerating fashion system, its out-of-whack delivery cycle and the demand to give into media hype that is at times counterproductive. Fast Fashion houses, like H&M and Zara, and celebrity endorsement deals are one of the main economic trends dominating the current fashion industry.
Consumer demand is now largely guided by athletes, movie stars, singers or even socialites and is a double-edged sword; a far cry from what the old-world elite understood.


[Michelle Williams, Mayle Jumper]

Family-owned and operated businesses that were dedicated to integrity and quality are bought out or steamed rolled to make way for an industry that is run by massive corporations that center on growth, visibility, brand-awareness, advertising and above all, profits. In Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster (2007), Dana Thomas points out that quality has long since been replaced by quantity, and almost all of the manufacturing has been outsourced to large factories in places like China, where your expensive luxury brand handbag is being put together right next to a one from a mass-market label that costs substantially less.

“How I came to this business was all about dreaming and building a wardrobe you would be seduced by. That mystery and remoteness and insouciance have disappeared from fashion in order to accelerate the product. I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery.”

Jane Mayle has yet to announce her plans for the future, but I’m hoping she merely sets off on a short-term hiatus, with plans to stick to design and wow’s us with some more of her lovely creations.

(Source: Article/Photo1, Photo2, Photo3, Photo4)

Heaven in NYMag, Rachel Bilson, Summer Sales

Ever wonder how the creative(ly rich) keep their closets? Well, lucky for you then! New York Magazine published Heaven, With Hangers, by Joanna Goddard. Check out the in's and out's of famous closet's from the likes of designer Anna Sui, stylist Yana Kamps and Linda Rodin, et plus beaucoup Here.


We dread it, but nothing will stop the leaves from turning from a glowing green to crusty brown. Yep, Fall is here. Luckily, Harper's Bazaar has enlisted the help of Rachel Bilson to provide you with expert celebrity style advice for shopping enthusiasts. Equipped with her personal stylist, Nicole Chavez, Rachel rarely makes a red carpet blunder. I love rachel Bilson, but I swear this girl has helped sell more clothes by simply walking around L.A and being photographed by the media than she's ever sold in movie tickets. And you know it's true, too!

And Finally...



NET-A-PORTER, my most favorite online retailer, has begun their final Summer Clearance Extravaganza. Oh dear. Bad for my wallet, but great for my spirit. I mean, what better way to stick it to Autumn than by venemently denying the change of season and spending the majority of your paycheque on a beautiful summer wardrobe? Right? By entering the promo code ('SUMMER') customers receive an additional 20% off all sale items. And yup, this includes anything and everything from brands like Chloé, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin, Halston Oscar, Stella, but the key is that you have to find it first. Be forewarned: The sale ends August 31st, 2008.


(Source: Nymag, Photo1 , Photo2)

Sign: Will work for Smythe Jacket(s)

My plan this weekend was to hit up a ton of stores around the city and work on the upcoming Fall Fashion Trends/Where to Buy article, but like most weekend plans it didn't really pan out. However, I did manage to get a sneek peek at a few of the Fall collections at Zara, The Gap, Banana Republic, French Connection and a couple line's at Holt renfrew (aka everything around Yonge/Bloor) as they trickled into retailers.


So, has anyone heard of Smythe? The Canadian design duo, comprised of Andrea Lenczner Christie Smythe, has had their name floating around Fashion, Design and Lifestyle magazines for the past few months. More recently, the September issue of ELLE includes a brief article devoted to the stylistic history of Jacket, entitled Behind the Seams, that includes a bit of input from the Smythettes. "A jacket can be so many things," states Lenczner, "it's almost cheating." She continues on to say that, "[The Jacket] is like having a fantasic shoe or bag: It finishes your outfit, so that you can wear your Gap T-Shirt and your boyfriend's jeans and immediately look pulled together." I love this quote solely on the fact that I've thought this for years; a look into my coat collection will prove this.


In any case, as I wandered through Holt's I caught sight of a slim fitted flannel and sandy leather blazer (pictured below) that I knew would either look absolutely ridiculous on me or insanely incredible. Obviously, I had to try this on as fast as I could. Low and behold, I found me a Smythe jacket.


The One Button Blazer in black and cream check print didn't suit my style, but I was able to find a couple that did. Smythes aim is to tailor their garments in the most femininely flattering form where the garment can easily par with a dress, pants, shorts or whatever. Fashion forward and equipped in a trim fit you'll find that most of smaller sizes are few and far between. A small chitchat with a sales rep informed me that, although the jackets had only dropped that morning, there had been a waiting list of ladies eagerly anticpating the telephone call from the retailer to claim the coat of their choice.


What appeals most to me is that Smythe can stay within the boundaries of being fashionable, not because Lenczner and Smythe have created a unique concept, but because the designers are able to successfully indulge in their nostaglia-heavy desire for garments while creating tasteful items with charm and quality.

(Source: Photos)

The Selby: Alexander Wang Edition

The Selby finally publicized it's Alexander Wang studio shoot. Alexander who? Oh, just think of this guy as the current Fashion Boywonder. Like, the soup du jour.


I'm at the age where I've just about figured out where I want to go and what I want to do in life (sort of), so I'm totally fine with simply admiring his success. However, damn that kid and his awesome Lower Eastside, NYC studio. DAMN YOU, ALEXANDER WANG. But really, it's ok though, my mom's basement is pretty rad. Still.

The Posse Cut

This photo of models is an advert for Rapscallion, the new limited edition line for Urban Outfitters by Samantha Pleet. I can't really say I really like each ensemble (too British gothy, if you get me), but who doesn't love a good posse cut?

(Source: Photo)

Boot Season - A Sample

Ahhh, boot season, boot season. How I love you so. Every year around the beginning of August retailers allow the season’s newest collections to slowly trickle into stores and Fall is my absolute favorite fashion season. It’s still warm enough to wear the wedge sandals and shorts, but the nights are chilly enough to switch to platform boots or add a chunky knit sweater. See? The fall season makes for a perfect balance between fashion and function. Moving along, here are some of my favorite Boot designs thus far.


Frye pieced together this antiqued genuine snake skin on a tall boot elevated by a wrapped high heel. The key to trendy here revolves around the patches of snake skin pieced like a puzzle. I’ve never seen patchwork come across so stylish and clean. I mean, when I think of patchwork I think of Bluenote’s denim circa 1998 or middle aged Midwestern women crafting multi-colored quilts as Family Heirlooms or merch for Farmer’s Markets. The good thing about Frye’s Ava boot is that you could wear this innumerable amount of ways ranging from a night out on the town in your skinny jeans to a fit-to-form tweed skirt and crisp white collared shirt at the office. Jeans, Leotards, Skirts, short, you name it. Well, I suppose for the price you better. (Nordstrom, $498)

Ahhh, there are no words to explain my new found love for Joie’s Dream Some Over boot. Since it’s inception in 2001, the Southern California brand has developed a following of fashionista’s all over the globe with its line of clothing, handbags, and shoes. Style knows no boundaries, correct? True to the title, lengthy leather delicately folds over the calf and up above the knee to produce a sleek-slouchy-chic that almost made me drop the $5 bills it would cost to call this pair mine. Also, slouch is still very much in this season (mostly accessories). You'll find many-a-designer playing with drape and folds so popular in this mode of boot. I love’em, but it’s budget week. It’s so hard to find a non-trashy, non-patent, non-neo conservative (Hah, go figure, right?) thigh-high Boheme boot, but here it is. Pretty buckle detail included! Whether or not you want to go down to earth and rock the mushroom (shown here) or head back to black the choice is yours. And, of course, made in Italy. ($497, Shopbop.com)

Halston's take on the ultra thigh-high trend, as seen in the Misa boot, is exactly what I'm craving this season. Like any self-respecting obsessive compulsive fashion lover I tried to justify breaking the bank and buying a pair. Luckily, they were sold out before I had enough time to attempt an Ebay any of the my vital organs. Sidenote: If anyone finds a cheaper pair that are just as beautiful please drop me a line! (Net-a-Porter, $1,935)


Miss Sixty has always made fashionable items with delightful details and the Bridget model is no different. Last year I picked up a pair of chocolate brown distressed leather high heeled boots with a cotton pull-up detail (think peek-a-boo leg warmers). It’s these unique details that do me in. Well, why this run-of-the-mill dark brown boot? This seemingly straight forward style has a smooth as butter finish with removable buckle strap to crown the ankle that is perched on a high wrapped heel. Sometimes you want plain rice; some times you want a little stir-fry. With this pair the choice is affordabley yours. (Nordstrom, $219.95)


Take note: the over-size buckle feature is the cats meow this season. Designers from Chloé ($945) to Louboutin ($1,195) to those MissSixty are working this trend to provide a new dimension to footwear. A cousin of the motorcycle boot, this style is functional and very feminine, but not to be confused with the likes of Lucky Charms.




The Dolce & Gabbana Erin rounded pump hits the spot on my standards. Minimal, but feminine as ______. While also available in Black, I chose to show the Cognac model in an effort to evoke the eternal value of this particular style. I highly doubt that anyone reading this was a teenager in the 1970’s, but I’m sure that you could set these down in a boutique back in the day and they would still appeal to women anywhere and everywhere. Every once in a while a girl needs an elegant pair of shoes that is simultaneously sexy and stylish, but classic and conservative; that she can wear with any outfit for any time of day. The D&G name alone emits a distinct form of quality and taste (not to mention budget), but you know that with a piece as timeless as these you will not want to skim on craftsmanship or materials as they will be a wardrobe staple. At least this is what my mama’s taught me :)
(Revolve Clothing, $965)

I'm posting this buttery Sergio Rossi tall platform pair just in case you didn't cry over the D&G's. Don't worry, the next Lotto 6/49 jackpot is $17 million. Luck by your boot tonight? (Intermix, $995)

Lastly, you'll notice that I haven't posted anything about the whole 'peep-toe' boot or anything substantial on the 'bootie' boot. For the former I really don't think it deserves the space. Maybe I'll change my mind about them, but I can't reconcile the idea of a sandal and a boot coming together to produce anything worth investing in. Regardless, valiant effort on the part of designers. The latter definitely deserves some attention, but that will have to be after the Fall Trends Report coming next week.

Let it die.

Hey, remember when I said the stupid hippie headbands trend is murdered, killed, kapoot, over and out, done like dinner (also lame)? She just proved it!

Let's file this one under case closed.

(Source: Photo)

75 Defining Moments in Fashion

The Fashion Industry is weighing in on the most significant fashion moments ever created. Spearheaded by Women's Wear Daily, the month-long vote to democratically determine the top 75 Defining Moments in Fashion. Each week WWD posts 25 different defining moments in Fashion and wants your say. To vote, simply visit WWD.com and enter in your defining moment. Awesomely enough, your vote also enters you for a chance to win a $2500 designer handbag. Even if you decide to wave away the vote, a look at the photo's is interesting in itself.

The first round of debate produced Christian Dior's fabulous New Look (February 12, 1947); Jackie Kennedy's White House chic (November 1960); Farrah Fawcett's infamous skateboarding shot (September 22,1976); Brooke Shields posing provocatively for Calvin Klein jeans (August 1980) and Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic Sex & the City character Carrie Bradshaw in her trademarke tutu (June 6, 1998).

The #1 Defining Moment in Fashion will be revealed September 2nd on Entertainment Tonight and in WWD.com.

(Source: Article, Photo)

The Reality of Fashion

In true celebrity style, Rachel Zoe, America's top merry muffin celebrity stylist, has teamed up with Bravo to create a reality show! Excellent. The docu-drama, entitled The Rachel Zoe Project follows Zoe and her inner circle (assistants and a seemingly kind of creepy husband) as they endeavor to take Zoe's business to the next degree. Mmmm, think Project Runway meets celebrity sensations meet catty fashionista circles? Maybe?

Bravos eloquent writers are a little more elaborate in their description of the show, so I'll let them bust out synopsis of Project Zoe for you.

The series, the perfectly styled, go-to force among "it" starlets, fashion houses, beauty firms, and magazine editors will give viewers a fly on the wall look at how she juggles constant deadlines, fashion shows, and celebrity clients. Every week viewers will get to see Zoe and her team struggle to balance putting her at the forefront of a new design business, while insuring that she has plenty of time for the one-on-one requirements of her successful business as an A-list celebrity stylist, where she's on call 24-hours-a-day to shop, shape, and council, racing from meetings with designers at their showrooms to coast-to-coast hunting for unique clothes and accessories. Zoe will show viewers how her personalized touch has made her a household name by making over and styling models, private clients, advertising campaigns, editorial shoots, and runway shows in each episode.

Can't hold out? Want more info? Super, because you will also find an accompanying interview with R. Zoe herself attached. While the fashion world waits, Fabsugar graciously posted a preview for interested viewers. The 21-minute long video clip tore me between opinions, but I'll still check the debut.


PS. I am still weirded out by how identical Zoe and Nicole Richie look in appearance. I'm still uncertain of the details surrounding their fall-out, but my guess is sibling rivalry or the like.

(Source: Bravo, Photo1, Photo2)

Joel Madden is a Funny Guy

Since I like to stay in the know and find interesting morsels of information to post I've been randomly subscribing to Fashion Feeds where ever I can get my hands on them. My most recent find, WhoWhatWear.com, recently published an article entitled "A Guy's Opinion", featuring guest commentary by none other than Nicole Richie's main squeeze Joel Madden. Long story short, I love his response to Look 4 (Read: cookie cutter style of his girlfriend), Balenciaga bags and women's tights. Although, I'm pretty positive Nicole, or anyone else for that matter, wouldn't be too skittish on repping free Balenciaga merch.

Of all the content we create for WhoWhatWear.com, the most polarized reactions and unpredictable responses always stem from a single story—A Guy’s Opinion. Despite the controversy, we think it’s interesting to hear another perspective on fashion and we applaud the brave fellows who bare their brains in front of our readers.



On that note, our latest dude du jour, Joel Madden, is particularly well equipped to stand up in front of any audience. As the lead singer of Good Charlotte, we figured Madden’s seen his share of great and ghastly personal style and would be able to articulate what he likes the ladies to wear. Even though he’s currently on the road, wrapping up the US tour for the band’s latest album, Good Morning Revival (New Yorkers, they’re playing at Roseland tonight), Madden still took the time to break down five outfits for WhoWhatWear.com. We love that he’s clearly aware of the latest looks (as you’d expect from a man who’s dating fashion daredevil and delight, Nicole Richie), but doesn’t blindly endorse trends just because they’re current. Read on for his pop culturally astute point of view (and a sweet disclaimer)...


Of course, it goes without saying that I’m no fashion editor. I’m just a redneck from southern Maryland. All these girls seem very nice and are really pretty, so just because I don’t like their outfits, that doesn’t mean they’re not cool people—obviously.

Look 1
This outfit looks like something my fourth grade teacher would have worn on a field trip. Don't get me wrong; if my fourth grade teacher looked like this, I would have been stoked. But still, it’s a little old. I like high-waisted shorts, but not when they’re so loose and baggy. The shorts would look better if they were tighter and you could see her hourglass figure.

Look 2
I don’t like her outfit. It looks like something John Cusack’s character in Say Anything would have worn, if he was a girl who liked booty shorts. I do like the wingtips though; I just don’t like them with her socks and cut-offs. I think they would look better with pants.

Look 3
Her bag, the jacket, and her top are all great, but the skirt is just weird. I know high-waisted stuff is really in right now, but I think everyone’s overusing it. I love her black fingernails, but not the socks and shoes. Her whole outfit would have been better with something basic, like a pair of Chucks or Vans.

Look 4
Well, my girlfriend is going to hate me for saying this, but this look reminds me of her style—especially the headband and bunches of beads. She’s also going to hate me for saying this, but I don’t like when girls wear leggings. Anyway, going back to the headband, this one looks like you’re supposed to wear it with a flapper dress. I would dig a different headband style, like maybe a scarf? Yeah, a scarf would look better with this outfit. Also, I wish all Balenciaga bags could be thrown into a big hole and buried forever.

Look 5
The jeans are cool and very seventies with the brown belt. She looks like it's 1979, I mean that in a good way, a sexy way. The tight top is nice because it shows her body off since she's wearing bigger pants. I also like how all of the accessories are mismatched. The jacket throws everything off, though. It has a military vibe that just doesn’t fit with the rest of the outfit. I think it would have looked better with just the cardigan. I also think the hat looks like a chinchilla—it’s just a weird choice. So if you take off the hat and the blazer, I like this outfit.

Photo of Joel Madden, courtesy of Wireimage. Photo of Agyness Deyn, InfGoff. Photos of Anne Hathaway and Zoe Kravitz, SplashNews. Photo of Sienna Miller, courtesy of Buzz Photo. Photo of Pixie Geldof, Pacific Coast News.

(Source: Article, Photo)

Lady in the Blue Dress

I can't help but get excited for Fall fashion to hit stores. This is definitely not a Fall fashion post, but there are ideas brewing here. It's true that sometimes I don't phrase my train of thought correctly and will open up an entry as such, and so I beg that you bare with me for a moment. After briefly browsing Styleslicker, I came across the above photo and fell in love with the dress.

I can't see this shape or style (varying only on color) looking horrible on anyone (over 35). Okay, maybe not, but I still love the playful approach of this design. The vibrant blue base, white piping and ruffles give it a something or other kitschy catch, cleverly caught between summer and fall trends. The deep blue, large clutch, but are ballet flats really coming back?. I just hate that she paired the dress with matte black tights, even if it would be too short to wear bare legged and clunky heeled. I love tights as much of the next girl, but blah.

This is a post where I'm really just humoring myself (hah).

See through the Smoke

Whether or not anyone will applaud it, I've always had a strong penchant for smokers.


There's a mix of glamour and puffed up confidence that I can't help but envy. While some find comfort in oatmeal others just creep content on waves of billowy smoke.





Not being one myself (ever) I have yet to figure out the allure, just another to glamorize the look, idolize the defiance of the habit.


My favorite being an old photograph of this woman, courtesy Bryan Scott. The picture relates a well coiffed middle aged women reclining on her bed, confidently peering into the camera lens. Tied into the turquoise of her dress, she enjoys the last moment of her escape, the cigarette.