Fashionista

How to Make It in Fashion: June 21, Dream Hotel Downtown, New York

Tuesday September 21st, 2010

Designers and Celebs Help Find a Cure With “22 Ways to Say Black”
Events

Designers and Celebs Help Find a Cure With “22 Ways to Say Black”

Ever wonder what would happen if someone put Halle Berry, Julianna Margulies, and 22 one-of-a-kind designer dresses, all in the same room? Yesterday at Philips de Pury, this happened at a glamorous auction that raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society and La Ligue Contre le cancer in France.

Donna Karan, Thakoon, Sonia Rykiel, Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino, Lanvin, Givenchy, and Phillip Lim (pictured, right) were among the participants, each chosen to design a little black dress that incorporated Swarovski Elements. So, the lucky few who won one of these dresses not only contributed to a great cause, but also get to walk around town in a one of a kind dress by one of the world’s most renowned designers.

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Published at 6:00 PM

Tuesday September 14th, 2010

Sneak Peek: Lanvin, Alex Wang, Givenchy, Proenza, and Balmain T-Shirts Honoring Style.com

Sneak Peek: Lanvin, Alex Wang, Givenchy, Proenza, and Balmain T-Shirts Honoring Style.com

Happy birthday, Style.com! The granddaddy of all fashion sites turns 10 this week, and its celebrating with a limited edition run of t-shirts created by ten top designers. We got a sneak peek of the first five tees, made by Lanvin, Alex Wang, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler, and Balmain.

Nicole Phelps, one of our favorite runway show reviewers and executive editor of Style, says that the staff wanted to give the designers “a blank canvas to work with. Plus, people love tees. Ours are a nice, affordable $45 and a portion of the proceeds go to Computers For Youth.” The common denominator? Each designer used the roman numeral X in their work.

We’re partial to Lanvin‘s iteration, mostly because we’re partial to Alber’s sketches. But you know, Proenza‘s isn’t bad either. Nor is Givenchy’s. In reality , they’re all equally fantastic.

Want one of these slouchy stunners for yourself? They’ll be for sale at Style.com’s mobile pop-up shop in Madison Square Park on September 15, on the site September 16. Click through to see the designer’s work.

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Published at 9:00 AM

Thursday September 2nd, 2010

Wednesday September 1st, 2010

Lanvin for H&M? Yes, Please!

Lanvin for H&M? Yes, Please!

The word in Paris is that Lanvin might be the next H&M collaborator. If it is indeed true, the collection will hit stores in early November.

I must rejoice! I’ve been a bit disappointed by the H&M collaborations over the past few seasons. An Alber collection should be a return to the Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld days of yore.

What’s more, Lanvin is not one of those brands where one can find an “affordable” piece here or there. Even the Acne x Lanvin dresses were $800 or more–I was lucky enough to find one at the Barneys warehouse sale for $40 about a year ago. I think I’ll wear it today in honor of this wonderful news.

I’m hoping for something like the look featured here to show up in the collection. Which Lanvin silhouette would you like to get your hands on?

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Published at 8:53 AM

Monday July 26th, 2010

Fashion News Roundup: Horyn Takes On Snooki, Lights at Lanvin, Paris Hilton Gives Nazi Salute
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Horyn Takes On Snooki, Lights at Lanvin, Paris Hilton Gives Nazi Salute

Cathy Horyn Takes Down Snooki: Snooki, the Jersey Shore’s breakout star, is a polarizing (mini) figure. Cathy Horyn, who penned the piece, is not a fan. Harshest digs include: “Snooki is not conventionally attractive…She is busty and short-waisted with small legs; sort of like a turnip turned on its tip,” and “trying to hold a conversation with Snooki is a little like getting down on your hands and knees with a child.” What did Snooki ever do to you Cathy? {NY Times}

Candles Out, Lights On at Lanvin:
Shoppers won’t have to browse through Alber Elbaz’s creations by candlelight anymore. All 6,875 square feet of Lanvin’s new flagship Madison Ave. store has electricity now. {Style.com}

Paris Hilton Makes Another Really Bad (and Offensive) Decision: Paris was snapped mid “heil” over the weekend in St. Tropez wearing a red military-ish hat. Not cute, Paris. {Daily Mail}

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Published at 12:04 PM
A Letter to le Tour de France: A Podium Girl Make-Over Is In Order
Entertainment

A Letter to le Tour de France: A Podium Girl Make-Over Is In Order

Dear Tour de France Organizers,

First of all, we would like to congratulate Alberto Contador on winning this prestigious race. Truly an amazing achievement. It was an exciting competition this year, even though some of us may have been forced to watch against our will.

However, we would like to offer some sartorial suggestions for next year’s Tour. While we don’t really love the tight spandex worn by the riders, we completely understand the necessity and functionality of this garb. Our concern is not the cyclists.

Indeed, it is the so-called “podium girls,” or those who doll out the awards each evening. We understand that they are a long-standing Tour tradition. We will avoid NASCAR comparisons and let our colleagues over at Jezebel critique the inherent chauvinism.

The outfits that these women wear are absolutely unacceptable.

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Published at 10:00 AM

Friday July 16th, 2010

Fashion News Roundup: More Crystal Renn Controversey, Bed Bugs Invade Victoria’s Secret, and Lanvin Lands Stateside
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: More Crystal Renn Controversey, Bed Bugs Invade Victoria’s Secret, and Lanvin Lands Stateside

“Renn”ovating The Industry: Crystal Renn sure has been leaving her mark on the fashion industry lately. The size-10 model recently landed a spot in Jean Paul Gaultier’s new campaign, and came under fire for looking slimmer in a Nicholas Routzen-shot campaign for non-profit Fashion for Passion. Glamour’s got the un-retouched photos as well as an interview with Renn, and she says of the photos “in the new pictures…well, that body doesn’t look like my body. It doesn’t.” If that isn’t enough, Renn is now talking of designing her own plus-sized collection. Phew, when does she sleep? {Glamour and Stylelist}

MAC Misstep?: MAC’s Mexico-inspired collaboration collection with Rodarte is set to drop on September 15, but not everyone is excited. The line is coming under some criticism for a nail polish color called “Juarez,” named after a Mexican town notorious for ignoring the rampant rapes and murders of local women. {The Frisky}

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Published at 1:00 PM

Thursday July 1st, 2010

Pretty in Pink: Eight Blushing Items We Want Now
Fashion Is Fun

Pretty in Pink: Eight Blushing Items We Want Now

I was cringing a little bit when Lauren’s rant last week about girly design. I love anything pink.

Right now I’m typing on a Macbook covered in a hot pink shell, have a Blackberry with a fuchsia skin, and am reading from notes in my watermelon hued journal. Mind you, I don’t dress in pink from head to toe, but I have quite a bit of pink in my closet. Not sweet pink. Loud pink. Is it only for tweens?

Well, I’m the most, um, mature writer at Fashionista. I mean age, not experience and wisdom. So I’m either regressing or empowered. I’m not really sure. Just in time for the height of summer, here are my favorite pink things. Please, use them sparingly.

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Published at 1:25 PM

Tuesday June 22nd, 2010

Hip Hop Chambray…Ho…11 Chambray Looks for Summer
Shopping

Hip Hop Chambray…Ho…11 Chambray Looks for Summer

For some reason whenever we think of chambray that Naughty By Nature song gets stuck in our head.

No matter.

The point is that chambray is big this summer and we’re happy about it. The chambray work shirt is classic 1930s Americana. It’s sexy and rugged and a staple for the season. And while there’s no messing with a basic like the two-pocket button down, we’re happy to see this lightweight cotton or linen fabric cropping up in different styles.

Click through for the best in chambray (and lightweight denim) for summer.

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Published at 6:52 PM

Wednesday June 16th, 2010

Friday June 4th, 2010

Branding at Its Best: Eleven Special Items to Obsess Over
Accessories

Branding at Its Best: Eleven Special Items to Obsess Over

The printed tote. The logo tee. These are items that many luxury brands create to keep the public going gaga over their pricier goods. Creating trinkets, tees, totes, and more helps keep brands in the public eye; more people can afford a Marc Jacobs key ring than a collection dress.

That said, a lot of luxury brands’ special items still sell at a high price (see Chanel’s bike), and exist to give a greater meaning to the term “lifestyle brand.”

Either way, there are tons of special items created by our favorite designers that we regularly obsess over and attempt to pool our funds to buy. Click through to see the best of what we think constitutes the “fashionable life.”

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Published at 11:28 PM

Wednesday June 2nd, 2010

What to Wear to the CFDA Awards if You’re On a Budget
Shopping

What to Wear to the CFDA Awards if You’re On a Budget

Earlier this week we received a great e-mail from a reader who didn’t know what to wear to the CFDA awards next Monday:

Hi Lauren,

I’m basically in the most amazing predicament of all time–so I can hardly complain, but I do have a question to submit to your (and possibly other Fashionstas) expertise. I just found out that I’m going to be going to the CFDA Awards on June 7th as a guest of an attendee.

Like any person with a pulse, and a proclivity for fashion, I am positively exploding with glee. The models! The designers! I don’t know how I’ll maintain regular breathing. But on to the conundrum. I have absolutely nothing to wear. I’ve never been to an event of this fashion caliber, and I feel like I need to “dress the part.” But, I’m eighteen, and not about to drop several thousand dollars on a fully designer ensemble. Do you have any suggestions for wardrobe? I’d be willing to wade through New York’s vintage shops if you think that would yield a good outfit, but which ones to try?

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Published at 7:28 PM