Vanity Va-Va-Voom

Penelope Cruz is a head-turner! (No pun intended with the cover image above.) In the the November issue of Vanity Fair, Cruz talks about her 2 upcoming movies Broken Embraces and Nine and author Ingrid Sischy "taps into the fierce passions of the Oscar-winning enchantress, whether for her directors, leading men (including current flame Javier Bardem), or the cinema itself."

The spread was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and styled by Jessica Diehl. For the full story, click here.

[images via Vanity Fair]

Highlights from Harper's Bazaar's October Issue

Fashion reflects what's going on in our society and Harper's Bazaar is known for infusing its stories with a unique flair for culture. After an exciting sneak peek of Bazaar's new Runway Report issue, we sat down with the current issue and thought we'd share a few refreshing stories on three distinct, significant topics.

Diane von Furstenberg: Unwrapped

Legendary designer Diane von Furstenberg, who was immortalized in one of Andy Warhol's pop-art portraits, opens up to Bazaar about the secrets behind her prolific success and her glamorous life.

On her career: “I have great satisfaction because the older I get, the younger my consumers are. And that's kind of fun, and that's kind of keeping me young and making me relevant.”

Her mission is… “To empower women. Why? Because I wanted to be an empowered woman, and I became an empowered woman. And now I want to empower every woman. And I do it through my clothes, I do it through my words, I do it through [giving back]."

On her design philisophy: "I like to think that my style and the clothes I design are effortlessly elegant and sexy. I think the word effortless is very important. I think that that creates an ease and a confidence, because I think there's nothing more beautiful than a woman who's confident.”

Tim Burton's Magical Fashion

Photo credit: Tim Walker

In anticipation of Tim Burton's retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, Bazaar reimagines the season’s dark delights in a lush photoshoot, featuring iconic looks inspired by Burton's films. The glamorous styles featured include Oscar de la Renta, Nina Ricci and Alexander McQueen. We recognized looks from Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride and Pee-Wee's Big Adventure -- help us decipher the rest -- they're sure to fire your imagination for Halloween!

Cheap and Easy Fall Fashion

Make cheap chic! Bazaar explains that, while the fall season has offered a copious number of fashion trends, it has also refreshingly heralded the return of easy elegance that can make a statement with simple styles and neutral hues. Check out these affordable finds, and find out how to transform inexpensive pieces into timeless treasures!

Photo credit: Greg Kadel

As you set off on your shopping hunt, be sure to search for rich-looking fabrics, mixing textures with an emphasis on contrast – for example, a leather jacket teamed up with a silky dress or a Banana Republic satin trench, with an organic knit. Crisp whites and loose, luxe pants are a sure bet. Plus, make a masculine-feminine point with a tailored jacket over a striped knit dress.

The One And Only Chanel No. 5

With the biographical movie, Coco Avant Chanel opening in the box office, Chanel has taken advantage of the publicity to re-introduce Chanel No. 5 to the world. The Parisian luxury couturier created a short film, featuring Coco Avant Chanel's Audrey Tautou. The imagery is alluring with quintessential Chanel elegance. We're totally obsessed with the shot of Audrey lying in bed in her train coach, with the silhouette of the No. 5 bottle projected onto the door behind her (above). The concept of the dream, the aspiration and luxury of Chanel is portrayed beautifully in the film.

The film is even being shown on tv as a commercial, which reminded us to share it with all of you and anyone who hasn't seen it yet! Watch the long version below:

[image via Jezebel]

Harper's Bazaar Runway Report

It's been a whirlwind past few weeks, with fashion weeks in progress in the world's fashion centers. It's been exciting to see all of the trends to look forward to next season, but after it's all over, you might be stuck thinking about what to buy for this season. Harper's Bazaar has come to the rescue with its annual bonus issue, publishing a who's who guide to the hottest new designers, biggest fall trends, must-have accessories and much more.

The captivating, neon cover was enough to get us to pick it up and get pumped up for fall and the shopping that this season entails. The bonus issue is very service oriented, presenting photos from the runways in New York, Paris, London and Milan that we might have forgotten about since February. The spreads look amazing, laying out the best of the best of each collection. There is even a section dedicated to the editor's wish lists. Major trends in accessories, hair and make-up are all showcased, making this magazine your fall fashion and shopping bible.

The Harper's Bazaar Runway Report comes out tomorrow on a newsstand near you and you'll be lucky if you can get your hands on one of these! A definite must-have before you shop for your fall wardrobe.

Fashion Forward: Burberry Prorsum

Christopher Bailey can do no wrong! The British designer showed yet another mind blowing collection for Burberry Prorsum last week. Aside from showing some of the most incredible designs for next season, the S/S 2010 runway show also brought in a house full of A-listers, including current Burberry face Emma Watson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary-Kate Olsen, Victoria Beckham, and Liv Tyler. The front row also included the industry's biggest movers and shakers, like French Vogue Editor-in-Cheif Carine Roitfeld, Photographer Mario Testino and of course, the one and only Anna Wintour.

Bailey had the perfect combination of colors and neutrals, in military inspired ensembles. Shoulders were strong and waists were structured with heavy duty belts. The tied and wrapped fabrics looked amazing and so unique, adding a feminine side to the militaristic style. There was also a few splashes of metallics here and there. The fabric's texture and colors remind us of cupcakes and meringue -- delish!

An amazing collection, by an even more amazing designer. You must view the rest of the looks on Style.com and don't forget to check out all of the details.

Here's a great shot of Emma Watson and Gwyneth Paltrow applauding at the end of the show, while Anna is caught making her escape. Love it:

[images via Style.com and WCBS]

TGIF: Sip On This!

Well its Friday again. The city is abuzz with a bunch of crazy stuff to do so why not start it off with a drink equally as crazy!

Devils Kiss

Grab a shot glass and pour 1 1/2 oz of Goldschlager for the bottom layer. Slowly pour 1/4 oz of Bacardi 151 for the top layer. For a finishing touch, light the shot on fire before serving.

Watch out these babies will get you!

*Remember - blow it out before shooting it down!*

Enjoy!

{via}

AddToCart: Time for a change!

Whenever the seasons change I try and switch up my apartments style. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make big a impact. It’s all in the accessories honey. Here are some great ways to spice up your space without busting your budget!

Pillows
It doesn’t matter whether your changing up your living room good throw pillows are a must. They are a way to add a kick of colour or pattern without overwhelming a room.

Custom Pillow by Letter Perfect Designs starting at $38 Wall Decals
You may remember these from when you were a child but they have definitely come a long way. They are a great way to put a little bit of fun to a room or a huge bold statement. They are a cheap and easy to remove so why not try them out!

Decal by PopWall starting at $15 Clocks
A clock is something we use every day but why not make it a piece of art. Think outside the box when looking for one. You will be surprised with whats out there!

Clock by Decoylab $68

Attn Vogue Lovers of Vancouver!

Vogue lovers of Vancouver get excited. Screening Tuesday Oct 6th as part of the Vancouver film festival is a flick called The September Issue. It will take you behind the scenes with Anna Wintour while preparing Vogues biggest issue of the year! Director R.J Cutler gives us a taste of fashion weeks all over the world, photo shoots and behind the scenes with staff. A fashionista’s dream!

For more info click here! Happy viewing!

Fashion Forward: Nolcha

On the second last day of New York Fashion Week, we took a break from the tents to spend some time at Nolcha Fashion Week, which features emerging, independent designers and rising talent. We saw quite a few collections by designers of a variety of backgrounds. The morning runway show had a great line up of designers: Tami B, Shericia, Kimmystic.Clo and Soka. The Kimmystic.Clo collection stood out, with edgy designs and wearable dresses. There was also a great use of color and an urban street appeal.

At the evening runway show, we sat in on Rock Hard Atelier, Afanador and Quiet Riot. Rock Hard Atelier opened the show with a great soundtrack. Favorite look was a black wrap dress, likely inspired by the great Diane von Furstenberg. Lots of short cocktail dresses filled the collection in neutral color blocked geometries, a cute style with clean lines.

We also really liked this one dress from the Quiet Riot collection (shown below), for its simple silhouette and cut. The strong shoulders and bubble-like skirt create the illusion of a tighter waist, which is always flattering.

The shoes on the runway really left a lasting impression, with high, platform heels and cute strapped sandals, by German custom shoe company, selve. Here's a video from the event by FASHION & STYLE:

[runway images via]

WhatTheFashion: Craft Time!

Well Olivia Wilde this looks like papier-mâché! The colour, how its pieced together, everything! The bottom reminds me of debris all stuck in sea weed. Is that the look you were going for? The top is kind of artsy I guess? I give you that. The back however, though decently low looks like a skating costume thanks to the zipper. I will say however they did match the mesh perfectly to her skin tone!

Bahh I need something more! Colour? I dont know, something! Wearing a dress that looks like it was cut with safety scissors and half glued to your body just isn’t cutting it...no pun intended!

{img via}

Attention Shoppers: 7 For All Mankind's First Ever Warehouse Sale

Click the photo to see it full size for details! To RSVP, click here. Happy shopping!

Fashion Forward: Thuy

Thuy had a great show on Sunday afternoon. Designer Thuy Diep, a grad of the prestigious Parsons School of Design is also an Ivy League grad, having studied at Brown. Her impressive background education aside, she created a beautiful, 26 look spring collection.

The collection felt like spring, with pretty purples and light, creamy colors. Many of the fabrics were light and flowed nicely down the runway. The latex trench coat (shown below) was a definite highlight of the collection, belted back and open at the front while the model walked.

There were also some metallics showing up throughout the collection, a trend that we're beginning to notice in other designers' spring collections as well. We absolutely loved the gold biker jacket and gold trench-dress, both in shades of gold. The biker jacket had an oversized lapel and unique back cut-out, complete with a belt around the cropped waist. Superb!

Spin It: Revolver

Apparently, Madonna's single "Revolver", said to be from her new album Celebration, was officially released last Thursday. This single sounds much more digitized than the original and for some reason, we keep thinking... Britney? Nonetheless, it's still a great song, featuring Lil' Wayne, so be sure to add that to your playlist!

The 2-disc Celebration album hits stores September 29th. Listen below:

[image via]

Jimmy's Coming To H&M!

O.M.G. Lookbook images for Jimmy Choo's H&M collection have been released, whether officially or not! The collection looks sexy and super edgy. We're totally in love with the shoes, especially the stilettos in the photo above. We're also really liking the electric blue appearing in both the women's and men's collections. The zebra print is very Jimmy Choo, but also sort of reminds us of the animal patterns from Roberto Cavalli's H&M collection 2 years ago. There are some nice things for the guys too, like the jacket and boots depicted below. The collection will be available on November 14th, 2009 in 200 of H&M's worldwide stores. Mark your calendar's fashionistas!

[images via]

Fashion Forward: Andy & Debb

The tents were a little quiet over the weekend, but by the time the Andy & Debb show started on Saturday it was full house with even standing room packed. The show definitely lived up to it's expectations, showing sophisticated looks and (to our delight!) lots of neutrals. Garment construction was a mix of free flowing fabrics and more rigid, structured fits. Three hot pink looks appeared close to the end of the show and were fantastic! There were also a lot of autumn-like colors that provided some interest to the spring collection. The show was styled by T Magazine's fashion director, Anne Christensen, who did an amazing job with the looks.

Fashion Forward: Collaboration At Carlos Campos

This season, Carlos Campos showed a very mild-colored collection, with lots of black and white offset by hints of yellow and statement pieces in bright blue. The presentation setup was really effective, having the models show off the collection as a whole, but then one by one come forward to showcase each look. It was a nice contrast to see the all black and all white looks physically separated on the platform. Our absolute favorite look was the fierce white satin suit, shown below:

Carlos Campos had lots of collaborative support for his collection, with shoes by Aldo and beautiful, unique jewelry by Dannijo. The bangles, necklaces and rings were all custom designed to complement the collection's edgy, modern aesthetic.

Fashion Forward: Monarchy by Eric Kim

Monarchy had a star-studded audience on Friday afternoon. Self-proclaimed "world's first supermodel" Janice Dickinson sat front row, as did Jennifer Love Hewitt, ANTM's J. Alexander and Twilight star Kellan Lutz. 90210's AnnaLynne McCord sat at the far end of the front row and styled as if she was supposed to be on the catwalk! She obviously likes the brand, as she was taking photos on her phone throughout the whole show.

The prominent color in Monarchy's spring/summer 2010 collection appeared to be the steel blue, which was paired with white and light silver. Silhouettes were sexy and moved beautifully down the runway. The fabrics were silky and smooth, contrasted by distressed denim, a trend which looks to be carrying through to next year.

The fabric belt tied into a bow around many of the girl's looks is definitely going to be on our watch list for 2010 spring trends. It appeared not only on shorts, but also skirts and pants. Of course, our favorite part of the collection was sepia toned neutral looks that appeared one after the other in the middle of the show. Lots of white, grey, cream and khaki, a perfect palette for a classy summer look.

Official Mercedes-Benz video of the show below:

[images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Celebrity Mound and Zimbio]

Fashion Forward: Twinkle by Wenlan

After the Yigal Azroüel show on Friday morning, we headed to Twinkle by Wenlan. The collection "grinds the spirit of Yoko Ono with the attitude of Blondie for a riotously artistic doctrine." (press release) The pieces were fun and light with bold patterns and tasteful use of color. We saw many black and white looks closer to the beginning of the show and color was slowly introduced with each look that came out. There were quite a few short trapeze cut dresses, which looked easy to pull off and allow for ample movement. Two great examples of these below:

Although it was a very intimate atmosphere in The Salon at Bryant Park, the show attracted TV stars Yin Chang (Gossip Girl's Nelly Yuki and Mochi magazine cover girl), who appropriately wore a Wenlan design, and Reshma Shetty (Royal Pains' Divya Katdare), who sat front and center.

[image of Reshma Shetty and Yin Chang via Daylife]

Fashion Forward: Yigal Azroüel

It looks like Spring/Summer 2010 is going to be all about geometry. This morning, Yigal Azroüel showed an emphasis on structure detailing and tailoring. Loved the color scheme with the hints of "flame" and "pistachio". The mens looks featured darker, earthy tones and a cleaner silhouette than some of Yigal's past collections. Some of our favorites above and below.

*Fun side note: we sat across from ANTM's J. Alexander.