Foreign Explanations: Of all the nutty fashion people, explaining Olivier Zahm to the unsuspecting masses is most entertaining. If the post itself doesn’t make you giggle, the comments definitely will. {Gawker}

Royal Snap: Kate Middleton’s taken a job assisting photographer Nikolai von Bismark while Prince William takes royal tours to Australia and New Zealand. It’s not her first fashion job; she was an assistant accessories buyer at Jigsaw in 2006. {DailyStar}

Posh Model: In other British tabloid news, Victoria Beckham and Simon Fuller are allegedly developing a plan for a modeling agency. We’d crack a joke, but we actually love her collection, so we’ll wait and comment post-launch. {DailyMail}

Valley of the Dolls: Ruth LaFerla profiled Mattel’s new Fashionista Barbies (no relation), this weekend. The thought of “aspiring primary-school Rachel Zoes” is surprisingly disturbing. Its makers say the dolls are suited to this economy and promises they won’t be driving limos anytime soon. {NYTimes}

“Is there a Nobel Prize for handbags? Because I would like to nominate the PS1 bag.” —Lauren Santo Domingo’s Twitter.

My Favorite Martian: Daria returned to the runways this morning at Balmain. And apparently, the alien-like beauty of Tanya D. will grace us with its presence once again very soon. We missed your boundless energy backstage in New York, Miss T! {Fashin}

LSD’s Burial Outfit?: Apparently it may be a Julian Louie dress. And yes, that’s vaguely morbid. But we still love the commentary on the Vogue-ette’s Fashion Week choices. {StyleFile}

Copping To It: The Nina Ricci relaunch tonight in Paris will be a low-key affair. Our desire to see what Peter does, still anything but low-key. {FWD}

The Phi show was just down the block from Milk studios, but it couldn’t have been more obscure.

We entered through a random door, stood in a cold cement hallway, shuffled into a freight elevator and walked into a narrow L with a mini-pit and just three rows - three power rows though. LSD, Carine, Sarah Lerfel, Kate Lanphear, Erin Wasson, Trainas and Sarah Rutson all sat front row to soak up the power bondage collection.

Designer Andreas Melbostad was inspired by levers and pulleys, wearable technology if you will, that resulted in strapped and buckled corsets over sheer tees and dresses with sharply tailored blazers and pants. As in any bondage-like collection, it’s hard not to stare at the shoes, but Melbostad‘s laced up, cut out dresses certainly helped.

Every single piece was so beautifully built that we walked away lamenting what it’d look like when Zara tried to rip it off.

On Sunday night (a bit delayed, sorry), I headed to MILK to watch Gareth Pugh’s Ruth Hogben produced film. I’d expected a preview of the collection, but instead I watched a giant cube in the middle of MILK’s loading dock. Each side represented an element and the top of the cube, which was essentially the ceiling, represented the fifth element, the ethereal.

It was pretty to watch, but I was too tired and too sober (and maybe not cool enough) to absorb it on any sort of philosophical level, so instead Faran and Blue and I made up Hollywood names for fashion couples - not necessarily make out couples, but we-go-to-everything-together couples. Yes, we know we’re getting increasingly delirious as the week goes on:

1. Cecilia Dean & Steven Gan: STEVELIA
2. Lauren Santo Domingo & Derek Blasberg: DELAUREN
3. Becka Diamond & Byrdie Bell: BYRKA
4. Fabiola Beracasa & Tallulah Harlech: FALLULAH
5. Keegan Singh, Kate Lanphear & Mark Holgate: KEEKARK

Who’d we miss?

Prabal Gurung showed his second eponymous collection yesterday, to a full house including Vogue-ettes, Peter Som, LSD, Rachel Zoe & Brad, Derek Blasberg, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, buyers from Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman and a bevy of other impeccably dressed admirers who squeezed into a tiny square of a room high above Chelsea.

The clothes were asking for a major scene on Rachel’s show - they ranged from cocktail appropriate to Oscar perfect, including a pretty major red dress with giant black bows and a skinny white tux with a sheer white blouse underneath; the white Grecian goddess-like dress was our favorite.

Prabal was the best part though - the adorable designer bopped around with the biggest smile on his face. Guess that’s what happens when you manage to create the newest and most major buzz at New York Fashion Week.

Things kicked off at the tents this morning with the 9 am Michael Angel show. I was tired, obvs, and frustrated that I didn’t have my Daily to read while I waited for the show to start (they were all kinds of late getting to Bryant Park!) But I soon got over it.

Lauren Santo Domingo, Derek Blasberg, Julia Stegner, Julie Gilhart, and Linda Fargo were all settled in the front row as a parade of prints and sequins trotted down the runway, giving me a much needed jolt. (Seriously, can’t Diet Coke become a sponsor? I don’t drink coffee so that McCafe situation does nothing for me.)

But I digress. The detail work on the clothes was especially impressive on the Swarovski bedecked flesh-colored long sleeved top that Iekeliene rocked. And the peep toe Manolo booties were to die for.

Equally obsession-inducing, in my book, were the bright colored Alexis Bittar baubles. Those earrings have me seriously considering piercing my ears…yet again.

The only thing more daunting that Fashion Week is turning out to be Fashion’s Night Out.

We’ve probably received fifteen to twenty emails per day since July telling us what’s up, who’s coming, where’s happening Thursday night and after much deliberation we’ve come up with a game plan.

Given there are really only two of us, splitting up’s the only way to cover the most ground without exhausting ourselves before the week actually even begins (and without spending all of our money before Christopher Kane hits Topshop).

I’ll run home for dinner after work which strategically puts me on Bleecker Street to start. I’ll kick off the night with Teen Vogue’s Bleecker Street party then swing by Intermix to glimpse the Miller sisters (and to actually buy a couple of tank tops I’ll need for the week) before swinging around the corner to Rag & Bone on Christopher Street where Jessica Stam’ll be at the cash register and Guinness will flow.

Ever since I posted that picture of Alia Shawat in mid-day snack, I’ve been scouring the internet for rings. (Actually, ever since LSD landed her own jewelry spread in French Vogue, I’ve been scouring stores, sidewalks and the internet for the perfect stackable rings.)

Alia’s are Denise Azira, Pamela Love and Matina Amanita from right to left, but I’m looking for something slightly more feminine.

These, from Robindra Unsworth, are kind of perfect - mostly because they’re imperfect and will go with any other jewelry I decide to wear. I love that they’re both silver and gold and I could probably squeeze a totally different ring in between the two to toughen things up.

Here’s hoping they get here before fashion week.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

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?

“Regretting the YSL sequin jacket I bought as the one in the Micheal Jackson costume at Abracadabra is not that bad and only $19.99.” — The LSD tweets.

Picture This: There’s no video yet from Vanessa Bruno’s short film, just stills. But we’ll take Lou Doillon any way we can get her. {Fashionologie}

And They’re Off: Recession be damned, there will always be couture. Even if Anna isn’t there to watch it happen. {FWD}

With One Notable Exception: A “restructuring” plan has effectively wiped out most of the jobs at Christian Lacroix. {WWD}

I think I spent an entire month watching over-the-knee boots march down runways.

From Rodarte in New York, to Pam HoggLondon in and Louis Vuitton in Paris - and about a million in between - they were everywhere, but aside from Lauren Santo Domingo’s turn in custom-made Brian Atwoods, we’d placed stretchy leather up to one’s butt cheeks in the runway-only category, along with everything sheer from SS09.

I was wrong, of course. Byrdie Bell broke hers out for a party a couple of weeks ago and as fall merchandise creeps its way into stores, we’re preparing for an onslaught. Stuart Weitzman’s square-toed versions, in both suede and leather, hit Shopbop this week and StyleFile is even contemplating thigh high clogs.

I remember the first time I wore almost knee-high leather boots to my suburban Catholic high school and gave everyone a heart attack. Even if this is New York City circa now, I imagine a similar, if not more dangerous reaction with those six extra inches of leather. I love the idea, am obsessed with the look, but I’m pretty sure I’d look like a hooker regardless of what I wear on the rest of my body.

Abby, however, can’t wait to rock a pair. Thoughts?

This Is Awkward: Ginnifer Goodwin tries to embrace her inner Madonna for June’s W. She’s adorable, but looks like she could’ve used a few shots of tequila pre-shoot. {W}

Slow Poke: It took Andre a bit longer than the rest of us to sum up his Met Ball thoughts, but in this condensed version of Life With Andre he declares Rihanna best dressed. {VogueDaily}

A Look Inside: Todd Selby gets into Julia Restoin-Roitfeld’s apartment. We spy white fur, Pamela Love jewels, an LV blanket, so many shoes and lots of YSL & Kiehl’s beauty products. {TheSelby}

Say It’s So!: Starting next week 60 Minutes goes into summer hiatus with re-runs which means Sunday must be the big night! Curl up with a chicken bone to watch Morley Safer follow Anna in and out of the Fall shows. {Gawker}

To: tips@fashionista.com
From: shoestylista@gmail.com

Hi Britt & Natalie,

I’m a freelance stylist looking to rid of about twenty pairs of shoes. They’re in mint condition, straight from this season’s runways and presentations. There are custom Manolo sandals and booties and Louboutin styles include the Peniche, Miss Golf, Defil, Lapino ankle booties and Rolandos. They range in size from 37.5 to 41.5 and in price from $250 to $375 with the over-the-knee black Manolo boots going for $500.

I’m doing an open to the public sale at my apartment and was wondering if you know anyone who might be interested. They can email me for more information/the address.

Thanks!
ShoeStylista

This is not a joke. That’s her real email address above. Have a blast and hope you run into LSD on the street.