Sorry for the minor Life With gap - we’ve been busy!

We’re getting back in the swing of things, so meet Rolando Beauchamp.

He’s a Bumble & bumble super stylist who does both editorial and runway work. And oh yeah, he styles Mary-Kate Olsen’s hair for most major events in New York.

I fell for him backstage at Vivienne Westwood’s AW09 Gold Label show in Paris this past March while we both kind of passed out from the joy of being in a basement with Dame Viv, Pam Anderson and a bunch of models for a few hours. He’s vivacious, friendly and so fun to talk to. So when I wanted a Life With a stylist, he was my first choice.

We sat down to talk hair (obviously), growing up on the Lower East Side in the 60’s, Olsens, divas and his dream gig (are you there Carine?).

You know the drill. Part II tomorrow!

We’ve long been fans of Norma Kamali. The designer seems to have always stayed incredibly true to herself and we’re pretty sure that’s a huge reason she’s been around for so long.

And anyone who created the sleeping bag coat, made outfits for The Wiz, and is in The Met’s permanent collection is major in our book.

What we’re loving about her today is a new selling approach she’s embracing for her collection, according to WWD. She’s had a Try Before You Buy policy for a while now where customers can order a piece, keep it for 48 hours and return it if it doesn’t work out. Employees even use Skype to help ladies figure out sizing, etc.

But now she’s taking it a step further. You can actually order Try Before You Buy party kits and host your own little Norma Kamali pop up shop for your friends. You get the merch for 48 hours and can earn free clothes and even a retail mark-up of 50% if you sell over $10,000.

We love when designers, magazines, whoever are fluid enough to realize that business doesn’t run the way it used to and are willing to try something new and different.

Isn’t that really what everyone should be doing these days?

More good news from Norma Kamali:

If you’ve always wanted one of her famous (and expensive) sleeping bag coats, now’s the time to buy.

They’re selling for 30% less than previous seasons, right on her website.

And considering that the sleeping bag coat is supposed to last at least fifteen years, you could even consider it a green purchase on top of a smart one.

Shopping at its best.

Fact: More and more people are shopping online.

Fact: Yet, plenty of people don’t shop online, because they really want to try everything on before giving up their Amex.

Solution: Norma Kamali’s site has just introduced perhaps the most brilliant addition to the online shopping experience since Net-a-Porter finally gave a wink and nod to shame shopping - the Try Before You Buy option.

Basically, instead of paying upfront for your online shopping gambles, you click for the Try option, get your clothes at home, then you have 48 hours to decide what you want to keep and what you want to give back. Shipping is taken care of for you (perhaps the biggest perk), and you only pay for what you keep.

Technically, this is better than shopping at an actual store - in addition to trying the clothes on your body, you also get to try it with everything in your wardrobe and in front of a mirror you actually trust, which is probably the best way to decide whether to charge the $4000 gown at left.

Can you tell we’re gushing?

So you probably know Norma Kamali did a line for Walmart. Everything in the collection is exactly what you’d expect - cocoon sweaters, cropped jersey jogging pants, tank dresses, etc. But she also ventured into shoes and accessories which aren’t exactly typical.

The only Norma Kamali accessories we remember are her signature turbans and the occasional sunglasses. Now she can add the patent wristlet clutch to her repertoire - or can she? The clutch seems a little too reminiscent of that signature Marc Jacobs key ring pouch that your little sister, best friend, and even mom might have.

We really love that Norma Kamali joined everyone else in doing a cheaper line for a large retail chain, but that doesn’t mean you have to change up other designers’ ideas. Just saying.

—ALEXANDRA BEN-GURION

If you love lamé maillots and sweatwear, you’re in luck! Norma Kamali’s PR department is looking for an intern.

Responsibilities:

1. Follow up with editors and stylists regarding samples

2. Maintain sample closet (steam, pack, unpack, label, love)

3. Scan and crop all press credits as well as add new press to press book

4. Assist with projects such as creating press kits or helping with lookbook shoots (steam, pack, unpack, label, swoon)

5. Regularly update editor / stylist contact list

E-mail resumes to Michelle [at] normakamalicollection.com, and we prefer our thank you’s in turbans - thanks!

WWD reports that Donna Karan is relieving herself of 20 years of clothes, accessories, and stuff from her house(s). We wonder…

How will she fit a warehouse full of stuff in her studio? Will it spill out onto the street Brooklyn yard sale style?

Will people really buy her old bed? And sleep in it? Does it come with Donna Karan linens?

We hear she’s selling couture gowns and runway samples from her own collections. But how will that fit into her $20 to $2,000 price range?

Do you think her inspirational rock will be fore sale? Because it would make a great paperweight

Will there be security to fend off crazy Barbra fans from trampling everyone else?

We hope so. But if this sale foreshadows a collection for WalMart ala Norma Kamali, we will cry into our Seven Easy Pieces.

March 14 and 15, the Steven Weiss Studio - Be there!

—BRETT KANE