Emily Bihl

It's no secret that neutrals are having their day, which means that the focus is on texture. IMPROVD takes an extreme, in-depth look at this from not one, but several innovative angles. On Tuesday, designer Valentino Vettori presented portraits by Yellana Yemchuk of a "carefully curated sampling of dynamic women" wearing a variety of black, white, and beige looks from the collection. Guests were then invited to get up-close and personal with the pieces, hung throughout the incredible indoor/outdoor space at The Standard Hotel. The night hit its peak with a special performance by recording artist Sky Ferreira and Daniel Merriweather, following showings of Yemchuk's film interpretation of the looks in motion on ballerinas. And with texture-heavy textiles like these, motion suits them--the looks were distressed, over-dyed, and much more.

Those familiar with Paola Hernandez know better than to cast off any of her collections as "just clothes"-- well-thought-out, highly intellectual concepts are the trademark of the Mexico native. Her Spring 2011 line, entitled "Dress Your Self," was of course no exception. Paola followed up her last collection with what she described as a series of basics that "draw attention to the subject wearing them." When she and I had last met, she had described her urge to create a collection that, when worn, would set the wearer apart from the crowd even when the viewer was walking behind them on a crowded street. And, to be sure, some of the items she showed on Tuesday night did include subtle but intriguing detailing on the reverse side. While black was overwhelmingly dominant, I'm certainly not complaining--the entire collection was chic and wearable, and I'm not embarrassed to say that I'm now pining for more than one of Paola's adorable outfits (can we talk about that cape?!).

Vintage shopping is an exhausting (yet rewarding!) indulgence for even the most fashion-forward folks. But what if you want a sweet retro find and don't have time to explore racks upon racks of cast-offs? Well, thanks to everyone's favorite handmade-and-more source Etsy, the soreness that was once synonymous with vintage shopping is no more. Here, we round up our top five vintage curators on Etsy. The best part? You won't leave smelling like Grandma.

Rebecca Minkoff stole out hearts years ago with the so-called Morning After Bag (MAB, for short), and now she’s out to steal our men--or the spot on their arms, at least--with the introduction of Ben Minkoff. Inspired by her grandfather, a World War II fighter pilot, the collection-for-guys promises all the rugged durability and old-school details we love…and, with any luck, the cool factor required to make your significant other spring for a new look. We won’t tell if you want to take one for a spin, either. Fashionista: Many times, designers going from catering to women to targeting men will just add chunkier hardware and adopt a more rugged design. But your products tend to be hardware-heavy and durable to begin with. Was it difficult to really make this line stand out and feel more masculine?

Temperley London Deal: Up to 70% off past merchandise. Be sure to friend the label on Facebook—Temperley London Facebook fans get an additional 10% off sale prices! When/Where: Friday, August 20 through Sunday, Aug. 22. Fri 9:30am—7pm, Sat 10am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 453 Broome St at Mercer St, second floor (212-219-2929), New York Barneys Warehouse Sale Deal: 50% to 75% off designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, plus housewares When/Where: Thursday, August 19 through Monday, September 6. Thurs August 19—Fri August 20 8am—9pm, Sat—Sun 10am—7pm, Mon—Fri 10am—9pm, Mon September 6 10am—7pm. 255 W. 17th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-450-8400), New York Saks Fifth Avenue Deal: Extra 25% off already reduced prices on merchandise from Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Ann Demeulemeester and more Where/When: Online through August 23 Karmaloop Deal: Enter code VAULT15 at checkout to save 15% off your order When: Ends August 23, 2010

Name: Amanda Age: 24 Occupation: Model What is your favorite country that you’ve visited? Samoa What is your favorite dessert? Ooh that’s a hard one, I love all desserts! I love cake batter ice cream. What is your current favorite song? "Love Lost" by The Temper Trap

The Big Tweeze: Tweezing: we do it to look good, but we rarely look good while doing it (just watch the faces you make in the mirror next time you start plucking). Until now, that is--Betsey Johnson, in yet another somewhat strange collaboration, will release her line of designer tweezers for Tweezerman starting September 1. {Bella Sugar} Dolce Dispute: Dolce & Gabbana and Selfridges have come to an allegedly mutual agreement to stop their partnership, come next spring. While neither party has pointed fingers, we can't help but look on this with the same skepticism we have when couples "mutually" split--c'mon, guys. One way or another, somebody's getting dumped. {Vogue UK} Causing A Commotion: A Los Angeles clothing company is suing Madonna in regards to her new clothing line for Macy's, claiming that they have been using the name "Material Girl" for years. Wait, who's ripping off whom? Didn't Madonna invent that phrase? Yeesh. {TMZ}

Creatures Of Comfort Deal: Final markdowns, up to 70% off spring items from brands including Alexander Wang, Repetto, Rachel Comey, and more. When/Where: Monday - Saturday, 11am to 7pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm. 7971 Melrose Avenue. Online, too. (323-655-7855), Los Angeles Narnia Deal: Up to 50% off vintage from the past 100 years When/Where: Through Friday, August 20. Daily 10am—7pm. 161 Rivington St between Clinton and Suffolk Sts (212-979-0661), New York J. Crew Deal: Enter code SHOPNOW at checkout to save 30% off final sale items and get free shipping on orders over $150 When: Ends August 19, 2010

Bloomin' Brilliant: StyleCaster debuts its high-texture, floral-centric editorial shoot, photographed by Frances Tulk-Hart. We're dreaming of layers now...and just in time for a bit of a cold front. {StyleCaster} Devious Designers: In a bizarre display of cunning, top-name fashion houses are sending free designer bags to Jersey Shore's Snooki. But here's the catch-- they're sending her the bags of competing designers. Why? Well, you try carrying around a Gucci purse after it's become Snooki's signature item and tell us how many compliments you get. {The New York Observer} Tyra On Teeny: Tyra Banks responded to the "misconstrued" Top Model teaser trailer, in which ANTM judges swooned over a prospective contestant's teeny waistline, in exactly the way we'd expect her to-- by complaining that she couldn't possibly oversee every aspect of the show's publicity material, and by managing to sound like the victim in a society of waistline-worshiping media. Um, honey, you're the host of a modeling reality show. You can only be so blameless. {The Huffington Post}

This week, Rihanna rocks a pink blazer, Drew Barrymore does $20 vintage, Josh Jackson makes looking perfect look so easy, Rashida Jones dresses like our coolest friend, and Leighton does the red carpet right in white.

Thank you to this week's advertisers!

Armani Casa Deal: 60% off selected furniture and home goods When/Where: Through Sunday, August 29. Tues—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 97 Greene St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-1271), New York LF Robertson Deal: The "only sale of the season" with up to 60% off select merchandise When/Where: Sale starts Thursday, only in-store. 106 S Robertson Blvd. (310-271-2727), Los Angeles Sanrio Hello Kitty Deal: Enter code FREEWATCH85 at checkout to get a free Hello Kitty watch with any purchase over $85 When: Ends August 13, 2010

This one is so close I had trouble telling which image was which for a good ten minutes. One clever tipster, upon seeing a piece from Madonna's new line for Macy's, pointed out that the "Material Girl" line blatantly rips off a design from Ronny Kobo's work for Torn. I mean, it's identical--the pattern, the cut of the top, and even the arrangement of the embellishments. There's nothing "Borderline" about it-- Madonna's been a "Bad Girl." What's your take?

High Class: The Unviersity of Monaco is now offering a Masters Degree in Luxury. The university has teamed up with Gucci and Ralph Lauren, among others, to bring you only the most prestigious education. We kid you not. {Racked} Beagles Vs. Bedbugs: Bergdorf Goodman has announced its plan to use bedbug-sniffing beagles to keep the store from going the way of so many other chains. Ehem, we're looking at you, Hollister, Victoria's Secret, and Abercrombie. {The Cut} All Dolled Up: Racked introduces its new transgender blogger, Doll. {Racked National}

Going Underground: Graphic-guru Grast announces its plans to open up shop in a very unlikely location--the Port Authority subway station. {Refinery 29} A Pretty Penney: J.C. Penney's collab with Mango hits stores August 18th. {Wall Street Journal} Independent Woman: Donna Karan plans to lead a fashion show at the first-annual Women: Inspiration and Enterprise Symposium in New York, a one-day event covering topics from childbirth to the business world. The best part? All proceeds will go toward the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. {Vogue UK}

We're excited for the launch of Volcom x Jennifer Herrema, lead singer of the band RTX. Expect tons of distressed and dirty washes, urban-grunge inspi

This month we're loving neutrals, retro styling, and Kate Lanphear. Click through for our mood board.

Aerie Deal: Enter code 54723905 at checkout to save 15% off your purchase When: Ends August 17, 2010 ELF Deal: Enter code BEST at checkout to save 50% off the price of any of the best sellers listed in the link When: Ends August 12, 2010 Lomography Deal: 15% to 50% off cameras and camera accessories When/Where: Saturday, August 7 through Sunday, August 8. Sat 10:30am—9pm, Sun 11am—7pm. 41 W. 8th St between MacDougal St and Sixth Ave (212-529-4353), New York

Thanks to this week's advertisers!

Name: Eliza Age: 20 Occupation: Student How would you describe your style? Casual, I wear a lot of black and thrift store finds. What is your favorite summertime drink? Arizona Iced Tea

Betsey Johnson Deal: Up to 80% off clothing and 50% off accessories When/Where: Wednesday, August 4 through Friday, August 6. Daily 10am—8pm. Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-993-9251), New York Loft Deal: Enter code SAVINGS20 at checkout to save $20 off any order over $75 Ends: August 5, 2010, Online! Green With Glamour Deal: The online merchandiser is offering 40% - 75% off all spring and summer clothing Where/When: Online at Greenwithglamour.com

We Could Be Heroes: Prabal Gurung's new "Unsung Heroes" feature lets you get up-close and personal with some of fashion's most intriguing behind-the-scenes folk. So far, we've found Lucie Pogues and Nicolas Caito to be downright fascinating...and we can't wait to see who's up next! {Prabal Gurung} Movin' On Up: Conde Nast Publications has recently announced its tentative plans to move to the new "Freedom Tower" at Ground Zero in 2014. This means that Vogue, Lucky, and W will all be saying goodbye to their Times Square offices and hello to what will be the tallest building in New York. {Refinery 29} Felder Felder Finally: The sisters Felder are launching their first-ever Resort collection. And even better? It's at a contemporary price point. Happy shopping. {Vogue UK}

It’s no secret that we live in a world where being up-to-the-minute is everything. Sometimes, though, we all feel the need to stop, let technology progress without us for a few seconds, and grab hold of something that’s not likely to change. That’s where Brook&Lyn Jewelry comes in. With statement-making Agate body necklaces, bracelets, and more in a multitude of dazzling colors and motifs, you’ll be a part of something that’s been around much longer than Facebook. Hint: Agate played a large role in Bronze-age Minoan culture. And it stands to reason that Brook&Lyn would have longevity in mind, as the label is a spin-off of designer Mimi Jung's online vintage boutique.

Summer is America's unofficial season of road tripping. It was with this in mind that we scoured all our best fashion sources for chic, creative, and classy pieces that remind us of some of our favorite cities...and the landmarks we love about them. Because while we'd certainly like our very own Chrysler Building dress to hang in our closets, we're not all that lucky.