Calvin Klein Fall 2010 Preview

Calvin Klein's fall 2010 lookbook is in.  The style is classic CK, with a fitted silhouette.  Fall-appropriate industrial colors give the youthful collection a modern edge.  Thoughts?  Sign off in the comments!

-AL

[images via WWD]

Plans Unveiled For First NYFW At Lincoln Center

We just received the following information about the big move for New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September.  The new Lincoln Center setup sounds like a necessary upgrade and we're super excited to experience and report on the changes!

IMG announced today plans for its first season of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park at a fashion industry briefing supported by The City of New York, Lincoln Center and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The move to Lincoln Center has allowed IMG Fashion to unveil event upgrades such as modernized production capabilities for designers, digital services concurrent with the advanced needs of the 21st Century, better accessibility for attendees through both public and private transportation and great resources/facilities on-site and in the surrounding areas.

“This is a very exciting day for us,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “The move has allowed IMG to reinvent and improve so many aspects of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as well as develop a stronger link to the surrounding facitilies and spaces available at Lincoln Center and the neighborhood. This is the first season in what we are confident will be a long ‘run’ at Lincoln Center.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, which will be held from September 9 to 16, will implement a number of technical enhancements to adjust with the changing needs of the fashion community. These upgrades include; a gracious lobby to better accommodate designer guests, press and industry professionals; modified runway theaters and modular designer spaces that support advanced production capabilities; expanded lighting and digital design resources; new décor and increased venue/runway sizes and seating enhancements. The event will continue to host three runway venues, and has added a fourth presentation space for designer presentations, industry forums, press conferences and other activities. The venue cost to each designer will remain the same as in previous seasons of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Lincoln Center allows a unique opportunity in the evolution of the event, offering expanded resources and facilities around campus for the use of designer, press, industry and consumer activities. Inside the Tents, the site will feature increase lounge style seating in the event lobby and an outdoor garden for events and presentations as well as a number of restaurants, cafes and sitting areas around the Lincoln Center campus. Lincoln Center also provides attendees with convenient transportation and access to the event via the MTA’s subway systems, busses, the West Side Highway and light traffic flow on 9th Avenue (Columbus) and 10th Avenue (Amsterdam) making the hectic week of shows as effortless as possible for all attendees.

Each year, the 232,000 attendees at Fashion Weeks generate new economic activity for New York City businesses, accounting for more than $466 million in direct visitor spending and contributing to $1.6 billion in annual tax revenue to the City’s fashion industry. For the businesses surrounding Lincoln Center specifically – the restaurants, hotels, and retailers – as well as the thousands of caterers, security, and service workers staffing the shows, relocating Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will result in economic benefits. More than $40 million annually is spent on meals at local restaurants; nearly $30 million on taxis, Town Cars, and public transportation; and an additional $56 million at area hotels.

-AL

Closet Moment

We love Christian Siriano and we just discovered this video from Bluefly.com's Closet Confessions. Hysterical! Such amazing talent and entertainment to boot!

-AL

Add To Cart: DANNIJO Ring

If you pay attention closely to trends on the street, then you'll know why we're posting about rings.  It seems like everyone is sporting cool rings these days and the more unique the better.  Everyone wants to be edgy and DANNIJO is right there to cater.  The Penelope ring (pictured above) features DANNIJO's signature twisted look and the juxtaposition of oxidized silver and Swarovski crystals has that perfect balance of being rough, yet refined.  We also like that this particular ring has the look of a two-finger ring, but doesn't limit dexterity.

$170 at DANNIJO.com

-AL

Victoria Beckham Covers German Vogue

Well this is interesting.  Victoria Beckham is German Vogue's May 2010 cover girl.  Whether you're a fan or not, there's no denying that she's a fashion icon.  Starring in a new LG commercial with friend Eva Longoria (below), Beckham is also pursuing a career as a fashion designer, starting with her denim line. 

The photos by Alexi Lubomirski are beautiful and the blue hue is quite fitting for German Vogue's denim issue.

-AL

[images via]

Love The City?

More Drama. More Cat fights. More Fr-enemies.

What more can you ask for?

Though the casts look horrifying in the picture, I absolutely love the tension, competition between them and their careers. I would love Erin's job (one on the far left) working at ELLE magazine but it doesn't mean that I want a co-worker like Olivia Polermo (one on the far right), who is such a brat. Sorry to anyone who is a fan of her. Style aside, she is just too much drama to handle.

In the second season of The City, though, Whitney Port is planning on bringing more drama to the show--exciting! She will no more be a sweet Californian girl. It is her show. She's got to get her act together and not let people screw her over anymore.

Do not miss out on the first episode of this better-than-ever season!

Season 2 Premiere: April 27th at 10:30 pm

For anyone who hasn't seen the trailer yet--check it out on MTV's website.

-SB

[Image via MTV]

Add To Cart: Oxford Shirts

In the dark days of winter, menswear can assume quite a limited color palette, but the next few months ahead offer an opportunity for a wardrobe lift. Injecting some color into your wardrobe is one way to do that, without having to sacrifice comfort. With the weather not reaching summer heat just yet, an oxford shirt is the way to go. It's a classic, effortless style and I have yet to see someone doesn't look good in one.  Breathable and soft, it's the perfect spring piece.

Right on point, J. Crew released it's new Sun-Faded Solid Oxford Shirt, which looks fresh and crisp, but still has the sitting-in-the-sun-for-years feel of your favorite shirt.  The fit is a slimmer cut, eliminating the risk of looking like you're swimming in your shirt.  It comes in 5 different spring colors, but my personal favorite is the "faded mango".  For $65, it's no debate that these pastel oxfords are an effortless way to embrace the season.

Click here to visit the J. Crew online store.

-AL

Jennifer's Lolavie

Okay, I'll admit it, I can't wait to get a sample of her perfume. I will also admit that I love Jennifer Aniston so much that I could watch Friends all day, everyday. I was reading New York Magazine's The Cut blog earlier today, which was not about her fragrance, but about this photoshoot.

First of all, what do you think of Jennifer? Personally, I think she is a confident, beautiful, sexy, humorous woman. However, that is not exactly what I see in the photo shoot. Sadly, I see a confused, distraught woman.

Why does she look like she is about to cry? Is she sad about something? Is she scared of becoming a mom soon? (If you haven't heard by the way, she is apparently pregnant!)

I like her so much better when she throws a joke that will crack me up for good five minutes. Maybe I will understand it better once I finally get a whiff of the fragrance. In fact, I think I'm going to do that tomorrow. Find me at Saks! ;)

-SB

[Image via WWD]

Spin It: Not Myself Tonight

After some time out of the limelight, it looks like Christina Aguilera is back with a hot new single titled, "Not Myself Tonight".  It's catchy with a hard hitting beat and we can already tell it's going to be playing at all the dance clubs.  Can't wait for the rest of Christina's new album, Bionic!  Check out "Not Myself Tonight" below:

For more info on visit christinaaguilera.com.

-AL

Add To Cart: Decorative Pillows

If you haven't done your spring cleaning yet this year, it's time to get on it.  While the task is sometimes daunting, there's a reward at the end: redecorating!  Filling your new found space is the best part of purging out your old junk!  While fashion is switching over for the warmer months, the home décor stores are following suit, displaying an abundance of fresh findings. 

After a brief-turned-extensive trip to West Elm the other day, we were delighted to find a beautiful selection of decorative pillows.  The deconstructed designs were favorites, most notably the deconstructed rose pillow (pictured below).  West Elm is also carrying a fabulous brown and white zebra patterned pillow, among many other elaborately embroidered designs.

[Deconstructed Rose Pillow, $49]

[Zebra Pillow Cover, $39]

Visit westelm.com to see the whole collection.

-AL

From Catwalk To Sidewalk: Eidia Lush

Do you ever find yourself wanting a pair of shoes, but if only they were in a different color?  Have you ever wished that you could have a pair of shoes that no other woman has?

Well, the solution is Eidia Lush, an online, interactive footwear company that provides a fully customizable service. The Chicago based brand offers shoe lovers the luxury of personalizing their own shoes every season. You can choose from hundreds of patterns, trims, and accents that are updated regularly.

Eidia Lush offers 3 basic styles: pointy-toe flats, round-toe heels, or pointy-toe stilettos. You can also choose from the E.L Couture Line and design your own couture shoe. With the Total Custom Design option, you get a hands-on experience in designing your own shoe candy from tip to heel.

This Spring and Summer season, Eidia Lush has new patterns to choose from, whether you feel like stopping to smell the flowers or taking a walk on the wild side. The sidewalk can be anyone's runway to show off their take on the season's latest trends.


Try it out in just 5 easy steps!  And from now until mother's day, receive a 15% off discount with the promo code: HOTMAMA.

-AL

Spotted: Michaela

Name: Michaela
Occupation: Dancer/Student
Reads: Interview, Smoke & Mirrors Blog
Likes: Marchesa, TopShop
Personal Style: "I wear anything and everything! I am inspired by what I see on the streets of NYC. Sometimes I wear all black, sometimes crazy colors. I guess you could say I'm relaxed beachy with a city-chic twist."

We love that Michaela is embracing the military trend this season, with her neutral color palette.  Weaved brown belt and brown leather wedges are a great pairing with rolled up khaki pants.  The studded pale pink bag also adds a feminine, yet edgy touch to the look.

The Art Of Color

As the old adage says, "home is where the heart is". A place of retreat and security, and a reflection of who the owner is and where they have been. My long daily ninety minute commutes to New York leave me yearning for the comfort of my personal space. One's home environment in these busy days, must be more then a pretty space, but a sanctuary. Home décor often follows the fashion and beauty industries in color trends. The same colors present on the runway may soon be found in home design catalogues. Accent colors in wall paints and throw pillows mimic those in fashion accessories. And if the home reflects its owner, its color and design should reflect his or her personal style.

Color authority, PANTONE LLC is the standards in predicting color trends in both home and apparel fashion. The annual PANTONE Fashion Color Report is released to coincide with New York's fashion week. The report includes top fashion authorities and designers' sketches and written contributions, as a guideline for the ready-to-wear lines for the upcoming season. Colors go beyond the primary color wheel and into the depth of their origin in nature. As we approach the summer season, the industry looks for a fresh approach to cooler shades.

If you saw our announcement back in January, you'll remember that Turquoise is PANTONE's color of 2010, reflecting images of crystal clear water, island locales and spa environments. Fashion favorites: Living Coral, Lipstick Red and Purple Orchid are all shades represented in nature. Lipstick red is a darker red that is a classic lipstick color, while golden flow is an earthy yellow often found on fall leaves. The colors represent a desire to travel and have adventure in one's live. The upcoming Fall 2010''s palette is composed of customery shades with an infusion of complementry colors. Both fashion and home décor "rules" are no longer as structured,  with personal style dictating the final choices.

-EH

Jersey Shore Charm School

With a dramatic makeover, an etiquette intervention, and expert help, three of Jersey Shore’s infamous stars clean up their act. In the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Snooki, JWoww, and Sammi take some social grace lessons from Manhattan socialite Tinsley Mortimer, and showcase their new sense of style in a stunning spread.

And some quotes from the classy ladies:

Snooki on fame: “I can’t go out without being noticed. I still go to Dunkin’ Donuts…[but] oh, my God, it’s hard work.”

On her trademark hairstyle: “It was a teen Guidette thing, and when everyone grew out of it, I just kept it,” she says of her bump. “I’m launching the Snookit,” she says, her own version of Bumpits.

On manners: “I know a couple things about manners. I just don’t use them.”

JWoww on breast implants: “I’d do it every year if I could.”

Now you've got to wonder what it was like on set, mixing Harper's Bazaar, Tinsley and the Jersey girls... This is one issue you don't want to miss!  Hits newsstands April 27th.

-AL

"Redesigned. Reengineered. Re-everythinged"

And when you thought Apple was focusing on the launch of it's iPad, the marketing powerhouse turns around and delivers this...

Apple has come out with a new MacBook Pro and it's said to boost performance up to 50%, with battery life up to 10 hours.

To build something truly different, you need to work in a truly different way. Apple designers and engineers work together through every stage of product development. It’s a partnership that makes innovation possible. And it’s exactly how the MacBook Pro was created. With its patented unibody enclosure, industry-first features, and environmentally sound design, it’s a revolution in the way notebooks are made.

Anyone due for an upgrade?  Click here.

-AL

Must Have: Paloma Barceló Footwear

With Spring in full swing and Summer getting closer by the second, a great new pair of sandals is in order. Paloma Barceló will satisfy all of your warm-weather footwear needs. The line was started in 1960, by Manolo Barceló (Paloma being his beloved daughter), though Manolo's son, Manuel, has been at the creative helm for the last 20 years. The pieces are a fresh and fun take on the espadrille and a steady and loyal following is growing for the line because of its impeccable quality and the expert artistry that goes into each piece. Paloma Barceló has a style to fit your every need from a gorgeous strappy platform wedge to a beaded flat sandal.

Spend your summer days in style and comfort. Visit TheShoeBox.com to purchase.

-FC

Attention Shoppers: FCUK Sample Sale!

French Connection is having a sample sale and it starts today!  Find the latest men's and women's styles at 50%-70% off retail. All sizes and full fitting rooms available.

Time: Wed 4/14 - Sun 4/18, 10am-7pm
Location: 75 9th Ave - Chelsea Market
(btwn. 15th & 16th Streets)
New York, NY 10011

More info at www.ThePrive.com.

-AL

[images via]

Add To Cart: Tortoise Shell Glasses

There's something about tortoise shell glasses that always alludes to classic style.  This season, I've been considering acquiring a pair of my own, noticing a growing trend on the streets of New York.  Moscot's Hyman is the perfect frame to satisfy my style craving and coming from the eyewear specialist's "Originals" collection circa 1915, these glasses are about as classic as you can get.

As they would say in those MasterCard commercials, Moscot Hyman frames: $179, looking cleverly suave: priceless.

-AL

SJP Loves Michelle Vale's Balancé Tote

With the Sex and The City 2 movie a little more than a month away, all eyes are on SJP and her ensembles. Carrie Bradshaw's outfits are nothing short of show-stopping, but Sarah Jessica Parker's real personal style is also something to be admired. She puts things together in such a cool and effortless way, but it comes from years of practice.

The fashionable superstar was seen outside of her New York City home with her son toting a simply chic tote from handbag designer Michelle Vale. Vale started her line in 2006 based on the principles of creating pieces that are of the highest quality and that are perfect for women on the go. Her handbags are fashion-forward yet elegant, a description that most would use for SJP herself. Vale's Balancé Tote is perfect for almost anything. It transitions beautifully from day to night and comes in an array of colors and textures to fit any woman's desires.

To get the Balancé Tote and share something in common with SJP, visit www.michellevale.com. *Image courtesy of Splash News Online.

-FC

Vanity Fair Is Raining Glee

Laura Jacobs and photographer Michael Roberts spotlight the male stars of Fox’s Glee, in a designer-clad homage to Gene Kelly in next month's Vanity Fair.

Here, the men of Glee reprise that showstopper while wearing a slew of other showstoppers from the likes of Armani, Bally, Borsalino, Burberry, Etro, Hermès, Jil Sander, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Van Heusen, and Zegna. Umbrellas—by Swaine Adeney Brigg—complete the ensemble. 

See the May issue for the full story and visit vanityfair.com.

-AL

"If You're Not Having A Hot Flash, You're Dead"

A second trailer for the Sex And The City 2 movie has been released and it looks like the girls are headed for a fabulous adventure in Abu Dhabi!  It also looks like Carrie might be getting a little too "carried" away.  The movie is scheduled for a May 27th release.

In the meantime, if you haven't seen it yet, watch the new preview below:

-AL

Gwyneth Covers May Bazaar

Style icon, Oscar winner, wife, and mom, Gwyneth Paltrow is living the golden life, gracing the May cover of Harper’s Bazaar and exuding elegance, glamour and sophistication.

In a candid interview, Paltrow opens up about juggling work, mommy-dom and marriage while preparing for the release of Iron Man 2, the trials of fame, and her controversial website, GOOP. Plus, find out why she’s been on a steady diet of fried chicken and booze.

On shooting Iron Man: “Iron Man was heaven. The kids could come every day. They had their mini Jeep they drove around the parking lot in front of my trailer. I wasn’t naked or crying like on the Nashville movie, where it was like, ‘No, you can’t visit Mommy today.’ This was a much different thing. But professionally, I did feel so ‘Oh, my God, yes, this is what I do. You know, this is me.’"

Iron Man co-star Robert Downey Jr. on her personality: “She knows how to go large and she knows how to be that thing and that person and then the rest of the time she’s wearing a pair of yoga pants and steaming some cod or something."

On her husband, Coldplay’s Chris Martin: “He is so great because he’s so supportive of me as an artist. He loves the fact that I’m working and was so fulfilled by this job that I did in Nashville. He’s my biggest supporter. He’s always like, ‘We’ll make it work.’ I really lucked out with him. He’s deeply lovely and special.”

It's been a while since we've seen Gwyneth on any glossy covers, but she is looking regal and radiant in the photoshoot by Alexi Lubomirski. The May issue hits stands April 27th. Visit www.harpersbazaar.com/gwyneth for the full story and more fabulous photos from the shoot.

-AL

Must Have: Katherine Kwei Handbags

Everyone is always looking for the newest "It" designer and we have found one in Katherine Kwei. Her pieces are impossibly chic and the knot technique seen in her designs will not only set you apart, but will also put you ahead of the pack.

Kwei's inspiration stems from her Chinese heritage. The "eternity" knots seen in her designs are a technique that originated over 1000 years ago in China and began as a form of folk art. Kwei combines tradition with modern design in a seamless and elegant way and each of her pieces transcend mere fashion and become works of wearable art, a must-have for any fashion die-hard. Her pieces use every material from metallic leather to exotic skin and have a range of colors to perfectly complement any ensemble.

Celebrities from Jennifer Lopez to Blake Lively have been seen toting Kwei's pieces and they were even spotted on an episode of Gossip Girl, which boasts the hottest wardrobe on television. Her designs range from $100 to $2000 so there is indeed something for everyone. They are available at the best boutiques and department stores from Saks Fifth Avenue to Kitson. Buy one now and join the fashion elite.

Visit www.katherinekwei.com for more information. More pieces from her collection below.
-FC