Hollywood Forever

Typically if a guy asked to take me on a date in a cemetery my response would go something like this: ummm... ya know actually, I just realized I have to wash my hair that night. And every night for the rest of my life (Insert dial tone here).

However yesterday when said question was proposed, I thought, hmmm, this is weird, but its so weird, that I think I just might be into it. So being the brave dater I am, I agreed and decided to just be open. Well as it turns out, when I told a couple people that I was going to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to watch a movie, I wasn't met with the furrowed eyebrows I had forseen coming my way. But rather, oh ya! Ive heard of that, its supposed to be really cool. Ok, so clearly their on whatever homedude is on, and I'm just gonna have to judge this one for myself.

Well low and behold, when we arrived, blankets and bottles in hand, I felt like I had been time warped to 1967 woodstock, and somewhere along the way the time machine went haywire and brought along some familiar faces from Coachella to make a general vibe of awesomeness! A sea of people with blankets and boose, a DJ pumping out the best of the early 70's and against the backwall of the mosaleum, beautiful vintage movie posters are projected in a steady stream, with the unmistakeable smell of a certain 3 leaf plant floating throughout the crowd of silverlake hipsters on a warm summer night. Amaaaazing.

Last night they screened the movie "Blow Up" featuring a young Vanessa Redgrave, about a fashion photographer who mistakenly photographs a murder. Trust me it sounds better than it is- we left the movie still unsure of what exactly had just happened. But visually a really beautiful film, as most of them were back then. Next weeks feature- Phillip Kaufman's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", followed the next week by "Midnight Cowboy" featuring a couple of young actors you may have heard of once or twice.

Even though I now realize that Cinespia is in its 10th season, I figure if I'm from this town and have never heard of it, maybe some of you haven't either. And if youre living in LA or just passing through, this is definitely worth checking out on a Sunday night. See you there! :)

Go-Go Gaga

Ok- its official. I have crossed over to the dark side. The dark side being the Lady Gaga side. And yes, its pretty shady over here. But after watching this video I just couldn't fight it anymore... and trust me, I tried. But truth be told this is the best music video I've seen since probably the early 90's when the inspirations for this video were in full spin and MTV was still playing music videos. That is, the video's I grew up watching and emulating with my cousins and sisters were in rotation, not the least of which was Janet Jackson, who in my opinion ruled the music video world in conjunction with big brother Michael. Not to knock Madonna of course, because we all know she reigned supreme in pushing the limits of sexuality and "societal regulations" of "appropriateness".  Well between the two of those ladies the envelope was pushed pretty much off the edge. And now Lady Gaga has come along to pick up where those ladies left off, and she didn't skimp on paying homage to her predecessors. Whether intentional or not almost all of the images in this video bring back a memory of Janet Jackson's "Rythym Nation", and where those leave off, the wide spectrum of Madonna references pick up.



I'm not saying its a totally original concept but its about time someone has come along to take the reigns that Madonna and Janet held, and force people to question their ideas of right and wrong, and challenge the religiosity that has formed societies rules. Yes we've had our share of Brittany's and Xtina's, but its not just about "getting dirty" and grinding on poles. Its about the message being conveyed in the lyrics, and in this particular song Gaga is bringing the militaries 'Dont ask Dont tell' policy to the light and exposing it for how truly ridiculous, out-dated, and prejudice it is. And it does that with thanks in no small part to the genius of both legendary photographer-come-music-video-director Steven Klein, and Gaga's costume designer/stylist Nicola Formichetti. The video reminds me of what motion picture is meant to be, this video looks like a beautiful editorial story literally put into motion. Every frame is rich and interesting and the styling is done to perfection in every detail. The rubber nun habit's, the opening scene of chiseled men dressed in fishnets and military hats with pumps, the leather shirt, tie, and trench on the antagonist at the end, and the set design to boot...no detail is unattended to.



There will always be some people with negative things to say about anything untraditional. But lets face it, its pretty sad, that 25 years after Madonna kicked off the crusade, people are still as up-in-arms as they were then about a video where ADULTS freely express their sexuality... I thought this was 2010 people. I may not plan to show this to my 6 year old neice any time soon, but lets stop with the shock and awe act everytime a woman does a pelvic thrust. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box now. Check it for yourself.

Crowning Glory: CFDA's big winner's and losers

So as I'm sure you have all heard by now the big night has finally arrived. That's right tonight the CFDA crowned its royal court. And although many of my personal picks went home empty handed, there were, no doubt, some great moments, and some really great designers who did take home awards, and deservingly so.

SJP in Alexander McQueen

The shows most memorable moment went to Sarah Jessica Parker giving a tribute to Alexander McQueen in front of a choked up celeb encrusted audience, dressed in a gown personally picked for her by the houses new designer and former McQueen assistant Sarah Burton. She did look lovely, I will give it to SJP, but then again how could you not in such a beautiful creation like the one she wore?

Michael Kors accepted his lifetime achievement award, which although the thought a Michael Kors frock might normally give me the heeves, even I will admit that Michael really has accomplished a great deal in his career. He reminds me of a young Ralph Lauren, with all of those glossy ads featuring a suped up Carmen Kass, Kors has mastered selling people not just a label but a lifestyle, one that now includes everything from fragrance to shoes and accessories... next stop paint? Well I hope not, thats pushing it, even for Ralph. But you get my point. He does what he does well. Again, not for me, but if you're looking for glam yet classic, sophisticated womenswear you'd be hard pressed to find a designer in Kors' league. So congrats Michael. Now, moving right along to something I can stomache...

Gwyneth Paltrow in Michael Kors

GUESS WHO WON WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR??!!!!! Ok ok Ill tell you! The one the only, the man who presented a collection for fall that brought a single tear to my eye... you guessed it, MARC JACOBS! Yay! Now, let me just say, the people that I called to win were not so much predictions as they were favorites... I dont wanna split hairs here people but it is different. And out of all of those that I picked, the only one I thought might throw me into a violent tantrum if snubbed was Marc. That collection deserves another award. I don't even know what other fashion awards there are but I wish there were more so he could go around collecting like Meryl Streep during movie awards season. But alas the one will have to do. I have a sneaking suspicion Marc might be ok with that.

Alexa Chung in Marc Jacobs Collection

As far as Swarovski goes, its all about emerging talent, and generally I think whoever wins, its great. Because when youre a young designer you can use all the help you can get so I'm the first to say congratulations to anyone who recieves the honor and the financial backing this award provides. HOWEVER, I feel a liiiiiiiittle bit irritated that Joseph Altuzarra didn't take this award for womenswear. I thought he was a shoe-in (haha no pun intended). But seriously, I did, and not because I love him personally, I do but thats not the point. But because I really thought he deserved it. Am I shocked that Jason Wu took it? Considering he's won the favor of the first lady and American Vogue? No. But I had hopes that this award would go to a designer who was truly an emerging talent, meaning one who is bringing something edgy, new and different to the fashion world and those aren't words that are synonymous with Jason Wu's collections as far as I'm concerned. That said however, I am happy for Wu, he wasn't my pick, but he's done very well for himself being such a new designer and I am happy for any young designer who gets the support that comes with this award.

Ok enough about me already... here's the total wrap up of the nights big winners...


Menswear Designer of the Year-


Tom Ford

Michael Bastian

Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag and Bone


Womenswear Designer of the Year-

Alexander Wang

Marc Jacobs

Donna Karan


Accessory Designer of the Year-

Marc Jacobs

Alexis Bittar

Jack McCoulough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler


Swarovski Award for Womenswear-

Jason Wu

Prabal Gurung

Josheph Altuzarra



Swarovski Award for Menswear-

Simon Spurr

Richard Chai

Patrick Ervell


Swarovski Award for Accessory Design-

Eddie Borgo

Alexander Wang

Dana Lorenz


Eugenia Sheppard Award – Kim Hastreiter, Paper
International Award – Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Fashion Icon Award – Iman
Eleanor Lambert Award – Tonne Goodman, Vogue
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievment Award- Michael Kors
CFDA Special Tribute Award- Alexander McQueen

Listen Up

So over the past two days I have been in sunny Palm Springs California ringing in my bff's birthday with lots of sun and relaxation. Generally on trips to Palm Springs there's not much to do except lay by the pool, swim, and eat. And in this case, listen to music. Which brings to my point. And that is, Drake's much anticipated "first" album entitled "Thank Me Later". I started listening to it on Friday night because a friend had the leaked version on his ipod and have spent practically the whole weekend listening to it on repeat ever since. I just could not get enough of this album. My favorite tracks which include "You can Thank me now" ( a bit of a Jay-Z vibe on the hook I think), and "Fireworks" feat Alicia Keys are just 2 of the 14 tracks on this album and I don't think there is one that I don't love. Truth be told I don't have anything particulary witty to say about this album, all I know is I could not wait to get back to civilization and internet so that I could share how good it is.

Although some may comment that Drake sings too much or his music is generally for girls because of the lyrical content, (often focused on past love and relationship woes), I personally couldn't disagree more. Yes he sings on some of the tracks, but considering he sings well I dont see why thats a problem. There are always those people who want to keep hip-hop in a box and criticize anyone who steps outside of it, but I think you have to allow music to grow, no matter what genre, and allow artists to experiment and try new things for the sake of the music itself. There are some of those heart felt tracks centered around love and relationships but he doesn't skimp on the grit and street talk so don't worry, hard core hip-hop fans won't be dissapointed, there's plenty of the mixtape Drake we all know. His smoothe delivery and witty lyrics are everpresent and combined with strong production that will have you bopping your head in unison with every beat. On top of that you really feel his passion, his pain, and connect with the music, which for me is what music is all about anyways. My final answer- This is one of the best hip hop albums from beginning to end I've heard in a while and im sure all of those critics will be playing it on repeat come tuesday. Run don't walk.

The Row

Once I heard someone say in reference to the Olsen's clothing line, The Row,  "Those girls bug the shit out of me but their clothes are perfect."

That always stuck in my head because A. It was funny, but B. I thought, what a compliment that actually is.

And actually, how true it is. Not the 'bug the shit out of me' part, because I actually really like them. More so after working with them and finding them to be almost abnormally normal. I worked with Ludivine Poiblanc and she styled them for a portrait for Katie Grand's LOVE magazine. Up until the shoot I had all these expectations of how they would be. How far removed from society, quiet, secretive, and cocooned into a little world of their own in which no one else existed. But as it turned out, they were cool as cucumber. They chatted openly about where they live, designers they like, life at the office (where they spend most of their time apparently), Whole Foods, the decision to move back in together because they spent all of their time together anyways... They were so open and normal, I was almost shocked.

That gave way for me to take a truly objective look at the work they were doing at The Row without any of that 'another celebrity trying to be a designer' bias I had previously. I always thought they had great style, even though I probably would never have said it outloud, but as we all know, great style does not a designer make. So over the past few months when working on jobs, I slowly started to include The Row in my requests, what I knew they were great at was basic simple tees and tanks, just the extra bits and bobs you always end up needing on a shoot. But then when working on ad jobs that required me to do pulls at Barney's, I kept coming across their full line. And the verdict? Well, as it turns out, aformentioned dude was right, the clothes are Perfect. Yes capital P.

Its sort of like... and this might sound really bad, but its a really big compliment actually... The Row is the American Apparel of high end fashion. Ok so before you go jumping to all sorts of conclusions about what that means, and recalling not so good images of polyester jumpsuits into your head, let me just explain what I mean. The Row is a one stop shop for any and every basic wardrobe element you could possibly want. The perfect blazer, the perfect little black dress...leather skirt, trench coat, leather jacket, soft beautiful tshirts and tanks, wool wrap coats for winter, silk slip dresses and to top it all off, almost everything comes in my personal favorite color palette of black, navy, grey, and white.

Now lets be honest, I was slightly underwhelmed when I saw the show on style.com for FW10, there wasn't really a WOW moment for me in it all. BUT! We must keep in mind that this is not the place you go for bells, whistles, and woohoo, this is the place you go for key wardrobe pieces in quality fabrics that you are going to keep forever, and thatg you will likey be wearing over or under your woohoo pieces for seasons to come, even as your favorite woohoo pieces are going out of style. These are clothes that don't go out of style, timeless, classic, and chic... for two girls who worship the ground Francisco Costa walks on I think its very safe to say Costa would be proud.

Some looks from fw10

Obsessed

I've realized that ive just got to STOP overthinking this blog. I started out just writing about whatever little thing sparked my interest or struck my fancy (I like that better), and then at some point I started over-anylizing what I was writing about and if it was smart enough, sophisticated enough or interesting enough. Well, im over it. So now Im just going back to what I like and want to write about, and some will care, others won't be able to care less. But hell! Its a blog! Not the New York Times! So ya wanna hear it? Here it go...

Current obsession:

So the other day, I'm walking down my street to the 99 cent store, as I often do, and as I am crossing my street I suddenly see someone hop out of an SUV, which as I get closer, I realize is...GASP!...Alexander Wang! Now, I know, I know, I can't make up my mind about this kid. I'm into him, I'm over him, all in one article (if you can call these articles), BUT! that was all before my friends and I spotted him at Coachella, and then proceeded to bum rush him for a picture. It was in that moment that I realized how much I truly love him (single tear). So all this brings me to my actual point which is my current obsession....

Well obsessionzzzz.

1. The Alexander Wang leopard spotted Diego bucket bag
2. The Alexander Wang Anoucke Beatle Boots from pre-fall

Now I don't happen to currently have an extra two grand lying around, (living bicoastal aint cheap). But, when I do, and that's a when not an if, they are on my list of must-haves. I told ya'll Ive got a thing for the leapoard and it can not be controlled. And as if that weren't enough, it has feet! Little metal feet on the bottom of the bag...ugh so good. And those boots, I mean...comeon...need I say more? What can't you wear these with, better yet, what won't I wear these with? Especially come Fall?? The answer is nothing...on both accounts. Btw- Just to keep it extra Wangy, they've got metal in the cutout of the heel, just a little detail love makes aaall the difference.

I love you Alex. I hope we can put our troubled past behind us. Swooooon.

The Artist is Present

Artist Marina Abromovic is engaged in a performance art peice and she wants You to be part of it. The exhibit, entitled "The Artist is Present" involves Abromovic sitting in a chair in an open space with football stadium lighting and an empty chair across from her. That is, until the long winding line advances and one of the many patrons who have been waiting patiently before the museum opened its doors, sits in aformentioned chair. Then begins the interactive portion of the exhibit... People who have taken part in the performance art exhibit have described it as an emotional experience. You sit across from her, and eventually, like a Barbara Walters interview, participants get choked up. Tears streaming, one at a time, the defeated calmly gets up and walks away offering the seat to the next challenger.

But don't be fooled. This is no staring contest. So what is going on in Marina's head, body, energy, to evoke such a response? And what prompts her to, at times, look away and put her head down in a suggestion that certain patrons leave the seat? All of these questions are exact reason people continue to line up and wait patiently for hours. Because by all accounts, its just something you have to experience to understand.

So what is the point? I'd like to know, and Ill assume you would to... Well, by the artists own admission, this isnt really about the audience, per se. Its a study on the longevity of performance art as a medium. What happens if one performance artist, performs the same exhibit day in and day out for three months, as Abramovic is currently doing for the first time ever. Is it the same show by day 60 as it was at day 2? And what happens if said artist passes away, does their art survive them, can it be replicated, recreated? And most importantly, I suppose, what is the audience member taking away with them when they leave a performance art show?

Well, by accounts of this show, audience members are taking away a provocative experience, causing some to re-examine the way they interact with others on a daily basis. "I sit across from people on the subway everyday" said one visitor, "and I never really look at people...their feelings, their expressions, the emotions, its all there." Well, Marina's intentions may not have anything to do with social change, but for the audiences part, people seem to be walking away with a profound experience, that has altered the way they interact with others... Atleast for the ride home anyway.

Buy tickets


Picture c/o aol.com

Paolo Roversi is trying to kill me.

Ok so lets face it, everything I post on here is the most beautiful, most amazing thing I've ever seen (to date anyways), or else what's the point of me posting it. So- I won't preface this the way I normally do something that leaves me breathless, that is "What can I say about this?", Yes- I do realize I say that alot. But seriously, sometimes something is so remarkeable so awe inspiring that I think, what words can I possibly put together to form what kind of sentence, that would be equal to the beauty my eyes are beholding? Well, such was the question in my head when I saw... this...

Vogue Italia April 2010 Paolo Roversi "A White Story"

Have you ever seen anything so beautifuly lit, ever? In your life? For a "white story" there is so much color and depth and fullness. I'm not a photographer nor do I have any aspiration to be, but if I did, I would study everything that Paolo Roversi ever did, because as far as Im concerned he is the best of the best. He's remarkeable. Obv not just based on this story, but this story would be cause enough to make that statement.

I throw rose petals at your feet Paolo Roversi. I just want to gently rub my cheek against yours. Wait is that a weird thing to say? Ah whatevs.

Feeling green?

Ive been sick for the past few days and since the seasons are changing, I suspect I am not the only one.

This time around I happen to have learned a few things along the way (thanks to mom and a few pals) that I think would be helpful had I known from the beginning, and so I thought appropriate to share... so when the bug creeps up on you, you can squash it in no time.

Warning: These are homeopathic remedies, I am not a doctor...in case anyone was fooled into thinking I was. Also, the word 'mucous' is used often, so if you're not sick, you may not be ready to read this kind of info.

1.Cut the Dairy and Sugar Immediately:

These are the two ingredients that are imparitive in creating mucous. I'm always shocked at how many people don't know this, but dairy especially, is the main participant. Mucous in turn is what causes congestion of the sinuses, soar throat, and eventually wiggles its way down into the rest of your body to cause that all-over ick feeling. So if you're sick, yogurt, milk and any other dairy products will only help to prolong your illness if not make it worse.

2. Spit don't swallow:

I know its kind of gross but please, when you start to feel the mucous in the back of your throat, the last thing you want to do is swallow it. That's the stuff that is making your throat hurt, head hurt, and nose stuffy, and eventually, once it creeps down into the rest of your body will keep you in bed with aches and shivers.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar can save your life:

If you have throat pain, like most people do with any kind of cold or flu, know that the throat is the gateway to the rest of your body. Gargling with applecider vinegar can help with this, it doesn't tast great but it will kill that god forsaken mucous, and relieve some of the soarness in your throat. If you swallow a little of it, it'll get to the parts of the throat gargling doesn't reach.

4. All hail the Netty Pot:

A Netty pot can be your best friend. It will help drain the mucous in record time before it takes over the rest of you and leaves you out of comission for days at a time. You can get one at CVS or Duan Reade or your local drug store.

5. Your body Heals while its resting:

So sleep as much as possible. Anything you can do to help yourself relax and rest is for the best. Sleep inducing medicines like nyquil can help with this.

6. Take it Easy with Epsom:

A bath with Epsom salt can be really soothing when you've got the ache's all over or if youre just feeling cold and having a hard time relaxing. The epsom salt helps relax the mussels.

7. Air it out:

Take a short walk or atleast get out for a few breaths, it will rejuvenate you, sometimes laying in the same place for too long just keeps you feeling ill.

Hope this helps!
xx

Met Gala

I'm back! again. I've been pretty under the weather lately so I took a short hiatus, but I'm back and could not move on without a mention for the Met gala.

So there were alot of catastrophes on this red carpet and there were a lot of stunners as well, as opposed to going on for way too long about looks that were lackluster or just plain bad, Ive decided to condense to my top fave 10. Short and sweet is always better I think. I'll let you turn to style.com for the total review of the 100 or so looks. Here we go.

Numero Uno! The stunner, the look that I j'adored- and I rarely say 'j'adore' was the one, the only, the girl who has made me love her with just one outfit, see I'm not so hard to please. Duh duh duh duuuuuuunnnnnn.... Alexa Chung in 3.1 Philip Lim with Senor Philip Lim himself. She came she saw she squashed the competition.

 Numero dos! Camilla Belle in Jason Wu. Now I know she looks a bit traditional ball gown red carpet, but something about this dress on her, transcends the normal mundane ball gown-ness that we would normally get from say a Penelope Cruz or Vira Farmiga. She looked pretty stunning. A young Sophia Lauren I think. Extra cred for wearing red, in accordance with the "American Woman" theme.

Numero Tres! Amber Valleta in that blue RM by Rouland Mouret. That gorgeous vintage inspired blue with her blue eyes, jewelry, shoes, all perfect. She looks amazing, and again extra cred for wearing blue in accordance with the theme.

Cuatro! Gwen Stefani in a gown of her own label, if not design- L.A.M.B. She always looks great and always throws a little bit of her ska princess vibe into the mix. The shiny pewter fabric of this dress gives it a little edge, and again, hair, makeup, etc, all check.

Cinco! Emma Roberts looked really cute and age appropriate in Marni. Looking very Miu Miu if I dont say so myself. Either way though, I love that she looked great but didn't try too hard or try to look older than she is, which often happens with these types of soirees. Simple hair and makeup topped this look off. Two

thumbs up Emma.

Seis! It should be noted that I am biased. Liya can do no wrong in my book. I think she is the most beautiful woman there ever was. So now with that out of the way, she rocked this look by Rachel Roy, somewhat of a departure for Rachel from the usual hum-ho gowns. Good on her, and no one better to rock it than Liya. Hot. Rachel however, Im not sure whats going on there. Ill leave that alone.

Siete! Jessica Alba wore a gorgeous silk Sophie Theallet gown, she looked beautiful and regal. That fabric looks like liquid rose gold. Classic and beautiful without being boring. love.

Ocho! Sienna Miller looked hot in down-to-there, up-to-there Pucci, in that very familiar Sienna Miller kind of way. She sort of always looks like this doesn't she? A little boho, a little casual and undone. Its her thing, I get it. She looks hot so Ill give her cred. Plus she wore jewels by Solange Azagury Patridge, and for that alone she gets my vote.

Nueve! Chloe Sevigny rarely doesn't make my best dressed. I think she always looks great. This teal, lace dress, while being very un-Proenza, was infact designed by the design duo. She looks good, not great to be honest. Maybe this should have been a top 8 list :/ Her shoes are super cute though.

Y Diez! And last but most certainly not least, I give my number ten spot to the unsinkable Grace Coddington, just because she shows up to say 'I'm here, Im the best damn editor living or dead (my opinion) and I dont give a f** so im wearing a black sheath and flats. Deal with it.' Ha! Love her. And that red hair, so good.

That's my wrap-up, who got your vote?

Anybody out there?

Ok so there are a few things.

1. Yes Im aware that I havent blogged in about 2 weeks now. actually I think we're approaching 3, but who's counting.
2. The Met Gala last night, so much to say, so much to loove and a few things to loathe (youd think it was Kristen Stewarts lot in life to give me material.)
And third....the image that has snapped me out of my boredom and altogether indifference toward anything going on currently, and brought me hurriedly back to the blogosphere...well.... you just look for yourself... There's alot to cover so lets get started, shall we?

First up, this is Joan Smalls in "Shrink to Fit" by Steven Meisel for April Vogue Italia... also in this story, Amber Valetta, Abbey Lee, Angela Lindvall, Lara Stone, Freja Beha and a few others. HOWEVER... this image in particular actually caused me gasp and fall back on to the bar stool behind me. And that is not an exageration for effect. I literally had to sit. Grant it, the picture quality here is not as great as it is when you see the real living image in the magazine, but you can get the idea. She looks amazing. And that gorgeous lighting, her skin looks like porcelain. Its done like only Meisel can do it. The story is a series of portraits featuring models wearing clothes way too small for them. A parody of the ongoing controversy in which models are continuously forced into way too small samples. Leaving them with the option to "shrink to fit" or hit the road. Of course the third option would be going the way of Crystal Rehn and say F it and go up 4 dress sizes, all the while raking in more cash than most of your underweight counterparts combined, and being hailed by Oprah... If you should be so fortunate that is.

 Ive been oooing and aahing over Joan Smalls since I saw her in the fw10 shows, but word around the way is that she's been on the scene for a while doing well in money-making catalogue but just recently hit the big time. And if anyone was unsure as to her future in this business, Steven Meisel has come along and cemented her handprints into the model fast track. Catch her if you can.

Next up, the Met...

Click below to see more of Joan and the gang.

Double yuck

I just wanna say that whomever came up with this should be shot. I mean that. Thats all. Double down? How about double up...on nastiness. Eew, no wonder America has the first generation of kids expected to die younger than their parents. That shits just wrong. Ok now thats all. Im done.

Shades of Summer

I am greatly anticipating a very exciting time of year. That is Coachella music festival in sunny Coachella California. Im so excited for this I can hardly stand it. What strikes me though is how il equipped I am for the occasion. Short shorts- check. Short dresses-check. Bikini-check. Sunglasses- Uh oh. Well that thought brought me to this- My favorite shades for summer. Here's mine and some of my friends top picks. Which are your faves?

Norma Kamali cat eyes and Dolce and Gabbana cutouts

 Both of these lovely pairs from Karen Walker- plus I love the way shoot was styled, its so California and cute

Alexander Wangs take on retro and Proenza's blockers

Stella McCartneys Meat Free Mondays

And in more 'why we love Stella McCartney' news: Stella and father Paul have launched Meat Free Mondays with the debut of a Stella McCartney for Gap Kids tshirt that will be sold exclusively at Gap stores in London. These ones are for boys, there is a leaopard print one for girls which I am still on the prowl for. These boys ones are super cute so shame we can't get them here in the states, but I really applaud her efforts. I am a meat eater, but since I only eat organic, locally raised meat, I'd say I end up being a vegetarian about 85% of the time. If I do find a restaraunt that sells burgers made from organic locally raised cows, I usually go for it just because its so rare (no pun intended). So for me its more like meat free monday-saturday.

But whether you agree with her reasons or not, I think its nice to support humane treatment of animals and relieve some of the impact mass meat production leaves on the planet and on the animals themselves. If you want more info I definitely reccomend watching Food Inc. Loooove me some Stella McCartney.

J-No

Im not sure if this has anything to do with what this blog is supposed to be about... in fact I'm not even sure what this blog Is supposed to be about, but there is just something I must get off my chest:

Dear JLO- Please, we get it, you're perfect. Your hair is perfect, your makeup is perfect, every last little stitch of every last over-the-top ball gown you wear is perfect. But for God's sake, all this perfection is making me nauseous. Calm it down, let your hair get a little dissheveled, lighten up on the makeup, maybe even let your (Gasp) natural color grow in a bit (who said that!?). What you're missing is any sense of effortlessness. Whatever the opposite of effortless is, that's what you are, and I for one just can't take it anymore! Its gross! And I must confess, its one of the reasons why I just can't bare to watch you in movies. Nothing about you comes across as real, you're just JLO playing a character that no one really believes. So I beg you, infact I plead with you- please, just be real! Being the glass doll in the ivory tower is not interesting or appealing, its annoying. I mean, I want you to win JLO, I even gave you a thumbs up on that cotton candy frock you wore to the Oscars, so help me help you and let's just tone it down a bit...ok?

Yours Truly,

Scene-Stealer

How to: Get a Deal

I think the thing that is really appealling to me right now is the idea of affordable fashion. By affordable I don't mean shopping at Ross or TJMaxx and putting together one of those looks for less that you see in cheesy television shows. Although I have nothing against Ross or TJ Maxx persay.

What I'm actually referring to is the outbreak of designer collaborations. Target was the first to really blaze the trail for these low priced pairings. They have since done collaborations with everyone from Alexander McQueen to Rodarte to Jean Paul Gaultier which debuted this month and practically sold out in the same day it was presented. Online is always a good place to go for these types of things since different stores buy different pieces depending on location and buyer, but online will normally stock the bulk of it. Liberty of London is also set to be stocked for Spring 2010 so if you want to get your hands on that one camp out early. However, buyer be ware of online buying. Often times with such deals its a good idea to check the fabrics and textures in person before making a purchase. We all know what some good lighting and pinning can do for a outfit, so I'd say check the pieces in the store if you can still get your hands on them, and if they are out of your size head to the web.

More stores doing low priced collaborations with high end designers is Stella McCartney who has done a brilliant line for Gap Kids, my only complaint with this one is, Where is the adult line Stella? I actually bought one of the Stella for Gap Kids sweaters, its the light grey cashmere one with the tiger face on it, I know its not for 25 year olds but its an oversize sweater and I got the large. This is what I'm driven to with no options in my size.

Of course Topshop has been really great about collaborations and the great thing with Topshop is that the quality doesn't really suffer. Even though you're obviously not getting the same fabrics and detail as you would off the runway, its still a really nice version of the one you'd get from the designers boutique and at about 10% of the cost, and in a crowded party with dim lighting who can tell the difference anyways. Now of course if you are fortunate enought to afford the $2,000 Christopher Kane frock obv thats where you'd go, but I think its great that there are options for everyone now. While it is great to make things that are rare, and you know that you're paying for those hand sewn details and hope they will last you a lifetime, I think its also important that fashion not be exclusive, and before the advent of designer collabs, thats what was happening. High fashion was to be admired from a distance for most people. Now, most people can afford a chic Vena Cava or Alexander Wang look by turning to the Gap, or look to Topshop for a Jonathan Saunders, Ashish or Christopher Kane dress. And since the people who can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on high-end designers clothing are usually its biggest champions, I think its about time that designers are embracing all of their consumers. Its no longer taboo for a designer to produce a "defusion" line, so they are able to slash prices without forsaking the fine quality associated with the brand.

Outside of these store designer collabs, another great place to find a steal is sample sales. When Phi closed its doors last season they did a massive blow out sample sale, and had peices for less than $40 or $50, its not forever 21 cheap, but you know your getting the actual collection peices at a steal, and youve lost none of the quality. Often times at a sample sale you'll pay 10% or less of the original cost, and the great thing is designers have sample sales every season, so if you dont mind being slightly behind the trend its perfect. My advice is buy the peices that are classics so that you know you'll pull them out the following year, and years to come.

Now sample sales can sometimes be exclusive affairs, sometimes I get emails from the designers PR about their sample sale because I'm already in their email contacts, but even if youre not working in fashion you can still get inside tips on upcoming sales through a genius website called refinery29.com. The most important thing, when sample saling it is to get there early, the first hour of the first day is advised, but often times they open the doors the day before they are even listed, for friends and family, and if you drop by you may get a sales associate who will let you in on those days.

With the economy the way it is, the fashion industry is feeling it as much as anyone, and the truth is, it will probably never be the same as it was, but the verdict isn't yet in on whether thats a good thing or a bad thing. The one thing that is for certain is that it forces everyone to be a bit more creative with budgets and shopping, and for the everyday consumer, the same goes. Good bad or ugly, this is where we are, so we may as well embrace it, and I salute the designers who have already started that process by allowing ALL consumers access to their creations.