We went to Gen Art last night and did some serious damage to our already weak wallets. On our way out, we approached a rack of chain jewelry, wine in hand and announced, “Wow, this looks just like Erin Wasson’s.”

We were impressed, just like we were when we first saw Erin’s pieces, until the girl standing next to the rack, Bliss Lau, looked like she might cry. Apparently, allegedly, her work looks like Erin Wasson’s because the model bought one of her necklaces, re-cast it and threw the copies over Alexander Wang’s Fall 08 collection on that dirty Chelsea runway.

All would have been forgiven, maybe, until Wasson wore the original Bliss version in her Nylon write up.

We love Erin, and now we kind of love Bliss, and it’s impossible to know exactly who’s right or who’s wrong, (though Bliss has been making her body chains since Fall 2007).

So we sighed, bought the necklaces from Bliss because they’re super pretty and got the hell out of there before we spent any more money or heard any more scary stories.

We’re always on the lookout for the perfect t-shirt because, well, you can never have enough white tees. So when we found this cool Complex Geometries hooded one, we knew we just had to try it on.

The verdict? This is probably the most comfortable, voluminous and versatile shirt we’ve ever taken into a dressing room.

We struck a few poses in the mirror and pictured it with a hundred different outfits. We came up with:

- Belted, obviously
- Over a swimsuit on your final beach visit over Labor Day weekend
- With skinny jeans or your favorite leggings
- As a t-shirt dress on a lazy day with the hood up

It comes in black and white, for men and for women, so there’s really no excuse for anyone not to have at least one of this crazy hooded contraption.

—KYLE HAYES

We love Alexander Wang and everything he sends down the runway (which is why I wound up with a few too many t-shirts ripped at the waist) but something in his Spring 08 show gave us pause. It wasn’t the ripped jean shorts, or even the midriff baring tops (obviously) - the thing that really got us were the boyfriend jeans.

We weren’t really sure what to do with them. Are they cool? Are they ugly? Are they wearable?

We thought we could tuck them away in the Spring 08 archives but it turns out that the same slouchy, man-ish pants are all over the Fall runways, though with more of a Katherine Hepburn silhouette that jeans just can’t muster.

In theory, we like the boyfriend jean. We think they have a certain carefree, casual cool to them, and they’re probably insanely comfortable. We have to say, it might be nice to wear pants that you don’t have to hop, shimmy or inhale deeply to get into.

And yet, we could imagine them transforming us into a squat, messy-looking faux-pas. (And do we even have to get into the saggy ass factor?) Then there’s the issue of what to wear on top - a loose shirt fits the mood but threatens to make you look a good few sizes larger than you are, while a tight top doesn’t quite fit the look. Basically, we’re afraid they could make us look like our third-grade lunch lady.

Fashionista’s really quite divided on the issue - Britt and Audrey are yay; Natalie, Kyle and I say nay. So we want to know - would you wear boyfriend jeans? And if so, how?

—HAYLEY PHELAN

Amidst the tutu-esque shaped dresses, whimsical t-shirts with faces on them and harlequin diamond patterns, one thing has become clear: everybody wants to be Miu Miu.

Case in point: this diamond stamped clutch from Topshop. Or take a look at this chain purse, or even these dresses from their Fall collection. Still not convinced of the Miu Miu influence? Check out this Harlequin mask. Seeing diamonds yet?

It isn’t just Topshop either. Mango is also selling a harlequin diamond-stamped clutch in more muted colors, while Urban Outfitters has a slightly more gypsy version of the diamond print all over this dress on their site. Even Marc Jacobs has given into the diamond frenzy - stamping this Marc by Marc jacket with the blue and green pattern.

We loved the look on the Miu Miu Spring 08 runway and we’re still kind of into it at these retail stores, we just hope it doesn’t become as ubiquitously watered down as the YSL drips…

Because then it would just make us dizzy.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

We stopped by the Proenza sale on Walker Street yesterday, and here’s our verdict:

1. Most of the clothes seemed to be in sizes 8 or 10. We also saw 6 a lot, but 4 and anything smaller were scarce - and we didn’t see anything above a 10.

2. The shoes were available in nearly every size (they even have 35’s) but the shoes themselves suddenly seemed clunky and overly recognizable in person.

3. And the worst part - yes, there were items for under $100, but the cutest stuff (like the petticoat dress that’s been on our mental wish list since forever) was still a minimum of $1,000, and mostly way over that.

So here’s a tip we just got for everyone who thought the same - the cute girls manning the elevator doors have marked everything down once again. So everything you rummaged through yesterday and decided was too much for you (especially if you had Gen Art on your afternoon’s agenda) is 50% off of whatever yesterday’s sale price was.

Happy hunting.

Sometimes we see an adventure in copying and wonder, after our usual head shaking, why, if someone took the time to rip something off, they didn’t do it better and faster.

Like this Topshop star necklace sent in by reader MaryAnn - it’s a descendent of YSL’s, but why are they making it now? We’ve already seen it around Meredith Melling Burke and Anne Slowey’s necks so you’d look plain silly wearing a copy six months after everyone else wore the original. (They might not be your everyone, but they’re ours).

More importantly, if Topshop can manufacture and sell red plastic stars for $24, why couldn’t they throw in some different colored stars? Blue, purple and silver can’t be too much harder to make than red, right? And then they’d have a legit rip off instead of a half-hearted watered-down version.

In related star necklace news, Faran found a real YSL one in a thrift shop in the East Village. We’d like to be happy for her, but we’re way too jealous.

“Why go to work and be hot? You can look good and not have that boring-type look…Why are women allowed to do it and not men?” - Sean Avery, on men wearing shorts to the office, in the New York Times.

Free mini-bottles of champagne is one of the little perks you might find under your seat during Fashion Week - it’s like a way of saying, “I know you’re totally exhausted and could easily see all the clothes in a look book we could send you, so since you’re being such a good kid, here’s some booze,” which we totally appreciate.

So here’s some fun news: In celebration of their 20th anniversary, DKNY’s pairing with Chandon to create their own special blend of champagne (ok, sparkling wine, but who’s counting?) which will be available on Chandon.com, at all DKNY parties throughout the year, and under everyone’s seat at their show in September - but in full-size, not mini.

We have a feeling nobody’s going to leave these behind.

And thank goodness we’ll be carrying our cameras on us…

Drama has never been a problem for us. From bubble skirts to puffy tops, we don’t shy away from volume, however the ‘egg shape’ that made big appearances in this season’s runways has us a little stumped.

Valentino’s Fall couture show opened with a skirt and jacket ensemble that showed an extreme version of this trend while Balenciaga, Antonio Marras, and Giambattista Valli featured more wearable adaptations. So let’s weigh the pros and cons:

For one, it’s a look that’s sure to set you apart from every LBD and a-line frock at the party. In addition, you never have to worry about being squished in a crowded room, people will surely give you some extra space, especially in Valentino’s extra wide number.

The down sides: you might look like an egg, since you’re basically distorting your figure and leaving it all up to the imagination. Secondly, unlike most pieces with a wide shape, these dresses and skirts are not belted at the waist, leaving even the narrowest model looking, well… round.

So it’s basically the age-old question, do I wear this really interesting new look even though I’ll look hideous? Which loosely translates into, Do I dress for the fashion? Or does the fashion dress me?

So, would you do the Humpty?

—AUDREY SMITH

Daphne, 23, Production Assistant

Got Her: Crossing the street between Spring and Mulberry

Stalked Her: Because the muted print caught our eye - it was subtle yet noticeable - and we have to say, it was the best fitting sundress we’ve seen in quite some time

Shot Her: Because the perfect fit of the dress and the funky pattern made this dress both vintage and chic all at once.

She Says: “I got the dress in Brooklyn at a cute store in Bushwick, it’s much cheaper than Williamsburg, it was only $40! It’s vintage but I had them take it in for me.”

We Say: Congratulations! You are a walking example of how a little cut and stitch can make an outfit.

—AUDREY SMITH

Let’s file this into the good news / bad news category.

The bad news is that Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, the model and environmental activist, won’t be spending a lot of time in New York this Fall (and after).

The good news is, it’s because Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann is a genius.

We hear the daughter of Isabella Rossellini and face of Lancome has been accepted into graduate school in London, where she’ll study biomedical engineering and applied sciences.

Unless Daria has some hidden past as an organic chemist, this marks Elettra as the most educated spokesmodel in the history of cosmetics, and that is cool.

And anyway, it’s only 6 hours to and from London, so we’ll still get to see her out and about for the important stuff.

Bonne chance, Elletra!

Guess those Burberry and Armani ads are paying quite well:

Besides having a new apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Agyness Deyn also just got a new personal assistant in America.

The girl is responsible for keeping track of Agyness’ schedule, travel plans, and general well being, which sounds like the easiest job in the world, since while it’s true she’s one of the busiest working models right now, she’s also one of the nicest and most easygoing that we’ve ever met.

On another note completely, Fashionista is still looking for Fall interns -

It’s not as glam as seeing Agyness Deyn every day, but during Fashion Week, you’ll get to do that, too.

Those much anticipated Gap ads have finally debuted. Well, sort of.

Division Street just posted four: Chanel Iman, Georgina Chapman, Lily Donaldson and, unexpectedly, Julia Restoin-Roitfled.

We love models, duh, but Carine’s daughter wins this one.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for the ads featuring Leigh, Liv Tyler, Hugh Dancy, Ryan McGinley and hopefully, despite what we’ve heard, Scott Schuman.

We love that Gap ads actually make us want to go to the Gap. Do you think Carine shops there?

“If Heather Locklear had a parasitic twin emerging from her sternum who happened to be a nun, this would be something they would agree they could wear to Starbucks.” - Cintra Wilson, who tried to go shopping at the new Oak.

Sent in by reader Moye:

We know the Marc by Marc dress at left would be difficult for pretty much anyone to wear.

But the Mod Cloth rip-off to the right? Impossible for everyone.

The even more impossible part is that it’s $75, considerably more than the Forever 21 send-up from a couple months ago (though yes, so much cheaper than the original Marc by Marc).

But we’re wondering - who would wear a knock-off of an already unsightly dress?

And why are people still knocking it off?

Friendly Reminder:

A bunch of your fellow readers have been filling up our Community section with pressing questions that perhaps you can answer.

So, go on and do your duty.

Thanks, F.

To: Natalie@fashionista.com

From: ATeamAhopper@iseebra.com

Hey F,

Have you been to the La Perla sale at Spring and Greene yet? (I think their uptown store’s having the sale, too, but I haven’t actually been there myself.)

Sooo much cute stuff still there, all sizes, and like 50 - 75% off, which sometimes means like a $50 bra.

Amazing! Seriously don’t miss this one.

But I bought too much stuff.

xo

Ever since Lauren Weisberger wrote The Devil Wears Prada, there’s been an influx of fashion-related books/movies/tv shows liquifying our taste buds.

So forgive us for having totally missed that a book called Fashionistas came out three years ago, about a “young designer working at a design firm who plots to take down her ruthless boss by inventing a fictitious must-have designer.”

So why are we thinking about this today? Because Paramount Pictures is turning the novelette into a movie, and it looks like they’re keeping the original name, Fashionistas.

This is right on the heels of the realization that there will now be three tv shows all about fashion this upcoming Fall season (Stylista, The Stylist - in which Erin Wasson may be starring - The Rachel Zoe Project, and way more if you continue to count the likes of Project Runway, ANTM and The Hills).

No word on who’s set to star (our bet goes to Rachel Bilson), but they at least have the director signed up - Donald Petrie. His previous works include Mystic Pizza, Miss Congeniality, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Just My Luck.

Banana Republic’s coming up on its 30th anniversary, and to celebrate the achievement of keeping us in merino crew neck sweaters for three decades, they’re releasing their City Insider Guide, a limited-edition Zagat (but not) to NYC along with some shopping freebies.

The Guide will be available in BR stores from August 28th to September 7th, but only while supplies last, and is meant to give readers the skinny on the newest NYC restaurants, bars and museums.

But our favorite part? The booklet includes information for free iTunes downloads and 20% off Virgin America Airlines flights, along with a bunch of other discounts for cool stuff in the city.

We can’t imagine what the fashion advice will be (101 Ways to Wear a Cardigan?) but at least we might be able to convince ourselves to take the trip to California this winter.

“New York Presbyterian Hospital.” - Alexandra Kotur

“Maternal health.” - Christy Turlington

“Amfar.” - Carine Roitfeld

“Myself.” - Karl Lagerfeld

- when asked which cause they support most for Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List.

Since Topshop seems to be pretty bow-obsessed these days, it comes as no surprise that we came across this on their site today - this bowtie top that’s very déjà vu of this Marc by Marc blouse.

Now we know what you guys will say: This is just a white shirt with a bowtie! But notice the similar pleating along the front, the color scheme of black bowtie and creamy white, the slight ruching around the collar, and of course, the final nail in the coffin for most knock-offs, the timing. All these add up to safely declare this a copy of the Marc by Marc, regardless of how much we’re anticipating the Topshop opening in New York.

Not to mention that sleeveless, pleated, georgette silk tops with black bowties are actually harder to come by than you might think.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

Alison, freelance textile designer

Got her: Spring and Mercer

Stalked her: Because her floral top brought the right amount of interest and color to her simple black shorts.

Shot her: Because we’re a little obsessed with her shoes - which look comfortable, cute and could go with anything. In fact, you could say the same for her whole outfit - it’s stylish, but bare enough for the unbearable heat.

She says: I’ve been wearing this outfit a lot - I’m even a little sick of it by now!

We say: If it ain’t broke…

—HAYLEY PHELAN

We love when we can look at something and know exactly where the inspiration came from, especially when we know it has something to do with Blair.

The first major example happened when pictures of Luella’s new accessories range were first out. Then we saw these Blair bow earrings on Fred Flare. (These are just two examples among many, by the way.)

And now, Marc Jacobs is cashing in on the look with his range of Faux Bow accessories.

We know these designers (and so many more) are inspired by the GG character the way sixth-grade girls were inspired by Cher (raise your hand if you tried to convince your mom to buy you thigh-highs), but they sometimes miss the mark - plastic? She would never.

Marc’s come the closest so far - a $70 barrette seems right up her alley. But tortoiseshell? Please.

Are you dying to see Nina Garcia in action?

Then get your resume ready and ship it to Marie Claire ASAP.

The massive fashion glossy needs Fall interns for their closet, and if you’re in college and willing to work really hard, you might get to enter the Hearst Tower every day until December.

If you think you can handle it, send your resume and a short email about why you’re perfect for hauling racks, steaming clothes, and taking salad orders to Abby Kalicka, akalicka@hearst.com

And remember that Marie Claire thinks it’s the smart fashion magazine, so try to word your letter accordingly (“OMG, I am so perfect” might not cut it over there).

Okay, good luck.

To: tips@fashionista.com

From: assistant@condenast.com

Hello!

I spotted Alexander Wang this morning at 9:05 AM leaving the Condé Nast lobby with a garment bag in tote. He was wearing a loose baggy black shirt and black jeans with sneakers and his hair was super wavy.

I wonder if he was picking up samples himself because they’re top secret? Who knows? Just
wanted to let you guys know.

Thanks!

xoxo

“We hate dresses!” - Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte in Oyster magazine.

It’s 90 degrees outsides. Again.

We’re flying through our stock of weightless, little dresses faster than we can make it to the laundry room, and there’s no way in hell we’re shimmying into any kind of pant/short on a day like today.

Our solution? Why, shop, of course.

So we came across this light, swingy cream dress by Saja on Gargyle’s site, and we’re in love. It’s 100% cotton, includes pockets with an unexpected collar, and it’s half off. The only problem? It only comes in three sizes right now (4, 6 and 8), so many of us are cut off from the fun.

But here’s a little extra information: Gargyle’s moving into a new space this week, to 16a Orchard Street (near Canal) and will be open starting this coming Monday. As part of their move to Manhattan, they’re going to carry more designers - think Opening Ceremony for men, Surface to Air, Acne and Foley + Corinna. Maybe they’ll even have this Saja dress in a few more sizes.

WHICH young stylist makes his personal intern write down every word he says? The intern has no other job than to keep a pen and notepad in hand all day, and write down every single word/thought/idea that he utters aloud.

It’s been out for a while now that Alice Dellal would follow in the poses of Milla Jovovich, Penelope Cruz, and Mamie Gummer as the new face of Mango - she’s kind of moonlighting as a body for Agent Provocateur, too.

But now WWD’s reporting that she’ll be joined in some ads by Lauren Hutton, the striking gap-toothed beauty of yore who may look just as amazing smiling next to Alice’s 20-something year-old face.

Lauren’s latest move follows in the Fall 08 ad trend of supermodels coming back for guest appearances, like Eva for Louis Vuitton, Naomi for YSL, Linda for Prada, Claudia for Ferragamo and Chanel, Stephanie Seymour for Loewe, Christy for Escada and Amber for DSquared, though nobody’s coming close to touching Lauren’s experience at 64 years of age.

We hope her shots include at least one leather jacket and nothing underneath.

It looks like your favorite Nine West pumps might be getting just a little more comfortable come spring.

Nine West is teaming up with New Balance in a collaboration to produce active fashion footwear for Spring 09.

We’re predicting cute ballet flats and not-so-high stilettos - kind of like the look for less blisters.

The two are collaborating in both design and marketing but New Balance is slated to provide the materials while Nine West brings their good looks.

As long as this doesn’t mean a batch of sneaker wedges or performance peep toes, we’re all for cute shoes that feel good - so long as Nine West stays away from knock-offs.

—KYLE HAYES

We know how rough Mondays can be, so we thought we would make yours a little better.

Walking to work this morning, we noticed a sign for a warehouse sale at Zero + Maria Cornejo, so coffee in hand, we decided to check it out and this is what we learned:

Cashmere sweaters: $120
Winter jackets: $75 - $120
Shirts: $50 - $95
Shoes: $30 - $60
Bags: $50 - $75

And best of all…all samples are $80.

So take an early lunch break and check it out. But don’t take your coffee - this sale requires two working hands, and don’t expect any dressing rooms!

See you there (on Mott near Prince)!

—AUDREY SMITH

Gasp, Bill!

Still love you, though.

—KYLE HAYES

Which sample-size socialite has recently gotten so round and glowing, everyone’s convinced she’s got a baby bump under that Dior gown? Just fess up already! Then you’ll get cute stuff from Marc kids.

“But seriously, folks, flip-flops are for the beach or maybe washing the car or spaniel. They are not the next big thing. They are the last sad thing on the road to stylistic surrender.” - Glenn O’Brien in August’s GQ.

We’ve gone back and forth on presentations vs. runway shows for a while -

Actual runway events are more fun, more stressful, quicker, and sometimes include drinks.

Presentations are sometimes fun, not stressful at all (you can come by at whichever point during the time range), and always have drinks.

So we’re kind of excited/stressed over the news that two young designers with a little more cash in their pockets than last season, Catherine Holstein and Frank Tell, are switching to runway shows. (Cat’s showing at the Bumble and Bumble space.)

This means we’ll have a much smaller window to snap pictures of each look, but it does mean we don’t have to figure out what kind of awkward smile to give the models while we stare at their outfits and touch their hemlines.

So it’s kind of win-win.

Shh, but:

Proenza is having a somewhat unadvertised sample sale this week, and only because we love you (and know that we’ll be there at the opening anyway), here are the details:

When: this Wednesday and Thursday, July 30th and 31st, from 9am until 6pm

Where: 120 Walker Street between Centre and Baxter, 6th floor

What: $50 - $1,125 on items originally sold for $325 - $4,500

Bring a wad of cash or a blank check - no plastic, no returns, no crying on the sidewalk.

Choose wisely.

To: Natalie@fashionista.com

From: steno@modelwatch.com

Hey Fashionista,

Have you seen those pictures of Burberry’s new girl, Rosie, yet?

Looks like it’s kind of a Kate Moss redo, except this time it’s a glass sculpture, so maybe she won’t get dumped, at least not overnight..?

Well, at least Burberry’s lawyer knows the drill.

xo

Justin Timberlake will perform at this year’s Fashion Rocks, the Condé Nast benefit for cancer that kicks off on September 5.

What else happens then?

The start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

Though JT has been scarce in front rows before, he may want to build his fashion cred now that he’s the new face of Givenchy, and the backing behind sportswear label William Rast. And let’s not forget that some brands pay very big money to get “fans” to attend their catwalks - and Miss Sixty, Rock & Republic, and Y-3 have a track record of getting crazy flashbulb moments at their shows, and let’s not forget Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Oh and one more thing - Joe Zee used to be Justin Timberlake’s stylist before he went to ELLE. Wouldn’t it be good PR for the magazine and it’s flagging website if Justin showed up with the boss for a front-row appearance?

They say no good deed goes unpunished, and that definitely applies to charity sales.

We heard this from someone working at Super Saturday in the Hamptons this weekend - for the uninitiated, that’s the giant designer sample sale with $1,000 tickets and all proceeds going to ovarian cancer research - and this is what they said:

“I was at [a designer jean]’s booth, and at the end of the sale, you bring whatever you haven’t sold to the charity drop-off and it’s given away. So we had about twenty pairs of jeans left - we sold, like, three hundred - and we packed them up and got ready to walk them over to the charity drop-off, on the other side of the field, and this guy with a SUPER SATURDAY VOLUNTEER t-shirt comes up and he’s like, “You don’t have to do that, I’ll take care of it.”

Our intern got a little suspicious, so she followed the guy - and he stuck the 20 pairs of jeans in his own car and drove off! She didn’t say anything - I guess she should have - but we’re gonna be scouring eBay, and if those jean styles come up next week in bulk, we’re gonna try and bust him.”

Whoa, that’s pretty sick.

Fortunately, hundreds of thousands of dollars went legitimately to charity, thanks to the tireless shopping habits of Hamptons party girls, and their husbands, boyfriends, and followers.

Sadly, we didn’t get to go - which is too bad, because we heard there were giant leather MJ bags for $700. Aaaah!

Having a good weekend?

If not, here’s a tip - and if you are, just think of this as the icing on the cake.

A loyal spy’s just told us that the Target in Union, New Jersey has the entire Richard Chai collection right now, a full week before the official August 3rd debut.

Which means you can be wearing the floral dress we all want a week before we all have it.

Which means your Monday will be better than ours.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

Do you like pretty boys? Can you multi-task and organize comp cards like no other?

If so, DNA’s men’s division is looking for an intern to start in August and last through show season - at the very least.

You’ll be paid in school credit, either high school or college. But, honestly, with the amount of male models you’ll see on a daily basis, who needs classes?

A fashion background is preferred but not required. And a lack of interest in being a model yourself is definitely required.

We can’t imagine anything more crazy or exciting than working at a modeling agency during Fashion Week - so send your resumes and a brief email to shawn.men@dnamodels.com.

And if you’re really nice, you’ll send us some backstage photos as a thank you.

—KYLE HAYES

Here’s a little tip from our friends over at Oak.

Their 50% off sale is now 75% off - starting today and going through the weekend.

The best part? Ten more designers are contributing their overstock for the sale, which means there’s lots of new stuff to pick from for those of you complaining that the store’s sold out of what you want.

And here’s a hint - check out the men’s department for some oversize tees and cardigans to pair with skinny jeans for fall.

You’ll thank us later - even if your Amex will not.

—KYLE HAYES

Update: Just kidding, the sale is cash only. Oh, and there’s still lots of good stuff left.

This week was particularly sweltering in New York City.

But what the street lacks in AC, it makes up for in cute, friendly people who are surprisingly willing to entertain us by letting us search their bags.

No puppies this time - instead, we stopped a Melbourne visitor with a Chloé wallet and a model with some serious Sudoku skills.

Enjoy!

— JAZZI McGILBERT

Hi Fashionista,

Didn’t want to post this on your blog - though you are free to do so - but your recent post with “This is what’s inside the fridge….” made me smile.

I’m a professional organizer and this is what the inside of a professional organizer’s closet looks like (mine)! I love reading your blog. Take care!

xo Geralin Thomas - metropolitanorganizing.com

We’re posting this because we’re absolutely dying to know if anyone else’s closet actually looks like this. Because, well, ours most definitely does not.

We’ve been discussing the idea of men wearing short shorts (think above the knee, mid-thigh or shorter in length) all summer now and we’re still at arms.

Britt and Hayley both think hemlines shouldn’t creep too high, but just above the knee is ok. I’m all for them as long as the shorts aren’t too tight, and if the wearer has great legs worthy of being exposed. (Natalie thinks the higher the better, especially if you’re a soccer player, but she’s just gross like that.)

On the Spring ‘08 runways, everyone from Dsquared to Bottega Veneta featured thigh grazing lengths that quickly took to the streets. We’ve seen them paired with everything from tiny tank tops and Converse to button down shirts with boat shoes.

We love a guy that can take a risk and show some serious leg, but not with the possibility of indecent exposure (whatever, Natalie).

So guys, would you wear short shorts? And to the girls - should they?

—KYLE HAYES
(photo from The Sartorialist)

“Something I do find quite annoying is when there’s a photo with Aggy and the band, quite often they’ll just focus on her and chop our heads off .” —Antony Ellis of Five O’Clock Heroes on why Agyness Deyn wasn’t the best collaborator.

Does everyone remember that Marc ad spoof that made it’s way around the internet in under thirty seconds back in March?

Ok, good.

Well, the boys at creative agency Hart + Larsson are back to their old tricks again, this time with a series of videos entitled El Lobo Rojo (which means “The Red Wolf”).

They’re kind of funny, kind of weird webisodes that come out every Tuesday and Thursday (they’ve already got six of them) this summer. They’ve obviously taken inspiration from The Office and we think The IT Crowd, but they also poke at fashion throughout the whole thing.

Check out Episode 5, at left, to see the protagonist, Phil St. Millay act out a Bebe ad with his co-worker, Michelle.

We’ve been saying “beebee” all day.

This summer’s Olympics are shaping up to be the most fashionable yet.

While the swimmers rock Rei Kawakubo designed Speedo swimsuits, WWD reports that the commentators will wear custom made Ports 1961 outfits.

Tia Cibani, the brand’s creative director, has met with four different female TV hosts from NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and USA “to marry the Ports aesthetic with each girl’s personality.”

Each woman will wear three separate outfits a day for every day of the Olympics which run for three scorching hot weeks in Beijing starting August 8th.

We wish more designers were involved with the Olympics. Giambattista Valli would design frilly leotards for the gymnasts, Lagerfeld could make hip black track suits for runners and Vivienne Westwood might paint colorful suits for the synchronized swimmers.

This needs to happen. Do you know anyone on the Olympic committee?

John Galliano’s signed a licensing deal with Marcolin to make men’s and women’s eyewear for the next five years according to WWD.

The line debuts this fall, includes both sunglasses and eyeglasses and comes five years after Galliano’s last attempt at eyewear which ended when the parent company went bankrupt.

Galliano says, “Sunglasses and eyewear are essential accessories to make a statement on and off the runway.”

But what he should have said is that they’re essential accessories to build a brand that’s accessible to those who are not wearing, and cannot wear, a Galliano gown. Sunglasses are a luxury that even a cash strapped college kid can save for and with the economy’s state - even if companies like Gucci and Hermes are posting record numbers - it can’t hurt to add something profitable to Galliano’s brand.

He also says, “I can’t wait to begin a new vision on vision.” If the eye makeup at his fall ‘08 show is any indication of said vision - expect lots of color.

Fashion week is descending upon us and the rumor mill is in overdrive but this just landed in our inbox and something rings true:

After only three collections, Peter Som has submitted his resignation at Bill Blass. Perhaps he can’t handle the stress of designing more than one collection? Let’s face it, he’s no Marc or Karl.

Word is management at Nexcen is keen on keeping him on board, at least in name, until they can sell the brand.

The tip comes a little over a month after The New York Times wrote this story about Nexcen’s financial troubles in which they pointedly question the security of the brand’s future.

Design wise Som seemed to be doing fine. Maybe it’s the lack of profits and business side he just can’t, or doesn’t want, to handle.

UPDATE: Another tipster writes in, “Som was unhappy with the control Blass’ management tried to execute over his creative aesthetic. He’s been fighting with them since he got there.”

It happens like clock work every year - right when we vow to save our pennies for Fall, Spring sales get especially juicy.

So we’ve decided the trick is, if we’re going to let ourselves buy from the past season, we have to make sure we can wear it for the next.

Which means we’re allowed to get excited that ShopJake is marking everything down 70%.

A pair of grey tights, chunky boots and a granpda cardigan will make this floral Philip Lim perfect for fall. A long sleeve striped tee slipped under this Erin Fetherston is a brilliant justification for buying a feather light dress for October. And the important thing to remember is that shoes never need to make seasonal sense.

Don’t you love our rules?

Tyler Thoreson: Are you ready to rock the PJ’s?

Scott Schuman: No, No, NO.

Josh Peskowitz: Am I going to wear a drawstring suit with zippers on the side? Prooo-bably not.

- in their video discussing the Spring ‘09 Men’s shows.

Jil Sander’s launching a new fragrance for fall.

Scent 79, for both men and women, will debut stateside exclusively at Neiman Marcus in November, (it’s been available in Europe for almost a year).

It’s allegedly crafted “like haute-couture clothing,” combining notes of peach and cranberry with base notes of leather, wood and musk. The minimalist bottle is supposed to reflect the recent streamlined collections - mostly neutral but with pops of vivid color.

The fragrance could stand to be a bit less heavy handed than Raf Simons’ latest collection.

His sharp menswear-inspired looks matched with a lighter, feminine scent could get even the most crazed girl through fashion week.

Yes!

We knew it was in the works, but now it’s official:

The shoes the Ohne Titel girls designed for their show in September aren’t just being produced by Cesare Paciotti - they’re going to be sold by them, too!

So if you’ve always wanted to own a piece of their work, but haven’t been able to find them in stores, you’re in luck. You can scoop up the kicks at any Cesare shop.

They’ll debut exclusively on the models’ feet at Bumble and Bumble in September - in fact, nobody’s allowed to see them until the show, not even so much as a sketch. But we do know they’re “designed with a combination of matte leathers, bias silk and dry cotton cording” using “a combination of hand techniques with sportswear references.”

Here’s to hoping they’re as “hot” as we expect.

Dear Coco,

Will you be our desktop?

Yours,

f

so many x’s and o’s

To: Natalie@fashionista.com

From: MarcMyWords@aol.com

Hi Fashionista!

I heard from very reliable sources that Marc is tying the knot this weekend.

He and his 3-months Brazilian beau chose the most romantic city of the world, toujours Paris!

Check it! Love is in the air!

Xx

(Obviously this is so unconfirmed that all we can do is laugh at this point, but still - interesting email, n’est pas?)

Do you like Gossip Girl?

Do you like Blair?

Do you especially like her outfits?

Well, good news for you then! Abigail Lorick, the cute girl behind Eleanor Waldorf’s fictitious clothing line and many of Blair’s best looks, is holding her first, real-life show at Fashion Week this September!

It’s at 6pm Thursday, September 4th at Gary’s Loft on 36th Street.

Expect Leighton front row and center, and Fashionista right across, so god help us.

Who said GG wasn’t about the fashion?!

Which fashion photographer has a separate car just for his fleet of dogs? And when the lucky dogs are back in his studio, interns are always on elevator guard to press the buttons for the beloved pets. We just can’t figure out how they know which floor each dog wishes to disembark on.

Fashion Week dates are starting to circulate, so in case you just have to know what you’re doing from September 4 - 12, here’s a little preview:

- BCBG’s showing at the tents at 10am Friday morning (Sep 5), so that means Carine plus fille front row and center first thing in the moring.

-Christian Siriano’s showing at 7pm on Thursday (Sep 11)

-Marc’s showing on Monday at 9pm (Sep 8), so bring snacks and set your TiVo for Gossip Girl

As for the traffic jams:

-You’ll have to choose between Abaeté and Obedient Sons - they’re both showing at exactly 1pm on Saturday (Sep 6)

-Also in gridlock are Doucette Duvall, Behnaz Sarafpour and Betsey Johnson, all showing at 2pm on Tuesday (Sep 9)

-And Karen Walker and Vena Cava will duke it out for 3pm on Saturday (Sep 6), with Three as Four, Alexandre Herchcovitch and Elise Overland doing the same later in the day at 7pm.

Our vote for the most fun day so far? Definitely Satuday, September 6th. Jenni Kayne, Obedient Sons, Adam Lippes, Vena Cava, Karen Walker, Catherine Holstein, Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Three as Four, Alexandre Herchcovitch and Elise Overland, in exactly that order.

Need a mini-champagne?

Super stylist Lori Goldstein needs an intern! In case you didn’t know, she does a lot of freelance work (think V and well stories from the July Vogue Italia we all know and love) and she’s recently been named the Fashion Director of the LA Times Magazine.

What you can expect:

-Managing the office
-Assisting with the checking in/out of clothes for photos shoots (translation: you’ll be swimming in Chanel)
-possibly assisting on set of fittings and photo shoots (translation: first prove you’re not a total psycho, then you can touch Coco)

It’s your choice of either full or part-time, but the hours are 9am - 5pm, and they need someone who lives in NYC immediately. Previous experience preferred, but rest assured you’ll get a ton of experience working with her. In fact, the last person they hired (from our last posting,) is now Lori’s freelancer working on “BIG” shoots.

Resumes go to Rebecca Grice at Rebecca.Grice@gmail.com

Good luck!

Rag & Bone’s finally opening up their own store.

It will be, of course, in New York’s West Village at 104 Christopher St. according to WWD.

Their store opening pretty much establishes the Village as the coolest outdoor mall in the country and probably the only one in which you can watch the designers behind the labels and the models who love them weave in and out of their own shops.

The only concern is what happens to the West Village and Meatpacking district stores currently carrying David Neville and Marcus Wainwright’s entire collection. Do they get to keep it? Will they get one-off pieces? Or will the boys simply keep everything to themselves?

Either way, we can’t wait to see what they do with their own space.

Another fashion week opening to add to the list?

Today’s WWD may be a little funky so far, but there’s at least one story they made sure to get up there, and it’s pretty dire.

They’ve broken that there’s been a sweatshop operating out of Long Island City (which we’ve always heard was a nice, cute place with great views of the city) that’s been employing “over 100 mostly immigrant workers” with illegally low wages and overtime hours since 2005.

The workers have been manufacturing garments for a company that supplies clothes for Macy’s, Gap, Banana Republic, Express, Victoria’s Secret, Limited and Coldwater Creek.

Workers were being paid on a per-garment basis, completing each one in under a minute. They had even been coached on how to respond to suspicious investigations, in case that ever happened.

We’re not surprised that there are sweatshops, but more so that this was happening so close to home. But what’s the response from each of these companies going to be?

FASHION TRIVIA

Let’s call this one, “Wish we had Photoshop at home”

WHICH FASHION EDITOR LIVES IN THE CHELSEA HOTEL?

Oak is precisely five blocks from our office. We have to muster up all our self will not to stop in every day and buy up the whole store. Their clothes are always cute, always interesting, and most sadly, almost always out of our price range.

So you can imagine our delight when we walked in the other day (you can’t be strong every minute) and a kind sales lady informed us that everything in the store was half off. You wouldn’t know it from the outside - no sale signs, no slashed little price tags, nothing. Apparently, it’s more like a game of pass it on.

And even better, for those of you not in the area? The sale applies to the site, too. Again, no indication of a sale, but you see that everything’s marked down when you click on the actual items.

So seriously, shop. But pass it on.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

SPOTTED: Ali Michael at the Whole Foods on Bowery, browsing the beans and rice section!

And it’s not even Fashion Week yet…

Sorry, guys!

We’ve been having some technical difficulties, so pardon our appearance for today.

Up next: A sale, a model spotting, and trivia.

xo

Dear Fashionista,

You know, I’ve followed fashion pretty closely for twenty plus years, but I’ve never gotten caught up in the debate on weight.

Yet, for some reason Style.com’s inclusion of Allegra Versace among today’s “Look of the Day” candidates REALLY got under my skin. I mean the poor girl is so very emaciated and looks so mal-developed - she is clearly still battling anorexia. And she’s offered up for consideration as an ideal?

It’s just crazy. What’s your take on this? Maybe I am overreacting? If you think it’s an interesting enough topic for debate, I’d love to see you post on it.

Best,
A Fit Fashion Fan

Blake, 22, Publicist

Got Her: Crossing the street at the corner of Broome and Lafayette

Stalked Her: Because her electric yellow bag and crisscross overall skirt made chasing after her a joy

Shot Her: Because upon closer inspection, she was a walking lesson in how to accessorize - the long chunky strand of pearls, retro heels, and cherry-red heart shaped sunglasses- it all looked effortless and cool without being too serious

She Says: “Ooh Fashionista - I know you guys!”

We Say: And now we know you! Does that give us access to your closet?

—AUDREY SMITH

First, some news:

The Ohne Titel girls, Alexa Adams and Flora Gill, have designed their first line of shoes to debut at their show this September! Cesare Paciotti’s producing them in Italy right this very second, and, according to the girls, they’re along the lines of “hot” and “sick” and “so totally gorgeous.” They’re working out the details of whether the shoes will actually be available for purchase, so there should be some more news on that soon…

Ok - back to now. We paid a visit to Alexa and Flora in their spare Chelsea studio yesterday, and learned that:

1. They love bodies.

2. They love fabrics.

3. They love thinking about how fabrics should go on the body.

4. They like to do their draping on a teeny tiny little mannequin (yes, we got a picture.)

And their much-anticipated, upcoming Spring 09 collection? Well, it’s…

Primal Scream has a pretty solid model history - lead singer Bobby Gillepsie’s married to super stylist Katy England which means getting Kate Moss into their video was nothing, though getting her to sing back-up was kind of a coup.

But now the band’s taken to killing their model friends - or at least Lily Cole and Alice Dellal.

Their newest video, Can’t Go Back, features Gillepsie strolling down a creepy hallway watching the girls choke/drown/die pretty deaths. According to DazedDigital, the video’s inspiration came from classic Italian horror films and Gillepsie had his own ideas on how he wanted to kill off each girl, which didn’t fly with production.

So he just watches instead.

Oh, and the models were cast when director Kim Gehrig asked herself, “Who will look hot even when dead?”

“I interned at this small trade magazine…They had an office in the Garment District, and I literally had to return all the garment bags pushing a Gristede’s shopping cart like a homeless person up and down Broadway.” — Joe Zee on getting started in the industry.

Art + Commerce, the powerhouse management agency that was bought by IMG last year, is stepping a little further into the fashion world with this upcoming Fashion Week.

They’ve starting their own casting division, which they’ve been doing for print and editorial, but now they’re getting into runway casting, so expect great girls at every show they get involved with.

It’s going to be kind of a soft launch - they’re starting with only one show this coming season, and don’t just expect the likes of Anouck, Lily and Du Juan - they’ll be casting their girls from all available agencies, not just IMG.

And at which show will their runway taste debut?

Ohne Titel.

See you at Bumble and Bumble! Ohne Titel’s showing there for the third season in a row, a Bumble first.

There’s a certain bright red vintage Hermes belt sitting in a certain store in Soho that’s been weighing heavily on my mind. It was even in my dream last night - I cinched in a men’s shirt (don’t ask) and walked down the street thinking, “Where did I get the money for this?”

And that’s how I knew I was in the market for a seriously cool belt.

Coincidentally, I came across this very cool (and much less expensive) snake belt on Bona Drag by Keerstin Wintrup.

It’s still quite a few bucks for an unnecessary accessory, but I’m picturing it with dresses, high-waisted shorts, around men’s shirts (what the hell), and maybe even around my arm if I’m feeling funny.

And wouldn’t it be so amusing to hide it in your boyfriend’s pillow case, while you hiss from the hallway?

WWD’s reporting on Target’s next accessory collaboration. The mega-chain’s allegedly teaming up with Brooklyn based label Hayden-Harnett.

Hayden-Harnett has garnered a cult following of hip girls who want cute bags for less than $500 with more attention paid to design detail than label. Their Greenpoint store, (which happens to be inconveniently located mere blocks from my apartment), boasts bags, wallets, vintage jewelry and their small offering of girly dresses and coats - all of which should translate very well into a Target line.

The brand, run by Toni and Ben who are also real life partners, is less known than Target’s past accessory collaborators and would benefit especially from the exposure. But the success of Hayden-Harnett’s bags lies in their quality leather and quirky details, touches easily lost in mass translation.

But of course, we hope the rumor’s true.

And we hope they preview the collection at their own store, pre-Target.

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Yay@SoHappy.com

Hello Fashionista!

I just saw Kate Lanphear outside my office building (1633 Broadway) doing what appeared to be a shoot using a real-life stylish working woman. She looked great in black skinnies, a black and white patterned tee, and flat sandals. She was flanked by two other girls, possibly interns or assistants. When she had a spare moment, I gushed to her about my total girlcrush on her and if she’d been any nicer… actually, I don’t think she could have been nicer! At any rate, she was very gracious, the stylish subject looked fabulous, and everyone appeared to be in good spirits.

I’d prefer to remain anonymous if you post this. I want my bosses to think I’m actually, you know, working.

xo

We love style.com (who doesn’t?) and we’re about to love it even more -

The site’s getting a total makeover, which the style people are in the midst of readying right now.

It’s supposed to debut the first week of August, in conjunction with their full-blown beauty blog which will be called Beauty Counter, though the date isn’t “totally certain.”

We at least expect it to be up and running before Fashion Week, everyone’s favorite time for them.

So does this mean Vogue.com will get beefed up, too? Because…

“I am totally confused by the whole must-have Marc Jacobs handbag mania. Do people in our feeble 2008 economy still actually obsess over these things? Uh-huh, yup.” - the New York Times, on the Marc by Marc store in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

NYLON’s breaking into the business of being a major online presence

So as part of their new internet initiative, they’re launching their own podcasts.

The first one’s already up - a seriously skin-baring clip of Mischa Barton’s recent NYLON cover shoot, and we’re told there’s going to be tons of behind-the-scenes stuff during Fashion Week (expect naked models everywhere).

So go check it out - all you have to do is subscribe (it’s free!)

We’ve probably been doodling our fantasy outfits since fifth grade, dreaming of the day that we can somehow make them into a reality. And now, thanks to a little thing called styleshake.com, we can.

Styleshake is my ten year old self’s dream come true, a site that allows you to create anything from your dream wedding dress to a plain skirt for work that fits like a glove. You pick out the cut, length, fabric and color, click buy and presto! Ten business days later, your dream item arrives in the mail. You can even plug in your exact measurements to have the garment made perfectly for your body.

The site honestly does give you a plethora of choices, allowing you to select your own neckline, sleeves, type of skirt and bodice. You can even change color mid way to create a color blocking effect, or add bows, belts, frills - whatever your inner Westwood wants.

So naturally, we’re pretty much addicted already. Let’s just hope we don’t start wearing shades indoors and ordering out diet cokes be brought to us by a butler…

— HAYLEY PHELAN

Every day, we troll the online stores to know what’s cute, what’s ugly, and what’s just bad. And every day, we find ourselves staring directly into the face of Forever 21’s cap-locked logo.

So today, while doing my daily clicks, my dear friend Jyll glanced at my screen and exclaimed “Fendi rip-off!” It took me a second to notice, probably because the Fendi original walked the runway last Fall, which was basically like eons ago, but Jyll couldn’t have been more right.

The Forever 21 version on the right features nearly the same color-block design as the Fendi original, right down to the rectangle shape near the zipper that, in the Fendi, handily allows you to convert the clutch to a shoulder bag - but in the Forever 21, well, just tries to look like it’s the Fendi.

That being said, the cheaper colors are considerably uglier. The dark green and muted yellow look far less cute than Fendi’s original zippy yellow, blue and pink. Not to mention the cheap patent leather looks, well…

— HAYLEY PHELAN

We wonder if IMG’s split with Naomi Campbell was as amicable as their break from Daisy Lowe.

Modelsblog reports the fiery supermodel was displeased with the kind of work her London agency was booking. She must mean that silly Sobe commercial because her latest editorials have been nothing less than awesome.

According to their source, she’s signed to Independent with the hope of developing her acting career. We missed her on Ugly Betty but we can’t imagine ever watching Naomi on screen and thinking anything other than “That’s Naomi Campbell.”

And we can’t imagine anyone outside the fashion industry consistently putting up with her tantrums.

We finally placed an order for an iPhone this weekend (we don’t like lines), and now we’ve just read about the millionth new thing available for it -

A Gucci icon.

Gucci’s partnered with Vodafone on a new software that will give users the option of keeping a Gucci icon (presumably the logo), on their iPhone’s desktop that directs users to Gucci.com (we’re willing to bet our sandals that it’ll take you straight to the Website Exclusives page under Accessories.)

We’re not sure who checks the Gucci site so often that they really need an icon for it, but you’ll have to go to Italy to find out - that’s the only place it’ll be available at first.

And hopefully it’ll be less annoying than the Gucci skin that’s been appearing in the backgrounds of some websites recently…

It seems like every time we hear about a designer collaborating on a building, it’s going to be in Dubai.

So we were a little surprised this morning when we read that Donatella Versace was designing the interior renovation of the Clock Tower building at 5 Madison Avenue, including 55 apartments (and one enormous penthouse), and a spa which is expected to total around $1 billion.

This is especially interesting since everyone’s expecting the cost of real estate in Manhattan to eventually go the way of the rest of the country, so clearly Versace and co. don’t expect that to happen any time soon.

The project should be done in about two years - expect leather carpets and solid gold tubs.

“Category: Star Wars, $2,000

Question: Elle MacPherson and Heidi Klum feuded over the use of this nickname.”

[no one knows the answer]

Alex: “And I would have liked to have seen it - The Body.”

- from Friday’s Jeopardy.

(proof after the jump!)

This just in from the good people of Gen Art:

They need interns, now.

You must:

-Have a GPA of at least 3.0
-Be available at least 2 full days per week, plus some evenings for events
-Be detail-oriented, organized, enthusiastic, flexible, able to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects at once
-Be proficient in Excel
-Be familiar with fashion or the special events industry
(-Also, Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop a plus)

So that you can:

-Help with designer scouting and outreach
-Communicate effectively with top editors and buyers
-Maintain Fashion department records, press clippings, general office duties

The position lasts into Fall, but it’s not paid, though we’re sure we don’t need to explain what a great opportunity this is.

Send a short cover letter and resume to fashionstaff@genart.org with FASHION INTERNSHIP in the subject line.

Good Luck!

While everybody else tries to get in on the next reality TV show, Karl’s sticking with reality movies.

WWD reports that Karl’s set to be the subject of a 53-minute documentary to air on France 5 in October, exactly one year after the US debut of Lagerfeld Confidential, including the usual stuff of documentaries - lengthy one-on-one interviews, shots of the Kaiser rolling up to important events, clips of him at fittings, etc.

Hopefully France 5 will air the episode in the first few days of October. Then everybody partied out at the end of Paris Fashion Week can have something to go with all those leftover mini-Champagne bottles.

We’ve always wanted some Acne Jeans, but never wanted to spend $300 on a pair, so this is just about perfect:

Who: Acne Jeans and Staerk, aka Kate Moss’ favorite jeans and dresses, tops, shoes, and swimwear.

What: Sample and stock sale. Jeans marked down to $125 and dresses going for $100. (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover all accepted)

When: Tuesday, July 22 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and July 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 145 West 18th Street between 6th and 7th. 212.388.0339

Why: If you really need a reason to buy some great jeans, 50 - 70% off is it. Plus you can get just about anything for Labor Day weekend from Staerk.

See you out there!

—KYLE HAYES

Gloves for Fall, that’s no news, but this Fall’s gloves are too good to not plan for. Short, long, demure, loud, whatever, and we love them all.

Particularly interesting are those with feathers (Gareth Pugh) and skintight leather (Iceberg), which we’re already picturing with short sleeve coats and swingy dresses.

We love it when practical accessories get the most impractical treatment (go Sonia!)

—AUDREY SMITH

Prada just filled their Soho store windows with lace, and we’re officially ready for Fall.

We expect to see the feminine fabric everywhere come September - whether it’s a bodysuit peeking out from under a tank a la Charlotte Ronson or an entire dress - but we can’t really get a handle on lace tights.

They popped up under dresses at Chanel and Nicole Miller last February and Kova & T, maker of famous latex leggings, just released these.

We know they want to be sexy - they’re trying desperately to be hot - but we just see Madonna circa Like a Virgin and it looks, dare we say it - trashy?

What exactly would you wear them with?

If, of course, you’d wear them in the first place…

Playboy sent us a copy of their magazine once. Those three reality girls were on the cover and I’m pretty sure we threw it away.

French Playboy sent us a copy of their magazine once. Lou Doillon was on the cover and we put the pages all over our wall.

It’s kind of like French Vogue and American Vogue, but not so drastic and with less clothing.

So we’re excited for Lily Cole. Faran reported in her Page Six Column that the red-headed-maybe-dating-Jude-Law-model will pose for the cover of French Playboy’s November issue.

Bet she makes this shoot look tame.

There’s been some speculation that Sarah Jessica Parker’s getting her own reality show on Bravo, and now, the rumors can take a nap.

The show will be called American Artist, which basically sounds like it’ll be just like Project Runway except with sculptures and murals instead of jackets and prom dresses.

SJP’s producing the whole thing, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s on just before The Rachel Zoe Project, which premieres on Bravo on September 8th.

Do you think SJP will make a surprise appearance as a guest judge, like on PR? Will anyone actually watch it? Something tells us…

WHICH pro-posing socialite is planning an elaborate trip during Fashion Week because she’s worried she won’t be front row this season?

Attention, Russian readers:

If you’re stashing black nail polish, thick eyeliner, purple lipstick, or some spike bracelets, you may be in trouble with the principal, as Russian public schools have started banning “emo and goth” dress from their halls, insisting the outfits encourage suicides.

Besides being ridiculous, the rule is also a bit weird given Russia’s current socio-economic situation:

Right now, Russians are some of the catwalks’ biggest and most enthusiastic patrons. And everyone from YSL to Gaultier and Marc Jacobs have incorporated both goth and emo influences into their work - even Burberry spun their Medieval hardware in the way of My Chemical Romance fans with giant pyramid spikes and blades on their recent round of handbags. And don’t even get us started with McQueen…

Yesterday, a protest was held in Siberia to stop the madness. Somehow, when a cause has to protest in Siberia, we’re not sure it’s getting tons of attention.

“That’s progress for you: last year, we had the very silly-looking white sunglasses craze. This year, we have the completely stupid school of Bob the Builder, multicoloured, very plastic look. Which means that if spending half the morning co-ordinating your hair extensions with your vast collection of Birkins isn’t enough to fulfil you creatively as an artist, then you can at least bolt on another hour or two while you decide whether to match or clash your specs with your toenails.” - Lisa Armstrong, on brightly colored sunglasses, in the London Times.

There’s an industry joke that it’s always Fashion Week somewhere, and last week was Berlin’s turn.

The German city known for its emerging art scene (and apparently its emerging cover of American Vogue starring Keira Knightley) played host to over 20 runways, including Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood, Boss by Hugo Boss, Joop, and Kai Kühne.

Some of the clothes looked amazing, but German press aren’t giving the same praise to the girls:

German newspapers are claiming the event ignored rules put in place by the country’s Health Minister, saying girls needed to be at least a size two, and over sixteen years old, to walk on runways. The Minister announced before the fashion shows that “[Germany] wants to take a stand against unhealthy body image.”

The situation is just a reminder that New York’s runways are about a month and a half away - and though we love models as much as any casting director, we hope none of them look sick, either.

Daisy Lowe may have left IMG, but she’s still consistent on one thing:

Her ad campaigns.

Today we learned Ms. Lowe was retained by Doc Martens for their Fall ‘08 ad campaign -

Something that should excite two groups of people more than the rest:

1. The group that loves seeing Daisy in her underpants and not much more.

2. The group that loves seeing Doc Martens in fashion magazines because it means they can still wear their clumpy pairs instead of heels / ballet flats.

As for us, we’re now wondering if and how we can drag our Docs out for Fashion Week… hmmm…

Imagine being an independent designer known for your beautiful clothes - not for plastering your name all over shorts or being on a reality show.

You’ve received great press, you have a cult following, celebrities love your clothes - good celebrities - and your store is a cornerstone of NoLiTa’s indie-mall.

Now imagine Forever 21 ripping off your dress, your design and your embroidery.

Are you pissed?

We would be, and we’re sure Jane Mayle is, since Sarah from her office just e-mailed us this link.

Sure, the one on the right is black and missing the drawstring, but the design on the front is exactly the same.

We don’t approve - as if you didn’t already know that.

IMG’s celebrity-model roster is minus one.

A spokesperson just confirmed a rumor that the agency parted ways with Gavin Rossdale spawn and British It-Girl, Daisy Lowe, just seven months after signing her post New York Model Management.

As far as London’s concerned, she’s sticking with Women, but no word on where she’s headed in New York.

But there’s no bad blood between her and IMG, in fact, the spokesperson added, “She’s a beautiful girl and we wish her well”.

Which means there’s no juicy story behind the split, though we wonder why she’d leave a top agency just as her star is rising state side.

Maybe she figures her Ronson relationship will be enough?

This just in from our shopaholic intern, Audrey:

Jill Stuart’s Soho store’s slashing prices, which means everything spring/summer is up to 60% off at 100 Greene Street.

That means you can grab a handful of great summer dresses with up-to-there hemlines marked down from $450 to $175.

That’s basically like buynig two for the price of one - and maybe still have something left over to buy us a tank top?

Wouldn’t it be fun to skip past the mile-long iPhone line with a bag of your new stuff?

—KYLE HAYES

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

ps. Check out our new Party Photos tab up top! So easy to check out the beautiful people now…

A lot of you have asked for it, and here it is - the return of What’s In Your Bag? !

Our new host is our old super-intern, Jazzi McGilbert, who lovingly combed the streets of New York for subjects.

This is our first one in a long time, so expect it to only get bigger and better from here, and with less use of the word “awesome.” (And yes, believe it or not, the amazing people we stopped were total coincidences! But if you’re lucky, we might start tipping you off to our filming locations…)

Enjoy the clip, and click through for our blooper reel with a very funny special guest -

See you out there!

Ariel and Charlotte, both aspiring stylists.

Got Them: Walking down Mott St. and enjoying the sunny day.

Stalked Them: Well, we didn’t really have to. We were sitting on our stoop eating ice cream. But we did jump up, camera ready!

Shot Them: Because we couldn’t let this adorable duo pass us by. Their innovative style is fresh and eye-catching - both girls rock florals in their own unique way.

They Say: “We’re job hunting, NYU grads trying to start a business! The shoes are Helmut Lang and this is my brother’s old t-shirt.”

We Say: Two stylish girls are better than one!

—AUDREY SMITH

It’s that time of year again -

UNIQLO’s annual UT Grand Prix t-shirt design contest is officially underway, and we know there must be some of you out there wanting to get in on the chance to win the 3,000,000 yen first prize (that’s about $30,000).

The winner’s design will also be sold in UNIQLO stores worldwide, in addition to bragging rights for the season of Fall 08.

You can get all the details and fill out the application here until September 21st.

So good luck, and send us snapshots!

We just got our August Vogue, and we were pleasantly surprised when we realized that Kate isn’t just on the cover - there’s actually an interview with her.

She rarely allows them (Johnny Depp’s old agent famously told her that not allowing interviews will allow her to maintain mystique), so of course we read the whole thing in like thirty seconds.

But tucked in between her cute little quotes - “Let me see if we can get the chopper” - Kate let out a little bit of news -

She’s not just working on a second fragrance for Coty (her first, Kate by Kate Moss will available in the States this August), she’s also working on makeup for them, a new celebrity-driven venture for the giant beauty brand.

Kate would be following in the model-makeup steps of Daria, who created a tiny range for Lancome earlier this year.

From Kate, we fully expect a sick range of kohl eyeliners, and no hair products whatsoever.

(On a sidenote, wouldn’t this compete with the makeup she sells for Rimmel, also owned by Coty? Guess she won’t be making mascara…)

To: Tips@ Fashi onista .com

From: FA@ IMiss The Box .com

Hey guys,

I was watching FNMTV last week, and LL Cool J debuted his new video. I of course muted it because he hasn’t made good music for a while now, but I kept watching because he does have nice arms that I enjoy looking at.

Anyway, whilst watching this muted video I was suprised to see who i’m pretty sure is none other than Nicole Fiscella who is better known as Isabel Coates on Gossip Girl. I’m not absolutely sure its her but its looks EXACTLY like her.

Thought you’d like to know -

xo

It’s not often that an important exhibit skips over New York to San Francisco without so much as a stop on the way back.

But alas, the newly modern, (well, three years ago) DeYoung museum will host the only US presentation of a forty-year retrospective of Yves Saint Laurent’s work.

The exhibition, which opens November 1st, will include 120 accessorized outfits, (including couture), sketches, videos and photographs to show the, “revolutionary nature of his body of work that presents a new definition of femininity”.

Four themes will divide the exhibit: “Pencil Strokes,” in which the chronology of dress making is explored; “The YSL Revolution,” in which you should expect an excess of le smoking; “The Palette,” in which they’ll explore his use of color; and best of all, “Lyrical Sources,” in which they’ll group his work with that of the artists whose influences were constantly seen on his runways, including Mondrian and Braque.

And, if you’re not already booking a ticket to San Francisco, you should know that the museum will host a symposium on opening day with a host of speakers including Hamish Bowles.

It’s almost too good to be true.

“And I also hate the fashion community at large. The people at the top, you’re nice- Anna, me, Yves……..a few others. But boy oh boy, I do find the rest of you démodé. You’re too fat. The bulimics are too thin. Why can’t you be the right weight, goddamit??!” — our new favorite site, fakekarl.blogspot.com.

Cumulatively, our office has interned at a lot of places. Important places. We’ve learned a lot. But we’ve never been paid.

So if you’re searching for your second home for Fall we highly suggest applying to Converse’s PR office. It pays $10/hour and we’ve never heard of such a thing.

With that luxury comes these requirements:

- You must a be a junior, senior or recent grad with a GPA above 3.0.
- You must be available 3 full days a week.
- You must be a proactive team player with excellent organizational and communication skills.
- You must be familiar with the industry either through experience or your major.

Responsibilities will include tracking samples, organizing the closet, keeping track of press, assisting at special events and the usual copying/filing/mailing duties.

You will probably get at least one pair of totally awesome sneakers and we will probably be really jealous.

Email a brief cover letter in the body of your email to pr@converse.com and attach your resume with relevant PR and fashion experience with “FALL PR INTERNSHIP RESUME” in the subject and keep your fingers crossed.

Lara, native of Istanbul, works in industrial design

Got her: At the subway entrance on Lafayette and Spring

Stalked her: Because her belt completely caught us off guard, and we were wondering what time it was

Shot her: Because the funky waist-watch and embellished sandals take the shirt and skirt ensemble to a whole new level, plus who wants to wear a watch on your wrist when you have three on your belt?

She says: “I’m here on vacation, and the belt - it’s vintage!”

We say: Always fashionable, never late

—AUDREY SMITH

For the past few years, fashion has been playing a little game with us we like to call “just how big can purses get before people start realizing they’re actually carrying duffel bags to work?”

We know this trend is dying hard, but we’re sick of carrying a bag that weighs more than we do - the straps leave welts in our shoulders and it takes 20 minutes to find our keys at the end of the day.

So recently, we’ve been looking for an antidote - a purse of reasonable to small size, that’s cute, and that, more importantly, isn’t going to give us scoliosis. So imagine our joy when we came across this little cutie at Topshop today. It’s just the right size - big enough for our keys, wallets and phones but small enough that we could find all said items easily. The strap is long enough to fit comfortably over one shoulder or across the body - a look we’ve really been loving recently. And for night, you can just unhook the strap and carry it as a clutch.

The purse comes in four different colors, but our favorite is the mustard - it’ll go perfectly with Fall’s heather grays and dark purples, but we could just as easily picture it with a sweet little summer dress. So do your shoulders a favor and nab this bag.

— HAYLEY PHELAN

“I’m going to make what I do. I’m going to make a pair of pants and kind of a vest, mainly out of garbage bags.” - contestant Stella, on last night’s Project Runway premiere.

We know those of you in LA aren’t up yet, so here’s a little surprise from back to the future -

Foley + Corinna’s having a sample sale this weekend, Saturday and Sunday only, and it’s going to be so amazing that they’re shutting down the whole store so everyone can sample shop their little hearts out.

Where: 8117 Melrose Avenue, at Crescent Heights

Exactly When: July 19 and 20, 11am - 7pm

What: Bags, tops and dresses at 30% -75% off (more details on that after the jump)

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex accepted.

Wish we could see you there…

We’ve never watched Beauty and the Geek, so we have no idea who Gregory Paul Soriano is.

But our attention was recently turned to him anyway, because apparently he’s a master baker, and often makes crazy cakes as an ode to fashion.

So check out his best one, which he’s titled “The World’s Most Expensive Cake, the Marc Jacobs/Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Cake.”

We’re impressed.

And kind of spooked.

And we want to eat the gold chain.

We would never believe this if it wasn’t in the Wall Street Journal -

Vogue and IMG have teamed up to produce a web-based reality show called Model. Live, which will debut August 19 in twelve, eight-minute webisodes on Vogue.tv.

The cameras will follow three new IMG girls as they try to break into serious modeling, and the big people behind the show promise it’ll be total reality (they’ve already said they’ll tape whatever actually happens including depression, unhealthy eating habits, rejections, etc) as opposed to the “amateurs live” feel that most reality shows maintain.

We never thought we’d get excited about another fashion-related reality show, but this is pretty amazing considering that Vogue and IMG are major industry players, so we’re already trying to figure out which girls will make it onto a major runway.

The models who we’ll watch all Fall, from left to right, are Austria, Madeline and Cato (who’s already walked Prada) - so cute, no?

Since the 90’s and the Fall runways are what’s on our minds most right now, we’ve been giving a lot of thought to black lipstick.

We saw it at YSL and Giles, and we kind of secretly see it on ourselves, but only with the right invitation, and only if we could pull it off without venturing into Morticia Addams’ territory.

We figure we could always switch it out for a super deep red or aubergine to go with super soft eyes, but then it might just look like dark lipstick, which isn’t nearly as exciting as a total mouth blackout.

But more importantly - would you wear black lipstick (on a night other than Halloween)? Or is this too reminiscent of that other 90’s blunder, Goth?

(And if you already have, then please tell us how you worked it - we seriously want to know!)

—AUDREY SMITH