It’s almost August, and here on the east coast it’s only just now starting to feel like summer. Which really blows since it’s going to be Labor Day in about two seconds. Our friends on the west coast have not had such issues.

And the kids at Cheap Monday are in full summer swing. Tomorrow afternoon and evening, they’re hosting a massive sale and good old All-American BBQ in downtown Los Angeles.

It’s got all the makings of a very good time complete with beers, hot dogs, DJ Dirty Talk, and jeans that only cost $35.

Have a dog for us! Details after the jump.

“‘I’m quite solitary at the moment,’ he [Roberto Cavalli] continues. ‘People like to see me as this big party guy. If I say I’m here alone, they don’t like it.’ That said, he isn’t exactly alone. Cavalli keeps a miniature monkey in a King Kong size cage and his German shepherd has the run of the place. ‘Stay away from the monkey — he’s bad with women!’ he [Cavalli] warns as he plants a big bacio on the furry animal’s mouth.” - We couldn’t help but giggle at this paragraph from JJ Martin’s T story on Roberto Cavalli’s dope (if not exactly our personal taste) house outside Florence.

Joe Zee, star of The City and Creative Director of Elle, is in LA this week.

He hosted an event called “Hit the Road, Text Later” with Ciara as part of California’s campaign to stop texting while driving. (Which, after texting my way up and down the state of California while driving for a month I can attest is a major problem. I’m still amazed I never crashed.)

However, during this past week Joe tweeted from a text message that his car was playing office. Then he took this picture of a woman’s foot hanging out of a car, while in his own vehicle. Then he took this picture of traffic, from inside the tunnel in which he was stuck traffic. And then this one of a pretty posh Rolls Royce in which you can actually see Joe’s side mirror — all actually texted into Twitter.

Yes, this made us laugh out loud. Maybe he should stick to fashion parties since that’s a cause he actually believes in? But seriously, please don’t crash Joe! Fashion Week wouldn’t be the same without you.

Agreed, Garance: I feel the pretty much the same way about tattoos. I still want one but just can’t decide what to get. Though I’m also forever grateful I never did anything ridiculously embarrassing as a teen during the 90s. Plus, this girl’s tat is way cool. {Garance}

Rain, Rain: Style.com found some fancy people who refuse to cave in to the wettest summer in the history of mankind (okay, but it feels like it) and still wear Givenchy wedges and Jane Mayle platforms. They’re fun to look at, but we’ve given up. {Style}

Double Your Pleasure: Raquel doing the masculine and the feminine thing for JPG. Well played Inez and Vinoodh. {Modelinia}

We Love the 80s: So do KT Auleta, Brian Molloy, and Missy Rayder. See how it all came together. {Dazed Digital}

Vogue UK has just reported that YSL’s Stefano Pilati will be making an appearance at LFW - in his role as Creative Director for the label Veryta.

The line is actually designed by fashion illustrator Tanya Ling and uses fabrics by Pilati BFF Filipo Binaghi. The Vogue eds say that the collection is incredibly easy to wear and romantic and filled with separates you just want to touch. Unfortunately there aren’t any preview pictures available.

It’s unclear exactly how big a hand Stefano had in guiding Tanya’s designs, but it sounds like they had a lovely old time.

I was walking through Saks yesterday, overwhelmed by the perfection of Helmut Lang’s pre-fall collection, when I saw the BCBG skirt at left.

It was hot pink in the store, so it jumped out against the greys and blacks, and perfectly banded. The piece was tiny and stretchy with a zipper up the back just like Herve Leger’s signature bandage skirts. At this point, you can find Herve rip-offs everywhere, but it made us wonder what Mr. Azria, the man behind both Herve and BCBG, stands to gain from ripping himself off - like when Topshop ripped off Kate Moss for Topshop’s dress.

How about an internship where you’re working for both Isaac Mizrahi and Liz Claiborne?

A few employees help with the creative sides of both and they need you.

Specifically, they need one intern to help get ready for fashion week through fittings and backstage prep; help with photo shoots; undertake some typical intern tasks like pulling reference images, reading through blogs and magazines; a few errands, a few admin tasks and generally being aware of what’s going on in the fashion world.

What’s the only thing better than Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière?

Balenciaga by Cristobal Balenciaga re-interpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière.

Too much?

What we’re trying to say is, the French house has picked nineteen pieces from their archives and re-constructed them with modern techniques for the latest ‘collection’ of Balenciaga Edition (an on and off concept for the past few years). The inspiration pieces date from 1932 to 1967 which means that no matter which decade’s vintage makes you dreamy you’ll find something. Though first you’ll have to get to Paris. The designs will sell at Le Bon Marche from Septemeber 11 to October 5.

Bon chance!

Intermix has been busy.

They threw a party the other night to let the world know they’re stocking Rag & Bone, but everyone left talking about Jessica Stam instead. The model’s been spending extra time with the boys, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, helping design bit parts of their spring collection.

But the store itself has a collaboration in the works. They’ve paired with current fashion darling Marilyn Minter on a limited edition tote.

The bag features a still from Minter’s “Green Pink Caviar” - the same video playing on Madonna’ Sticky and Sweet tour - which means you can have Minter and Intermix for just $48. Plus, the project’s in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month which means sales benefit the nonprofit group Bright Pink.

Yesterday it was announced that those Fashion Meets Finance events are starting up again because apparently the recession is over - a truly interesting limb to step out on for anyone who’s actually paying attention to the world.

I didn’t want to write much about it because, frankly, I’ve always found the events to be rather gross, and kind of tacky. Sure there are many a couple I know where the man works in finance and the woman works in fashion. But, let’s just let that happen organically, okay. The whole thing just creeps me out. But I digress.

Marco Zanini was reborn with a presentation at Rochas last season, after the ugliness that was the whole Halston affair.

Now FWD is reporting that come September he will get his first proper runway show for the house.

The show will pretty much kick off the week on September 30th which has to have Marco feeling pretty good about where he stands with his new-ish bosses.

Though we wouldn’t be surprised if he still has Harvey Weinstein flashbacks on a regular basis.

We just got back from lunch with Misha Nonoo and Deborah Lyons, two best friends whose first capsule collection of eight extremely tailored coats and jackets is hitting stores right now. Takashimaya already has Nonoo Lyons pieces on the floor with Intermix (and its website) and Henri Bendel following suit over the next week or so.

The girls are just as lovely as their menswear-inspired pieces. They decided to focus on jackets as they found them to be a staple in their wardrobe, but one that was never just right.

All of the fabrics are classically European, but every piece, down to metalwork details, is produced in Manhattan.

This morning, we had breakfast with Don’t Miss the Marc, Marc Jacobs’ uber-bridge line.

As in, so bridge that everything costs under $200 and all the accessories - totes, wallets, super cute chunky bangles and necklaces - come in under $100.

You can get the clothes - striped leggings, denim tulip skirts, brightly colored t-shirts and even a coat or two almost everywhere you spot your usual Marc by Marc. The accessories, however, are only available in Marc by Marc stores.

The “Don’t Fret My Pet” girl, the line’s wide-eyed, black haired mascot is half-Emily the Strange half-Becca Moody. Or maybe we should stop watching Californication.

Riccardo Redux: Come October you’ll be able to buy pieces from Tisci’s new Redux capsule collection. And yes, there will be many white blouses. {Vogue UK}

Non, Non: Seems yesterday’s Keith Kelly musings about Hearst taking over a piece of Elle are just that. {Observer}

Matte-ify It: We’re partial to the matte shades from KO. The beauty department at Nylon tries on some other options too. {NYLON TV}

Baby Brady: Yesterday London Fog announced that they airbrushed Gisele’s pregnant belly to “respect her privacy” which, you know, didn’t. Now People’s got the shot that can put all the speculation to rest. via {The Cut}

We love The Standard hotels. Britt just kicked it at the West Hollywood location while she was out west doing her Life With stories. And I can’t seem to pick a spot other than the Standard Grill for dinner lately. We also happen to be big fans of Quiksilver, though we never really thought about the two coming together.

Well, they have - in the form of a custom line of The Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver (and black a bikini for the ladies) to be sold in vending machines at the hotels (downtown LA and Miami too), as well as on shopthestandard.com.

The coolest thing about the shorts is that there is a pair inspired by each of the four hotels, and along the waistband you’ll find cool tips about each neighborhood, like other pools to check out in New York.

WWD: How would you describe your style?

Daphne Guinness: Regular. Stuff that fits.

Ruben Toledo’s best known for his brilliant fashion illustrations, and being married to Isabel.

The two of them have reached a new level of fame post-inauguration and are being honored with both a book and a museum exhibition, Toledo/Toledo: A Marriage of Art and Fashion.

But we’re even more excited for Ruben’s most recent project mixing fashion and literature on the covers of three beloved novels: Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter.

The gorgeous books will hit shelves right in time for Fashion Week (as if you’ll have a minute to read anything in print other than The Daily) and are worth the $16 for the cover alone.

Plus, you know you’ve been meaning to re-read all three since high school.

In today’s Thursday Styles section, NY Times writer Eric Wilson reveals the identity of someone that many of you are very familiar with, even though you never knew his real name.

Regular readers and commenters will well remember Fluff Chance who has regularly stirred up trouble here on Fashionista, though trouble with a voice that indicated he knew the industry well.

Today we find out he is Eric Gaskins, a designer himself for the past 22 years. He has chosen to reveal himself now as he is closing his design business, but will keep writing The Emperor’s Old Blog.

Remember this hat?

Sienna Miller wore it everywhere last winter, so did Agyness Deyn, and despite the hundreds of hats I tried on from Barneys to Urban to H&M, nothing quite measured up. Without knowing exactly who knitted it or where it came from, I was hopeless.

So imagine my delight when the picture at left landed in my inbox with designer Madeleine Thompson’s lookbook (filled with dreamy images of Poppy Delevigne, by the way) and the news that her line of chunky cashmere knits will finally be available in this country. Barneys is expecting their first shipment in the next couple of weeks and here’s hoping they save one for me. That’s the one good thing about all this rain - it makes it infinitely easier to imagine a fall wardrobe.

There are countless things that I love about Paris—walking the streets of the Marais and soaking up the style, the Tuileries, salads at the Costes.

And, of course, no trip is complete without a trip (or three) to Ladurée—home to the best macaroons.

Now the patisserie is collaborating with Christian Louboutin on a new collection of boxes to house said delicious goodies, available in September. As far as random collaborations go, this one we like.

They already make a perfect gift to bring home from a trip, or thank god (at least for some of you) you can order them online.

Last week, I spent a few days in LA soaking up the other side of the fashion industry, one that loves the art as much as we do, but revolves almost entirely around celebrities.

So I dove right in, starting with a celebrity stylist: Nicole Chavez. Never heard of her? Well, you probably love her work since she styles Rachel Bilson (who, let’s face it, is best known for her style), Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Bell. I’d spent time with my fair share of editorial stylists, but for a career that has the same name, it couldn’t be more different.

We spent the day pulling clothes for three events for Scarlett - Comic Con, the LA Shorts Film Festival and a Dolce & Gabbana in-store appearance - which means we ran from her loft to a designer’s house to Dolce’s showroom to Prada’s store stopping to pick up shoes on the way and unloading FedEx boxes at home. It was a never ending parade of pulling and editing and choosing and trying on and my peppering Nicole with a million questions.

So how’d she get started? What was it like working on The OC? Does she ever want to do editorial? Find out after the jump!

You gotta love a day when you get to namecheck Candy Pratts Price, not once, but twice.

The Style.com Fashion Director is co-chairing a major charity event in the Hamptons on August 15th for the Ellen P. Hermanson Breast Health Center at Southampton Hospital. Stella McCartney, Daphne Guinness, Steven Klein and André Balazs are also on the invite.

The cheapest tickets are $250 which isn’t all that crazy for a New York charity party. But, of course, you’ll need to be in the Hamptons.

Not to fear, there’s another awesome component: an online auction going on now until August 25th.

So you wanna be a part of Fashion’s Night Out?

We’ve got your chance.

To publicize what is sure to be one of the most amazing nights September has ever seen, the CFDA is filming a PSA which will run on TV, in taxis, and online.

The spot will include well-known designers, celebrities, and models, as you would expect. But for the finale they want YOU!

Our friends over at The Frisky found this baby by designer Dechel McKillion on 80s Purple. And we have to agree with them that these look like trouble.

There is no way I wouldn’t get snagged on any number of things throughout the day. I’m also not much of an earring person in general. I go in phases and then eventually give up wearing them altogether to the point that my holes close up. I’ve literally had my ears repierced five or six times.

And yet I’m still incredibly intrigued by the concept - even though I can’t decide if it would look way cool or just plain silly, like my necklace was caught up in my hair or something.

Thoughts?

We love Wednesdays, not because it’s almost Friday, but because it’s when Net-a-Porter gets new stuff and we can wake up and wonder how the Balmain jackets and Halston mini-dresses sold out before we’ve even had coffee.

Today, we almost squealed with glee when we saw these DIY scarf kits.

For $85 you get all the Peruvian wool you need to make a seriously chunky scarf in bright fuschia, grey, turquoise, blue or purple. It even comes with new knitting needles and it’s kind of the perfect stuck on the L without a book subway project - though Faran wholeheartedly disagrees with me.

Meanwhile, we hate to introduce another fall shoe option, but these Thomas Wylde biker boots are amazing.

Magazines not for you? Don’t feel like helping a stylist? Not interested in writing for us? But you still want an internship? How about a showroom?

Steven Alan’s hiring. They need interns starting now and a good crop for fall, too. It’s kind of like working in the closet, you’ll check samples in and out and keep everything organized. But you’ll be doing it in a gigantic Tribeca showroom instead.

Which fantastical designer has a new man? She’s ditched her long term fiance for an artist with prime real estate.

POP This: Here’s your first peek at Dasha Zhukova’s POP. Looks good so far, and love anything that pairs “Margiela with Westwood, McQueen against Watanabe’s padded extravagance,” though she should stop defending herself. {Fashionologie & Interview}

Fall, For Serious: Candy & her team at Style just released their fall trend report. We’ll avoid Party Like It’s 1983 since we just barely missed that the first time around, but fully embrace Boudoir Crossing and Biker Brigade. {Style}

Rad Rad: If you’re not yet familiar with Rad Hourani, get thee to a lookbook. The dude’s going to be major. {Jak&Jil}

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie: Just how many of these bracelets on one arm would be too many? We can’t make it past the jewelry counter at J.Crew lately. Seriously, someone is doing their job very, very well. {J.Crew}

Model Citizen: Meet Damaris Lewis. She’s from Brooklyn, she’s eighteen, she’s the face of YSL and after watching this, you’ll want to eat pizza with her. {NylonTV}

I have so many necklaces that I wish I could still wear but they’re missing stones or mildly damaged or just looking a wee bit scraggly.

Some I could probably easily fix myself, but the fact is I’m lazy. And others could use a jewelry maker’s delicate hand. Because as much as I love design and fashion, I’m far from crafty. I leave that stuff to people far more talented than myself.

So I wish I was going to be in Los Angeles tomorrow night when designer Marnie Greenwood, of Marnie Rocks, hosts a jewelry making party at Beckley. You can bring in all your old pieces and update them into something new and fabulous.

Can someone get one of these scheduled in NYC soon?

Details after the jump!

“Every day I become more myself and more confident about showing my natural behaviors. I did a video recently, the ‘Vulture’ video, where I’m naked in a jock strap and I’m just becoming more myself for a moment, you know?…Any of these people who are made out to be provocative—like Madonna or Britney or Lady Gaga— they’re just showing the world what a natural human being is. They’re showing the secret parts of being human, not the freaky parts. People think that being provocative is being freaky, but a lot of the time the most provocative thing is when you’re a natural human.” —Fashion obsessed Brit singer Patrick Wolf in a quick conversation with W. We love a man who’s been obsessed with Vivienne Westwood since he was 11.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

The CFDA held a ‘town hall’ meeting yesterday to talk about all the issues the fashion industry’s facing as we enter SS10 Fashion Week.

We like to think there was yelling and hand raising and a chalkboard and a gavel, but really it sounds like Diane von Furstenberg did her best to calm everyone’s nerves and focus on one problem at a time while Anna Wintour made silly statements like, “We have friends in the White House now,” while proposing something illegal.

The general consensus is that the root of the problem (aside from the obvious economic woes) is the customer’s confusion. And as anyone who’s ever worked in retail can attest, it is in fact baffling for most customers to face a fur coat in July and a bikini in January. Why would they buy it then when they can wait until it’s actually cold (or hot) outside and buy it for 70% less? The Pres repeatedly advocated shipping wear-now product, something Elie Tahari says he’s been doing very successfully.

I’m sad I went on a celebrity/model/actress collaboration rant the other day; I should’ve saved my speech for this.

In February, we mentioned Hilary Duff was designing a line for DKNY (home of Rachel Bilson’s line, too) under the name Femme. The one image, of her in a fringed tee and leather vest wasn’t awful, though wasn’t groundbreaking.

So now, the ad campaign’s out, shot by Scott Schuman naturally, and for the first time, we believe the celebrity wearing the outfit physically designed the outfit.

But really, Scott would never shoot that on the street, Hilary Duff would never wear it (she looks miserable!) and more importantly, the customer interested in purchasing something designed by a former Disney star doesn’t want a cocoon, right?

We’re banking on the fact that it’s just styled to get your attention and the whole line doesn’t actually look like it’s trying to explore some avant-garde aspect of otherwise commercial fashion, because what’s in that picture is not what this flailing industry needs.

I can’t believe it’s almost August. But it is. And that means that Fashion Week will be here before I know it, so it’s time for me to start thinking about how I want to transition my look.

All summer, I’ve stayed pretty true to the coral lip and lined eyes that I fell in love with when I saw Kate Moss’ Topshop shoot.

(By the way, thanks to all of you who recommended MAC’s Lady Danger in the comments on that post. I’m already on my second tube.)

And now, I think I’ve found my first new look for fall thanks to Diane Kruger at the Inglourious Basterds premiere earlier today in Berlin.

Thanks to EW’s Popwatch Blog, we just learned that there will be an open casting call for the Sex and the City sequel a week from today on August 4th. No agent, Equity, or SAG card required - though that doesn’t exclude you if you do have one.

We don’t know much yet about the plot of the new film. Though we do know that Pat Field is hesitant to go all recessionista with the clothing.

And the call sheet doesn’t give away anything incredibly dishy, as we could put any of these people in any number of scenes from the series or the first movie. They’re looking for “international types (Middle Eastern, Arabic, Asian, European, British), professional soccer players, fashion models, urban club goers, gays and lesbians, celebrity types, upscale socialites.”

Though might there be a soccer player in Samantha’s future? If you score a background part, be sure to send us tidbits from the set.

All the details after the jump!

“We were like children sitting on the tree; I put my veil over him and I whispered secret promises to him in my private secret language. And that was it: simple, like snow falling during the warm summer moon.” — Artist Terence Koh on his intimate wedding ceremony to Garrick Gott. The gown of white tulle is also pictured over on the Blasblog.

We love our wardrobes. And when we spend money on something, even if it was only ten dollars on a t-shirt, we want to keep it in the best condition possible (except, perhaps, for our Chucks and certain pairs of jeans.)

But then life happens.

We usually head to the professionals, humbled and hopeful, with our scuffed shoes or stained cardigans. It’s pricey, though, and we get excited when there’s a way to care for our more delicate pieces from the comfort of our own homes. Like this summer when J. Crew started selling a cashmere wash to keep your cashmere fresh, for only $18.

Looky-Loo: Little J landed her own cover. She’s looking exceptionally cute and age appropriate on the cover of Teen Vogue’s September issue. {TeenVogue}

Fort Lauderdale, Really? One of our favorite hairstylists, Ted Gibson, is opening a salon in the former Spring Break mecca. But he promises it’s cool now. {W}

Now That Makes More Sense: We were confused about the whole Balenciaga/Air Tahiti uniform situation when we first read about it. The Times sorts out the matter. Who knew there was such a licensee as Balenciaga Uniforms? {The Moment}

Gilt Grows: Come August 12th we’ll definitely be checking out the more affordable Gilt Fuse to see if the sales are anywhere as good as so many of those on their big sister site. {Slaves To Fashion}

The iPhone keeps on expanding. WWD reported this morning that Elie Tahari is launching a free application next month that allows users to see the entire Fall 2009 collection, as well as zoom in for detail shots.

Sounds a lot like Style.com, but there’s more to it. The app is buying-based, so it’ll show you the looks and guide you to places online where you can purchase them. It’s a smart move, as designers in the past year have become increasingly aware of catering to the consumer.

And while a woman could click through the looks on Style.com and admire them, she couldn’t go much further than that. This tool could (as the brand is undoubtedly banking on) bring in new customers.

We’ll be watching to see which companies - that we are more likely to frequent - follow suit. And may we suggest that they include a feature that alerts us as pieces start going on sale, and lets the app direct us to the best deals, too?

—AMANDA JEAN BOYLE

The internet is buzzing this morning over a post on The Imagist late yesterday that said: “US Vogue is quietly getting a revamp in light of the on-going ad slump. Think a new circle of models, an influx of fresh, young photographers and a desire for ‘unpredictability’ in the stories.”

Hallelujah is all I have to say. That magazine needs a shake up in a big, bad way. Let’s just hope they actually follow through, and in a well thought-out manner - truly taking into account the changes in both America in general, as well as the fashion and publishing industries.

This can’t be about just throwing money at the situation because really, they already do that. And we’re pretty sure those McKinsey consultants aren’t going to be increasing anyone’s budgets over at 4 Times Square.

But this is a good thing. I’ve always found that tighter budgets, in the end, lead to more creative solutions and final products.

Marie Claire’s fashion department needs a superstar intern for fall.

You’ll assist the Fashion Assistant for a minimum of three to five days a week. Interns will be based in the fashion closet and responsible for checking in and returning samples, creating story boards, organizing the fashion closet, filing lookbooks and responding to ongoing requests as needed.

Candidates must be highly-motivated and proactive, extremely organized, and able to work well in a fast-paced environment, not to mention you better have a positive attitude. As always, it’s great if you have closet experience but not a necessity.

You can send your resume and a cover letter stating your availability and potential start date (the sooner the better!) to mcfashion34@gmail.com, with “Marie Claire Fall 2009 Fashion Intern” in the subject line.

Good luck!

Reed Krakoff’s starting his own fashion house.

The President and Creative Director of Coach (and Vice President of the CFDA) is ready to do his own thing in tandem with his responsibilities at the mega-brand. The project, however, is entirely funded by Coach which gives him the unique advantage of being able to launch his line for AW10 with ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and jewelry - not your average sixteen piece start-up collection. In fact, he’s already talking to WWD about men’s clothes, furniture and fragrances.

“It’s about a new craftsmanship,” he said, citing brands like Miu Miu and Balenciaga as inspiration, though he talks more about brand building than design and sounds more like a sound businessman than a passionate artist.

The only peek we have so far is the fluffy black organza dress Reed’s wife Delphine wore to the CFDAs in June (at left) - it’s from the upcoming line and so far, we like it. You have to be crazy to launch “the next great American fashion house” right now and crazy makes for good design.

TheOutNet has some new competition.

Browns, the British department store that is kind of like a physical incarnation of Net-a-Porter, just launched a new website called “Labels For Less.” The site offers last season’s merchandise (the good stuff) from both Browns and Browns Focus at pretty severe discounts - up to 70% off.

This is the perfect end of the work day find that makes me smile…and will help you waste countless hours if you’ve got them to spare.

You know I love Mad Men: its impeccable styling, every perfect little detail in the set design, and of course the stellar writing and acting.

Now, thanks to the good folks at AMC, you can insert an animated version of yourself into scenes from the show. Or just create the Mad Men version of you - from body type, to hair and makeup, clothing, and accessories, right done to a ciggie or a martini if you’d like.

The little lady pictured is the first one I’ve done of myself - who knows how many I will create before I tire of this program?

I just hope cartoon Don Draper would hit on cartoon me.

London tabloids are currently in a right uproar - not over Posh, or Lindsay, but yes, Elle MacPherson. And all to do with the look she turned up wearing a couple weeks ago to the new Jaguar launch.

Now dubbed “Queen of the Cougars” (in close contention with Madonna and Kylie Minogue), Elle sent the dailies over the edge when she appeared in a custom made Herve Leger gold dress and Loubie heels.

The irony was, when I first saw the dress, my main concern was whether Elle was ripping off Kate Moss’s gold one shouldered dress from the Met ball. The tabbies were concerned about two different things altogether:

1. Whether a woman pushing 50 should be wearing a teeny tiny gold dress

2. Whether her knees passed muster. (They say not)

This is turning into the summer of the fashion crowd running into trouble with the law.

Last week, a major drug bust went down in Ralph Lauren’s tony New Canaan, CT store. The stock manager, 34-year-old Ricky Sullins, was arrested for accepting a FedEx package loaded with 14 pounds of marijuana. FedEx contacted the police before delivering the package since they could smell the drugs through the box and an undercover cop posed as the delivery man.

Oddly enough, though, New Canaan’s citizens remained blissfully unaware this weekend. They had no idea the store was involved in the bust since local police chose not to mention the high profile merchant’s involvement in their press release.

We love a dash of the laid back country way of life and the style that goes along with it. Maybe you don’t have a plaid lumberjack flannel shirt, but chances are half your friends do. We’ve got one ourselves. If you’re looking for a new way to go rustic, Topshop just got in this cute stag sweater.

While you might not be waking early on the weekends for actual deer hunting, this sweater (or “jumper”, as the Brits call it) looks like it will keep you warm when the temperature drops. Our mothers always layered us up during fall and winter when we were younger, and we felt resentful of the bulky Gap sweatshirts.

Upstream Upheaval: An intellectualization of the trials and tribulations of shopping for swimsuits and why, unless you’re Gisele or Gwyneth, the experience blows. {NewYorker}

Shopping Buzz: Singtex Industrial Company, based in Taiwan, is turning leftover coffee grounds into eco-friendly “soft, light, flexible and breathable” clothes that can be UV resistant and water-repellant. {Guardian}

Ghosts of Beales Past: A new family is moving into Grey Gardens. We hope this means Celerie Kemble is going to start wearing towels as head wraps and upside down skirts. We won’t mind if they take a pass on the hot plates and raccoon roomies. {WWD}

Is Moss the New Cowell? Kate is apparently in talks to judge on a Battle of the Bands-y show in Britain. Loves it. The girl certainly knows her way around a tour bus or a music festival. {Grazia}

The public relations department over at Derek Lam is in need of incredibly organized, responsible, and professional fall interns.

The internship’s not paid, but you will get the enviable task of working on the upcoming season’s show. Watching the seating chart come to life is something not to be missed.

Also be prepared to log in, and log out, loads of samples - which we found to be the very best way to learn everything you need to know about a collection, its fabrications, and what’s working from both an editorial and sales perspective.

Details after the jump!

Which designer once resorted to the old high school trick of fashioning a pipe out of an apple when nothing else was available?

The details are not all in yet, but WWD is just now reporting that a serious offer has been made for Christian Lacroix.

Last week, word was circulating that Bernard Krief Consultants planned to put in a bid for the company, but apparently the offer was not good enough, as were apparently two other bids. We’re guessing they must have been pretty low, considering the only other option here seems to be going out of business.

But a new “serious” offer is in from the Borletti Group of Italy. According to their website, the company is worth over $6 billion. Their interests lie in luxury, fashion, consumer goods, and retail - including La Rinascente and Printemps (acquired from PPR in 2006.)

Lacroix may yet live to see another couture season after all.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

“I’m pretty good at the sex. And pretty good at picture taking. That’s about it. Garance is pretty happy. And the hotel-room neighbours are pretty pissed. You can write that; that’s totally fine with me.” —Scott “The Sartorialist” Schuman, in Canada’s Globe and Mail via OMGblog.

On the one hand we have the thigh-high boots and on the other, the brogue.

It’s popping up slowly, with more opportunity in summer than swaths of leather up to one’s nether regions, but we’re expecting an onslaught of the men’s shoe come fall. Sure enough Olivia Morris, Cordwainers graduate and cobbler to the fashion stars, has collaborated with traditional English brogue makers Grenson.

Together the two have produced the other shoe of the season in fresh color combinations, with heart shaped cut-outs, velvet laces and slightly smaller sizes.

You have to call to order: 020 8962 0353 (that’s British so don’t forget the +44) and they start at £300. But, if you’d prefer something more neutral both in price and color, we found the perfect black patent pair at Ludivine this weekend.

We still haven’t decided which side to land on.

So WWD finally spilled on Amber Valetta’s new design partner - it’s Los Angeles based Monrow.

Monrow’s great, their shirts are super soft and perfectly baggy and wear better than their doppelgänger Kain. And Amber Valetta’s great and hot and has always seemed like a pretty smart lady.

But for some reason this collaboration’s like the anti-icing on the anti-cake of collaborations and we’re left wondering why these brands don’t just hire the model or the actress they want as the face of their brand instead of trying to fool a public into thinking they’re buying a product that actually stemmed from the minds of these women? Because Amber’s collection of slouchy tees and tanks in a palette of greys and black and white and rose is exactly what Monrow already makes, except now they get to throw a supermodel/actress’s name in front of the label.

Maybe it’s because I miss the plaid button downs I lived in all winter. Maybe it’s because my iPod has been very into playing Nirvana while on random shuffle this week. Or maybe it’s because I’m already thinking about my weekend in the country.

Whatever it is, I was very drawn to this plaid tee while perusing the new goods over at Shopbop.

I’m seeing it with black shorts and some chunky boots. I’d even go all in with Doc Martens.

In fact, this may well be my next music festival outfit. All Points West here I come. And in a random sidenote on the APW topic: Get well soon, MCA!

Nola, 23, student

Got Her: Strolling down Broadway.

Stalked Her: Her necklace. Her earrings. Her skirt. Basically we were obsessed. Plus her shirt kinda looks like the dearly missed DKNY billboard.

Shot Her: Because the juxtaposition of her super casual tee and long, pleated skirt is effortless, and we love a statement necklace.

She Said: “I wear a lot of hand-me-downs from my mom and my aunt. My mom got this shirt when she was visiting NYC in the eighties, so I took it. I rarely buy anything.”

We Say: So, who gets your hand-me-downs?

—MELISSA ELLIOTT

I’ve spent almost three of the past four weeks in California which means I’ve worn pretty much nothing but old Levi cut-offs, white James Perse tees and my red Saltwater sandals.

It’s been wonderful.

But yesterday it was back to reality, which means gearing up for fall, for fashion week, for September issues etc. and while dicking around online, I changed my mind. Now, I want, need, must have a pair of thigh high boots. The problem is a) which pair and b) will anyone make a pair for under $1000 that don’t scream Pretty Woman and then of course c) what do I wear them with?

The thing is, while they were on almost every runway, I half expected them to elude the actual market given the state of the economy, as if fashion would pay attention to a reality other than its own. Sure enough, the boots are everywhere. Ideally, of course, I’d have a spare $1,470 for the Brian Atwoods which I’m tempted to call the originals. And if those didn’t fit over my slightly-larger-than-LSD-thighs I could always go for a flat version from Chloe for $1,235. But I’m barely 5’4” so I’d probably do better in something like these Pradas. In my dreams though, I’m wearing the Louboutin-meets-Catwoman version (though they might me higher than thigh) because I don’t know if the Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte masterpieces are even being made. The only high street ones I’ve spotted are suede, Topshop, and called the Brittany - a sign?

Maybe, but as of this morning they’ve already disappeared. What’s a girl to do?

“Nudity is always terrifying, even now. And yes, I have to admit I’ve been trying to eat less. I’ve been doing yoga classes with some girls in Richmond and eating lots of salads. The nudity scene is brilliantly comic - I was roaring with laughter when I saw it - but I’m worried about whether the buns are going to cover my breasts.” —Jerry Hall, on preparing for her new role on stage in Calendar Girls. No word on how she feel about teenage daughter Georgia May Jagger barely covering hers in the new Hudson campaign.

Karl’s New Toy: Meet Baptiste Gianconi, Karl Lagerfeld’s newest muse/boy toy/model friend/Sebastian. He’s cute! Hope the other boys play nice. {Perez}

Wowsers: Poor Mischa. Though she’s the first person we’ve ever heard actually say, “Chlo-ay.” {HandbagTV}

Interns Away: The Moment, The New York Times’ T Magazine’s style blog, needs fall interns. Wish we could do it. {TheMoment}

Style Me Nice: While in LA, I developed some major girl crushes. Nicole Chavez’s stylist picks for WhoWhatWear combine two, or three, of them. {WWW}

Ever since I first saw the commercials (starring a now omnipresent Brooke Shields), I’ve been seriously wary about Latisse.

I love long lashes, but I just don’t know about something that needs FDA approval to make them grow. (Britt has also made her opinions on this topic very clear.) There are also a boatload of non-prescription products that claim the same lash-enhancing effect. We know lots of people who’ve used them, and apparently they work pretty darn well.

One downside I never even thought about until yesterday is that these products will also grow hair where you don’t want it.

It’s easy, while flipping through magazines and seamlessly perfect luxury advertisements, to forget what kind of work goes into building such perfect little worlds.

So here’s a peek behind the scenes of the shoot of Valentino’s latest fragrance ad starring a kohl-eyed Siri Tollerod, Erin Heatherton, Marloes Horst and a mirror. The song is, of course, written just for this: “Valentino Loves You” by Sophie Carpentier.

It’s most fun to see the comic book-like sketches and instructions detailing the shoot’s order. Hop in!

In other fashion movie news, Coco Avant Chanel continues its international release rounds.

The movie comes out in the UK next weekend, July 31, where it’s being welcomed with various festivities. The Guardian’s Jess Carter Morley breaks down the impeccable fashions while the newspaper’s offering £100 to Selfridges - not quite enough for Chanel ready-to-wear, though plenty for this.

If you’d rather embrace something more authentic, QueensOfVintage.com is hosting a shindig at St. Pancras train station on the 30th. They’d like everyone to wear their “finest attire” and you’ll have a chance to win Chanel related memorabilia. Though of course Chanel would like you to know this has nothing to do with them.

As for us, well, by time it comes out here September 25th we’ll be in London anyway!

We knew Naomi, Claudia and Eva’d landed Dolce and Gabbana’s new fragrance campaign, but we didn’t know each had a movie to go with their print ad.

The Italian duo’s anthology collection, inspired by Tarot cards and multiple personalities, doesn’t launch until September, though they’d like your anticipation to start building now so they’ve released the first peek of the first video.

This one stars Texan Tyson Ballou as Le Bateleur (the magician). We see is him in an elevator and him donning a monogrammed bathrobe which doesn’t, so far, make us want to buy perfume.

But Naomi’s up next week, July 30th, and though the sneak peeks are literally blink-or-you’ll-miss-it short, we are looking forward to the full length clips.

The September Issue is finally sneaking its way into the world.

There was The Daily’s black market viewing and a secret Brooklyn show this weekend but if you missed both, don’t despair.

If you’re in New York, may we suggest the 7:30 screening at the 92nd Street Y on July 31st . R.J. Cutler himself will be there to answer any and all post-viewing questions.

If you’re on the other coast, you can catch a 7pm screening August 5th at the Paley Center and don’t worry, Cutler will be present there, too.

Otherwise you can catch it in theaters at the end of the month or buy the DVD that same weekend to rewind and re-watch all the good bits.

Last night Aussie sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann hosted their resort presentation on the roof of the Empire Hotel.

Nicky told us that she likes to design various patterns and color groups to reflect different moods of the same girl. Our favorite was, somewhat surprisingly, the purple set. It made us feel like we should be lounging poolside in the Hollywood Hills and of course the maxi dresses were an instant favorite.

Last year, Topshop had a hand in McCarren’s infamous pool parties.

But this year, McCarren’s on its way back to an actual pool (ew) which means the hipsters have moved en masse to Williamsburg’s waterfront at Kent and North 8th and Mavi’s taken over where Topshop left off.

They’re sponsoring the water park - a necessity in this heat - and offering someone VIP access - also a necessity when the line doesn’t end until after the bands do - for this weekend featuring And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, HEALTH, The Black Lips, and Grupo Fantasma.

Hi girls!

My name’s Angel and I’m an avid fan.

I was surfing the net, pre-pulling for a stylist when I found a funny little something at Intermix. Just thought I’d send it along.

So here you go!

Best, Angel.

I’m not sure when this time of year turned from Back to School to Fashion Week, but somewhere along the line one took over the other.

But if it’s still back to school for you, you probably need an internship and if you need an internship in fashion you’d probably kill to learn the ropes at WWD.

So lucky you. The men’s department needs three, three who are particularly organized, motivated, and obsessed with fashion. You’ll check in samples, return samples, answer phones and emails and assist the men’s fashion editors at photo shoots and help with market research. You’ll work closely with the Men’s Assistant and Fashion Editor, too.

Niiiiice: Sean Avery got a job at Commonwealth Utilities. We’re really just including this so that we can post his picture. Sometimes the site’s in need of a dude and this picture’s pretty swell. {WWD}

Vroom, Vroom: Proenza’s fall shoes have landed and that shopping-for-fashion-week itch is getting harder and harder to scratch. {Shopbop}

Oscar Bound: Erin Wasson’s adding another dash after model. She’s landed a bit part - and by bit we mean her name is “Party Girl #1” - in Sofia Coppola’s new movie Somewhere. {Fashionologie}

Five Facts: If you read Fashionista and generally pay attention to fashion, you probably knew about Alexa Chung way before your friends did, but here are five more facts. Just in case. {People}

You Think You Know: Someone has something new to say about Alexander Wang; his good friend and fellow Parsons grad and Edon Manor co-owner Ryan Korban talks Brooklyn, long hair and ballroom dancing. {W}

Les Scandales: A down and dirty chronological look at the biggest fashion scandals including Armani’s tax evasion, Anna’s affair, Naomi’s tantrum and worst all, when McQueen called Givenchy “irrelevant”. {Refinery29}

“It’s a reality show, but I don’t know if anyone’s going to believe my reality.” —Amy Sacco in WWD on her new show for Bravo.

Irina Shayk’s already landed the cover of Jalouse and a career-making spot in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue from 2007-09.

She’s also the face of Intimissimi and Guess, but she just now signed to IMG and they’re celebrating their new girl with much more than your basic measurement holding model card.

The video above is the most fun way we’ve ever learned of an agency’s new hire and we think it should be the only way from now on. IMG even wrangled (we’re sure it was difficult) their very own elevator operator to star alongside the Russian babe.

There’s nothing worse than the morning you have to drag your laptop to work or class or in our case, fashion week, and zip it into that ugly synthetic black protector pouch that totally cramps your style.

Well there might be something worse, but it is annoying.

So Paris-based, Italian and New York raised designer Gabriele Corto Moltedo developed a solution. His “pop-art luxe” creations have been catching our eye since 2004 and keep getting cleverer. His AW09 collection features the brilliant “Big Cassette Clutch” inspired by old school tape cassettes. They’re beloved by Giovanna Battaglia and Lindsay Lohan alike and they come in a handful of delicious colors and textures.

After much speculation over the past couple months, designer Esteban Cortazar and Emanuel Ungaro are officially parting ways.

As we mentioned earlier, it was thought that Cortazar was upset with the some of the marketing decisions being discussed by CEO Mounir Moufarrige, including possibly using Lindsay Lohan as some sort of creative consultant.

No word yet on Cortazar’s plans or a replacement for him at the House of Ungaro.

Or the fate of Lindsay Lohan’s career in fashion, for that matter.

The first solid details on the tentatively titled MAC at Milk shows we’ve been talking about since the cosmetics company decided to end its partnership with IMG leaving Maybelline to jump in as the official makeup sponsor at Bryant Park.

And the initial list of designers signed on for events at Milk Studios is very, very strong: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Peter Som, Threeasfour, Vena Cava, Band of Outsiders, Adam Lippes, Altuzarra, Barbara Tfank, Costello Tagliapietra, Erin Fetherston, Pamela Love, Preen and Temperley London.

Blue Crush was the start of my wetsuit envy.

Seeing Kate Bosworth in her super sick rash guards totally made me buy one to wear on my wakeboarding (mis)adventures. I swear it had (almost) nothing to do with the surfer boys.

And we love when we see the styles emerge from the ocean and end up on the runway or in non-surf shops, like this high-waisted skirt that designer Thomas Renaud created in collaboration with Screaming Mimi’s.

Renaud designed it as a part of his COMBHARD for Screaming Mimi’s line. The super futuristic skirt is made of breathable neoprene and is completely reversible.

The old adage is that sex sells.

Certain brands—Calvin Klein, American Apparel and Emporio Armani—often bank on the appeal of skin for their notorious billboards. The CK jean-clad orgy (which has now been replaced by the slightly tamer scene of Doutzen Kroes in a red bikini) billboard was right by our offices.

There has been high public outrage and disgust over these billboards. But these companies are obviously not backing down anytime soon (Calvin Klein is a veteran in causing scandals with their ads—Brooke Shields and her jeans, anyone?), because they also know those other words of wisdom: bad press is better than no press. The Huffington Post has put together a slide-show of the most scandalous New York City billboards, in case you need proof.

Britt’s in LA this week (though heading back to us on the red-eye tonight), but if you’ll be in SoCal for the rest of the summer, circle August 20th on your calendars.

Downtown LA has a monthly Art Walk, which has shot energy and sales into the downtown gallery and art scene, and now the Los Angeles fash community is gearing up to throw a party with a Downtown Fashion Walk, where a selection of stores will be staying open late and hosting special events. We’re jealous that we won’t be around, but happy that our west coast friends get to experience something like Fashion’s Night Out, because why should us New Yorkers have all the fashion fun?

Wrinkle free skin is something we can all get behind.

Free products to keep our skin fabulously youthful is something we often dream about.

Thanks to Estée Lauder those dreams are all coming true in the form of totally free Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex. Abby is completely obsessed with the original formula of this product and counts it as one of the reasons we all think she’s younger than she actually is.

The company is calling tomorrow night “America’s Night to Repair” and holding the brand’s largest sample giveaway to date.

I learned a lot of things yesterday: what an ice blended tastes like, what it’s like for a seven minute drive to take forty-seven minutes, what it’s like to have so much space in your house/office that you have whole extra rooms and that Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power of WhoWhatWear wrote a book.

The project’s been in the works for almost two years, since a handful of literary agents approached them to turn their super popular site into something bound and solid.

No, No, and No: I am incredibly opposed to jean on jean. I will never be convinced otherwise. Brit Brit and JT scarred me for life. Kanye on Idol this season did not help the cause. {Grazia}

Does This Make You Smile? We’re not exactly sure why Lily Allen is designing jewelry. But we’ll reserve judgment until we see pictures of the whole collection on Monday. {Vogue UK}

Over and Done: Kiefer’s in the clear as the charges against him for headbutting Jack M. are dropped. We just hope he doesn’t cause any more trouble come September. {Us Weekly}

Our tipster forgot to write down the name of the store! Any of you know? And do you think they have an actual list sitting behind the register?

Heads are so hot right now. This summer, it started with the resurgence of the hat. Over the past few years, we’ve heard people asking, “Why doesn’t anyone wear hats anymore…like men in the fifties…like Humphrey Bogart? It’s so classy!”

Enter Mad Men, to show that yes, those hats were damn classy. Sometimes people just need a little boost to start wearing a new (or new/old) trend. Though currently the look is less business and more casual - it’s not just for company presidents and Hollywood stars.

Tomorrow is the party/auction in London that many have been looking forward to - in large part because we know what great party people the hosts Sass and Bide are. Not to mention charitable.

Sass and Bide have asked ten of their favorite people to interpret what the evening’s theme “Shine” means to them by creating different works. Then comes the auction with proceeds going towards a children’s charity.

And who are these ten chosen ones? Included are Kate Moss, Sam Taylor Wood, Twiggy and Barry Humphries (the U.K.s most treasured female impersonator). They are all expected to appear at the party, except maybe one - Mischa Barton. Doh! Unless they can pull her out of her lockdown.

Mischa, we wish you well.

—CHARLEY B.

Now we know many of you, not unlike some of us, are a little over it when it comes to the First Lady and her style choices.

And of course, the work she does is incredibly more important than which Michael Kors sheath she chooses for an appearance. But you can’t ignore the fact that, like it or not, she garners major press every time she makes a move.

Now she’s made perhaps her boldest decision since the Jason Wu Inaugural Ball dress by chopping off her hair into a much shorter bob, which I for one think is incredibly chic.

What interests me more will be whether or not this translates into a national trend like those inspired by Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, and Farrah Fawcett.

It’s even got the potential to go international.

UPDATE: Okay, so apparently it’s not a cut, just a rather brilliant updo. But we would highly recommend she go for this look on a permanent basis. We love it more now than we did this morning.

The venerable Fashion Calendar, published as always by Ruth Finley, will give us the first look at the lineup (so far) for September’s New York shows and presentations when it publishes this Friday.

WWD reports this morning that Tory Burch will show for the first time in the tents and that Betsey, Marchesa, and Monique Lhullier (among others) will again opt for presentations.

Stylist Patricia Field has created another custom Diet Coke bottle, currently available at Selfridges in England. This time the inspiration was Ugly Betty.

Now Ugly Betty hasn’t been much of a buzzworthy show of late, but perhaps that is not the case overseas. ABC almost pulled the plug on it this spring, so the timing seems a bit odd.

Also the bottle, wow is it not so cute. It’s a pink leopard-ish print. And guess what? It comes with stickers that you can put on your bottle…or maybe your notebook.

Iris Strubegger is rocking a lot of gaudy glitz for August’s French Vogue, but the one bling that really stood out for us was her septum piercing (we’re assuming it’s faux…)

We’ve always been into the traditional nose ring, but not so much one that resembles what bulls wear in their snouts. Okay, the one Iris is wearing is purposefully over the top. Tasha Tilberg wore her more subdued version for i-D ’s June/July issue.

Allergy issues aside (spring pollen being the reason we’ve never gone for a nose ring), would you put a ring through your septum? Tasha does look kind of badass with the tinier hoop, but we think we’d just look silly.

—AMANDA JEAN BOYLE

Doc Martens are being reimagined, again, with another cool collaboration. Jean-Paul Gautier, Raf Simons and Yohji Yamamoto have all had a go at the iconic footwear.

And now Dr. Martens is collaborating with Comptoir des Cotonniers for a fall line.

They’ve taken the classic 1460 model, and redone it in a delicious light gray Palantino leather. Seems like everybody’s into gray lately!

We just read over on The Cut (via Ad Age) that men.style.com will close come October once Si Newhouse et al establish stand-alone sites for both Details and GQ. Many of the staffers will thankfully head over to those two sites.

This is supposed to be part of the plan to give each title at 4 Times Square its own site which, you know, makes a lot of sense. But why the heck it’s taking them so long is another matter.

Style.com is in the clear at the moment, but we wonder for how long. WWD reported this morning that consultants from McKinsey & Co. have been hired by the publishing giant to “realign Condé Nast to be a successful business in an emerging economy that is now predicted to be painfully slow in recovering” according to CEO Chuck Townsend.

No area of the company is off limits and we’re betting that the web (long a thorn in Condé ‘s side) will be much discussed.

And the writer is…Jenna Sauers.

The New Zealander has penned her final essay as Tatiana here, but she’s going to continue to contribute to the site, just under her own name.

The commenters are going a little bananas over there, throwing around words like The New Yorker and Joan Didion regarding her writing style, which might be a wee bit of a stretch. Though I will continue to check in on what she has to say in the future.

So were any of you right? Did you know it was Jenna?

Cameron Diaz, Leo Di Caprio, Mickey Rourke, Rihanna, Russell Crowe, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Williams, Jude Law - no hang on, Jude lives here….so apart from him, what are all these Hollywood’ers doing in London?

Looks like school is out in LA, as they seem to have descended en masse. Of course, the tabbies are having a ball speculating whether Cameron is here with her new “boyfriend” Leo di Cap, or if she’s dating Jude Law, who she hooked up with in the nightclub Movida. (A weird choice to be sure - it’s a bit bridge and tunnel.)

She will be happy to know, however, that Kate Moss’s hairdresser/bestie, James Brown, has finally opened up a salon in London. His staff charges, well, a snip - only £55. But to get the man himself, you need to be prepared to fork over £500.

Congratulations to HEARTSREVOLUTION and The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, the winners of Diesel:U:Music’s 2009 competition.

They’re embarking on a world tour for the next few months, stopping in cities including Berlin, Miami, Paris, London, Beijing and Tokoyo. They’ll be performing in New York at Webster Hall July 30th, along with Theophilus London, The Roots, Passion Pit and others. Tickets are free, but limited.

You can grab yours by showing up at participating stores in your favorite pair of Diesel jeans. That’ll be July 25th and 26th at Lexington at 60th Street, July 27th and 28th at 5th Avenue and 54th Street, and July 29th and 30th at Union Square at 14th Street. Giveaways start for all days at 5pm, and continue until supplies last.

Girl On Film: Home schooled kids so did not look like this where we grew up. And they certainly didn’t get to appear in ads with Bambi. {W}

Hot Damn! The big three are looking killer. Can we age this way, pretty please? {Fashion Gone Rogue}

Just Like US: Janice Min is leaving US Weekly after spending years making it one of the few bright spots in gloomier by the day magazine land. But if we had to look at that many pictures of the Gosselins, we’d probably want to bolt too. {Gawker}

Welcome to the Club: The CFDA named 31 new members including Alexander Wang, Chris Benz, and MK & A. Big ups to you all. {WWD}

“I’m A Little Frumpy”: So says the president in defense of wearing the same jeans that my dad wears every weekend. We actually find it rather comforting. {HuffPo}

We are so excited for September.

While the official list won’t be released until August 17th, we just received a huge rundown of events for Fashion’s Night Out, the New York City fashion celebration this September 10th. Over 300 retailers in all five boroughs have already signed up to party from 6pm to 11pm. We’re a little overwhelmed by it…in a good way.

We already told you about Alex Wang at Barney’s. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Also at Barney’s? The Olsen twins (girl crush times two!), Jonathan Adler and Lisa Perry, on hand to teach you how to knit. After you learn, you can knit a square to be included in a blanket to be sold to benefit the September 11th Memorial Fund.

“I realize that the various threads are connected today and that people like fashion — there is a vitality. But I don’t want to take advantage of artists — I want to be good in my work by myself. Although if you knew how many important artists have asked me to do a collaboration with bags! But I want fashion for fashion and art for art. So the Transformer concept was not for a generic space, but to be very specific, with all things separate in one building.”— Miuccia Prada discussing the Transformer collaboration with Rem Koolhaas in Seoul.

Here’s hoping my aesthetician isn’t reading Fashionista this morning - she’s had me on a strict regimen since I finally decided to take action against my sixteen-year-old skin last winter.

She performed a miracle, seriously. But yesterday, post-pool, I hung out at the Hoffman’s office and bee-lined past Dustin’s scripts for his wife Lisa’s skin care products.

There may be a little life in Lacroix yet.

We’ve all been following the house’s financial woes and many thought the designer’s most recent (and well-received) couture show would indeed be his last. Editors were saddened. Signs were present saying “Lacroix Forever”. Even the models walked for a much-reduced fee.

But reports this morning state that Bernard Krief Consultants have put a bid in for the company, not only as a business decision but because they feel Lacroix is part of France’s cultural heritage.

Our fingers and toes are definitely crossed.

I love Chris Benz. (Congrats on the just announced CFDA membership!) And I love Beckley. What I don’t love is that I won’t be in Los Angeles for the trunk show the designer is hosting at the store with owner Melissa Richardson Akkaway on Wednesday night.

Britt, however, is out in LALA working on some very cool “Life With” features, so I am happy that at least one of us is going to be able to stop by and check out the wares.

The store is famous for its personal touches and customer service, so we have no doubt the event will be quite perfect.

There will be champers, hors d’oeuvres, and 20% off all Chris Benz merch (along with any other full-price items in the boutique)

Details after the jump!

So now we know how Elizabeth ended up owning a store and designing clothes in Cambodia. Next we talk about how she fits into the local community and even more importantly whether or not we’ll be able to get our hands on Wanderlust goodies more readily here in the States.

Plus, we all know that no matter how blissful life can be far removed from the big city, there’s gotta be some things she misses. I, for one, would struggle for quite a while without my regular unhealthy dose of crappy television and require regular care packages of American candy.

Though the idea of managing a possible Maldives location of Wanderlust does not sound like a very bad thing at all.

Here goes part II of our e-chat with Eliz.

One of my favorite shirts is a long sleeved navy and gray striped shirt by Vince. I wear it often and it’s super comfortable. But I don’t like how it can so easily look plain. That’s the problem with stripes: they can be chic, they can be fun, or they can be boring.

I usually make my Vince shirt pop by pairing it with an outré bottom. I once wore it with a pair of navy and white pinstriped shorts. Lately, I’ve become very interested in seeing pieces that within themselves use stripes in a new way, like this amazing jacket featured on Jak & Jil the other day.

Vivienne Westwood’s quite the quote-worthy designer. She had some pretty good thoughts to share recently on Jonathan Ross’ talk show, and The Guardian has put together a collection reminding us that she’s always been quippy.

She maintained in 1991 that “Fashion is about eventually becoming naked” and to back that claim up, explained her ripped stockings in 1994 by saying, “I was taken on the bed by Andreas this morning. Don’t you love this look?”

Our society loves a good quote, always has. Even if you roll your eyes over inspirational quotes, we imagine you have a few favorite fashion-related ones logged away.

We’ve become frequent visitors to Need Supply Co. this summer, and we’ve just spotted the cutest pair of sneakers.

I love high top sneakers, but often when I see a pair I like, they’re kind of puffy, for lack of a better word, and I feel like they’re overwhelming my tiny feet. So the Jackie, made by Zuriick, calls out to me with with its sporty sleekness.

As we mentioned in Mid-Day Snack, our company just launched a new site today called Going Concern that caters to accountant and CFO types in the same way we do to you, Above the Law does to lawyers, and Dealbreaker to Wall Streeters.

Here we were thinking that there would probably be very little crossover between us when, bam, day one, worlds collide - in the form of the company picnic and what to wear to one. The Wall Street Journal had some ideas but GC editor Caleb thought a little differently.

We’re pretty sure you’ll have some strong opinions and advice. Share your fashion love and knowledge with the number crunchers here.

We’re huge fans of Brian Reyes, both the man and his gorgeous clothes.

Unfortunately we’re not often able to purchase said clothes on our budget. Enter his first sale on Gilt Groupe.

The clothes are super cute and the prices are even cuter. Some of our favorites are already sold out but there are still some great pieces left. The trench coats are an amazing deal as far as we’re concerned.

Go now before it’s too late!

Katy, 25, works for Blue State Digital

Got Her: Strolling the West Side Highway Sunday morning.

Stalked Her: I feel stupid for not taking a picture (she might’ve had coffee, but I hadn’t quite yet), but her dress had a long gold zipper falling down the back.

Shot Her: Because when we got up close we saw her awesome pink ombre vintage sunglasses. Also, we’ve seen a lot of hats this summer and this one’s in the top five.

She Said: “I needed a way to turn last night’s dress into an acceptable this morning’s outfit, so I borrowed my friend’s hat - a girl! - and threw on the simplest sandals I had.”

We Say: Simple maybe, but still kind of perfect.

Ed. note: She spent the night at her friend’s house, was in town from DC visiting various friends. Was supposed to make that clearer, clearly!

JA in the BK: Jonathan Adler’s newest store is opening tomorrow…and it’s right by my apartment which makes me very happy. Atlantic Ave is well on its way to becoming a hip shopping drag. {Racked}

Going Concern: That’s the name of the newest addition to our Breaking Media family! It’s super dishy goss for the accounting/finance exec/CFO crowd - and there is lots of juicy stuff going on in that world. You know you’ve got a few people who fit that description in your life. Spread the word, dear readers. Spread the word. {Going Concern}

Breathe In, Breathe Out: That’s my mantra when I get really envious of Sea of Shoes, because after all she’s a kid and I’m a grown-up, a grown-up without Margiela cowboy boots, but still. Now she and mom are in Vogue. I also keep reminding myself that jealousy isn’t pretty. {Sea of Shoes}

“She recalls a recent dinner with a male fashion designer where, she says, he commented: ‘Us men designers, we make costumes. Women designers make clothes.’ ”

—Diane von Furstenberg in The New York Times. As for the man, guesses?

Having a career in fashion and magazines has always meant that I have not had to follow many of the stricter dress code rules that some of my female friends have had to over the course of their careers. Of course, we’ve got our own codes in this business, but that’s a different matter.

I remember the first summer we all lived in NYC after college and the envy I witnessed in the eyes of my friends heading off to their jobs at Goldman or McKinsey, their looks completed with panty hose and closed toed shoes. I was in a skirt (sans hose, of course) and sandals.

I thought of this when reading Robin Givhan’s piece in the yesterday’s Washington Post on the sartorial choices of Sonia Sotomayor during last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearings.

At Bathing Ape’s party Friday night, celebrating the re-launch of their London store, we saw door pandemonium at 24 Kingly Street reach a new level. That could be because BAPE has perhaps the most ferociously loyal following in the world - and has proven that if you have a bullet proof business plan (they do) then a recession only causes nick marks.

Now, what could really hurt though is trying to get in though the doors of a party given by a company whose mantra is “ape shall not kill ape.” We were pretty sure we saw some trying to do just that. Oh, and we feel rather victorious that we did make it in, given that even Leonardo DiCaprio and Michelle Williams (the Destiny’s Child one) tried ahead to do just that — and were thwarted.

I took a fashion road trip this weekend—after three years in New York, I finally made my way to the much lauded Woodbury Commons.

I’m not a shopping in a group kind of girl and I’m not an outlet kind of girl because it’s generally too much effort, but this was like walking through a living archive of legendary runway looks that had me squealing up and down the aisles. Plus at this point in the summer I’ll get out of the city any which way I can.

It started at Prada which currently houses an entire rack of AW09 lace priced around $2000—black dresses, gold skirt, blue tops. Anna’s favorite floral prints are on the clearance rack for about $400, along with the red and blue checked skirt, a single Harlequin Miu Miu mini and a lone black turban.

Balenciaga’s packed with SS08’s structured florals—skirts, dresses, jackets—priced under $1000, but it was the riding hats from AW06 that really made me gasp. Alas, they were low on shoes, though I found these at the Neiman Marcus outlet for $200 (along with the pink fur stole from Chris Benz’s AW08).

One of the things we love most about Stella McCartney is the sense of whimsy and fun that the designer has, and that so often comes through in her clothing.

And of course we all know what a passionate animal lover she is. Her latest ad campaigns (breaking in September issues) are pretty much the most perfect combination of the two that we can imagine.

The thing about Balmain’s party dresses is that if they weren’t made quite so skillfully out of of such exquisite fabrics and crystals etc., they’d run the risk of looking downright trashy.

Christophe Decarnin’s perfected the tight sexy thing and made it work among the fashion crowd because, well, it’s so well done—which makes the girl look and feel the same. And isn’t that the point of looking hot on a night out?

Because even if you rock this Bebe knock off with its spot on asymmetrical hemline and triangular zig zags, you’re not going to look like Anja Rubik at the Met Ball. However, if you buy something that’s not supposed to look like something else inexpensively copied, something for well under $179, you just might look better than Anja.

Though you probably know that.

Also, while we’re on the subject of Bebe, these are heart-breaking.