A crop of new retailers are due to freshen up the Newbury Street neighborhood within the next few weeks. Year-around festival fashion fans and the “Spring Breakers” generation can rejoice with the recent openings of West Coast-bred boutique, No Rest for Bridget, and streetwear suitable for field frolicking brand, Brandy Melville.

Also confirmed: Affordable eyewear with a cult following, Warby Parker, is getting one of its first brick and mortar homes while longtime luxe costume jeweler, Alexis Bittar, will finally set up shop, in the near and far future, respectively.

Until then, here are four new storefronts that are opening this season that are due to step up Newbury’s shopping game.

In case you couldn't tell, we can barely get a hold of our excitement for Baz Luhrmann's
upcoming adaptation of "The Great Gatsby." The film's soundtrack, featuring everyone from Jay-Z (who also penned the score for the movie) to Jack White to Florence and the Machine, was revealed yesterday with a new extended trailer which has us bubbling over with fashion inspiration. "Gatsby" comes to theaters May 10 and the soundtrack drops May 7. Until then, here are our 11 favorite fashion moments so far:

1. Because only Jay Gatsby can pull off a pink pinstripe suit.
2. Daisy's absolutely jaw-dropping rhinestone-encrusted dress and headpiece.
3. Another one for Daisy: Lavender lace with petal embellishments.
4. Jay tossing his shirts over the balcony of his closet is completely classic.
5. Daisy's major fox stole.
6. Fine jewels created exclusively for the film by Tiffany & Co. finally get to shine.
7. Lavender. Lace. Finger-less. Gloves.
8. This is what I wear when my boyfriend tries to teach me how to play golf, too.
9. And this is what he wears.
10. We know Tom is evil, but his riding boots are kind of fabulous.
11. But in the end, these people remain the best dressed characters in the film.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (or as we stubbornly still call her, Kate Middleton) has applied to the Intellectual Property Office for a trademark on her, her husband, Prince William, and brother-in-law, Prince Harry's names. A representative from St. James Palace confirmed the details following The Telegraph's initial report on the trademark, leading to speculation that the registration was a potential sign of a Kate Middleton fashion line.

So, are Kate Middleton brand royal blue wrap dresses, nude stockings, and fascinators in our near futures?

Not so fast.

The Palace confirmed to the Telegraph that the trademark will cover the production of "clothing, footwear and headgear," but notes its primary function will be to support the charitable efforts of The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"Since the name change of the foundation last year, we have been registering our new name and logo in different territories around the world... As part of that process, we have to choose any categories under which we might conceivably operate in the future. This also protects the foundation against other people using its name illegally. We included clothing in case we choose, for example, to make T-shirts in years to come, for marathon runners, etc."

Bummer.

After practically tanking engagement dress designer Issa due to overwhelming demand, we have no doubt any line aligned with Kate the great would be a total success.

Meanwhile, the Duchess and her ever-growing baby bump are touring Glasgow in a tailored plaid coat by Moloh.

Would you wear a Kate Middleton clothing line? Are you made that our headline deceived you? Comment here.

For this week’s Instagram fashion spotlight, we snagged a wild one. Alyssa Noches is a 25-year-old photographer from East Boston who is also art director of No Thoughts magazine, a quarterly photobook. She’s a fan of high fashion, heavy metal, and, of course, cats. A look at her Instagram album reveals a platinum bombshell who isn’t shy about showing off her midriff and shoulder tattoos. Let’s meet her, shall we?

Q. How did you arrive at fashion photography?
A. I’ve been a photographer since I was very young. I started with black and white film, just portraits and such. I really fell into fashion photography doing shoots for designer friends, model friends, and people I know who ran stores back in Oregon, where I’m from. I have an insane personal dedication to fashion and I feel lucky that I even get to photograph it at all.

Q. Do any of the things that you photograph influence what ends up in your closet?
A. It depends. I have a really definite sense of my own style, so if what I’m shooting is something I’d never wear in a million years, I stay away. I know from experience it will languish in my closet. If I am shooting something that is closer to my own style I might give the look a try.

Q. Which has a bigger influence on your work: photography or fashion?
A. I think both have equal impact. Fashion is art, and I’m just as influenced by designers as I am by any legendary photographers.

Q. Heavy metal and high fashion don’t always make comfortable bedfellows. What parts of metal culture have you incorporated into your personal style?
A. I have always been into extreme music. I grew up on classic rock as a teenager. That grew into an appreciation of metal, grunge, and goth. I feel like most people are surprised because they don’t expect someone who wears [Alexander] McQueen cq on a regular basis to be listening to Slayer cq, but that’s who I am. As far as incorporating it into my look, I am almost always wearing black. I love studs, rips, draping, anything edgy and maybe a little weird.

Q. You appear to be a recent blond. Were you ready to have more fun, or did you feel that you had a platinum blond e trapped inside of you trying to escape?
A. I actually was born blond and started dying my hair different colors when I was about 16. I recently went back to blond because it was my favorite hair color. Blondes really do have more fun. Josh [Truax] at the Mario Russo at Louis Boston worked wonders on it.

Q. When you’re on a shoot, do you think more about style or comfort when you’re getting dressed?
A. Comfort. During a shoot I reserve the drapey silk numbers for night, and instead usually opt for AG legging jeans, a band T-shirt, ballet flats, and a cardigan.

Q. Designer of choice at the moment?
A. My favorite designer is always going to be Ann Demeulemeester. She is truly my fashion soulmate. I really love what Sarah Burton is doing at McQueen, carrying on his great theatrical legacy. I also worship Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries van Noten, Rei Kawakubo, and Jil Sander.

Q. You have a lot of cat photos in your Instagram album. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that you’re a crazy cat lady in training?
A. Oh goodness, I think I’m already a crazy cat lady. My cat, Hua Mu, is the most photogenic cat I’ve ever encountered, so that only makes matters worse.

Want to be spotlighted in our Instagram fashion series? Hashtag your photos #BostonSnap. You can follow Christopher Muther on Instagram at Chrisinbos.

An aspiring entertainer needs to be noticed, so it’s no wonder that this week’s local Instagram fashion star is a budding actress who loves playing dress-up by layering like nobody’s business and showing her range in ensembles that are suitable for a late-morning breakfast at Tiffany or an evening stomping along city sidewalks in combat boots.
Thamara Jean-Simon, a 25-year-old from Cambridge (handle here) says she finds her inspiration in travel and also the everyday sport of people watching. Time to shine a spotlight on Jean-Simon’s wide-ranging style and find out more about the woman behind all those scarves and wrist adornments.

Want to participate? Yes, I can see that you do. Tag your Instagram pics #BostonSnap

Q. Your style is inspired by travel, so tell me your favorite place for finding fashion?
A. My most memorable travel is always to New York. Every time I go I love it more. I truly feel that New Yorkers are some of the best-dressed people. There are so many different types of people with such inspiring looks. I love the street style. They are not afraid to try new styles and let their outfits do the talking.

Q. You clearly enjoy layering in multiples. What's the appeal of the all the watches, bracelets, and fur? More is more for you?
A. Layering is a great way to jazz up an outfit and stay warm. It’s like a beautiful ocean wave or a painting. You get to play with different textures and colors. As for accessories and fur jackets, you could say I’m obsessed. My love of fur started at a young age. I remember watching “Coming to America,” and seeing all that fur and jewelry. Fur to me is luxury. It’s almost royal. I only wear faux fur. I love the look of stacked bracelets watches and jewelry. You can put on plain jean and T-shirt but when you add your arm swag a fedora, and maybe a scarf. It takes your outfit to the next level. I just have fun with it.

Q. You mentioned that you adore Audrey Hepburn. Pop quiz: Name three actresses you love and what you love about their style.
A. First Eva Mendes. She is classy and girly. When she hits a red carpet you know you’re getting effortless chic, class, and just enough sexiness. She really gives that old Hollywood glamour. Blake Lively is another one of my favorites. Her style is fun and modern. She knows what looks good on her and I don't think she is afraid of trying something new. He’s a male actor, but also Johnny Depp. His style is so grungy and laid back. I love how he just doesn't care. He always gets his accessories right. He is not trying to emulate anyone else.

Q. If your clothes reflect your mood, what's your bad day outfit, and what's your good day outfit?
A. My good day outfit would be nude leggings with a skater skirt, a silk or sheer colorful blouse, and nude pumps. I love to feel very girly. A laid back day or bad day would be an oversized T-shirt and a pair of Jordans.

Q. Fill in the blanks: In a perfect world, you would be appearing in __________ and you'd be wearing ___________.
A. I would be appearing in “Sex and the City,” wearing a beautiful Valentino gown and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

In the throng of Instagram humanity, it’s difficult to miss David Maes. Or more specifically, to miss his hair. The 24-year-old visual merchandiser, who lives in Harvard Square, has a fade that rivals only Kid’s from ’80 hip-hop duo, Kid ’n Play. In Maes’s Instagram album , he’s sporting Chanel brooches, holding Lana Del Rey albums, and snapping pics of his Louis Vuitton sneakers.

We couldn’t resist reaching out to Maes, who says he feels “like an old soul trapped in a youthful body. A really tight, trim youthful body.” What to participate? Add the hashtag #BostonSnap to your Instagram pics.

Q. The hair. You must explain.
A. Everybody needs an identifier. The high-top fade mixed with big beauty queen height is mine. It developed over time and started when I gave myself a mohawk after seeing “Taxi Driver for the first time. Who knew Robert De Niro could be such a fashionable inspiration?

Q. The brooches. The necklaces. Do accessories make the man, or does the man make the accessories?
A. I’m a firm believer in finding accessories that work for you. All you need is a few good pieces that show your aesthetic and can work with everyday outfits. Patricia Field was fond of this when dressing Carrie Bradshaw. She’d have one great piece she would wear throughout an episode with different looks. You should feel comfortable wearing the same necklace with an American flag tank top while sitting at a booth in McDonald’s as you would draped in Marc Jacobs at a Gossip concert.

Q. Brand obsession: Explain.
A. I am not a brand whore. I swear. I just like nice things as much as the next gurl. Broke with expensive taste, as they say. But I have no problem investing in designer sneakers if I know I’ll wear them out and get my money’s worth. And if you can get them as gifts, even better. As far as favorites, my mother always said you can never go wrong with Louis Vuitton. Classic. Actually now that I’m remembering, I think she said the same thing about OshKosh B’gosh.

Q. Would you rather have dinner with Lana Del Rey or Karl Lagerfeld?
A. I’d have dinner with Lana Del Rey, given that I probably wouldn’t understand a thing Uncle Karl was mumbling about, although I’d be curious to see what he’d select as an appetizer. With Lana you could talk shop. Boys, Balenciaga, and the latest trend in soda pop

Q. Given that you dressed as Ryan Gosling for Halloween, I’m wondering if you use the expression “Hey girl” often?
A. I do use the expression “Hey girl” often. But usually it comes out as a “Heeeeey guuuurrrl.” I hope Ryan Gosling smiles when he reads that. I have no doubt that he’ll be reading this piece. And soon after he’ll be reading me poetry by a fire, huddled under a woolen afghan he knit himself. Cut, copy, print. My Hollywood ending.

It's time to start working out: specifically your elbows for jabbing and your grip for grabbing at hangers. Gilt City's warehouse sale takes place this weekend, and if you've attended previous sales, you know you need speed, cunning, and the ability to make snap retail decisions. Instead of the running of the brides, think of this as the running of the bargains. There is an admission charge for entry, however, the luxury flash sale site is promising discounts up to 90 percent and prosecco. Check their website for details and tickets

.

Donna Karan, fashion designer and the force behind the DKNY empire, found herself in a copyright dispute with New York-based street style photographer and blogger, Brandon Stanton, after a DNKY store in Bangkok, Thailand, used dozens of Stanton's photographs without his permission.

According to Stanton, he was originally approached by DKNY with a business deal, in which the fashion company offered $15,000 to use 300 of his images from his blog, Humans of New York. Not long after Stanton reportedly turned down the offer, a fan sent him a photo of a DKNY storefront in Bangkok.

In response, Stanton posted the photo with the following on his "Humans of New York" Facebook page, which has 574,912 likes:

"These photos were used without my knowledge, and without compensation. I don't want any money. But please SHARE this post if you think that DKNY should donate $100,000 on my behalf to the YMCA in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. That donation would sure help a lot of deserving kids go to summer camp."

DKNY acknowledged their mistake earlier this week, claiming the misuse was due to confusion over a mock-up that featured some of Stanton's photographs, used solely to "show the direction of the spring visual program."

Karan and her company agreed to donate $25,000 to the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA in Stanton's name.

While Stanton didn't receive the amount he initially asked for, he reportedly considers the gesture a win, stating: "$25k will help a lot of kids at the YMCA. I know a lot of you would like to have seen the full $100k, but we are going to take them at their word that it was a mistake, and be happy that this one had a happy ending."

Currently, Stanton has taken to crowd-funding to raise the rest of the requested funds. As of 3:51 p.m. EST on March 1, he has raised $91,526.

Do you think DNKY should have donated the full $100K? Comment here.

Top images: AFP PHOTO / Stan HONDA; AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

Courrèges, Cardin, Quant. There were all influences that flooded Anna Sui's runway on Wednesday night. The technicolor patterns revived a Carnaby Street youthquake of miniskirts, knee socks. Pinks and oranges rioted in swirls and intricate patterns that Sui's careful eye made fresh. Despite starting with choreography lifted directly from Jean-Luc Godard's "Bande à part" and a soundtrack of Sylvie Vartan, France Gall, and other pop tarts from the 1960s ye-ye moevent, her work was not a rehash of the past, but a creative retelling of a social fashion movement.

It was the biggest show of the week, and I missed it. Marc Jacobs’s women’s show, the highlight of (at least my) New York Fashion Week experience, was bumped from its usual Monday night, to Thursday night, the last night of Fashion Week. To give you an idea of how this works, there are usually two shows the last day of Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren at 10 a.m., and Calvin Klein at 3 p.m. After Calvin, the style hoards amble home and collapse. If you’ve ever seen “The Walking Dead,” you have a very good idea of what this scene might look like as editors limp out of Lincoln Center. Thirty shows a day times seven days – plus constant writing, blogging, and tweeting in-between – can take its toll. In my case, that toll was leaving my brains the consistency of scrambled eggs. I wanted to stay for Jacobs’s show, but I also wanted to get home to Boston. It was Valentine’s Day, and I had a love bug waiting for me at home. But you’re a smart batch. You know how to Google and read. Check out the photo and enjoy the beauty of the show I missed.

“Urban athleticism” is how Michael Kors described his Wednesday morning show, and he filtered that concept through taxi cab yellow perforated felt skirts, neon orange placket coats, royal blue cashmere pullovers, and a whole lot of zippers. He freely and brazenly populated the runway with a mix of athletic wear-inspired colors and textures, alongside cashmere cardigans. It reflects the way we dress today, only much, much chicer. Kors would not send sweats down a runway alongside Dior-silhouette skirts, but he has tapped into our desire to be comfortable in gym-friendly colors. Since this is a Kors show, the designer prolifically showed 63 looks (that’s about double than what most designers produce for their shows), so he could step away from those day-glow shades and present eveningwear, such as a drop-dead sexy black mink slashed stole with a double face zip skirt. He effectively placed his zipper motif on a jacquard suit. The message, of course, is that his woman can go from the office to treadmill with a tug of the zipper.

At the beginning of her Wednesday afternoon show, it appeared as if celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe was again planning to turn her models into taller versions of herself. Dangerously wide pants swayed, topped by over-sized sweaters or short 1970s blazers and bolero jackets. But as the show progressed, so did Zoe’s ability to look past her own closet and create pieces such a black leather mini-dress, which was sweetened with a white Peter Pan collar. She had a hard time deciding if she preferred cigarette pants or wide legs (she should stick to cigarette for the immediate future). She was playing a game of runway tug-of-war with herself. First a slim fit jumpsuit, than a 1974 flowing Lauren Hutton jump suit. Either she was trying to please everyone, or her designer Jekyll and Hyde were emerging. But through those struggles, she took important steps toward honing a new and improved aesthetic.

Could Nanette Lepore believe in alien conspiracy theories, or at least occupants of interplanetary craft? Her runway soundtrack was preoccupied with alien life forms. The sci-fi soundtrack didn’t always match up with the simple and very wearable clothes, with the exception of the iridescent accessories. If anything, a little science fiction may have spiced up the deep olive and violet prints.

Yes, that was Matt Damon sitting in the audience at Naeem Khan on Tuesday night, and no, he was not there to choose a dress for when he will undoubtedly win a 2014 Golden Globe for his upcoming turn in the HBO biopic “Behind the Candelabra.” Damon, who has been spotted with his wife around New York this week, was in attendance to support his friend Khan. Truth be told, Khan needed little supporting for his show of cohesive and stunning red carpet-ready gowns. His combination of workmanship, eye for detail, and use of diaphanous chiffons and silks resulted in one of the most sophisticated collections of the week. The sparse deep color choices helped his crystal-encrusted details sparkle. Black and navy gave way to peacock blue as he drew from inspirations as varied as the Byzantine Empire to illustrations of the 1920s.

Karlie Kloss handing out cookies at Lincoln Center, because you know she's not going to eat any of them.

New York Times shutterbug Bill Cunningham at Nanette Lepore

Was it “Downton Abbey” inspired? Were those prints William Morris? No, as it turns out, Tory Burch’s lovely presentation was inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt. Dragonflies and scarabs darted across her art nouveau dresses and prints were piled upon textures. It was all insanely romantic. While it ran the risk of falling into granny territory, Burch skillfully updated her influences, paying tribute to the past through an entirely fresh perspective.

It didn’t even matter what the clothes looked like. Johnson could have showed toilet paper dresses and her runway would still be a party. Her Monday night show was decidedly the kookiest and most joyful of the week. The 70-year-old designer showed her new line of active wear, BJ Kicks A as she lead a cheeky exercise class of her models on the runway. Champagne bottles as dumbbells? Yes please. Perhaps it was all done for the sake of the reality show she’s now filming. But after filing for bankruptcy protection last year, it was comforting to still see her cartwheeling down the catwalk.

With little warning, Jacobs moved his Monday night women’s wear show to Thursday, and bumped his Marc by Marc collection to fill the Monday night gap. He cited shipping delays for the last minute slight-of-hand. There was grumbling, but the decidedly less theatrical Marc by Marc show still provided a satisfying air of excitement. There were subtle references to the 1970s sprinkled throughout his runway. Men’s pants were wide, slouchy, and falling well below the ankle (beware skinny jean!). Women’s looks were influenced by the paintings of Otto Dix, and prints were plentiful. And leave it to Jacobs to be brazen enough to slip gauchos into his collection.

If you're feeling brave, you can also follow me on Instagram @Chrisinbos

Being subtle at Tory Burch in red.

Posing at the J.Crew presentation,

Designers ranging from Donna Karan to Yigal Azrouel passed over bolts of strong color, instead opting for black in all permeations. When designers did use color, the shades of choice were muted, arriving in dark plum, loden green, brown, or deep blue. The models of Marc Jacobs’s Monday night Marc by Marc presentation looked as if they were on their way to a swanky Thanksgiving mixer in cabernet-shaded shirts, cozy merlot hued turtlenecks, and navy wool coats.

If the crystal ball used by fashion designers holds true, we can look forward to women decked out as urban warriors next winter. So far this week, catwalks have been filled with models encased in thick coats, layers of fur, and leather. It almost feels like a prerequisite for designers to include at least one black leather piece in their collections for Fall/Winter 2013.
“I think there is still this general anxiety,” said Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. “We live in anxious times. Remember, designers were creating these collections before the election, and there was a general fear in the creative field that the Republicans might win. Sandy was also very much on people’s minds when these collections were born. All of that uncertainty was there, and now you can see it.”

Another way designers offered comfort this season was a return to winter-appropriate hemlines and traditional plaid presented in untraditional ways. Plaid was not a big surprise coming from Tommy Hilfiger, it was, however, coming from Victoria Beckham. While most designers opted for black and white plaids, Marissa Webb rendered her plaids in pink, green, and navy and Vivienne Tam took a subtle approach to plaid, adding red lines to just half of a black jacket.

Fur, which was once a rarity on the runway, is now being treated like any other material, and it was plentiful. It’s to be expected in posh fur jackets and stoles, but it also showed up in turtlenecks (Carolina Herrera), skirts (Christian Siriano), and even as a deep red shift dress (Derek Lam). While most of Lam’s fur shift looked cozy, its lack of sleeves may still leave some feeling a chill.

At tonight's Marc by Marc show, this drag queen proudly showed me that she was wearing all Marc Jacobs. I have to say, she was pulling it off better than some of the spectators in the crowd.

Both the men’s collection he showed Friday night and the women’s collection he showed Sunday were a dizzying hodge-podge of argyle, houndstooth, and windowpane plaid. The mixing and matching of patterns was nod to both Savile Row and the 1960s. This is as avant-garde as Hilfiger gets, and putting his toe just slightly outside of his comfort zone made for a far more interesting collection.

No one does luxury like Herrera, and she ensured the message was clear at her Monday Lincoln Center show by immediately sending out looks such as a shimmering gold satin trench with fur collar, striking red column gowns, and spider chrysanthemum print dresses. Some would complain that her clothes are for a narrow audience of Park Avenue elite, but she should be applauded for unapologetically refusing to desert her core base: Women of a certain age who still, and will always, love to lunch.

Local designer Jackie Fraser-Swan continued her rapid fashion growth spurt on Sunday night, splicing together Tommy Hilfiger's prep school aesthetic with Charlotte Ronson's 1990s bad girl perspective. Her jumper dresses and shifts were structured, more polished, and held wider appeal than previous collections. While she designs from an international point of view, her New England roots were inescapable in the plaids and houndstooth patterns of her double pleat back blouses and baby doll dresses. Fraser-Swan's target customer skews young, so the simplicity of her runway is logical, but what was lacking from her presentation was a show-stopping finale. Given how quickly and effectively she's jumped into the fashion fray, that show stopper will no doubt be arriving shortly.

Last night's show was held up while Emerson designer and Boston resident Jackie Fraser-Swan waitied for her children to arrive from Penn Station. PR honcho Kelly Cutrone promised "This is not a publicity stunt." This is what it looked like when the show finally started.

She showed some clothes and berets. Kim Gordon played some music. You get the idea. Now let's hear this Chloe talk about accessories, shall we?

"Life is a party" declared Diane von Furstenberg in the program notes for her Fall/Winter collection. Although when it comes to a von Furstenberg show, it always feels like a party. It’s not just the atmosphere at her Lincoln Center runway that resembles a star-studded celebration. Her cacophonously layered chic prints were exuberant with flowed in bursts of silk and chiffon. There was a jungle of leopard prints, snake skins, and pony hair A fun-loving, devil-may-care mix of colors such as pink and orange was a risk that bode well for her. To a soundtrack suited for Studio 54, she offered an appropriate wardrobe of maxi dresses, opulent aubergine, ruby reds, and excessive rabbit fur jackets. It embodied a dream of the 1970s. None of this is new to von Furstenberg’s cannon of fashion, but why mess with success?

At Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week

Mad Women

How many FAKE pink minks needed to die to make that coat? Please note that no animals, real or stuffed were killed to make this coat

I'm pretty sure these gents are wearing meggings (men + leggings = meggings), and I have absolutely no problem with it.

If there was ever a moment for Prabal Gurung to bare his teeth and flex his fashion muscle, this was it. His collaboration with Target arrived in stores yesterday, and unlike recent high-low retail pairings, his is showing signs of life. Gurung did not miss his moment. At his Feb. 9 show, an army of Amazons stormed the catwalk. At times it was hard to look away from the strappy leg gear. These hybrid boot-shoes, covered in buckles and showing slits of skin gave the loden green dresses a militaristic quality. But there was a hint of sex in Gurung’s militia, with high slits and silk folds. Even in softer moments, Gurung’s women never let down their guard. The one-shoulder silk dresses with gold trim were still belted with thick black leather.

If Alexander Wang was feeling pressure, he was not showing it. He looked triumphant as he took his final bow. Moving his runway out of its usual industrial surroundings and into a more refined setting was the first indication that the darling of downtown street fashion was setting his sights on bigger things. Wang was named design director of the storied French fashion house Balenciaga last year, and style watchers dusted off their opera glasses and monocles (not really, but it’s a fun visual) to see if any Balenciagian structure appeared in his ensembles. Fashion is so subjective that any onlooker could have pointed to the wool jackets and helmet-like hats to declare “Why yes, those molded shoulders are just like the fall 1968 Balenciaga collection.” Trust me, some of them did toss off these pretentious observations. But what Wang showed was entirely his own. Oversized coats eventually eased into shimmery eveningwear. Austere colors helped focus the eye on details. The pieces shined almost as brightly as Wang’s smile.

Rag & Bone's David Neville and Marcus Wainwright are the kind of designers who never miss the mark. In just a few years they have gone from making jeans to making a Fall/Winter 2014 collection that not only subtly references 1960s aviation, but more importantly references exactly what smart young women want to wear. The clothes feel expensive without looking boring. Their runway styling is perfect and models appear to be fun-loving rather than hungry. It would be easy to picture a well-put-together woman strolling down Newbury Street on a fall day in the plaid suit with tuxedo pants. Leave the zany proportions and extreme smokey eyes to the showboaters. Neville and Wainwright are much more interested in giving a woman what she wants.

As evidenced by these fashion plates who were modeling outside fashion shows on Sunday. This is why Instagram was invented.

According to New York magazine blog The Cut, Glamour magazine hosted a cat party for New York Fashion Week:

"Respect the cat!" Glamour editor Cindi Leive crooned. "Seriously. Cats are not a trend, they are a permanent aspect of society. Look at Egypt." She went on to bash dogs for being "sloppy and slobbery. I understand they're cute in a frat-boy endearing way, but cats have intelligence, poise, and grace. I'm team cat all the way."

After Jason Wu created the 2009 inaugural gown for First Lady Michelle Obama, there was considerable buzz that she would turn up in the audience for Wu’s show that year (she didn’t). But even without those rumors swirling this year – there was only sleet – there was a palpable sense of excitement at the Feb. 8 show. The two-time inaugural gown designer showed a collection dripping with sophistication. It was fitting for a now historically important designer who has captured the eyes of American women of all ages. 
Thick winter coats and blouses were luxuriously trimmed with fur and leather. Lighter silk dresses swayed seductively. Sparing use of color made the occasional cardinal red silk pleated dress command even more attention. Wu was not trying to make a statement with a theme such as channeling fairy tales (that was 2009). The only theme that emerged from this collection was his confidence in crafting beautifully mature clothing that speaks to women of all ages.

The Marblehead designer has grown from indie-Goth downtown designer to a favorite of Lady Gaga and Carrie Underwood. She continued her winning streak with a collection that delicately balanced her edgy sensibility with mature evening pieces. LaPointe loosen her previously snug silhouettes. Instead of tightly enveloping the body in stretch jersey, LaPointe’s vaporous pieces, in black, red, camel, and sophisticated burgundy, teased with glimpses -- and promises -- of skin. Backs were cut and hemlines rose. But LaPointe was not entirely ready to abandon her love of the dark side. Leather leggings, or "gators" in LaPointe speak, were prominent. Beneath it all was a hint of her future as a designer who has the ability to design eveningwear without abandoning her beloved dark shadows.

Time for another one of this week's retro-lovin' fashion folks who I unearthed on Instagram, We travel up to Vermont -- via the interwebs of course -- to find Eric Hauser. He and his wife Jen LiMarzi live in Winsooki, and together they run an online vintage eyewear shop.

Q. If you could build a time machine, where would you go?
A. It’s a toss-up between early 1950s New York City and early-mid 1960s London (as long as I didn't run into Austin Powers). The 1950s in NYC seem like a really interesting time – post-WW II prosperity and enthusiasm, and men still wore hats everywhere before JFK put a stop to that in the early 60s. 1960s London would have the birth of the mod movement, and all its attendant music and clothes. Both periods are attractive in a nostalgic way, but I actually really do like living in 2013.

Q. Favorite retro possession?
A. I recently found a 1973 Raleigh Sports bicycle on Craigslist for $50. I did some research based on the serial number and found that it was made in England in 1973. It's a great piece of history to own and use, and it's still going strong. An all steel-framed bicycle, it's certainly not light nor does it stop on a dime, but it's great fun to ride, and has got great style. In nicer weather I use it to commute to work, and am looking forward to riding it in Burlington's Tweed Ride next fall.

Q. What’s the last vinyl album you listened to?
A. This is going to sound ridiculous, but it was a V-Disc 78 RPM that I played on my wind up Victrola. "Out of This World" and "Goosey Gander" by Woody Herman and His Orchestra. I've been on a real 1940s/Big Band kick lately.

Q. Does your home look like the set of Mad Men?
A. Hah! Well, not quite, but not for lack of trying. While we adore all those time capsule atomic ranch homes but there, we are not heavy DIY-ers. We moved to Vermont from Queens NYC in 2009 and decided that a condo in a building was more our speed, rather than a 60-plus-year-old home. So we've done our best to furnish and decorate our apartment much in the mid-century style. We've found a lot of great pieces - including a Lane cedar chest, a 1960s chair - at a wonderful Burlington shop called Anjou and the Little Pear. We also comb eBay for other odds and ends. We were lucky enough to have our home featured in Apartment Therapy in 2011.

Q. What are you serving at cocktail hour?

A. Lately, it’s been the White Lady:
2 parts gin
1 part Cointreau
1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice

Shake over ice in a cocktail shaker, and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with lemon garnish. It's very refreshing!

However, a couple weeks ago when temps dipped below zero here in Vermont, I couldn't resist the urge to make a tiki drink served in an actual carved out pineapple.

Q. You’re looking for a new tie, where do you shop.
I wear a tie to work almost every day (making me probably the only man in Vermont with neckwear on) so my collection has grown. I don’t often buy new ties, preferring to pick up vintage ties on the cheap via thrift and vintage shops, but when I am looking for a new tie (or when my lovely wife wants a gift suggestion), I always look to the fine gents at New York City’s Fine and Dandy Shop. They have a great selection of vintage-inspired ties, and they are made in the USA.

You can follow me on Instagram at chrisinbos and Twitter @chris_muther. Send me friendly, happy email at cmuther@globe.com

Welcome back to our new Instagram fashion extravaganza, where we scour our current favorite app for the finest in Boston-area cyber snaps. This week’s Instagram fashion theme is vintage. You’ve seen these retro-loving individuals around town peering through cat glasses and strolling about in their finest 1950s thrift store garb. One of them is Sara Antoinette Stevens. The 23-year -old Somerville resident and blogger has agreed to be our latest Insta-victim.

Q. If you could build a time machine, where would you go?
A. Whenever people ask me whether I’d prefer to live in a different decade, I’m quick to mention that emulating past fashions, such as donning beehives and crinolines, is one thing, but actually existing in the past is a horse of a different color. As much as I love to “ooh” and “ahh” over mid-century sofas and Lucite purses, I wouldn’t want to be a woman in any other time. If I had a time machine at my disposal, I’d first need to verify that there wouldn’t be any glitches that might prolong my stay indefinitely. At which point, I might vacation in the mid-1960s for an afternoon.

Q. Your favorite retro possession?
A. My favorite retro possession is undoubtedly my 1950s gold cat eye glasses. I wear them everyday. They have prescription lenses and they are usually the first thing that people notice about me. After spending many moons searching for the perfect frames, I serendipitously found them about three years ago at Artifaktori in Davis Square, where I currently work peddling vintage, listening to records, and otherwise living the dream.

Q. What’s the last vinyl album you listened to?
A. “T. Rextasy: The Best of T. Rex, 1970 -- 1973”

Q. Does your home look like the set of “Mad Men”?
A. My apartment looks like the set of “Mad Men” if someone told Matthew Weiner to house the entire wardrobe of the female cast in a 12-by-12 room with no closet space. Or if Joan and Peggy fused together into some sort of glamorous, bookish hoarder whose charming vintage collecting tendencies ran into direct conflict with the realism of storage constraints.
The result is that my room bears a striking resemblance to a vintage boutique stockroom: Shelves overflowing with 1960s basket purses, boxes full of various Pyrex casserole dishes, and Victorian-inspired teacups. There’s a rolling rack over-crowded with everything from swoon-worthy 1940s dresses and ornately beaded 1950s cardigans to 1970s psychedelic paisley maxis. I might have a problem. I think hoarding vintage is more endearing and forgivable then, say, cats or soiled diapers.

Q. You’re looking for a new skirt, where do you shop?
A. My go-to thrifting destinations are Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange in Davis Square. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll trek out to Allston and hit up the secondhand haven that is Urban Renewals. For consignment, or if I’m looking for something specific, I adore Raspberry Beret in Porter Square and Poor Little Rich Girl in Inman Square.

More retro-a-go-go tomorrow. In the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram at chrisinbos and Twitter @chris_muther

The Instagram style theme of the week is dark framed glasses, and here's our final subject. I found the verbose, articulate and fashionable high school student Stephen Zoulalian. He's a senior at Boston Latin School who has a "passion for fashion" and writing. Here's what this sassy chap had to say for himself.

Q. What do you think the dark frames say about you?
A. Dark frames capture my bold outlandish personality. If you are going to wear glasses you might as well embrace the lifestyle. Let the glasses become a part of your outfit. I detest wire frame glasses. Their lack of durability and all around flimsiness projects an image of self-doubt on the visually challenged wearer. Big dark frames are the way to go.

Q. When you see other people wearing dark frame glasses, do you feel a kinship with them? Is there a cult of nerd chic?
A. The cult of nerd chic thrives in most major cities, but every once in a while I spot an impostor among our ranks. I can speak for my bespectacled brethren that wearing glasses without lenses, simply for the look is not cool. The kinship I share with other people wearing dark frames is primarily built on our shared vision deficiencies--the dark frames only make the bond stronger. Frankly, being a nerd is cool and if you are one embrace it.

Q. Any regrets about the glasses?
A. I am a walking calamity--bumping my head into car doors, tripping on my shoe laces and countless other daily mishaps. Because of this my glasses have been through hell and back. My only regret is having spectacles that can't withstand all the damage I put them through. Sure this is really my fault, but everyone needs a scapegoat. Glasses should be more durable.

Q. What do you think your next pair of glasses will look like?
A. My next pair of glasses will definitely be RayBan Clubmasters. These sunglasses, once they are equipped with my prescription, will be my go to shades for spring and summer.

Merci beacoup Stephen. Next week's Instragram stylewatch is (insert drum roll here) -- retro fashion. In the meantime you can find me on Instgram at Chrisinbos. And you should follow me. You can find me on Twitter @Chris_Muther. If you're old fashioned, my email is muther@globe.com.

The Instagram style theme of the week is dark glasses. I trolled around Instagram to find nerds who wear a sash labeled "Four Eyes" with pride. Ok, there's no sash. But they make cranberries into cranberry juice by turning poor eyesight into fashion.

Today, we meet expert crafter Virginia Johnson of Cambridge. You can find her pictures at gather_here
Q. What do you think the dark frames say about you?
A. I joke that these tortoise shell frames are my homage to Edith Head. As a costume designer and small business owner, I like to channel fashionable, successful women. Every day is a hustle so all the mojo I can muster is good.

Q. When you see other people wearing dark frame glasses, do you feel a kinship with them? Is there a cult of nerd chic?
A. I bought these glasses because a literature professor with excellent style was rocking a pair of nerdy frames. I asked her where she shopped and made an appointment there six months later. I think I ask most of my customers where they get their glasses, it's a necessary accessory that I like to compliment folks on.

Q. Any regrets about the glasses?
A. NONE! I love them. I also picked up a killer pair of clear blue frames that are maybe a little over the top. I think the oddest part of wearing big, obvious eyeglasses is that some people ask if I need glasses. Just because they are big doesn't mean I don't need them. I'm blind without them and not at all ashamed of looking the nerd.

Q. What do you think your next pair of glasses will look like?
A. I have a pair of 80's Ray-Ban Wayfarer's that I think I may put prescription lenses in. I'm going through a strange 1980s nostalgia period and they are sitting on office desk calling my name.

Gracias Virginia. You can find me on Instgram at Chrisinbos. And you should follow me. You can find me on Twitter @Chris_Muther. If you're old fashioned, my email is muther@globe.com.

Welcome to our new series highlighting stylish Instagram exhibitionists who love to show off their latest finds on social media -- or simply display their bad selves adorned in flashy street style.

This week's theme: Dark framed glasses.
I was perusing the Insta-verse, and spotted a lot of nerd chic. Well, this is Boston afterall. Naturally I did what any good reporter/blogger would do. I cyberstalked and asked questions. Our first victim is 31-year old Jason Hollingsworth of Dorchester.

Q. What do you think the dark frames say about you?
A. I think thicker dark frames definitely stand out a bit more and show people that I am not afraid to express myself through fashion. I have always enjoyed pushing the envelope and always gravitate to larger, bold glasses.

Q. When you see other people wearing dark frame glasses, do you feel a kinship with them? Is there a cult of nerd chic?
A. Actually yeah, it is also an easy ice breaker and girls in oversized dark glasses are super cute! I get asked if they are real a lot or if I just wear them for fun. YES THEY ARE REAL, but if you have to wear glasses it might as well be fun!

Q. Any regrets about the glasses
A. Nope no regrets. These are Oakley Fatcat and are actually my more "Adult" tame glasses. I sometimes wear much bolder Vintage Cazals, I have a Gold pair and a Clear pair.

Q. What do you think your next pair of glasses will look like?
A. I have actually been looking a bit recently and I can't really say. I try lots of stuff on that I think looks good, but finding the right pair that looks good on is always the challenge.

Thanks to Jason for being my first victim. More Geeks tomorrow!
You can find me on Instgram at Chrisinbos. And you should follow me. You can find me on Twitter @Chris_Muther. Nice to meet you too.

REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Mr. President, Twitter wants to see your wife's dress.

— jodikantor (@jodikantor) January 22, 2013

Speculation about who would made Michelle Obama's Inauguration gown was abuzz weeks prior to the Inaugural Ball, but last night we learned the truth: Jason Wu. The Taiwanese-born, New York-based designer had the honor of dressing the president's wife just four years earlier for President Barack Obama's first Inauguration. Mrs. Obama's 2013 custom ruby red gown came in chiffon and velvet with a cross-halter neckline. Cinched at the natural waist, the dress hung loosely on FLOTUS (Mrs. Obama's new Twitter handle, in case you're wondering. And dare we say it? It looked pretty comfortable. Wu told the New York Times that he had no idea that Mrs. Obama had chosen his dress up until the night of the ball. "I'm still floating. It is a big surprise. The White House kept me pretty clueless until five minutes ago," he said. The Times reported that Wu watched the ball on television with his team from his studio in New York.

Despite a relatively lackluster list of collaborations for 2012 (and perhaps as a form of redemption for the great Neiman Marcus disappointment over the holidays), Target is kicking off 2013 with the upcoming collection from Prabal Gurung. The New York-based designer, who has dressed everyone from Kate Middleton to Michelle Obama, gave us a sneak peek of the flashy floral collection in October but it wasn't until this week that we got the full lookbook at our finger tips. The 80-plus collection of accessories, apparel, and footwear will hit all Target store locations and the web (with several online exclusive styles) on February 10 and ranges in price from $19.99 to $199.99. Actress Olivia Thirlby will be the face of the New York City-centric ad campaign debuting closer to the release date.

Target will quickly follow up with their first evening wear-focused collaboration with uber stylist Kate Young, debuting mid-April. Young, who may be best known for dressing Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams for the red carpet, previously worked with Macy's INC line for a contemporary sportswear collection last year.

We think it's an appropriate step-up for the big box retailer as Kohl's enters the capsule market with their every-so-promising DesigNation collaborations, including Narcisio Rodriguez last fall and Derek Lam this spring. Each collaboration will be focused on an international city, which if we all remember Target's original location-based GO! International collections, can be formulaic for success. Lam's upcoming line will be inspired by Rio de Janeiro.

For now, here are some of our favorite looks from Prabal Gurung for Target.

Footwear is surprisingly strong for a capsule (and primarily online-only so set your alarm clocks, ladies) and the party dresses are pretty enough to make us wishing the winter away already.

Will you shop this collection? Will you follow our tips for shopping a Target collab on its release date? Are you still mad at us for advising you to get your game face on for the Neiman Marcus collaboration only to find fully stocked shelves and clearanced out prices weeks later? (We're sorry.)

A few of my favorites? I thought you'd never ask. A dangerous Julianna Margulies, a sweet Anne Hathaway, a sleek Jodie Foster, and an over-looked Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

You can scroll down to see my least favorites from the Jan. 13 Golden Globes, but here are a few more I'd solidly put in the 'Oy vey' category. Disagree? Let the bickering begin!

My official best and worst lists this afternoon (better late than never). In the mean time, some of last night's steamier moments.

There was something missing at the 2013 Golden Globes: Necklines that stopped at the clavicle. The red carpet is always about selling sexiness — along with television shows and movies — but this year’s Golden Globes offered a full buffet of flesh. The most popular red carpet accessory of the night? Decolletage — and the occasional bare back. Comedian Kristen Wiig’s precipitously plunging neckline stopped only briefly, and then opened again to reveal a bit of midriff. For a moment, it looked like Wiig had gone rummaging through Sofia Vergara’s closet. It was almost as shocking as Sally Field’s deep-cut gown. Helen Mirren, you’ve got competition.

Because we all know that picking the worst dressed is much more fun than the best dressed.
While some actresses successfully offered a glimpse of their decolletage, others made us cringe, (Jennifer Lawerence, we’re still baffled). Jessica Chastain’s seafoam Calvin Klein gown puckered and bunched in all the wrong places.The unfortunate styling didn’t help an already sinking attempt at glamour. "Girls” writer and star Lena Dunham somehow found a dress with both a horrific color and silhouette, and Halle Berry’s“Mad Max”-style gown showed us that even Hollywood’s most beautiful can have an off night.

Tickets for the Oct. 19 Gilt City Boston warehouse sale at the Revere Hotel have sold out. But you can still snag tickets for two of the Oct. 20 sales. The deals are outrageous (up to 90 percent off), and the crowds can be crazy, but least there will be cocktails to sooth your nerves. You're on your own, however, when it comes to taming your retail addiction.

I don't mean to sound bitter, but I have gotten a tad steamed under the collar that nearly every pop-up shop in Boston tends to be for ladies. Yes, ladies love to shop, I get it. But there are a subset of gentleman such as myself who also enjoy (re: desperately need) retail therapy. So a big thank you to my friends at Ball and Buck, one of my favorite new Newbury Street stores, for pulling together this weekend's American Field Pop-Up. It takes place Oct. 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The emphasis is on American-made brands such as Rancourt & Co, Randolph Engineering, New Balance, and Stormy Kromer. You can find it at the old power plant building at 560 Harrison Ave. in the South End. There will also be music from Nicholas Hagen, The Day Life, Cat London, Younger Me, Nat Osborne, and Jess Carvo, plus food trucks and (wait for it) beer.

After seeing all of the local fashioin during Boston Fashion Week, you are no doubt jonesing to get some of that sweet, sweet Boston design in your closet. Calm down, Debbie. You'll get your chance on Oct. 11. There is a mike&ton trunk show at the Mandarin Oriental from 6:00 pm - 8:00pm, where you can find select samples. A portion of proceeds go to the ICA. rsvp: mikeandton@gmail.com

Photo by Russ Mezikofsky

In case you missed this, here's a clip from Style.com with Chanel's amazing wind farm fashion show. Although methinks that this is less about sustainable energy, and more about making a runway look very chic.

The Future Boston Alliance, that group that caused such a hubbub earlier this year Is presenting a weekly series celebrating art and culture in Boston at the Emerald Lounge at the Revere Hotel. On Oct, 10, you can honor the legacy of sneaker design in American culture at a show curated by YES.OUI.SI. You can see a privately owned collection of Air Jordan shoes and other collectables from Michael Jordan’s career, along with original artistic work riffing on Jordan’s legacy. The exhibition starts at 7 p.m., admission is free.

You can meet Brandon Svarc of the denim company Naked & Famous on Saturday at the Tannery (plus there's Japanese treats!). Meanwhile, here's a look at some of his style essentials from an interview in GQ. Details of his Tannery appearance are below.

Marc Jacobs’s Sept. 10 show for the signature line that bears his name was about rigidity – both in the pattern of his thick stripes and the silhouette of the dresses. On Sept. 12, he took his Marc by Marc collection about as far from those sharp lines as he could go. Patterns were heaped up patterns. Female models were wrapped in chic hausfrau headscarves, while male models sported newsboy caps. Was it a modern riff on post World War II-era British dress, or a nod to Dexy’s Midnight Runners and the 1980s pop scene? Perhaps an homage to grunge? With so much happening it was difficult to determine. But strip away those layers, and you’ll find an exceptionably fun summer wardrobe.

Her Sept. 12 Lincoln Center show at times felt like an advertisement for the wheat farmers of America. Sheaths of the crop adorned her dresses in bold prints, but rendered in understated hues. The overall effect surprisingly wholesome. Burch, who will open a boutique in Copley Place in November, saved her flash for the end of the show with a flowing sunshine yellow (perhaps sunshine to sustain all of that wheat) maxi dress and more form-fitting full-length cocktail dresses. A pair of gingham day dresses in updated plaids reinforced her all-American girl point-of-view.

The bottom line is that Michael Kors is successful because he makes clothes that people want to wear. His Sept. 13 show at Lincoln Center was no exception. There was barely a sartorial hiccup in his Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which stayed in line with the emerging trends of both stripes, and the color yellow. His horizontal men's and women's stripes were bold and upbeat in red and crabapple green, These shirts also felt vaguely French – but still within Kors’s classic American sportswear lexicon. Hints of the 1960s emerged in shift dresses, and one particularly stunning abstract pattern crabapple and vivid blue long-sleeve mini dress.

Check out Rachel Zoe on our live stream of fashion shows today at 1 p.m. Just click above (and sorry about all those crazy ads).

Yes, you could say I'm a little behind with my blogging (and by a little, I mean a lot). But these fashion week parties tend to take over during the week, and all that prosecco isn't going to drink itself. And, oh yes, there's the small matter of pulling myself out of bed in the morning to attend fashion shows. So how about some trend reports? I thought you'd never ask.

I just got out of the Michael Kors show, where the part-time Project Runway judge showed key trends that are looking big for Spring/Summer 2013: stripes and yellow.

Stripes – Marc Jacobs (collection seen above) received the most attention this week for his Sept. 10 show of Warholian stripes. In contrast to the feminization of Spring/Summer 2012, his new collection featured a string of deck chair stripes and 1960s makeup and styling that left comparisons to Edie Sedgwick. Y-3 by Yamamoto also showed a penchant for black and white stripes. Jacobs’s stripes were the most severe of the week, but designers such as Alexander Wang, DKNY, and Diane von Furstenberg softened their edges, while Tommy Hilfiger took inspiration from the 1960s dandies.

Yellow

Lemon chiffon – Absolutely delicious, light, and creamy yellows were one of the more realistic trends that could wind up in your closet next summer. Most designers served up some shade of yellow in their collection. For DKNY it was taxi cab yellow, for Ralph Rucci it was canary yellow highlights to contrast serene white. But designers like Jenny Packham (design above) Zac Posen and Carolina Herrera took it to delicate heights. This may not have been as widespread as other trends, but it was a personal favorite.

There are times when a designer's inspiration can derail a collection. After reading Jackie Fraser-Swan's inspiration for her Spring/Summer 2013 line, called Emerson, there were hints that things may go horribly wrong. In her description, the local designer wrote that the show was inspired by 1970s horror movies such as "Carrie" and "The Amityville Horror," as well as more modern offerings such as "American Horror Story." Cue the models wearing "Walking Dead" makeup.

But Fraser-Swan's show only made sublte nods to these references. A patterned dress with a red print alluded to tiny sprays of splattered blood, but not obviously so. Abstract prints on dresses with pleated silk skirts could have been tissue samples sandwiched between glass plates and examined under a microscope, or not. Regardless of inspiration, Fraser Swan is quickly growing her line, introducing a line of handbags and joining with a shoe designer to create large wedges to match the dresses. Her varsity jacket paired with a two-tier camisole dress will go far to win over younger customers, even those uninterested in horror movies.

The moments leading up to Zac Posen's Spring/Summer 2013 runway show were anything but calm. A near fashion stampede took place as guests bottle-necked at check-in. The show started late -- even by New York Fashion Week standards. But once the it did start, Posen again demonstrated his talent for making dresses that are both beautiful and technically daring. Set to a languid soundtrack of 1940s and 1950s ballads, his models sauntered serenely down the terrace of Avery Fisher Hall overlooking the plaza at Lincoln Center in 1940's-inspired day dresses that were effortlessly executed in chiffon. The models wearing the dresses equally classic -- Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall, Karolina Kurkova.

The combination of the pacing of the models, the music, and the cocktail dresses felt like a Douglas Sirk movie come to life. But it was Posen's gowns that enraptured. Ball gowns fit for red carpet royalty of triple layered chiffon, organza, and taffeta gently floated by spectators such as Gina Gershon and Loudres Leon. As the sun set over this glamourous scene, those pre-show complaints disappeared as well.

The celebrities filling her front row threatened to outshine the dresses (Sergey Brin, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, Giovanna Battaglia, Wendi Murdoch, and we could keep going), but instead, Diane von Furstenberg showed a collection that was equally vibrant. She created her line off the story of a girl with "the polish of a princess and the heart of a gypsy" who "fantasizes about a life less structured." True to her word, that's exactly what von Furstenberg sent down the runway. She dressed her princess in jump suits and skirts, but it didn't take long for her move toward looser, unstructured kiwi chiffon gowns and sateen tops layered with crepe pants and turquoise coats. The looks were flowing, and non-stop. There was a clear absence of wrap dresses, but woman cannot live on wrap dress alone.

While the artist formerly known as Posh showed her collection in the morning on Sept. 9, her husband showed up at the 10th anniversary of Y-3 in the afternoon. What we want to know is: Who was watching the children? Pictures? I thought you'd never ask!

At Y-3 show

Well, hello there

And not to be outdone, here's Victoria Beckham taking a bow at her Sunday morning show,

She turned to New York for inspiration, and here, Donna Karan explains her 2013 Spring/Summer collection. It includes our favorite new trend of the season: Fanny packs! Ok, she calls then belt bags. But trust us, we know a fanny pack when we see one. You can see them in action in the video below.

Most of the wildlife at Lincoln Center lives outside the tents in the vast plaza. Mugging for the camera is the sport of these creatures. Monique Lhuillier’s wildlife actually came from nature. Oversized digital prints of crane feathers and fish scales in vibrant teals and dark squid ink purple-gray gave the runway the look of a cocktail party for mermaids. As the mermaids swam off the cat walk, Lhuillier returned to land with a string of her signature shimmering gowns.

It was fashion biology class for Alexander Wang and his carefully cut-and-sutured couture. Models appeared to be wearing rings of magical fabric whose strips hovered and orbited around them into like rings circling a planet. Using this same technique, his panel dresses looked like a pattern not yet sewn together. This slight-of-hand (the clothes were kept together with barely visible threads) felt more avant garde than cheap magic trick, a glamorous crystal ball into a potential fashion future. The show –stopping “Tron”-like, glow-in-the-dark garments almost feel like required club wear.

Contestant: "I'll take Fashion Shows for $400 Alex"

Alex Trebek: "Here's the answer. Ukuleles, Hawaiian-inspired prints, palm fronds in every model's hair, and a shirt that says 'Aloha.'"

Contestant: "What was Mara Hoffman's none-too-subtle Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show?"

Alex Trebek: "That is correct for $400."

Of the sportswear that Lacoste designer Filipe Oliveira Baptista showed at Lincoln Center on Sept. 8, it wasn’t the minimal silhouettes, the pops of colorful prints splashed across ponchos, or that pitch-perfect tennis dress with the yellow stripe that excited the crowd. It was (please brace yourselves) fanny packs. In an homage to the much-maligned accessory of the 1980s, Baptista affixed subtle fanny packs into his collection of classic preppy sportswear. Spring 2013 will mark the 80th anniversary of the brand, but aside his occasional nod to the 1980s, he spent more time looking at the future of the brand rather than looking back.

There were actresses (Hailee Steinfeld and Kate Bosworth), there was a first daughter (Barbara Bush), and the kind of opulence that didn’t fit the West Side Highway industrial surroundings. Prabal Gurung, the rapidly ascending fashion darling, layered, tiered and feathered his Spring/Summer 2013 collection, and somehow avoided turning it all into “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Trains of sheer fabric trailed silk trouser-wearing models, rich brocades glistened, and that was just the start of the decadence. By the end of it, his models were floating in – what he describes as – “Vermillion exploded ostrich plume silk fil coupe organza drop waist dress.” I’m not sure exactly what that is, but it looks absolutely stunning.

It seems that Charlotte Ronson is looking forward to a wet Spring/Summer 2013. The highlight of her collection was a series of ocean wave prints and a steady parade of color-tinted clear vinyl varsity jackets. She tried a bit of everything – fishnet, tweed, and color blocking – but her best was a mini-collection of effortless and effervescent lemon chiffon dresses rendered in everything from sheer panel to Neoprene. Although her front row featured enough past-their-prime celebrities to sink “The Love Boat,” Ronson's clothes remain young and fun.

For her Lincoln Center fashion show, Nicole Miller cited her inspiration as a “juxtaposition of improbable things, 808 surrealist art movement, digital nature, and sci-fi,” plus “all my bad girl/good girl.” If that sounds brave to you, you’re correct. Braver still is my prediction that that Miller will be the only one showing acid wash jorts this week at Lincoln Center. Miller wants the 1990s to happen again, which was evident by floral prints (and Miller loves a good print) along with a nice cigarette pant. Still it was heartening to see Miller experiment with pixilated, modern prints and her new take on the patchwork top felt like the 1890s meets the 1990s – but in a very good way.

The young designer took his inspiration from the erotic photography of Helmut Newton and the dream-like photos of Lillian Bassman. That combination resulted in pieces such as a leather harness to add a shock of sex to an otherwise dainty lace and chiffon dress. The less couth would call it upscale dominatrix. A black leather bustier harness dress was softened with sheer, flesh-tone jersey fabric. Hints of menswear also toughened his models. He ended with sparkly tulle gowns, but even at his most feminine, Wu kept the harness theme going.

The Marblehead native’s Sept. 7 show was her most mature to date, and some pieces that she showed – a beautifully intricate moss green lace dress and a deceptively simple pale rust Georgette dress – will appeal to a wide range of women. Calling it mainstream would be too crass. LaPointe has maintained her creativity but softened her edge over the past four seasons. The designer, who made a name for herself thanks in part to Lady Gaga’s support, stayed with some of her trademarks, such as black, form-fitting, full length tight skirts. Yes, Gaga will still want these clothes, but LaPointe’s spring 2013 collection, which was inspired by “a secret submarine base in Russia,” allowed the designer to play with materials such as lambskin and sueded charmeuse in luxuriously feminine new ways. Linda Fargo, senior vice president at Bergdorf Goodman, was headed backstage immediately after the show. It looks like Gaga isn’t the only one buying these clothes anymore.

Yes, I'm a little behind on my blogging (re: very, very behind.) But you try battling with thousands of others at Lincoln Center for a poor internet connection, and you'll see that you shouldn't Judge Judy me.

Let's get on with it.. shall we?

Sonjia's looks

It’s generally easy to pick out the three finalists at these shows, and sometimes there’s even a clear winner. But this year, the eight designers who showed (there were five decoys and three finalists), offered a surprising mix. The winner will be announced on the show Oct. 18. Boston native and Lasell graduate Sonjia Williams showed a collection that she said is “based off of me, a bold, strong collection for confident women.” Her interpretation of confidence appeared to blend 1940s prints and yards of bordello-inspired lace. As celebrity judge Jennifer Hudson and celebrities such as Debra Messing looked on, contestant Gunnar Deatherage offered a parade of tribal earth-tone prints inspired by the aborigines. Also strong was Elena Slivnyak’s vaguely Pierre Cardin-inspired two-tone retro futuristic body-hugging dresses. Our pick to go home quickly: Fabio Costa. His glorified fancy silk nightgowns were a drab interlude in an otherwise tight competition.

Elena's looks

Call it perfect timing, but GANT's Fall/Winter 2012 campaign flick, which features several Boston/Cambridge landmarks, pushed through to YouTube just as the brand opened its new Newbury Street doors. Babson grad and GANT designer, Michael Bastian, recalled his collegiate days in the Hub, letting the city be his guide for his collection this season and its subsequent campaign. The designer left a rather personal (and touching, if we do say so ourselves) note on the collection and his inspiration:

"This season is probably one of the closest and most personal since it’s based on my own personal memories and experiences of living in Boston while I went to University there; the friends I made, and the unique style of the time (mid ’80s) that seemed to be a perfect balance of classic preppy, sports utility (it’s cold there in the winters) and the fashion influences inspired by the MOD revival that was happening at the time."

The short was filmed here in Boston, so here's our real question -- where were we when all these beautiful male models were frolicking the city?

Perhaps we'll find them at the new GANT store location at 324 Newbury St. Probably not. But maybe.

Just a few days ago our friends from Names reported that sources spotted Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in Marblehead at the Eastern Yacht Club. The duo was reportedly there to meet up with Salma Hayek (who is filming "Grown Ups 2" in the area) and her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault.

Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

And now RadarOnline has "exclusively learned" from a "source close to the situation" that the camera-loving duo are in talks with Pinault, CEO of PPR (home of Yves Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, and Gucci), to attempt "to negotiate a shoe deal with him."

Sounds pretty believable to us, until the source continued to say: "Francois' company owns Louis Vuitton, which Kim and Kanye are obviously both big fans of."

This is false. Vuitton is most definitely part of the LVMH family of luxury brands and makes us question the source's honesty.

But it still makes you think.

Both stars have dabbled in footwear promotion, design, and heavy consumption. (Some more successful than others.) A luxury footwear brand for the two would make sense.

Would you wear high-end footwear from a Kimye collection?

Dutch denim brand G-Star is returning to their rightful home on Newbury Street after shutting their doors in May 2010 after a five-year run. The new location at 160 Newbury St. opens tomorrow, just a few blocks down from its former location. We rang up North American CEO Stuart Millar earlier this week while he was in L.A. and he assured us, despite the lapse of time, loyal fans of the brand will still feel at home when the shop opens for business this weekend.

"The brand has definitely evolved since we left Boston so there will be a heavy concentration of denim as usual but we also plant to bring in new products every month so there will always be fresh color palette available," said Millar.

The shop will carry "a full range from a 16-inch straight leg to a pant called the Arc pant, which is a corkscrew leg" for shoppers looking for their strategically styled blue jeans fix, as well as, tailored cotton and chambray separates to enhance your denim-on-denim attire. But if you're looking to make an investment purchase, Millar recommends a pair of raw denim jeans.

"Raw denim is really the best way to go," he explained. "The principal of raw denim is that you should wear it as long as possible without washing it so over time it becomes beautiful and personal to the wearer."

Since G-Star raw denim can price up to $390, we noted that it seemed a bit silly for the care instructions are literally, care-free. But Millar persisted: "It should be aired to keep it as fresh as possible but when it absolutely needs to be washed, use cold water with no detergent."

And heat? "The dryer is the enemy," laughed Millar. Sounds like a college guy's dream.

Check out the new G-Star Raw location at 160 Newbury St. starting July 20.

Paul Thomas/Bloomberg

... a 2,500-square-foot Topshop for women’s and a 1,500-square-foot Topman rigged with flashy mannequins, fixturing and lighting, and stocked with the British brand’s edgy, shaggy fake fur coats, cropped biker jackets, short sequined skirts, cheetah print T-shirts and trim-fit tailored men’s jackets, among other items.

While the selection will be limited in comparison to the Canadian counterpart at The Bay department store chain (some of which feature pop-up locations as large as 40,000 square feet), Topshop execs say not to fret, plans for full-scale stores in the U.S. are still underway.

"Since opening the SoHo flagship in 2009, only two others — in Las Vegas and Chicago — have opened, though a fourth store is scheduled for Los Angeles in spring 2013," owner Sir Philip Green told WWD, adding that "15 to 20 flagships are seen over the next five years."

Are you as excited as we are? Did you know Dylan's Candy Bar is also slated to open at Mohegan later this summer and G-Star is making its glorious return to Newbury Street on Friday? And now, Topshop. Oh, happy, happy day!

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (née Kate Middleton) made her first fashion editorial cover appearance on Marie Claire South Africa ... kind of. But how? Even Anna Wintour couldn't sway William's future queen to grace the cover of Vogue thanks to the iron fist of the royal family! Well, it's simple -- when you have Photoshop.

For their August cover, the crafty team at MC decided to doctor up a very true-to-life "hyper-real illustration" of the duchess wearing digs by South African designer Clive Rundle with headline: "Fashion's new royal icon wears SA's best local designers*" and a disclaimer: "*Of course she doesn't. But she should."

Thoughts on the cover? Fabulous? Creepy? Unethical? Comment below but before you give them too much slack, we'll give them this: the cover is practically a class act compared to The New Republic.

AP Photo/Target

The official logo for the Target and Neiman Marcus collaboration.

So happy to share this secret! RT @neimanmarcus: @TargetStyleIt's such a relief to talk about this!#Holiday24tgt.bz/6017TBff

— Target Style (@TargetStyle) July 10, 2012

The full list of collaborators is somewhat jaw dropping, with major-league designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Marc Jacobs leading the pack of a lengthy list of fashion fan favorites, including Band of Outsiders, Altuzzarra, Marchesa, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, and Rag & Bone. Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, and Rodarte will also return for their second collaboration for the big box retailer.

According to a release from Target, the two stores will also donate $1 million to the CFDA to celebrate the partnership and provide support to the continuing effort to foster fashion designers in America.

The collection will arrive in Target and Neiman Marcus store locations and online beginning Dec. 1. Let's just hope their Internet servers are ready this time.

Thoughts on the collection and collaboration? Anyone missing from the designer list that you wish was on there? (Olivier Theyskens, Jessie Randall, Phillip Lim, and Kate Spade's Deborah Lloyd for me) Any ideas on what the mystery $499.99 item could be?

My worlds collide with a new initiative from Bon Appétit, OpenTable, and Banana Republic that will debut a Desk to Dinner apparel collection launching next week. In addition to the men's and women's apparel collections that are suited to do just as the name implies (be worn from office to evening, if you please), the concept includes all-encompassing interactive online elements including a reservation system and Bon Appétit foodie news and restaurant trends on OpenTable's blog, Dining Check.

Scott Jampol, a VP for OpenTable, told The New York Times that the concept is a market-friendly response to the "foodie lifestyle" as an "emerging trend." While the clever folks at Eater reminded us of the fact that Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport is a natural choice for the fashion-cum-foodie crossover project, having served 10-years at GQ before joining the culinary glossy. Perfecto!

However, it made me think: What if fashion and food collided in Boston? Here are some of my ideal dapper dining combos in the Hub:

Tiffani Faison's Sweet Cheeks + Chris Benz: Sweet, Southern, and soulful with a little bit of sass.

Barbara Lynch's Sportello + Michael Kors: Clean, elegant, beautiful lines that teeter on the line of masculinity and softness.

Louis DiBiccari's Storyville + Christian Siriano: Wildly eccentric, intriguing, and loud. Just really loud. But with ample redeeming qualities.

Any suggestions of other Boston restaurants and designer pairings? I'd like to see The Row appropriately matched up ... perhaps with Clio? Or someone like Rachel Antonoff with a food truck ... ideas? Tweet them at me @RachelRaczka!

We're giving you plenty of notice so you can start shopping now for your décolletage -revealing cocktail dresses and black skinny ties. La Morra in Brookline is hosting a "La Dolce Vita" party on July 31 at 6:30. In the event you've been living in a cultural cave, "La Dolce Vita" is the Federico Fellini film from 1960 where a playboy/journalist (is there a difference?) bounces around the party scene in Rome, all while smitten with a film star.

Italy? 1960? Brings to mind a certain episode of "Mad Men" when Betty Draper sported the best 'do ever. Ok, back to "La Dolce Vita." You are encourged to dress for dinner in clothes of the era. Step 1: Watch the movie. Step 2: Vintage stores. Step 3: Grab $50 and make a reservation (617-739-0007).

Louis president Debi Greenberg (left) quickly makes it clear that the decision to open a 200 square-foot boutique inside the Mandarin Oriental Boston on Boylston Street is not because she’s missing the Back Bay. (You’ll recall that her flagship store moved to Fan Pier in 2010.) She simply got an offer that was too good to refuse.
“The Mandarin called us up and asked us if we’d like to have a boutique,” Greenberg says. “We thought it would be a perfect advertisement of who we are, what we do, and direct guests to the store if they need something more.”
The satellite Louis, located in a former magazine shop in the hotel, sells luxury items that travelers may find they left home without, such as pajamas, toothpaste, basic white shirts, ties, sweaters, and shoes that are appropriately comfortable for strolling the city. The store opened this week.

Adidas has dumped plans to release a sneaker from designer Jeremy Scott after complaints that the bright yellow handcuffs (legcuffs?) attached to the sneakers looked a bit too much like shackles worn by slaves. If you had your eye on these, you're out of luck. Adidas has pulled plans to sell them.
The apology from Adidas came quickly:

"The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott's outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery ... We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace."

Strict sartorial guidelines were set for this year's Royal Ascot horse race in the small English town of Ascot, and a team of ladies in purple suits patrolled the entryways to ensure the fashion dos and don'ts were strictly enforced.

Paul Edwards/Reuters

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, getting schooled by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. (Maybe...)

Prior to the event, the official Ascot Racecourse website released two 16-page (okay, most pages were photographs) style guidebooks specific to either Royal Enclosure or Grandstand event attendees. Among the frowned upon (rather, banished): above-the-knee frocks, spaghetti-strap tops, and top hats in any color other than black or grey (in case you considering otherwise.) Notably, formal headgear is enforced within the Royal Enclosure in lieu of the fancy fascinators (decorative headpieces worn in place of a traditional hat) favored by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

But what if you dare to bare (your shoulders)? The Royal Ascot Dress Code Assistants (A.K.A. the fascinator fashion police) don't leave you high and dry. They'll be giving or renting out proper hats, ascots, and shoulder-covering shawls at the gates.

Now my question is -- what if dress codes were enforced at Boston sporting events? No more flip-flops at Fenway? Proper headgear for the Celtics? To be honest, I'd just be pleased if cranky attendees would just check their hostile attitude at the door but that's a situation for another type of policing unit to handle.

Brit outerwear brand Barbour, which counts the fashionable likes of Ashley Olsen and Alexa Chung among their fans, will celebrate the Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee tomorrow with a giveaway. The Newbury Street location (134 Newbury St.) is sending Union Jack (rather a female wearing one of their Union Jack jackets) out on the streets of Back Bay with instructions to Tweet a picture of her to @BarbourOfficial with hashtag #spotunionjack to win one of their coveted coats.

We've been told the hunt begins tomorrow around 11:30 a.m. and one of three jackets will be gifted to Tweeters every 30 minutes.

See Union Jack around Back Bay? TELL US! So we can cheat. Just kidding! (Sort of.)

Have more to say? Tweet me @RachelRaczka.

Tufts graduate Reed Krakoff (pictured with "Mad Men" actress Jessica Pare) took home a monumental prize for his leather-bound contributions at last nights CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards, where he was awarded Accessory Designer of the Year. The designer is known for his namesake line as well as his innovative leadership as creative director of Coach.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's six-year-old line, The Row, snagged them the Womenswear Designer of the Year award but MK's new chocolate brown locks was the only surprise there. Southern-bred Billy Reid took home the counterpart for menswear.

Rising stars were also presented with the Swarovoski Award for emerging talent with Phillip Lim for menswear, Tabitha Simmons for accessories, and Joseph Altuzarra for womenswear.

However, the most amusing part of the night (for us, at least) came when "SNL" cast member Seth Meyers took to the stage wearing Marc Jacobs's unforgettable lace dress from this year's Met Ball. "It was Anna Wintour's idea," he told Vanity Fair.

Thoughts on last night's winners? Anyone else disappointed that Johnny Depp didn't manage to show up to claim his Fashion Icon of the Year award? Do you think he deserved it? (Lady Gaga and Audrey Hepburn are among past winners if that puts things into perspective.)

Discuss in the comments below.

Have more to say? Tweet me @RachelRaczka.

Today would have been Marilyn Monroe's 86th birthday. To celebrate the iconic screen siren, here is a countdown of the top 10 things Ms. Monroe taught us about fashion:

1. Never underestimate the power of the little white dress
Audrey Hepburn may have made the LBD iconic, but if there was ever a worthy contender, it was Marilyn and her white dress with a plunging neckline in "The Seven Year Itch."

2. Also, never underestimate the power of standing over a subway grate.
Unlike Marilyn, these are not your friend. We'd like to reference Anna Faris's attempt to recreate the moment in "House Bunny" (above). Painful? Potentially. Embarrassing. Totally.

3. Beauty marks are your friends.
Marilyn embraced her lower left cheek beauty mark. In fact, she made it an object of desire. We may or may not be guilty of replicating her look with a brown eyeliner whenever we have a blemish we think can use a little camouflage.

4. But diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Diamonds have always been desirable but we'd like to think that Marilyn (with a little help from Elizabeth Taylor) made it perfectly acceptable for women to be draped in the lavish jewels. As they should be.

5. Sometimes the sexiest thing you can wear for a man is sing him "Happy Birthday."
Just ask JFK.

6. Stating that you wear nothing but Chanel No. 5 to bed is one way to get folks talking.
While the absolute validity of Marilyn's claim in 1954 (she wore "five drops," according to reports) is still questionable, we believe this may have been the birthplace of the signature scent. Today, the idea of a scent that is so synonymous with a woman that it's all she wears to bed is ultimately appealing -- and we've spent most of our lives trying to find ours.

7. Love your curves. (Like, really. Love them.)
Marilyn was famous for them. She showed them off every chance she got. When it comes to body love, don't be an Audrey. Be a Marilyn.

8. Go all out.
Whether it's a date with a millionaire or a presidential birthday, a big night out means a big night out. No formal event is complete without the proper attire. Opera gloves optional.

9. Only show off your best assets, one at a time.
Marilyn not only knew how to work a camera with her best angles, she knew what parts of her body to put forward and what to conceal and what to reveal. Work your strengths -- toned arms, legs for days, killer abs (we hate you), pick clothes that celebrate the best of you.

10. To quote Marilyn: "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."
Amen, Marilyn. AMEN.

Have more to say? Tweet me @RachelRaczka.

Travel + Leisure released yet another list ranking America's cities on various topics of desirable and undesirable characteristics. This time: Which 20 cities have the "worst-dressed people" in the nation?

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

We're watching you, hoodie monsters.

So, GQ caused a commotion when they put us on the top of their Worst-Dressed list (of 40), but fret not my fellow Boston style savants -- it appears we've risen above. Or at least 18 spots back on Travel + Leisure's list of the 20 worst in America.

Yes, we are number 18. Are we proud? (Not particularly.) Do we care? (No.)

But we digress. The publication blames "this one on the co-eds" and their "slouchy sweatshirts and pajama bottoms, or with their collars popped." A similar observation was made by GQ, with the subtle disclaimer: "It's hard to be a fashion capital when half of your population is made up of undergraduate hoodie monsters."

Thoughts? Do you disagree? Or do you agree? Comment below.

Have more to say? Tweet me @RachelRaczka.

Author Lizzie Garrett Mettler will stop by the Rugby Ralph Lauren store on June 9 to chat about Tomboy style, the topic of her gorgeous new coffee table book, called, um "Tomboy Style." She'll be signing the book and rubbing shoulders with her menswear-loving sisters. I don't necessarily equate the word "Tomboy" with "style" (I usually think "Nancyboy" and "style"). However, Mettler claims "Tomboy style goes leagues beyond the simple idea of borrowing from menswear: It penetrates into a woman's spirit, and no doubt her spirit penetrates the clothing as well….Tomboys share an invisible intrigue cultivated from their inherent confidence, rebelliousness, and unquenchable thirst for adventure."

Clearly, I've been proven wrong again. You can find out more on Saturday, June 9 from 5 - 7 p.m. at 342 Newbury St. (617-247-2801).

It appears that everyone is having a sale this weekend, and by everyone, I mean the three stores that sent me emails about it.

First is Ted Baker on Newbury. From May 25 - May 28, Ted Baker London will offer a 30 percent discount storewide from their Spring/Summer 2012 line.

Sonia Rykiel and Christofle at the Heritage on the Garden are also having sales, but you can get information on Sonia by looking at this lovely visual.

C. Wonder will be bringing their selection of bright, preppy goods for your home and your closet with a pop-up location at 16 Federal St. in Nantucket this summer. The colorfully cheerful brand was founded by J.Christopher Burch (who co-founded his ex-wife's namesake brand, Tory Burch) in 2011 and boasts brick-and-mortar locations in New York and New Jersey.

The shop pops up on June 8 and will host a grand opening extravaganza through the weekend featuring a complimentary candy bar, a gift-card-giving prize wheel, and ice cream social (Sat. from 3-6 p.m.) featuring "signature flavors" like Blood Orange Cheer and Mariner's Mint Chip.

On May 24 at 10 p.m., you can see the always poised Vogue editor Anna Wintour dish about J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler on CNBC's "J.Crew and the Man Who Dressed America." It's no visit with Stephen Colbert, but Wintour does offer some good tidbits on Drexler.

“You see lots of CEOs who are brilliant at what they do, but they’re removed, and there’s nothing removed about Mickey,” she says.

If you're interested in Drexler and J.Crew's rise in the fashion world I suggest you read this amazing article in the New Yorker from two years ago. Or, you can just be lazy and watch clips from tomorrow's documentary.

UGG Australia has surprisingly (but not surprisingly) entered the bridal category with the "I Do" capsule collection featuring two pairs of sheepskin-lined boots and flip-flops. Iridescent sequins, enormous Swarovski crystal fasteners, and glittery baby blue soles for that extra "something blue" on your special day are all featured in the mix with price points maxing at $225.

Ideally, the footwear is meant to provide "luxury bridal comfort as brides and their bridal parties pamper themselves before and after the wedding" -- not necessary during but not much surprises us these days when it comes to UGGs.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for ABC

To celebrate Billboard Woman of the Year recipient Taylor Swift's big win, we decided to take a look back at her top 10 best looks from the past 365. A world tour and several hefty awards later, Swift's style has transformed from humble country darling to a seasoned red carpet stunner. Last night's Billboard dress is a good place to kick things off: a surprisingly sexy Elie Saab gown. Not too shabby, Swift.

See more pictures of celebrity arrivals at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Danny Moloshok/Reuters; Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT; Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for ACM; Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff; Jason Merritt/Getty

Richard Brian/Reuters; Royce DeGrie/Getty Images; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Even after being cast as the object of affection in the "Twilight" film series and most recently as the "fairest of them all" in "Snow White and the Huntsmen," Stewart's feminine charms have often been lost on us. Being the prettier-than-average girl-next-door is in. Being the girl on the red carpet with a permanent sour puss is not. (Sorry.) But one out of two ain't so bad.

ELLE must have been on the same brainwave because they featured their June 2012 cover girl in a girl-meets-girl-dressed-as-boy photo editorial shot by Tom Munro. Stewart, in drag, is seductively pictured next to an image of Stewart as herself, in a sultry film noir bedroom-based shoot. Joe Zee styled Stewart in dark, demure selections from Lanvin and Tom Ford and a selection of men's attire from Balenciaga and Gucci -- because if you're going to do drag, you might as well go all out.

Check out Elle.com for pics from the editorial and see a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot below:

If you saw Carey Mulligan's custom Prada dress on the red carpet at the Costume Institute's Metropolitan of Art gala last weekend and thought: "Yes, this is just the dress I've been searching for!", your golden opportunity has arrived. The metal paillette-embellished frock has been listed on eBay with a starting bid of a mere $500, a fair price for what the auction boasts as "a true piece of fashion history." It also cites numerous outlets that covered Mulligan's dress and says it is sized between an Italian 38-40 (roughly a US women's 2-4).

While we weren't completely in love with Mulligan's choice of attire for the night, we do dig the fact that all proceeds will go 100 percent to international relief charity Oxfam America.

Bidding is currently up to a cool $1,025 but with a little more than six days left, we'd say the party's just begun.

Want pics of more celebrities at the Met Ball? Check out our gallery of the red carpet arrivals!

E! Fashion Police hostess Giuliana Rancic (pictured with husband Bill) will be launching an apparel line for HSN in early fall. The collection, named G by Giuliana, will put the TV personality among the ranks of fellow fashion and celeb commentator, Louise Roe, and one-name retired models, Iman and Twiggy, who all have womenswear lines for the Home Shopping Network.

Rancic told E! Online that she aims to keep the line "very affordable and very chic," adding "I definitely kept Joan Rivers in mind while designing the line. I want to make sure I am on her best dressed list!"

No, that was not Spider Man in drag walking down the side of the new Revere Hotel Boston Common last night. The Revere (which, incidentally, is not located in Revere) staged a vertical fashion show with models walking down the hotel's 24-story facade with the help of rock climbing gear.

"How many of them do you think will end up falling?" was the oft-heard question of the evening.

The show highlighted uniforms created by budding fashion students at the Massachusetts College of Art, along with looks from the Ted Baker London Spring/Summer 2012 collection. There were no fashion fatalities. And here's the video to prove it.

REVERE HOTEL opening night clips from f floyd on Vimeo.

When Cindy Crawford 10-year-old daughter, Kaia Gerber, shot a rather leggy campaign for Young Versace, it raised some eyebrows. Crawford eventually put her daughter's career on hold, telling the media she "didn't want to be a stage mom."

However, this innocent pint-sizer might be more likely to bring smiles with her modeling debut. Gisele Bunchen's (or as she's known around these parts: Mrs. Tom Brady) five-year-old niece, Duda, not only starred in a campaign the Brazilian children's clothing line, the Brandili Mundi collection, she helped design it.

"The pieces were all approved by Duda, whose romantic inspiration will no doubt catch girls’ eyes," said the brand's commercial and marketing director Germano Costa in an interview with Forbes. The Duda for Brandili Mundi collection puts a significant emphasis on Gisele's niece as the face and inspiration for the collection, stating "the prints, cuts and details" were "based on the briefing [the brand] received from her."

According to Vanity Fair, the wee one worked as a "spokesmodel for a year before inking the deal for her own collection, which is expected to arrive in stores in July."

Thoughts on Duda? Thoughts on taking design strategies from a five-year-old? What if she's related to Gisele?

Personally, we're rooting for a Jack Moynahan for Osh Kosh B'Gosh.

I nearly feel off my chair when I saw the trailer for this 1964 movie "What a Way to Go." It stars Shirley MacLaine, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, Dean Martin, Gene Kelly, Robert Cummings, and Dick van Dyke. Most importantly, it also touts that it features $500,000 in Edith Head costumes. Let the visual feasting begin!

I had a story in yesterday's Globe about the "Beauty as Duty" exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts which highlights World War II British fashion. But I think this 1940s news reel about the country's make do and mend campaign (and fashion show!) sums it all up quite nicely. Very pre-"Project Runway."

What a coincidence. Neither would I! If you're a fan or Mr. Bahama and you want to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Fenway, you can stop by the Tommy Bahama store at the Natick Collection and lay down $250 for a limited edition Bahama/Sox shirt to match that track jacket. They're celebrating the shirt with a party on April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Or, you can buy 250 boxes of Junior Mints. Personally, I'm going with the mints.

The cool folks at "in the know" shop Bodega (6 Clearway St., Boston) were just voted among the 25 Best Men's Stores in America by GQ. Not ranked (or is it?) in any particular order, GQ.com states:

Hidden in the back of a bodega, this world-famous streetwear spot is as hard to find as the sneakers sold inside. The only place where you can buy an ice-cold Yoo-hoo and a clean pair of Jordans.

We guess now can we can finally forgive them for that "the worst-dressed city in America" comment.

Congrats, Bodega. This is recognition that is well-deserved.

[Above photo by Josh Campbell for Globe Magazine]

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (or as we formerly knew her, Kate Middleton), was spotted playing field hockey with the GB Hockey Team at Riverside Arena in Olympic Park in London earlier this morning. While we're rarely disappointed in the future queen's fashion choices, we were extremely psyched (and a little surprised) that she opted for a pair of faded red skinny jeans to play a game of pickup.

We're no stranger to the fact that colored denim is the must-have mainstream wardrobe staple of the season but if you were hesitant to the trend before, we suggest investing in a pair in chic Nantucket red. Middleton styled her ankle-grazing jeans with a tailored navy school boy blazer and a gray hooded sweatshirt and sneakers. Both were safe choices and both looked awesome.

Don't know where to find the perfect pair? Here are some of our suggestions:

[From left: Skinny Skinny Ankle Colorpop Jeans in wild poppy, $88 at Madewell.com; Siwy Rose skinny jeans in My Place or Yours, $163 at Shopbop.com; 1969 mid-weight legging jeans in Russian red, $69.95 at Gap.com.]

Oh dear. Here's Katy Perry openly flaunting her mint green bloomers at Paris Fashion Week. Here's your lesson of the day: Blue hair clashes with green panties. Also, when you're at Paris Fashion Week, cover your lady bits please.

The Diane von Furstenberg store on Newbury Street is planning a soiree on March 8 if you're feeling inclined to shop for a good cause (or just shop). It's in celebration of International Women's Day. Here's your invitation, ladies.

I get all manner of wrong-ness in my email, and here's the latest. Agent Provocateur trumpeting that Madonna is wearing their bra-like contraption on the cover of her latest single. Please Madge, you and your daughter are designing clothes now. Wear them.

Perhaps paying homage to the fact that she's in Massachusetts, Lady Gaga opted to wear a dress from Marblehead native Sally LaPointe as she launched her Born This Way Foundation at Harvard today. As you may recall in a story we ran last February, this isn't the first time that Gaga has opted for LaPointe. And since then, Gaga has worn the designer for a Canadian music awards show, and in her "Judas" music video. Gaga wore this black, floor-length dress which LaPointe debuted just weeks ago as part of her fall/winter 2012 collection.
In "Judas," Gaga wears LaPointe's custom gold ruffle dress.

In addition to Gaga donning LaPointe's clothes, her creations have been worn by musican LaRoux and former super model Iman. Will Gaga's decision to wear the dress help LaPointe's business? We got the designer on the phone to ask her.
“Yes. Definitely," LaPointe says from her New York studio. "People really respond to the whole celebrity aspect. Even more so that it’s at such a special event. Together it makes it even more special. Not only is this huge celebrity wearing my clothing, but clearly it’s an important event that a lot of people are paying attention to. “

For my full interview with LaPointe about Gaga, keep reading.

Jiminy Cricket! I seem to be asking a lot of questions with these blog posts. In this case, "Who Will Buy?" from the musical "Oliver!" (thank goodness I was sitting next to a Broadway musical-loving queen who could name that tune in two notes) played throughout Marc Jacobs' stunning show last night. Whenever I depart for New York Fashion Week, the question I hear is "What show are you looking forward to most?" The answer is inevitably Marc Jacobs. The staging and clothes are the closest that the US gets to a couture show. For a runway presentation that literally lasts 10 minutes, this elaborate, Whoville-meets-Tim Burton-esque set was created in the New York Armory.

The clothes are an entirely different matter. As the fashion writer, I should have an immediate explanation for the giant fur hats and larger-than-life frocks. My immediate reaction of the concept was 'little girl raids mom's closet.' I'm still mulling this one over. Hey, no one ever said I was the sharpest hat pin in the jewelry box. What to make of Pilgrim shoes with crystal buckles and dresses with padded hips? Still digesting this.

And just in case you're not a fan of musical theater (join the club), here's the Nancy Sinatra version of "Who Will Buy?" (from her 1967 TV special "Movin' with Nancy," which, by the way, you should own.) Jacobs played this version, among many others.

This will be my most disjointed blog post ever (not possible, you're no doubt thinking). But I have so many random thoughts about tonight's Betsey Johnson show. The first is that I actually liked the show. I use 'actually' because although I love Betsey as a person, her style is a tad frilly for my tastes. However, this evening she went all Carnaby Street circa 1967. And it worked. First there were the clothes.

And then there was a giant screen behind the runway that showed images like these:

And finally, I ran into the group Karmin and took my picture with them. They're super sweet, super cute, and now I sound like a 13-year-old girl, so I'm going to bed.

If there's anything I like, it's a good fashion disaster. I see them all day. Models falling, people at Lincoln Center walking into walls because they're so busy texting that they just sat next to Tinsley Mortimer that they can't be bothered to look up, and so on. Who doesn't love a good laugh at someone else's expense? But today at 3.1 Phillip Lim, it was technical difficulties. The fog machine went haywire, and it looked like a foggy day in Maine. Poor Suzy Menkes from the International Herald Tribune was fanning herself like the countess dowager. Frustrated photographers who couldn't get a clear shot yelled for the fog to stop. On top of it all, the poor DJ was experience horrible feedback. On the bright side, I loved the clothes. At least the ones I could see.
(I have no idea why I used this photo, I just liked it).

And it's with Chloe

It's subtle, it hits F/W 2012's recurring strong women theme, and it's very prevalent this Fashion Week. Hints of military details are showing up everywhere, and in unlikely places. Even the normally lady-like designs of Victoria Beckham and Jason Wu are showing signs of strength.

Victoria Beckham

Tommy Hilfiger

Prabal Gurung

So far the most ingenious staging for a fashion show this week: A skating rink in Central Park. This was the Moncler Grenoble collection shown last night. And if you were brave enough to stand in the cold, you got models... on skates!

Naturally I loved it because it was inspired by (these are not my words): "The plastic revolution in visionary forms reference Joe Colombo; the graphic ductility of this new material in the furnishings envisioned by Vico Magistretti; experiments with the use of vinyl and plastic fabrics borrowed from French couture, which in the 1960s was inspired by the technical sporting world of skiing. All combined with a space-age style that pays homage to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Design, fashion and cinema - the creative verve of the ’60s where everything was intertwined and any innovation seemed possible."

Meaning you wish you were running around in the cold and getting dirty looks because it appears that you slept two hours last night (true) and that you don't have a driver like everybody else and that you must take the subway (also true). Here's an easier way. A guide to shows this week that you can watch on your computer.

Jason Wu helped open fashion week with a gong a subtle trip to China. (Below)

Last night Zac Posen's elegant show traveled less-subtlely to Japan (above).

Now wondering which Asian country we'll be visiting today.

Because my New York wi-fi is moving about as quickly as an obese turtle after a few Xanax, how about a quick look at two very different interpretations of green?

Here's a look at Diane von Furstenberg's romantic and flowing interpretation of electric green. Her show was a lovely shock of color for Fall/Winter 2012

And this unfortunate model at yesterday's Custo Barcelona show appears to have crawled out of the bottom of a yarn-filled swamp. The first thing I wrote in my notebook when I saw this look was "Cheese and crackers! She looks like the creature from the green lagoon."

Well, she's supermodel delux Gisele Bundchen, and she came out of New York Fashion Week semi-retirement to walk Alexander Wang's show on Saturday in this leather trench coat. All of my hetero friends keep telling me she's married to some sports dude. Whatev. I'm not going to pretend I know. All I know is that Wang's show was both fun and polished.

I'm back at New York Fashion Week and ready to complain! As much as I j'adore new technology, the latest problem at Fashion Week is the iPad. It's bad enough when the hoi polloi crammed into the rafters at Lincoln Center have to strain their necks to get a glimpse of the runway. Making matters worse are folks who hoist their iPads into the air to take pictures and video of the catwalk. If you have the misfortune of sitting behind these people, all you can see is a grainy image of the proceedings on the tablet, because it's directly in your line of vision. Not that I'm bitter about this, but I'm bitter. I propose they be banned during showtime. Ok, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

I'm not speaking of the Richard Simmons-esque tight rope walker, Cee Lo Green's sparkling robe, or the cheerleaders (sorry to disappoint) seen during Madge's epic halftime show. I'm talking about the dudes in the track suit adorned with musical notes. Thoes track suits are Adidas Originals Jeremy Scott Music Notes track tops and pants from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. They can be had for $200 (the jacket) or $180 (the pant). No word yet on who's selling the Richard Simmons toga.

This is a tease for the H&M ad for David Beckham's new line of manties which will air during the Superbowl. Yes please.

Because everyone and their grandmother's cat seems to have a fashion reality show these days -- there's something debuting next month called "Jersey Couture" (!!!) -- it only seems appropriate that Vogue magazine should jump on this stylishly covered wagon. You can now watch episodes of "The Fashion Fund," which follows the 10 finalists for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Over the years, the fund has helped Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, and Rodarte launch their labels.

Eleven local fashion design students face off in a bitter power struggle over who can design the fiercest dress based off of the music of Claude Debussy in a competition sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. We predict a fashion blood bath. Perhaps we're overdramatizing a smidge, but the design students will show their designs on Feb. 2. If you're attending the show that night, you can view the clothes at 7 p.m. before the 8 p.m. concert. The winner will be chosen by a panel of local luminaries (Sadly, we were not asked. Again. Not that we're bitter about this). You can find more and buy tickets at www.bso.org. You can pick your favorites here. Continue along the post to see them all.

Here's that tall drink of Manischewitz Adrien Brody strutting about Milan last night in a sharp Roberto Cavalli ensemble. But wait, there's something wrong here. The fit of those pants make the tall Brody look like he's just over 5 feet tall. Here's a lesson gents. Get your pants tailored properly, or you'll risk looking like Adrien Brody! Bad example. You'll look shorter than you actually are.

A friend of mine recently introduced me to a series of Chloe Sevigny parody videos on YouTube. I've since become obsessed, because they're so wonderfully ridiculous. But as I was looking around the interwebs today (as one does at work), I came across a real Chloe Sevigny video. Both are about fashion, although one is more focused on toast. Enough of my banter. Check these beauties out. Which one do you kids like best?

Here's Fauxloe Sevigny

And, the real Chloe

Lovers of fashion history have something new to drool over (just don't drool on the DVF wrap dress, darling). Vogue has digitized every copy of its magazine from 1892 to present, including covers and advertisements. It is aimed at industry types and scholars, but it will be available to subscribers beginning next year. If you don't have a subscription (for shame) you should get one just to see those amazing Richard Avedon-photographed Twiggy spreads from the 1960s.

The Pantone Color Institute has determined that you will have a spicy orange crush in 2012. The institute, which studies color trends in fashion and determines a dominate shade for the forthcoming year, announced today that a color called Tangerine Tango will brighten the mood for next year. "Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman said in a statement announcing the decision.
Tangerine Tango is as sunny as the 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle. Last year's color was chosen to lift spirits, and it seems that 2012's punchy citrus shade was picked for much the same reason.
"Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy," Eiseman said.

Before launching his namesake fashion line, Chris Benz worked at the helms of J.Crew and Marc Jacobs. His previous employers appear to be natural mentors when viewing his coquettishly chic collection of wearable womenswear with an affinity for prints and pops of color but Benz brings his own flair for personality and wit to the brand through a ferociously active Twitter account and bright bubblegum pink locks.

We’ve been following your Tweets (@CMBenz) and see you’re in the midst of the BluePrintCleanse liquid diet, how is that going?
I’m on day five and it’s been fine. I’ve done it a few times and the first couple of days you’re just in a different mind space. You’re getting all the nutrients you need so you do feel great. The first time I did it though I could barely get through three days.

Is this your pre-holiday detox?
Post-Thanksgiving, pre-holiday – I’ve had so many friends in town and coming to town so there’s a lot of going out and dinner parties.

What did you do for Thanksgiving?
I hosted and had Thanksgiving at my apartment. I’m cursed with a gigantic dining room table. It’s one of those things where once you do it once, you have to do it again because people know.

Like having a guest room?
Exactly. But I didn’t cook. I ordered everything and it was just as delicious.

You’ll be heading to the area soon for an appearance. Have you been to Boston before?
I’ve been there about three or four times, just short trips, but I love Boston. Conceptually, for me being an American sportswear designer, it’s such an American city. It’s still very young but has that old Americana spirit. The last time I was there was for the [ICA] opening and [it is] a building that seems so modern, like it should be from Denmark or something. I grew up in Seattle, which is a lot like Boston in being such a tiny city with a lot of effort for preservation of the historical architecture, but with Microsoft and new businesses comes severe modern architecture also moving in. I like that feeling of tension in a city.

What will be seeing from you in terms of fashion when you’re here?
I’m showing Resort and previewing Spring [2012]. We have a lot of really great knitwear and I think the women of Boston understand layering better than anyone else. They’re not afraid to have that preppy moment where blouses are layered under sweaters that other climates and cities are apprehensive of. I’m excited to play with layering and mixing colors and updating the classic American sportswear for these women.

What would you like to see women wearing this holiday season to their cocktail parties and events?
I think a lot of people are feeling nostalgia for the old Hollywood holiday parties. A cocktail suit is something we haven’t seen in a while as opposed to the same old little black dress. You can make a little black tuxedo look so chic [as] opposed to the expected.

You were one of the first designers to really embrace social media and become an active Twitter user, and now we’ve noticed another identify, @CHRISBENZgirl, has popped up. Is she affiliated with you or is she just a fan?
She is! She’s Susie Mascotte, our social secretary – yes, that’s her actual title -- who is really representative of the spirit of the brand. She’s smart and funny and we do the Twitter account together. We wanted to represent the woman that we design for, and post things that are overheard in the studio and on the streets of New York.

Do you have any holiday wishes this season?
I just hope everyone can come to a close of a year that I think was difficult for everyone in some way or another. My wish is that 2012 can be brighter and better than 2011.

The designer will be in town Thurs. Dec. 8 at Gretta Luxe in Wellesley (94 Central St., (781) 237-7010) for a trunk show and guest appearance from noon -7 p.m. The event is open to the public.

[Handout image above]

We rang up newlywed Lauren Bush (now featuring an extra Lauren), the ivy-league-educated model/designer/philanthropist who knows a thing or two about cause-worthy ways to give back in an effort to kick start our holiday shopping season. Her FEED charity project, which made its debut in 2006, has grown to be a fashion favorite cause, leading to partnerships with the likes of luxury brands and retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Links of London, Bobbi Brown, and Judith Leiber. This season, she embarked on a "12 days, 12 ways to FEED" campaign, a multi-day (yes, 12, to be exact) gift guide effort featuring collaborations from her line that began on Cyber Monday.

Tell us about your 12-day holiday campaign for FEED.
We wanted to launch 12 days to engage people and give them holiday gift ideas [from FEED] for their loved ones. It's something we did in a smaller scale last year, but this season we're revealing a lot of new products and partnerships each day that give people opportunities to give back through consumer products.

FEED has really grown and transformed over the past few years and is almost starting to feel like its own fashion brand. Do you feel like you've found yourself developing a certain style or aesthetic you follow when approaching new items to add to the line?
The original product concept of FEED was a bag that really rings true to the cause -- a bag made of burlap, a material typically used to transport food rations, and organic cotton. When expanding line, we try to stay true to that aesthetic. When we work with a luxury product that's beautiful and high-end, we still like to give it that rustic FEED aesthetic.

Where do you see the line expanding?
We have a lot of fun ideas of different ways to expand. We'd like to explore technology ideas and new product categories. If you have a FEED bag, you might not need another but we did a line of reusable bowls and lunch totes with Pottery Barn and people responded really well to that. We'd like to offer people as many different ways to raise awareness as possible.

A lot of folks can be hesitant or skeptical when purchasing items that have charitable ties, what advice do you have for shopping for gifts that give back?
Do your research and know where the money is going to go from the gift. I think people respond to FEED because we make it easy for people to see where a very tangible donation is going for each product sold. I think buying these types of gifts is a two-step process: I think ultimately people have to actually like what they're gifting, so that's step one. And step two is to support a cause that you really care about.

We have a few super hard gift categories to fill this year -- and the newlyweds are definitely one of them. As one yourself, do you have any advice for what you're hoping for this holiday season?
I think when you come off a wedding, where there's a registry and you ask for all the plates and knives that you could ever want, I would say a donation is where I'm at. I feel very blessed this year but in terms of kitchenware, I'm completely taken care of at the moment!

As you scurry about trying to finish work before the turkey genocide and shopping riots begin (Occupy Copley Place, anybody?), take a moment, relax, and have a look at this season's Alexander McQueen show. This is the Spring/Summer 2012 collection that was shown in Paris. And before you dare ask "What were they thinking?", here's the explanation from McQueen designer Sarah Burton. As you can see, the woman can do more than royal wedding dresses.

"I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme."

Daniela Corte has been making her sexy dresses on Newbury Street for quite some time. She's also been making those itsy bitsy teenie weenie non-polka dot bikinis that have found their way into the pages of Sports Illustrated. But now she's opened a gorgeously designed, more visible retail shop on our favorite shopping promenade. Which means that you should swing by if you're on Newbury.

Damon Albarn's animated band Gorillaz is our favorite cartoon band since the Archies -- although Josie and the Pussycats are a close second. Regardless, designer and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett has teamed with local sneaker magnate Converse to produce a line of Chuck Taylor All Stars that borrow from the band's artistic perspective. You'll have to wait until February to see the full line and to get your sweaty hands on a pair. But here's a cruel tease. When the sneakers are released, you'll be able to find them at the brand's store on Newbury, plus online. And since we're on the topic of Gorillaz...

Charlotte Ronson, of the too-creative-for-their-own-damn-good Ronsons, is presenting a fashion show tonight at the Red Latern for the boutique Sells & Co. Ronson's super accessible and super cute (Ugh, I can't believe I just used the words "super cute") clothes are shown each season at New York Fashion Week. This is your chance to pretend that you're Andre Leon Talley in Lincoln Center (sans cape) and look bored while you're secretly thrilled inside.

Details! Yes! There is a VIP reception from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., which includes a meet and greet with Charlotte herself, passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Tickets range from $50 for individual seats to $500 for tables of eight. Or, if you're pinching pennies the way your pumps pinch your toes, you can buy general admission tickets for $20. Doors for general admission cheapskates open at 8 p.m.

For more information, call 617-338-4343. To purchase VIP tickets, call 860-204-6366.

We rang up Tom Mora, J.Crew's new head of women's design, before he arrives in Boston tomorrow for an appearance at the Copley Place store to celebrate the brand's holiday collection. Mora grew up in New York ("Queens, but you don't have to say that," he joked. "Just kidding! I love Queens! It was so nice having a suburban upbringing") and went on to attend Parsons school of design and work for Ralph Lauren before joining J.Crew. He brings a stylish sensibility and everyday glamour to the brand, where he previously designed special occasion collections.

Being the dapper gentleman that he is, Mora offered up his top 5 tips for working color and sparkle into a season often dominated by the little black dress.

Put on the glitz: "I think there's a whole new feeling of getting dressed up and what that actually means now," said Mora, who promised lots of sequins and glitter in J.Crew's holiday looks. "You can wear a really slim turtleneck with a metallic jacquard or plaid pant, a great heel, and red lip and look fantastic."

Pair bold hues with an unexpected neutral this season:
"An amazing orange or red mixed with a heather grey or a taupe can introduce that pop while still neutralizing a look."

Go for the extreme: "I always think it's fantastic when someone is wearing a shocking pink top or a red bottom," said Mora. "It takes a lot more confidence but you can make a fantastic statement."

...Or play it safe: "If you feel like it's too much for you, try wearing a red pendant necklace or a clutch in a bright color," he added. But even baby steps are appreciated when trying a new trend. "Women are so much more sophisticated and experimental now. Rules, one by one, are getting chipped away."

Try the glittery ballet flats, but don't forget what mama said: "If a woman looks tailored and amazing and stands up straight, no one is even going to think twice about what she's wearing on her feet. Half the battle is the confidence a woman brings to an outfit."

Biggest faux pas of holiday dressing: "You know when you see actresses [at the Academy Awards] and you say, 'That doesn't look like her, she over-did it. I know you have 5 billion dollars of jewelry but you didn't have to wear it all.' Pull back a little bit and still be you," Mora advised.

"Don't go to the hair salon and have your hair done in a way that's not really you. Be who you are."

Want more of Mora? Meet him in person at Copley Place tomorrow evening where you can enjoy cocktails, chit chat, and 15 percent off your purchase at J.Crew.

Western and Native American-inspired prints dominated runways in seasons past and are now filling retail racks across the country. But recent complaints regarding products by Urban Outfitters may have persuaded the retailer to rethink its sales strategy.

The outcry began in June when the Navajo Nation's Department of Justice submitted a cease-and-desist letter to Urban Outfitters CEO Glen Senk, requesting the name "Navajo" be removed from approximately 20 products (including printed panties and a fabric-wrapped flask) being sold by the chain. Lawyers for the Navajo Nation claimed that use of the name violated trademarks and that several of the product were culturally insensitive.

Still, in an Oct. 17 story by the Associated Press, Urban Outfitters stated "it has not heard from the Navajo Nation and has no plans to alter its products."

Enter Tiffanie Wilson of Spring, Texas, who filed an online human rights petition through Change.org, quoting a lengthy letter written by Sasha Houston Brown, a member of the Santee Sioux Nation.

“Urban Outfitters ‘Navajo Collection’ clothing and accessories is not only culturally offensive but also illegal,” Sasha Houston Brown wrote. “As a young Native American women from Minnesota, I find these items to be culturally offensive. Not just to the Navajo people, but to all people of color who find themselves starting at cheap, vulgar, knockoffs of ideas, dress, and culture that are a way of life.” Nearly 13,500 people have signed the petition.

Mid-week the retailer removed the name "Navajo" from its website, opting for the ambiguous term "printed" instead. A little Google-ing led us to cached versions of former "Navajo"-named goods on Urban Outfitters's website that appear to be no longer available. 

What do you think the next move from Urban Outfitters should be? What can they do to make good with the Navajo community? Are you still spotting products with the Navajo name at Urban Outfitters locations in Boston? Discuss below.

[Above image via UrbanOutfitters.com screenshot]

Thank you, Telegraph UK for brightening our Monday with photos of our future husband James Franco posing in a recent photoshoot for Gucci. Franco, who would still look good wearing a belted burlap sack and a pair of culottes, does an admirable job modeling Gucci's new made-to-measure suits. The suits will set you back about $3,000. Melting into a puddle while looking at these photos is free.

Target's latest capsule collection -- Gwen Stefani's Harajuki Mini -- goes on sale Nov. 13. Will soccer moms and fashion-obsessed tweens be shoving down the doors to get their hands on these ska-by-way-of-Tokyo fashions? Stefani is best known for her music (oh, and those makeup ads where her lips are weirdly superhuman red), but she's also an accomplished designer who regularly shows at the Lincoln Park tents during New York Fashion Week.

We caught up with Worcester-bred footwear designer Jessie Randall, who explained why she misses her hometown and offered tips on caring for your beloved boots in cooler temperatures. The Brooklyn-based force behind Loeffler Randall (you might be familiar with her dreamy classic low wedge Matilde boot) thought back fondly on sweet treats from Newport Creamery, pub food from Boynton, and her first pair of booties in elementary school. "I bought them at Filene's Basement -- or maybe T.J. Maxx -- I remember everyone in my family ridiculing me and calling them combat boots. But they were very cool, I'd wear them right now if I could!" she told us by phone.

With the temperature finally turning seasonably cold, we recently found ourselves digging our favorite boots out of our closets, only to be disappointed when we found them looking a little bit worse for wear. Luckily, Randall had five stellar tips for care before taking our tired soles to the streets:

Save your sole: "You can get rubber soles put onto your shoes but we actually recommend you wear your shoes a few times so they take the shape of your foot before you have them put on. Otherwise the rubber won't properly mold to your foot."

Source support: "When you buy a pair of boots that are really expensive and beautiful but you don't know who to go to for professional care, go to your favorite shoe store and ask them what cobbler they use. It's a good way to find someone that's really skilled."

Use your storage smarts: "Try to keep your boots out of direct sunlight and not touching other pieces of leather -- [touching] can discolor them. If the boots came with dust bags, use them!"

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!: "Definitely use a leather conditioner once a season because leather dries out all the time. But if you don't feel comfortable applying it yourself -- bring it to a cobbler and have them do it."

When "wear and tear" isn't worth it: "If you have really beautiful boots and it's raining or snowing -- don't wear them! Wear rainboots instead and put your boots on in the office."

In six months, fashion types will be trying to figure out which "Great Gatsby"-era ensemble Lady Gaga will be wearing to the annual Met Gala, because the spring 2012 exhibition organized by the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is "Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion." The gala takes place on May 7, the exhibition runs from May 10 through Aug. 19. If you're scratching your head and saying "Jiminy Cricket, who is Elsa Sciaparelli?" please find a hat pin and poke yourself in the hand. She was the Italian rival to Coco Chanel in the first part of the last century. She was the toast of the fashion world in the 1930s and 1940s. Eventually her work fell out of demand after WWII. And if you don't know who Miuccia Prada is, well, I won't tell you what to do with that hat pin. The two Italians are being honored in the exhibit becaues of their work with surrealism.

Be still my little heart. In the land of designer diffusion overkill -- where Jason Wu for Target and Versace for H&M is just another day -- it takes a lot for me to get excited for a high-end label's dabbling in recession-friendly retail.

But when I was sent images from the upcoming Macy's Impulse collection by Italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli, I couldn't stop myself from getting ridiculously excited. A follow-up to the last Macy's Impulse collaboration with colorful celeb-favorite Matthew Williamson that fell short of my expectations, I have high hopes for Valli's chic set of party dresses and ladylike leopard-print toppers and cigarette pants.

The collection arrives in over 225 Macy's locations for the Impulse department just in time for Holiday 2011 (Oct.26) and most pieces will be priced between $50-$150.

Will you shop Giambattista Valli for Macy's Impulse? Which pieces are you most excited for?

Scroll below for close-ups on some of our favorite pieces and see Fashionista.com for a full look at the entire collection.

Metallic jacquard cap sleeve dress, $109

Organza and point d'esprit overlay dress, $129

Metallic leopard jacquard coat, $139

Metallic jacquard and crepe dress, $109

It's no secret -- Beyonce has been embracing her baby bump since she debuted the news of her little one at the MTV Music Video Awards last month. Since the announcement, I've been in awe of how agile and stylishly propped up on heels Beyonce has remained while still letting her baby bump shine.

Her latest video for "Countdown" not only pays homage to fashion icon Audrey Hepburn's flick, "Funny Face," with some mod miming but also features the mama-to-be shakin' her thang in nothing more than black patent leather loafers and an oversize sheer button-up. The gals at MTV Style confirmed the shirt indeed comes from American Apparel, with a $58 price tag that is just as easy on the eyes as B herself.

Will you rock out this weekend in Beyonce's $58 American Apparel shirt? Will you wear pants with it? What do you think of Beyonce's super fashionable "Countdown" video? Discuss below.

Nicole Cammorata | Boston.com Staff

I love an outdoor wedding just as much as the next gal, but hate how standing around on grass wrecks my high heels. Lucky for me (and you), so do the folks over at SoleMates. Though they've been around since 2008, I'm just learning about them now, so forgive me if this is old news. The Connecticut-based company makes plastic caps that fit perfectly over most stiletto shoes, reinforcing the spikes so you don’t sink into the mud as the bride and groom say “I do.” But do they work?

(True story: I was at a wedding last year at a beautiful country club, where the ceremony was out on the lawn overlooking the water. The poor bridesmaids kept sinking into the grass, all the way up to their arches.)

For the city-bound fashionistas, these would be great for hoofing it over the cobblestone or brick sidewalks in Beacon Hill and the South End.

There are three different sizing options, available in clear, silver, gold, and black, and sell for $9.95 a pair on the company's website. Not too shabby when you think about how much it would cost to get your heels repaired at the cobbler.

Has anyone out there used these? Too good to be true? Works like a charm? Leave us your feedback using the comments section below.

Photo credit: Trillum Sellers

In case you haven't noticed -- and if you haven't, shame on you -- it's Boston Fashion Week. Shows in the spanking new tent are in full swing. And in the spirit of all this local fashion, Boston Ballet principal dancer James Whiteside is offering a tour of his closet. Any closet that features vinyl pants, a Hello Kitty tank top, and a "Golden Girls" costume is worth spending time in. Let's have a look, shall we? (More from the tents shortly).

Fashion "it" girl and former MTV host, Alexa Chung, will be at the Madewell location on Newbury Street this Friday, Sept. 23 from 7-9 p.m. to celebrate the launch of her Fall 2011 collection. The retailer that pegs itself as J.Crew's hip little sis, released their first collaboration with Chung in Fall 2010 and are back with a second round of school girl meets school boy frocks and separates.

The collaboration was released for sale online on Thursday morning, resulting in yet another high-demand collection resulting in yet another website crash.

Oh yes, shoe lovers, this is what you've been waiting for. In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of his company, shoe magnate Christain Louboutin is putting out a coffee table book with photos of his finest pumps. Let's face it, this is basically shoe porn. With a forward by John Malkovich (?!?), the book features a pink leatherette binding, an interior pop-up, and gilded pages. Most importantly, this $150 book (at least it's cheaper than the shoes), has page after page of the shoes you crave. The book comes out next month, and for more images (you know you want to look), follow the jump.

Sunday night's 63d Emmys featured two prominent red carpet trends and dresses that were mostly predictable with few surprises. Both Lea Michele (below, right) and Kate Winslet chose sleek, thick knit scarlet gowns (Marchesa for Lea Michele, Elie Saab for Winslet) that they both gushed to E! were "comfy" -- and I think that's red carpet speak for "I can breathe and eat solids in this dress."

Red carpet red continued to file toward L.A.'s Nokia Theatre on "The Vampire Diaries" starlet Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan, "Modern Family" actress Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, and even redhead comedian, Kathy Griffin, dared to step out in a ruched candy apple red Oscar de la Renta gown. Likewise, some prom-ready frocks added fun to the mix with "New Girl" darling Zooey Deschanel (above center; in a bubble gum pink Monique Lhuillier) and "The Big Bang Theory" actress Kaley Cuoco (in a tea-length black tulle Romona Keveza), who came complete with a mix-and-match manicure and dad as a date. (Does it get any cuter than that?)

My favorite stunners included "Mad Men" co-stars Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks, who opted for delicate beaded vintage-inspired gowns that just screamed old-school Hollywood glam. Also, Jon Hamm in Tom Ford ... basically, I consider that the holy grail.

Who were some of your favorites from last night?

[Images from top: Kevin Winter/Getty Images; AP Photo/Jae Hong]

See Christopher Muther's fashion hits and misses from the red carpet at the Emmys.

For this bit of amazingness from down Mexico way. Crazy pointed boots! I can only hope that Rodarte somehow features these in their show.

r

This morning the (clearly) much-anticipated Missoni for Target collection launched on the store's website for purchase, but when we logged on to take a gander, we were dismayed to see that the site had crashed.

According to Tweets we've been seeing -- we're not the only ones experiencing trouble with the site.

[Screenshot from 9:07 a.m.]

The collection that includes signature zig-zag print sweaters for $44.99 and silk scarves for $19.99 also debuted in stores this morning, but we want to know if brick and mortar customers were also unable to get their hands on the merchandise.

Did you head to the stores to snag a piece from Missoni for Target? Which Boston-area Target stores still have some goodies stocked? Will you be e-mailing customer service at Target.com demanding a personal apology on Missoni print stationary? Let's chat.

We will continue to update when we've been issued an official statement from Target. But for now, here's a clip of their Twitter feed apologizing to customers:

[Top image from Target Pressroom]

UPDATE! Danielle Ossher, associate editor for Design New England, reported back from the Target in South Bay Plaza with a pair of shoes and this photo:

She also reported "screaming, hoarding (editor's note: as seen above), and pushing."

* UPDATE! (again) Target has issued the official statement below:

Due to an overwhelming amount of traffic to Target.com as a result of the Missoni launch this morning, guests are unable to access the site. Providing a positive shopping experience to our guests is important to us and we are working to get the site back up as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

** FINAL UPDATE: The Target website is working! A new landing page message reads:

Please stay here and we'll try to get you in as soon as we can!

[A look from Alexander Wang's Spring 2012 show. The soundtrack reportedly included "Baracuda" by Martiniq & Breitbarth; AP Photo/Mary Altaffer]

So you don't have time to scurry from tent to tent, nestle in next to editors and celebrities, and take in all of the glamorous, pricey clothing whipped up by a-list designers for New York Fashion Week. But you can still (kinda) participate in the catwalk mania and wiggle your booty in the comfort of your own Boston apartment as if you were at Fashion Week with the help of our NYFW playlist. We've hand-picked a few notable selections from this week's Spring 2012 presentations to make you feel like you're in the center of the action.

I get the opportunity to see a lot of celebrities at New York Fashion Week. Most are starlets (or tartlets, as I prefer to call them) with a new TV show to promote on a network I've never heard of. But last night at Monique Lhuillier, my eyes were distracted by a gentlemen who was a tall drink of grape Fanta. Eddie Cibrian was just as beautiful as any of the dresses on the runway. OK, more gorgeous. Finally, a celebrity I care about. Now back to other pretty things.

Don’t get depressed that classes are starting up - get excited for some new additions to your wardrobe. Here are a few suggestions: Book nerds will love the Out of Print clothing company, as its shirts feature designs taken from vintage classic book covers. BCX for Macy’s has many cute, classy fall items like a rosette vest, available through November. And local retailer Karmaloop.com is a terrific source for hip clothes and accessories for guys and gals. And forget about relying on your iPhone to check the time. The ultra-cool Rankin line for Swatch features colorful watch faces that are photographs of eye irises. -- Anna Marden, Globe Correspondent

While tropical storm Irene may have been a bit of a yawn around here, there are other areas where she was not so ladylike, including Vermont. You can help raise money for Red Cross recovery efforts by purchasing this T-shirt showing your support for the Green Mountain state. Essentially we'll do anything to support a state that is the home of Ben & Jerry's. The T-shirt is $25, with all profits going to the Red Cross.

Because students at Boston College aren't quite preppy enough (said with a tinge of sarcasm), Brooks Brothers is upping the prep even further with its Collegiate Collection. The company has created a line of clothes featuring logos of schools across the country, but it makes sense that they would make clothes for a New England school, given that this area is an epicenter of prepdom. And while Boston College certainly hits the mark for preppy, it seems as though Brooks Brothers is missing an obvious target: Harvard. Perhaps next season?

Rachel and I have been a tad excited about the Karl Lagerfeld-designed capsule collection that arrives at Macy's on Aug. 31. If you can't wait to see these clothes on the rack, then you can see them off the rack and in action this Thursday, Aug. 18 at the Liberty Hotel's weekly Fashionably Late show. To get in, RSVP at fashion@libertyhotel.com. Doors are at 8, the show starts at 10 p.m., and the party continues to 2 a.m. And sorry, Karl and his ponytail will not be in attendance.

[From left, via Tony Avelar/Associated Press and Ali Ro]

Britney Spears and little sis Jamie Lynn reportedly stopped by Beacon Hill boutique Crush before her TD Garden concert earlier this week. According to the boutique's blog, Spears purchased a $248 sequined "Gabbi" mini dress (pictured) by Ali Ro and then, it gets better:

She asked her shopping buddy, a good-looking California-cool fellow who chilled on our couch, if the Ali Ro dress was something for the VMAs. I was starstruck.

NY Mag's The Cut chats up interior designer and "Top Design" judge Kelly Wearstler and takes a peek at her upcoming apparel collection. [The Cut]

Macy's continues to step up their game and is bringing in Vogue Nippon editor Anna Dello Russo to style their in-house brand, INC, as the "Editor at Large" of the collection. [Fashionista]

Finally an extensive look at the Missoni for Target home, apparel, and accessory collection that drops Sept. 13. The Italian fashion house's signature print zigs and zags over everything from laptop sleeves to baby rompers, but our question is -- if it drops post-Labor Day, why does it include swim... and patio furniture? [Racked]

Lunch links will return on Tuesday. I'll be out of the office until then, sunning myself and baking cookies in Connecticut. Envy me. In the mean time, shoot tips for fashionable news to rraczka@boston.com.

For now, I can leave you with looks from "Mad Men" designer Janie Bryant's collaboration collection for Banana Republic. The 65-piece collection will pop up in stores on August 1 and includes apparel for both sexes, as well as accessories and footwear. Price points run from $450 for a men's suit (a swanky bargain if you ask me) to $39.90 for a women's silk scarf. Toss me a martini shaker, my own Scotch-swilling arm candy, and count me in! [Read the full story]

[Images courtesy of Banana Republic]

[Photos by Pat Greenhouse / Globe Staff]

Swap your flip-flops for sneakers fit for pounding city sidewalks this summer. Check out our picks for lightweight canvas sneakers to carry your floral frocks and cropped skinnies well into fall.

Clockwise, from top: Warrior Footwear, Classic Trainer in red and white, $49, bonobos.com; Sperry Topsider, Striper CVO salt-washed sneaker in navy, $49.99, Miltons - The Store for Men, Chestnut Hill; Ash Footwear, Esprit high-top sneaker in cement and natural leather, $85, AshFootwearUSA.com; Keds for Gap, laceless washed metallic sneaker in graphite, $44.50, Gap in Copley Square; Warrior Footwear, Lane sneaker, $40, warriorfootwear.com; Toms, Cordones in pale pink, $69, Toms.com; Ash Footwear, Valco sneaker in denim, AshFootwearUSA.com, $150; Keds, Champion Jute sneaker in fiesta orange, $38, Karmaloop.com; Toms, Pinstripe Botas, $79, Toms.com; Keds for Gap, laceless washed metallic sneaker in rose gold, $44.50, Gap in Copley Square.

By now we all know the news: GQ declared Boston the worst dressed city in America. Instead of sitting on our pleated khakis and fretting about this declaration, we decided to be proactive (that's our corporate word of the day!) and found out how not to be the worst dressed city in America any longer. Here's a bit of advice from Louis Boston owner Debi Greenberg:

• Ignore seasonal trends and stick to what fits you correctly and what you need. Look for durable, lighter fabrics (wool, cashmere, linen mixes are great).


• Keep your closet stocked with cotton pants suited for different occasions and don't shy away from the suit to look stylish. One beautifully tailored suit can be adapted for any occasion by switching up the shirt and tie.


• Invest in a versatile hybrid shoe that has the look of a dress shoe but the softer sole and feel of a sneaker. Do not wear gym sneakers anywhere but the gym.

The legendary -- and peculiar -- Chanel designer has created a capsule collection for Macy's that goes on sale Aug. 31. Most shocking of all? The price tag for these pieces, which finds the prince of ponytails creating everything from tees and leggings to a tailored tuxedo dress, range from $50 to $170.

[Image via MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images.]

Are break-ups bad for business? Time will tell for Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, who just announced their " amicable conclusion." For now, the power ex-couple is apparently planning to forge ahead with launching clothing and accessories lines for Kohl's Corps. Women's Wear Daily reports that they will follow through with the release of separate signature lines for men and women, slated to roll out this fall.

A Kohl's spokesperson said this weekend, according to WWD:

"The Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony brands have always been positioned as two separate, distinctive collections that offer high-quality contemporary style for men and women, and we look forward to a successful September launch.”

Would the couple's split stop you from purchasing any of their products? Will you feel awkward if your sweetie shows up in a Marc Anthony ensemble while you're decked out in J.Lo? Or, would you embrace the star-studded looks? Read more from The Huffington Post.

The duo also still plans to co-star in an upcoming reality series, "Q'Viva!," according to MSNBC. Will you watch?

Bonjour, mes cheries: It's just another day in the life of Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson (Pacey, so chaud right now):

[Yves Forestier/Getty Images]

This must have been a magical night at the Louvre. The stiff-looking, glorified t-shirt dress would stump-ify most mere mortals, but the charmed Diane dazzles. And, the orange belt gives it shape and and a little extra kick. Parfait.

Speechless. That's all.

If he doesn't look good... Well, you know the rest of the Vidal Sassoon slogan. Especially if you have the misfortune of being a fossil like me. If you're interested in learning more about the man with the golden shears -- and you really should -- the Boston Jewish Film Festival is re-screening "Vidal Sassoon The Movie" on June 14 Not only is it educational (Sassoon was an orphan who climbed his way out of poverty to world fame), the movie is also loaded with eye candy. Especially his hugely influential 1960s era work. Along with British design Mary Quant, Sassoon changed the way that women looked.

A young Sassoon with Mary Quant
The movie screens at the West Newton Cinema at 7 p.m. There is also a chance to win a free hair cut at Mizu, the salon started by Sassoon's son Elan.
And, If you're a fan of over-the top retro coiffures, I highly suggest a visit to the Hair Hall of Fame.

Lady Gaga may have upstaged nearly everyone at last night's CFDA award ceremony (there's a shocker). But there were other people in the room, although they were tough to notice with Gaga's hair glowing. However, a lot of them are also quite fashionable. Gaga took home the Fashion Icon Award, and showed off her assets in the process. But the CFDA awards are also about celebrating designers. Those are the people who create some of Gaga's outfits. Here are a few of the big winners:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler

Menswear Designer of the Year: Michael Bastian

Accessory Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Marc Jacobs

Fashion Icon Award: Lady Gaga

Eugenia Sheppard Media Award
Hilary Alexander of The Telegraph

Here's Kristen Stewart, the light of many a "Twilight" fans heart, modeling one of Lady Gaga's cast-off dust cloths (borrowed from Doctor Frankenstein) at last night's MTV Movie Awards. I'm picking up a "Real Housewives of Transylvania" vibe here. But I'm sure all you Twihards heartily disagree.

We've gotten word from our pals at Louis that internationally acclaimed Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders will make a rare visit to Boston on Sat., June 11. His print-centric clothes have been worn by fashion icons ranging from Madonna to Michelle Obama. Within days of his graduation from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, he was snapped up by Alexander McQueen to design prints for the late designer's 2003 collection.

Saunders will be at Louis for a trunk show and to accept your adulation and respect from 3 to 5 p.m.

No, not my body. These days I can't even get the homeless guy who chases pigeons in Harvard Square to notice me. I'm talking to all you Buff Bettys and Muscular Mikes with a passion for exercise and a shameless exhibitionist streak who think you're hot enough for a spread in Men's Health or Women's Health magazines. The publications are holding a contest looking for the fittest man and the fittest woman in America. Does being able to bend down for Little Debbie zebra cakes count as fit? Because if it does, we're ready for our close-up! If you're interested in applying, head over here, and start crunching those abs. I'll be crunching a can of Pringles.

This is how the "Solid Gold" dancers are preparing for the contest

If you haven't gotten to NYC yet to see the Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" exhibition, you now have additional time to check out the show (and I highly recommend you see it). The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has extended the run of the show, and the museum is staying open on Mondays to accommodate the additional traffic. The new closing date is Aug, 7 so plan accordingly.

There is no shame in a grown man being a rabid Hello Kitty fan -- is there? Regardless, we'll be in line tomorrow morning at Johnny Cupcakes as the master of tees releases a second batch of shirts featuring our favorite mouthless Japanese kitten. And for all of you who turn up your noses (and whiskers) at the thought of a gent wearing the iconic cat in public, Mr. Cupcakes is releasing tees for both genders (take that seventh grade boys who picked on me). The last batch of these tees departed the store quicker than a bowl of Meow Mix at a three cat home, so we suggest that you don't wait to pick yours up.

I'm generally not a fan of shops aimed at the ankle biting set, but when I heard that my favorite Maine store was opening an emporium for kids, I put aside my normal prejudices and quickly became excited. Daytrip Society Jr. features classic toys, a vintage kiddie whale ride, Radio Flyer wagons, Orla Kiely diaper bags. You know, cool indie items for your favorite tot on the go. The store in Kennebunkport is now open, and we officially recommend it.

The MBTA held a grand opening ceremony for its new online store at Ward Maps in Cambridge today. Shop for antique roll signs, tote bags, mugs, and coasters — and . . . wait for it . . . T jeans:

[Photo from mbtagifts.com]

The slight bootcut jeans ($159) — made by Boston Jean Company — come in dark wash and feature a replica of an old T token as a front button. And lest you get lost on your commute home, there is a subway map embroidered on the back pockets.

Take a gander at this slice of 1960s Japanese pop culture. Completely guaranteed to put a smile on your sourpuss and the perfect ancedote to Tuesday afternoon blahs.

Long before Robert Altman pointed his camera at the fashion industry, photographer William Klein created "Qui êtes vous, Polly Maggoo?" ("Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?), a film that looks at the fashion world with a skeptical side eye and a smirk. There is plenty to make fun of here, and Klein does an insightful job of skewering the fashion industry with humor. Because the movie was made in 1966 and it's French, it is truly odd and at times feels like a bad LSD flashback dressed up in a Pucci muumuu. But the visuals are stunning (watch the YouTube clips), Klein takes full advantage of filming in black and white, and the movie is worth watching for the opening scene alone (see below). If only they still made fashion shows like this. Sigh.

The Royal Wedding took place April 29, We're now in May, and aside from curiosity about Kate Middleton's sketchy brother and Pippa's love life (I'd switch teams for her), we're through with it. All of it. But Sunday's New York Times ran a story on Princess Beatrice's hat. Austin Considine reflects "Tina Brown compared it to “entwined prawn-colored entrails.” Others described it variously as fallopian tubes, an octopus and a giant pretzel that accidentally became caught in the princess’s hair. A Facebook page titled “Princess Beatrice’s ridiculous Royal Wedding hat” had at least 134,000 fans."

Translation: It's overexposed.We've all written about it and talked about it. There are some interesting points in the article about fascinators -- the fancy system of bobby pins that hold these kooky chapeaus in place. But I think you'll all agree, it's time to let Beatrice's mauve octopus-in-bondage hat peacefully swim back to the sea.

Crowds filed into the Power Station Saturday night for Voltage 2011, the MassArt Senior Fashion Show. More than 35 budding designers showed off their collections at the open-air South End building.

Globe photographer Erik Jacobs shot the backstage action and fashion show festivities:

[Arielle Kase did Sherlyn Louissaint's makeup backstage / Erik Jacobs]

See all the photos.

I
Heather Levine, senior fashion and beauty editor from the wedding Web site the Knot, was kind enough to take time to chat with me a moment ago, and she called Kate Middleton's dress "A trend-setting moment." And indeed it is. Although we'll always see strapless weddding dresses in houses of worship -- because nothing says "I do" like a racy display of decolletage -- Middleton's dress is sure to usher in a new era of bridal modesty.

It is a beautiful dress. The workmanship that went into the details, and the traditional fabrics are absolutely stunning. That said, I would have liked to have seen a bit more art in Burton's approach. This is a royal wedding, and I'm sure that Middleton's perspective was the deciding design factor, but just a few tiny, slightly more artistic details, could have changed bridal history.

Uh oh.. the Royal Wedding went off without a hitch, except it looks likes like an alien from the planet Octopus landed on Princess Beatrice's head! Let's hope this isn't some kind of abduction from spaghetti like creatures from outerspace. And not to turn this into a scratching post, but I think I saw Princess Eugenie's outfit on season three of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Thanks for indulging my snarky side. Now back to our regularly scheduled royal sincerity.

I just got off the phone with Rachel Leonard, fashion director of Brides Magazine, and she made an interesting point. We've been hearing all morning that Kate Middleton's dress is a return to 1950's elegance (finally, fitted sleeves instead of strapless!), but she drew a comparison to Julie Andrews' Maria von Trapp wedding dress in "The Sound of Music." Coincidentally, my first time in drag was at the Sing-a-long "Sound of Music," where I dressed as Maria von Trapp on her wedding day. So I can officially say I pulled off the look first, although I'll confess that my dress was not made McQueen.

The name Pippa Middleton is far more interesting than Kate, and coincidentally, so was the dress. Pippa (say it again with me!) nearly stole the wedding from under her sister's veil when she showed up in her fitted white McQueen (also designed by the woman of the hour, Sarah Burton). Va-va-voom! What do you think, kids? Did you love Pippa. Let's all say the name again. I've decided I'm naming my next cat Pippa, and dressing her in McQueen kitty knock-offs. Good Lord, I've officially been awake too long.

The praise now seems to be officially universal. A poll by AOL asked the question:
“Did Kate's dress live up to the endless speculation?”

And the answer was:
Classy, elegant and gorgeous - 78 percent
Not what I expected, but I liked it - 15 percent
Didn't like it - 7 percent

OK, you 7 percent of negative Nellies, I understand you're sick of the wedding, but you have to admit that it was a pretty dress

In addition to citing Grace Kelly's wedding dress as inspiration, fashion mavens are also saying that Princess Margaret's dress served as an inspiration as well. What do you think? Are there similarities between the two?

Sondra Grace, head of the fashion department at MassArt. sees a lot of similarities between Kate Middleton's wedding dress, and Grace Kelly's classic gown.
"To me, it seems totally inspired by Grace Kelly," Grace said this morning. "It makes sense because Middleton is also lean with a long waistline."
But Grace says while she could see the Grace Kelly inspiration, she didn't see much of Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton in the dress.
"I could see much more of Kate in the dress than Sarah," Grace says. "It was traditional, serene, and understated. And those are not qualities that Burton is known for. But when you design for the royal wedding, you're designing for an event rather than runway."

Yes, Kate Middleton has a connection to Lady Gaga. Alexander McQueen designed these horsey shoes. Sadly, Middleton did not wear these shoes with her house of McQueen dress. I guess this means we won't be hearing "Born This Way" at the reception.

I just received this email from Harper's Bazaar executive fashion and beauty editor Avril Graham you can read the magazine's coverage here:

"Catherine Middleton made an astute fashion choice in selecting the house of Alexander McQueen for the dress. The creme de la creme of fashion design and the insiders' choice of fashionistas worldwide. The House of McQueen is British fashion design at its best.

The dress itself was a glorious mix of modernity with a hint of historical reference and a wonderful silhouette to compllment the architectural beauty of the Abbey.

The Tiara, loaned by the Queen was owned originally by the Queen mother, a gift from her husband King George VI. I thought it was a beautiful gesture to past generations.

The silhouette was majestic without appearing overblown, beautifully constructed with just the right mix of femininity. A Royal Wedding with Hollywood style perfection."

Does the veil on Kate Middleton -- sorry -- I mean the Duchess of Cambridge, make the 29-year-old bride look older? Local wedding dress designer Daniel Faucher thinks the bride should have gone with a longer, lighter weight veil, and perhaps a different tiara. Otherwise, he's a huge fan of the Sarah Burton-designed dress for Alexander McQueen, complimenting its fit on the new duchess.
Faucher, who has a boutique in the South End, said he would have opted for a longer veil, but said he thinks the length of the dress's train is ideal for Westminster Abbey and overal that the gown is beautiful. He also had a few issues with the hem of the gown, saying that other gowns in McQueen's runway collections have sported stiffer hems, and are better fitted with length. But overall, our local bridal experts had few complaints about the dress.

I'm just starting to speak with the experts about the royal wedding dress, but if you'd like to weigh in, head to our Boston.com online poll and tell us what you think.

Catherine Middleton’s Wedding Dress has been designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.
Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.
The dress epitomises timeless British craftsmanship by drawing together talented and skilled workmanship from across the United Kingdom. The dress design pays tribute to the Arts and Crafts tradition, which advocated truth to materials and traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and often Romantic styles of decoration. Ms Burton’s design draws on this heritage, additionally giving the cut and the intricate embellishment a distinctive, contemporary and feminine character.

Mrs. Carole Middleton is wearing a sky blue wool crepe coatdress with matching satin piping and passementerie at the waist and cuff over a sky blue silk shantung ‘Sydney’ day dress with short pleated sleeves and pleated pockets. The dress and coatdress are by Catherine Walker. Mrs. Middleton’s hat is by Berkshire-based Jane Corbett.

Her Majesty The Queen is wearing an Angela Kelly designed single crepe wool primrose dress with hand sown beading at the neck in the shape of sunrays. Matching double crepe wool tailored primrose coat.
An Angela Kelly designed matching crepe hat with hand made silk roses and matching apricot coloured leaves.
Jewellery: Queen Mary’s True Lovers Knot broach

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing an outfit designed by Anna Valentine to the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton.
The outfit consists of a champagne silk dress and a duck egg blue and champagne coat, which is hand-embroidered. The dress and coat are both designed by Anna Valentine.
The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing a Philip Treacy hat and shoes made by Jimmy Choo. The clutch bag is by Anna Valentine

Diana and Charles' massive nuptials may have overshadowed the wedding the Duke and Duchess of York in 1986, but Fergie was the woman of the moment when she arrived in her dress by little-known designer Lindka Cierarch. The highlight of the dress was 17-foot train which was embroidered with 155,000 sequins and pearls. Shoes were by Manolo Blahnik.

These royal wedding hats are absolutely insane, and perhaps none are zanier than the Philip Treacy designed bird's nest positioned on Victoria Beckham's head. Elton John, you've deeply disappointed me by not showing up in an equally strange hat.

As we wait to see Kate Middleton's wedding dress, let's look back to the fashion from the last time a prince married a princess. Diana, the late Princess of Wales, chose the husband-and-wife design team of David and Elizabeth Emanuel to create her 1981 wedding dress. According to Colin McDowell, the author of "Diana Style," the choice upset more established designers. The Emanuels were just eight years older than the young princess and just beginning to find fame. But Diana was taken with their romantic frocks.

Diana's very 1980's fairy tale dress had a 25-foot train which was embroidered with 10,000 mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls. The gown was made of 45-feet (!) of taffeta. Even 30 years ago, royal dresses were kept under wraps. Diana's dress was stitched in a locked room.

Local fashion bon vivant Sam Mendoza is taking his elegant evening wear out of his Fort Point studio and heading over to Louis. The store has opened a Mendoza pop-up shop. Even better, the designer is at Louis every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to meet with clients. He'll be at Louis taking orders for the Mendoza Core collection, a six piece, made-to-order collection in all back.

My favorite Web site of the day is Dads, the original hipsters. This smart, cheeky site shows you that any hipster trend you're following now, your dad did it first. A few prime examples:

Your dad wore short shorts before you did and he has the upper thigh tan lines to prove it. It takes a certain kind of man to pull off wearing what most would consider lady attire, but your dad was that man.

Your dad had big headphones before you did. Right now hipsters, you're probably reading this post with over sized headphones on, listening to a band you discovered on Pitchfork...

Ok, I'm not going to steal any more of this chortle-worthy thunder. Go have a read and prepare to be blown away by how hip your dad was.

In fashion, 24 is an embryonic age when budding designers are scraping by, learning their trade, and still looking for gainful employment. Which is why it's unusual to see a designer like Wes Gordon come out of school and immediately start designing universally adored collections of sophisticated, well-tailored separates. Gordon will be at Saks Fifth Avenue in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a trunk show.

Those of you running next Monday's Boston Marathon have my utmost respect. You're reading the words of someone who gets winded running to the fridge during the commercial breaks for "RuPaul's Drag Race."

OK, I exaggerate (but just a little). I've been dragging to myself to the gym lately between fistfuls of kettle corn, and I've taken a fancy to City Sports new line of clothing (called CS). The lightweight fabrics are great for running (even if a marathon isn't in your future), and it's also less expensive than many other lines.

I also have a bit of a sneaker fetish -- OK, a huge sneaker fetish. I've become so smitten of Puma's new Faas lightweight sneakers that I refuse to wear them anywhere but inside at the gym. Even my personal trainer has expressed envy. They range in price from $85 to $100.

And in the event that marathon day is a bit on the soggy side (it doesn't rain in April, does it?) Nike's Air Pegasus GTX 26+ shoe is waterproof, breathable, and even earth friendly because it uses recycled materials. You can also use your iPod with them to check your progress -- even if it is only running during commercial breaks.

By now, you may have picked up on that fact that we're big ol' Francophiles at Stylephile (OK, I'm the only one who is, but whatever). Today's style icon you've never heard of is French actress, model, and now singer Emmanuelle Seigner. Following in a long line of French beauties, she oozes sex appeal and fantastic natural style. We'll overlook the fact that she's married to Roman Polanski (um, ick), and instead focus on amazing gems such as this fashionable ditty. I've watched it so many times I'm surprised that You Tube hasn't started charging me a fee.

And then there's this nugget. She's sexy enough to make us debate switching teams. Meeeeow.

Ok, now for a bit of Emmanuelle history (because this is an education blog, afterall). Here she is showing her sapphic side in the early 1990s with Kristin Scott Thomas. Now there's a lady who knows how to work a dance floor -- complete with Spanish dubbing!

What I know about sports could fit on the nose of a Sour Patch Kid, but I am a fan of fun T-shirts and of Boston, so I'm kind of crazy about these new retrolicious Celtic tees from Sportiqe. They start at $28, and you can pick them up at Bloomingdale's, the TD Garden, and of course, online.

It feels like an eternity since we've heard Tim Gunn purr "Gather round designers." OK, perhaps not an eternity, but still too long. But good news! The show hunting for new talent. More importantly, the show is looking for a Boston designer for season 9. We've complained about this before, and we're complaining again: We want to see a Boston designer on the show.

A casting director from the show sent me this tidbit: "Do you want a chance to show your fashion designs during New York Fashion Week? Do you want to win $100,000 to launch your own fashion line? Project Runway is looking for the next great fashion designer.

The deadline to receive applications is April 15. Applicants can apply at www.bunim-murray.com/prcasting or email us at prcasting@bunim-murray.com."
You heard the man. Send in an application already. And if you need an immediate "Runway" fix, one of the show's sassiest contestants will be at Macy's tomorrow night to help you with your fashion questions. That's right Anthony "It's hell being gay and black in the ghetto" Williams will be at the Downtown Crossing Macy's, second floor, on April 7 at 6 p.m.

Literally. It's time to up the fashion ante, folks. Scott Schuman is taking his camera and blog on the road — to Boston and Philadelphia.

E-mail him suggestions of streets, squares, and neighborhoods to shoot in our fair city. Davis Square, Jamaica Plain, and Central Square get my votes.

My good friend and "Mysterious Skin" author Scott Heim references "Eyes of Laura Mars" at every opportunity he gets, and I don't blame him. This tasty slice of campy fashion horror looks at the disco style of New York with Faye Dunaway as the fashion photographer who can see beyond the silk harem pants and "Studio 54"-ready Halton dresses that she shoots. This is a thriller that goes behind the horror of disco fashion. It also gets kudos for its inclusion of the most mindless and fun disco tune ever recorded, the amazing "Let's All Chant." OK, enough blathering. Let's have a look.

If you don't add this film to your Netflix queue, I'm sending this killer beauty after you.

And just for good measure, how about the stereotypical fashion cat fight. C'mon ladies, ignore that burning car and pull some hair!

Elizabeth Taylor was well known for her beauty and powerful performances, but she also enjoyed status as a fashion icon -- and I'm not talking about her Delta Burke coiffure in those White Diamonds advertisements. In 1951's "A Place in the Sun," Taylor wore a dazzling white party dress with a daisy-covered bust designed by Hollywood powerhouse Edith Head. Knock-offs of the dress were the most popular frock during prom season that year.

Taylor managed to touch off another fashion craze with the white chiffon dress she sported in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Designed by Helen Rose, the dress caused a sensation, and thousands were sold thanks to the dress's ability to flater just about any figure. Still, it will always be best remembered on the stunning Taylor.

It's great to see so many people in the design and fashion community helping the victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. The latest is Karmaloop, which is selling this smart looking tee. Like other charity efforts, 100 percent of the profits from the T-shirt will go to help the Red Cross. You can pick this up in men's and women's styles for $20. The Japanese letting on the shirt reads "Save Japan" for those of you who aren't fluent.

Bonjour! Did someone say they needed a spot of French sass to brighten their Monday morning? Well, even though no one has asked, I'm delivering. Under the new "Iconic style moments you've never seen" umbrella, I give you "Roller Girl," a technicolor blast from the rarely seen (in the U.S. anyway) and much coveted 1967 made-for-French TV musical "Anna." This is one of the pesky videos that YouTube won't let me embed, but it's worth a click to watch. The sparkling chestnut comes courtesy of Serge Gainsbourg and features French siren Anna Karina in the title role. The highlight of the film is a sexy technicolor number with Karina prancing about. I'm quite certain this is the definition of effortless style and the best use of orange I've ever seen. Get ready to Ra-ra-ra-roller girl.

PalmerCash has created a line of tees featuring the names of some of the cities hit hardest by last week's earthquake and tsunami. All profits from the shirts, which sell for $19.97, go to Red Cross relief efforts.

I spend so much time unearthing obscure movie trinkets (ok, primarily my main squeeze is the culprit in this department), that I thought it was time to start sharing. Because who couldn't use a nice spalsh of fabulous to brighten their day? Iconic style moment number one comes from the 1969 film "April Fools," with Jack Lemon and Catherine Deneuve. This looks like the most amazing party ever. I say a little prayer that I can time travel back to attend this shindig.

Iconic style moment number two is an important lesson on how to apply light, natural makeup from Liz Taylor, circa 1974. I haven't bought the DVD, but if the rest of the movie is this good, I won't be able to resist.

Photo: Marc Andrew Deley / Crammed Media

Did you spend a part of your Saturday waiting in line at the Gilt City warehouse sale in South Boston? Did you run for the racks and start grabbing everything in sight as soon as you got inside, including the champagne? OK, maybe I was the only one doing these things, but I did end up with some good deals. I can't speak for the women's side of things, but it didn't get too competitive in the men's section (although I did see one guy dash off with a shirt that someone set down for a minute). My grand total wasn't too bad, although I attended with a pair of shopping enablers who pushed me into a few purchases. But it's two days later, and I'm not feeling any buyer's remorse. How about you, kids? Anyone score some amazing deals?

Listen up all you bridezillas-to-be who don't have Kate Middleton's wedding budget. The Filene's Basement Running of the Brides takes place at the Hynes Convention Center on Friday morning, beginning at 8 a.m. (ugh), which means you should be in line by 5 a.m. (double ugh) if you want a decent dress.

Charlie Sheen (as played by Bill Hader) hosted a whole crop of "winners" on his talk show in this "Saturday Night Live" send-up, including John Galliano. Meanwhile, last week's Christian Dior's show ended with members of the house of Dior gathering together in their white coats to take a group bow at the end of the show. A classy solution to an otherwise messy week at the fashion house.

Because this is Boston, you don't need me to tell you that St. Patrick's Day is a mere two weeks from today (insert loud, bawdy bar noises here). But you do need me to tell you that you can show your Irish pride in more ways than wearing green beads, plastic leprechauns hats, and Celtics jerseys. You can go green in a slightly more stylish manner. Bonobos is selling a line of St. Patty's day inspired duds, including these very lucky trousers. If the clover pants are a bit much for you, the St. Patrick's day line offers a few other green options that are a tad more sublte. You can see a few more pics in the full entry. Prices range from $50 to $198.

I am a certiified Gilt Groupe-aholic. For those of you living under a fashion rock, Gilt is the online, members only sample sale Web site that offers huge markdowns on designer duds. Next Sat., March 12, Gilt Groupe is holding a warehouse sale at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter, 100 West 2nd St., Boston. The catch is that you have to buy tickets to attend, but the ticket proceeds are going to charity. There will be men's and women's clothes at up to 75 percent off. Let the madness begin!

Sad but true: Red carpet season is officially over. If you need one final dose of carpet talk, here I am doing my best Joan Rivers impersation (we're the same age, you know) on the Fox 25 morning news talking about Oscar fashion.

Oscar fashion: Best and worst dressed: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Now that the Dior creative director Christian Galliano has been fired for making anti-Semitic remarks, including being caught on video saying "I love Hitler," there are interesting rumors floating about as to who will take his place. The short list of rumored names includes Marc Jacobs.

Meanwhile, recent Oscar winner Natalie Portman, the celebrity face of Dior who appears in ads for Miss Dior Cherie perfume, was quick to condemn Galliano's actions, which were caught on video by Britain's Sun newspaper.

"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today," she said in a statement to the Asoociated Press. "In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way." She said, "I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."

While James Franco stood around with that "Uh, yeah" grin on his face during the Oscars, Anne Hathaway was not only dashing backstage to change her outfits, she was also changing her makeup, constantly. Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee created a total of nine (!) looks for Hathaway on Sunday night, beginning with red carpet makeup, and ending with the after parties.

In her own words, here's how she did it, just in case you thought about trying this at home:

Red Carpet: Valentino Couture Archive Dress
Makeup Look: Thin black line with a defined socket and a deep rose lip stain
Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup in Limpide (used throughout show)
Concelear: Kanebo Brush Type Concealer in CB 1 Light (used throughout show)
Powder: Cle de Peau Loose Translucent powder (used throughout show)
Cheek: Chanel Powder Blush in Fandango (used throughout the show). To define cheek bones - Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium
Eyes: Black line created with Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Liner in Black Ink, socket defined with Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Truth
Brow: Lightened eyebrows with Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette and filled gaps in with Anastasia long wearing brow tint in Universal Dark
Lips: Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rivoli - applied then powdered to appear matte. In between changes I use By Terry Rose Salve to remove lip colors and keep lips fresh.

Keep reading to learn how to create the other eight looks

Thanks for chatting about the Oscars avec moi. We dished about favorite red carpet looks of the past (love and love) and present.

Read the transcript:

It's Friday, it's raining, it's cold, and cocktail hour couldn't come soon enough. To make my afternoon glide by a little smoother, I'm daydreaming about summer. I'll blame artist Wayne Pate for this lack of productivity, because he sent me an e-mail with a photo of his latest canvas bag, which is based on this charming print.

And here's the bag. Perfect for totting around a bottle of Coppertone and the latest issue of GQ.

Also to blame for this afternoon's daydreaming is Debi Greenberg of Louis. She sent me pics of these bathing suits, which are perfect for the dog loving beach bum (do they come in cat? Please?).

Now to make the faux Friday at the beach complete, a little entertainment from Mr. Bobby Vee.

And speaking of fashion... hello Mama Cass!

To mark the five year anniversary of its designer collaboration program, Target is bringing back 34 dresses from some of the world's top designers who have created mass market frocks for the chain. Which means you can get pieces from Thakoon, Proenza Schouler, Zac Posen, Rodarte, and Alice Temperly for $24.99 to $44.99. Not to sound like a used car salesman in a late night TV ad, but that's a fraction of what you normally pay for those designers. The limited edition dresses from the GO International Collective return to stores on March 13 (mark those calendars), and will be in stock through April 10, that is if they last that long.
(Thakoon for Target is pictured above)

photo: Carol Rosegg for New York City Opera 2007.

The Boston Lyric Opera brings in Liz Perlman of Somerville's Costume Works for a discussion on the elegant costumes of its upcoming show "Agrippina." Perlman will preview the show's over-the-top creations by Tony Award-winning costumer designer Jess Goldstein and discuss their path from shop to stage.The talk is from 7 to 8 in the Rabb Lecture Hall of the Boston Public Library and it's free.

The closest that most of us get to those stunning, sparkling red carpet Oscar gowns is the flatscreen HDTV in our living rooms. But that also means enduring Ryan Seacrest's celebrity banter (groan). This week, the Museum of Fine Arts gives patrons an opportunity to see four classic Oscar dresses in person, with no Seacrest banter (score!). The museum is displaying the Oscar garb of Barbra Steisand, Cate Blanchett, and Kate Capshaw. Steisand's tulle, sequined-covered bell bottom pantsuit, designed by Arnold Scaasi, is perhaps the most notorious of the bunch. As Steisand was collecting her statue for "Funny Girl" it appeared that she was nude under the sheer suit. In an interview with the Boston Globe two years ago, Scaasi explained that the pant suit was fully lined, and Steisand was not showing her exhibitionist nature that night, but the bright lights gave the appearance of skin. Also on display is Streisand's less flashy, pink, empire waisted 1970 Scaasi Oscar dress. You can also see Blanchett's 1999 sexy, elegant knit hummingbird dress by John Galliano, and Capshaw's 1993 daring, skin-tight black Herve Leger bandage dress. It's a rare opportunity to examine the craftsmanship that goes into these dresses at close proximity. You can find Capshaw and Blanchett's dresses at the Museum's Fenway entrance; the Streisand dresses are on display in the Arnold Scaasi exhibition.

If you stage your show in the ballroom of the gilded and opulent Plaza Hotel, you'd better have the glamour to back it up. Enter Thakoon, another budding designer who has been helped in equal parts by Michelle Obama and Anna Wintour. The highlight of his Sunday evening show was a puffy down coat reimagined into something that Marie Antoinette would have worn if snowboarding and layered eyeshadow was popular in 18th century France. It's part of a trend that was seen across New York runways all weekend -- fashion combined with function, something that can be hard to come by during Fashion Week. His love of plaid -- another emerging trend for next winter -- was used in everything wool sleeveless dresses to elaborate jackets. Thakoon was also able to bring his look indoors, with chic cigarette pants and a classic little black taffeta dress with a plunging back. Not ideal for a chilly day, except when paired with the Marie Antoinette ski jacket.

Victoria Beckham, pregnant with her fourth child and juggling a small group of the country's biggest fashion editors, demonstrated that she has not lost her sense of humor, despite the pressure. "I have a microphone, but you're all safe, I'm not going to sing," she said in the posh (pun intended) upper east side apartment where she showed the collection. Impeccably tailored dresses that married the minimalism of the 1990s with slight Art Deco details -- including head pieces that put the emphasis squarely on the draped, wrapped, and pleated dresses in shades of vermillion, saffron, and sand. It was one of the most civilized shows of the week, complete with tea service, a crackling fire, and a somber soundtrack that included Dionne Warwick's theme from "The Valley of the Dolls." She also proudly sent her 100th dress down the runway, proving that her staying power and talent as a designer far outweighs her talent as a singer.

Style icon Miss Piggy and Marc Jacobs, from British Vogue

This is the most exciting news we've reported since the introduction of the Snuggie Suit! (Hence all the exclamation points). Plot lines are leaking for next year's "The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time!!!," and British Vogue is reporting that Miss Piggy will play an editor at French Vogue in the film. 2012 cannot come soon enough. Here's what the magazine's Web site is reporting:

"The film, set for release in February 2012, sees the world's biggest Muppet fan and his friends (played by Jason Segel and Amy Adams), try to save the Muppet Theatre by encouraging the Muppets to reform.

Whilst Miss Piggy has been hard at work in the fashion world, Fozzie has formed a casino tribute band called the Moopets, Animal has been admitted to a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management and Gonzo has become a high-powered plumbing magnate.

It's set to be one of the most fashionable films of 2012, since we're sure Miss Piggy let loose in the Vogue sample cupboard will be a sight to behold."

Last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, our lady of the meat dress helped to introduce the world to North Shore native Sally LaPointe. Lady Gaga wore a dress from LaPointe's spring/summer 2011 collection as she introduced a camera for Polaroid. I sat in the audience for Lapointe's fashion show, and also interviewed LaPointe for a story in September. I can say that I'm not surprised that Gaga gravitated toward the one-time Marblehead resident's cutting edge designs. LaPointe now lives in New York.

... Or, as I prefer to call it: When stylists go mad!

Let's look at Jesse a couple of years ago, when he was the sweet little muppet who played the everymensch in films such as "Zombieland" and "Adventureland."
He looked like a sweet boy who you could bring home on a Friday night to light candles on the Sabbath. The kind of guy who would volunteer to do the dishes — even the brisket pan — before you had to ask.

But since the success of "The Social Network," Eisenberg has turned into the slick creature you see below. He now looks like the kind of guy who talks loudly into his Bluetooth headset as he walks at a rapid clip through Hugo Boss. Worse yet, it looks like he's paying retail at Hugo Boss! What on earth is next? A bad romantic comedy? More flat ironing and too much curl relaxer? We want nerdy Jesse back. On a positive note, at least we can now tell the difference between Michael Cera and Jesse Eisenberg.

Rock's favorite style chameleon turns [gasp] 64 today, which gives me an excuse to post this très 1980s Rolling Stone cover, plus, an excerpt from his amazing 1969 short film "Love You Till Tuesday." As you can see, even at a young age, Bowie was already developing an incredibly chic sense of style. Where can we find that suit?

What does it say about me that I'm super excited for this month's issue of Teen Vogue (or that I'm using the phrase 'super excited')? First, teen blogging sensation Tavi is featured in conversation with Gwen Stefani. Like all fashion writers, I'm inexplicably drawn to Tavi's hip awkwardness. To top it off, Heather Morris of 'Glee' chat talks about fitness tips. True, I'd rather hear about Matthew Morrison's abs, but Morris has developed into one of my favorite 'Glee' airheads. Here's a behind the scenes look:

I've sat through enough William Rast runway shows in New York to have mixed feelings about the line. The clothes are hit and miss, but at least the after parties are always incredibly fun. The line was started by Justin Timberlake and his friend Trace Ayala (Timberlake doesn't design the clothes, but he certainly looks good in them, wink, nudge). But I have to say that I mostly like the William Rast collection for Target, primarily because I can understand paying $50 for the jeans and jackets rather than $300. Most of the looks are easy to wear, and seem to fit well, although I haven't seen the clothes in person yet to see what the quality is like. Readers, what do you think?

She's been holding back on us lately. She's been looking like a demure lady rather than the Cher that we know and love. But this week at the premiere of 'Burlesque" in the UK, Cher -- our Cher -- was back. She arrived like a vision dropped from heaven wearing something out of the sale bin of Frederick's of Hollywood with a wig from the Zsa Zsa Gabor Collection. Hearts were racing, and drag queens are finally feeling inspired again. And now it's time for some vintage Cher in her Bob Mackie finest. Turn up your computer speakers and show the diva some respect. She showed up at a film premiere in her unmentionables strictly for your pleasure.

Happy weekend, 'philers. Let's kick off 48+ hours of shopping, brunching, and partying like rock stars — or whatever you have planned — with a laugh, shall we?

Feast your eyes on this, er . . . feast is probably the wrong word. Watch at your own risk:

Yes, ladies and gents, it's Conan O'Brien in jeggings. He donned them on his show last night after professing his love for the skintight pants to Wednesday night's guest Tim Gunn.

I fully endorse Team Coco — but there's no way I can ever endorse these washed out, strategically faded leggings on anyone at anytime. Have a fashion crime-free weekend, all.

According to Wikipedia, Miley Cyrus turns 18 tomorrow. Happiest of birthdays, poptart. And here's another reason to celebrate: Miley's (relatively) age-appropriate Marchesa dress and fresh make-up on the American Music Awards red carpet:

The colors are great and her hair is pretty and . . . whoa! What is that?

[Photos by Jason Merritt / Getty Images for DCP]

A giant bow belching a giant train. Did M.C. step on a roll of toilet paper in the women's room? The fabric puddled and pooled all over the red carpet — there are several photos of an assistant (?) adjusting the strands, presumably preventing falls and snags.

Overall, though, this pleases me. I can't fault her for trying something a little different. It could be worse — she could be wearing stick-on gem eyebrows, like our dear friend Ke$ha. I'll take a train over hideous facial jewelry any day, thanks.

(Disclaimer: This vitriol may stem from the fact that I'm getting increasingly bitter about typing a dollar sign into Ke$ha's name.)

At first, I wasn't sure about Anne Hathaway's ensemble at the New York screening of her new flick "Love & Other Drugs":

White? Lacy fringe? Oversize bow at the neck? But the more I look at it, the more I like it. The mini-dress has an ingenue, 1960s vibe, and it looks fun, light, mod. Didn't Twiggy or the Supremes just wear this? Of course, it helps that her chestnut mane is almost unnaturally shiny and that she spent most of the night on a tan Jake Gyllenhaal's arm. And, love the clutch:

[Photos by Henry S. Dziekan III / Getty Images]

Say hello to the trousers that let you finish that last bit of turkey and all of pumpkin pie (extra Cool Whip, please). The Gluttony pant features extra buttons that give your waist room to grow, progressing from piglet, to sow, to boar. Now there's no need to worry about taking a second drumstick because you're wearing expandable slacks. The pants were designed by chef Chris Cosentino for San Francisco-based clothier Betabrand. You can pick them up for $100.

UPDATE! The Newbury Street H&M will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 for the Lanvin launch.
Saturday is the big day, kids. The Lanvin collection for H&M goes on sale at the Newbury Street store, and you can bet that it will go fast. Based on experience, people dash and grab once the doors open. There is generally little left after the first day. The exception, of course, was when the store sold a Madonna-designed collection of track suits, which stayed around for months. Not even my mom was interested in the Madonna track suits.
The most expensive women's pieces in the Lanvin collection sell for $249 (although most dresses in the collection are selling for about $100). There are also men's looks. The most expensive is a tuxedo selling for $299, which is still a bargain when you think about how much a decent tuxedo generally sets you back. So, will you be crawling out of bed early on Saturday morning to get your hands on these high-end, mass market threads? Click for a couple more ensembles.

This was simply too good to ignore. At Wednesday night's Country Music Awards, the red carpet was filled with luminaries such as Nicole Kidman and Carrie Underwood, but the most stylish granny on the carpet was the stunning Lynn Anderson and her 63-year-old decolletage. Those young'uns had nothing on Anderson, who is best known for her 1971 hit "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden." It's sad that today's country music stars are more fond of Valentino than gingham, but Anderson showed them all how it's done in a dress that was part cougar-on-the-prowl, part rhinestone cowgirl. But Anderson has been a country fashion icon for decades. Let's time travel back 40 years to check out Miss Anderson in action. Country stars of today, it's time to revive full hair and canary yellow maxi dresses with feather accents. Please?

Calling all localvores: On weekends through the end of December, the store formerly known as LouisBoston will welcome a changing array of local artists, designers, and bakeries to Fan Pier. This weekend's Louis Exposure event features witty yoga mats from Plank, bread from Pain D'Avignon, whoopie pies and other baked goods from Chococoa, and more.

(And, if you're scratching your head over what to buy for the fashionable males in your life, Rogues Gallery will be at Louis next weekend, Nov. 20-21. Get on that.)

Read on for the full lineups . . .

Budding local designer Sam Mendoza is at the Boston Center for Adult Education on Wednesday evening, Nov. 10, teaching a class called "Inside the Design Studio: Three Hours with Sam Mendoza." Geez, we can still remember the days when Mendoza was just a student at Boston University. Now he's teaching. They grow up so fast.

Here's a quick description of the class from the BCAE:
"The design and creation of Sam’s fall collection from individual pieces to the presentation and performance of that collection during September’s Boston Fashion Week will be presented through images, video, and discussion. Sam will give insider tips on the process of working with different points of contact within the fashion industry including stylists, photographers, press, and clients themselves. Finally, there will be a conversation on current trends, topics, and hot-spots of all things fashion-related in the city of Boston."

The cost for the class is $35. A bargain for an evening with the chatty designer. You can sign up at the BCAE web site.

The teaser for tonight's "Project Runway" finale promises drama, pain, and a very stubborn Michael Kors. But can anything match last week's river of tears from auf'd contestant and perpetual sad puppy dog Michael Costello? Perhaps he can find a new career as a Kleenex spokesman. The odds-on favorite to win tonight is the humble, likable, and occasionally moody Mondo Guerra. He also seems capable of being the first PR winner in several seasons that anyone will be capable of remembering after the finale (where have you gone Irina Shabayeva and Seth Aaron Henderson?).
One-time season 8 villainess Gretchen Jones and her earth mother fashion shtick seems like an unlike choice to take the title. I think Andy South's designs are a bit too out-of-this-planet for the judges to fall for. So that leaves Guerra, And if this previous winning design is any indication, he should have no problem convincing the judges.
Ok, kids, who's is your favorite? Who do you think will win "Runway" tonight?

In case you need reminding, Christmas is exactly two months from today (insert shocked gasp here). Which means it's time to start thinking about a gift for the crazy cat lover on your list who is also a fan of fashion. And who doesn't have someone like that on their list? Well, United Bamboo makes it easy to shop for this hypothetical individual with its annual high fashion cat calendar -- or, as we like to call it -- cats looking very uncomfortable and angry while wearing tiny human clothes. This collection of feline cuteness will set you back $50, but who doesn't love cats in couture? Except for the poor cats, of course. Pre-order now. The calendars will ship out on Nov. 15.

Please sit back, take a break from your humdrum Monday, and enjoy this perfect fusion of 1969 fashion and soul. Here's a young Thelma Houston, a full eight years before the disco success of "Don't Leave Me This Way," reworking the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" into a simmering stew of soulful sexiness. If you're feeling a tad glum this Monday, these backup dancers should have you smiling. If this video does not prompt you tap your foot and grin with delight, it's probably time to pay attention to those anti-depressant advertisements on television. This track is available on Ms. Houston's greatest hits album (as if you didn't already know that).

When you're in a foreign country, it's usually best not to dress too loudly, unless you're Lady Gaga. She ignored the rule of travel fashion over the weekend by walking about the city looking like a 19th century bustle-wearing hula dancer who was dipped in bleach and then caught under a lawnmower. But the Chanel purse is sweet. On the bright side, at least she's not toting around that ridiculous teacup on this trip.

Because I know readers of Stylephile are all planning to attend the Head of the Charles -- or at the very least will be dragged there by their significant others, here's a fun booth to check out. Tretorn, the local (by way of Sweden) shoe company will have a pop-up shop at the HOTC. The company tells me that outside of NYC, this will be the company's only other store, at least for the weekend.

In the new issue of Harper's Bazaar, pop tornado Amy Winehouse talks about her happy, cleaned up new life. She also talks about her new fashion line. Holy dirty ballet slippers, did we miss something here? No one appreciates Winehouse's retro sensibilities more than Stylephile. But Winehouse is a bit, how do we say this politely, unkempt. Perhaps a bit more polish and a few more days of sobriety will convince us that she's ready to enter the realm of Diane von Furstenberg. To be fair, she is collaborating with Fred Perry, so there will be some supervison. And it looks like Winehouse has already become a style icon, at least to this moppet. Let's hope the beehive is the only Winehouse-ism she's imitating. Don't try this at home, kids!

Ever wish you could go on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe? Us, too. The Fashion Week Sip & Swap fete at the Center for Arts at the Armory — sponsored by the Swapaholics — is perhaps the next best thing: Drop off a sack of clothing, accessories, and jewelry between 5 and 7:45 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 30) and then grab a bag of pieces from other fashionistas as you sip wine and take in a runway shop featuring outfits created on-site from the swap clothes. Don't you look frugal! (There's an official after party at Highland Kitchen, too.)

[Flier designed by Jenloveskev]

The 18+ event kicks off at 5 p.m. and the swap starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 or $10 in advance. More info.

Photos by Jessica Weiser

They're the fresh faces of Boston Fashion Week. On Sunday afternoon, I watched five recent graduates of Boston-area fashion programs show their collections as part of a runway presentation at the Boston Center for Adult Education. I was particularly impressed by the designs of Samira Vargas, a recent graduate of MassArt who showed an inventive collection of tough-yet-femine dresses and separates rendered in materials from leather to silk that were part warrior, part high couture. You can see her full collection here, along with the collections of the other designers who were hand picked by local fashion experts to participate in Sunday's show.

Photos by Patrick Faloon

Day two of Boston Fashion Week, and the city's stylish denizens were already complaining of fatigue. But among the shows and parties, there have been standout moments, such as Sunday's The Launch, a showcase of up-and-coming designers.

Also having a moment on Sunday was Boston designer Sam Mendoza. During his Sunday night show at Mohr and McPherson, the young designer showed a new fondness for polished gowns, and his goth Greek goddesses lounged about during the presentation as if they were having a prohibition-era party at the Acropolis. Gone were Mendoza's exposed zippers and frayed hems. In their place: Finished dresses that were more appropriate for the red carpet than the clubs. Amid the polish, Mendoza's edge was still evident.

Continue for more photos

It's day one of a very full week of parties -- and even a few fashion shows. We'll be out making the rounds at Boston Fashion Week and reporting back on what we see -- aside from a lot of tipsy fashionistas -- right here on Stylephile. But let's start on a cultural note, shall we? Everyday during BFW, the Boston Ballet will be feature one of its dancers in a favorite outfit. Today, the honor belongs to principal dancer Lia Cirio.

This is what she has to say about her ensemble: "Today I'm wearing . . . Skirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs fall ready to wear. Shirt: Free People. Shoes: Kimchi Blue from Urban Outfitters. Sterling silver cuff: Uno de 50 bought in Madrid during Spain Tour. Purse: From a vintage shop in LA bought while on tour with Trey McIntyre Project. Pearls: Given to me by my parents when I was little :). Typewriter Key Necklace: Gift from my boyfriend (with my favorite number on it.) Old school telephone earrings: From a flea market in Madrid. Permanent accessory: Elephant tattoo."

Oh, look! The new "American Idol" judges! Presenting Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez:

There's Tyler, the consummate rock star, in a silver scarf-necklace and velvet blazer. And, Jenny from the Block's hair is so deliciously shiny and wavy. And a bejeweled, deep V-neck top and giant hoop earrings? I wouldn't expect anything less from Ms. P. Diddy Ms. Ben Affleck Mrs. Marc Anthony.

All is well with the world . . . wait . . . for the love of "Gigli," what is that?

[Mario Anzuoni / Reuters]

Thank you, J.Lo, for this very public service announcement. America: Just say no to pleated pantsuits. Just say no to pantsuits. Seriously. Everyone in this photo is doing something — anything — to awkwardly avert his eyes from the bunchy, wrinkled mess that is La Lopez's lower half.

A little dress'll do ya, Jennifer. Please and thank you.

When you stumble out of bed and drag yourself to your first fashion show of the day at New York Fashion Week, this is not a sight you want to encounter. But Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley decided to show off his gams this morning at the Carolina Herrera show. There were cries of "Guuuurrrl! Cover that situation" and "Oh no he didn't!" in the crowd (mostly from me). The temperature at the time of the show? 66 degrees. Oh, Andre, leave the Daisy Dukes at home please!

Words cannot describe how much I love this photo:

[Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Conde Nast]

It's Anna Wintour, "Gossip Girl" Blake Lively in a graphic, beaded, and appropriate dress (T-4 days until the season premiere: ooh-la-la!), and tennis ace Roger Federer at Fashion's Night Out.

The always-stylish Chris Muther will be beside the runways to bring you all the action and trends — stay tuned.

My inbox is flooded with invites for all the great events taking place in New York City for Fashion's Night Out, the global shopping night that takes place on Sept. 10. Anna Wintour will sign T-shirts, the Olsen twins will judge karaoke, etc, etc... But what about Boston?
There are just a few things happening in here. Neiman Marcus in Natick hosts a party from 6 to 9 with stylists, beer tastings, and trend presentations. Saks Fifth Avenue at the Prudential is going rock and roll with live music, a denim fashion show, and a 15 percent off shopping pass for the night. There are a smattering of other events that you can read about here. But it would certainly be nice to see more stores have fun with the night next year. Boston is not New York, but we have plenty of stylish and creative folks who could easily pull together some creative events.

A stately British doctor taps a couple on the shoulder this morning at the Museum of Fine Arts. The couple is strolling the exhibition "Avedon Fashion, 1944 - 2000" examining one of fashion photographer Richard Avedon's most iconic 1957 portraits of model Suzy Parker rolling skating in a Dior coat with a handsome male model, Robin Tattersall, at her side.
The doctor points to the name on the wall by the photograph. "I'm Robin Tattersall," he tells the gobsmacked couple. This 80-year-old surgeon, who splits his time between Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Essex, Mass., was at the MFA on Friday visiting the Avedon exhibition and pointing himself out in many of the famous fashion photographs. Tattersall had no ambitions to become a male model in the 1950s. But when he needed to make money to put himself through medical school, he started making the rounds at Paris agencies. He stopped by the offices of Harper's Bazaar, and later that day, Avedon was putting Tattersall in one of fashion's most influential portraits.

"Out came this young lad," Tattersall says of his first meeting with Avedon. "I thought he was an assistant. I thought he was a young lad because he looked like he was about 20, . He dragged out this long-legged, red-headed beauty. He said 'This is Suzy Parker, take her in your arms.'"
The only drawback to the shoot was that Tattersall was required to roller skate with Parker, and he had no experience on skates. After clumsily falling down several times, Avedon sent Tattersall off on the streets of Paris to learn, where children made fun of him for falling. He came back, no better on skates, so the picture was taken as a still, with cables pulling at the couple's clothes to create the illusion of wind and motion.

Chris was all over the Emmys red carpet looks last night. I thought Jane Lynch, Tina Fey, and — gasp! — Kim Kardashian all looked smashing, but also wanted to mention Jenna Fischer. Apparently, the "Office" star showed off her wedding bling at the ceremony, but I can't stop thinking about her hair — so wavy, so pretty. And, how about the hot orange-red Versace number? The Tetris-like pailettes are fabulous and interesting (and remind me of the months I spent addicted to Game Boy, circa seventh grade):

Loverly. Jenna, if you need someone to take this gown off your hands, you know my number.

Last year, Tina Fey showed up to the Emmys wearing something that looked like it was better suited for an Italian grandmother. Based on that alone, I'm giving my most improved Emmy fashion award to Fey, who looked fantastic in her fitted and embellished Oscar de la Renta gown.

Because nearly every cast member of "Glee," including those who have never had a word of dialogue, were at the Emmys tonight, I'm not going to compare and contrast all the "Glee" gals. But I thought Lea Michele (left) and Dianna Agron were a good place to start. Lea Michele's Oscar de la Renta gown is intricate and lovely, but the overall effort just looks like Michele is trying too hard. Between the hair, the makeup, and the complicated structure of the dress, there's nothing playful or particularly fun about this ensemble. It's safe, and I'm sure Joan Rivers will like it, but I'm getting a needy "please look at me" vibe here.
Dianna Agron is quite lovely, no matter what she wears. But her Carolina Herrera gown is a bit too fairy princess for my tastes. Like Michele, she looks fine, but it's too much like playtime dress up, and not enough like adult dress up. It looks like Sue Sylvester has both of them beat.

Don't get me wrong. I love the design team of Marchesa. They can even dress up an orange counter top and send it down the red carpet. But in the case of "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum, "top American designer" Michael Kors would look at this outfit and say "She looks like an alien prostitute from Neptune who is doing the walk of shame." I don't entirely know what that means because a pretend Michael Kors said it, but what I'm saying is that Heidi Klum is wearing a cocktail dress to a formal awards show, and she looks out of place... Beautiful, but still out of place.

A dude can look mighty fine in black tie (yes, we're talking to you Stephen Moyer), but sometimes it's nice to see the gents experiment with color on the carpet. At tonight's Emmys, the always colorful creator of "Glee," Ryan Murphy, picked up his trophy in a satin blue tux that actually did not appear to have come from Goodwill. If anyone in the audience was thinking otherwise, all Murphy needed to do was show how well it matched his new award.
Last year's Emmy host, the always dapper Neil Patrick Harris, would look good in a burlap tux. But his gray tux with black lapels was a sharp look, and a nice contrast from his other male nominees.

Talk about a study in contrasts. "Mad Men" stars Elisabeth Moss and January Jones couldn't look more different at tonight's Emmy Awards. Moss is getting in touch with her inner Peggy Olson here. She's restrained, strong, and still very feminine and glamorous. We'll deduct a few points due to the fact that she pretty much wore the same color to the show last year, but otherwise, this is pitch perfect.
Jones, on the other hand, has gone both futuristic and relaxed. The dress could have easily been worn by a refined Lady Gaga. And I'm quite certain that Cameron Diaz has worn that hair style to the Oscars in the past (for the record, it looks better on Jones). What do you think, dear readers. Are you liking Peggy's refinement, or Betty's crazy moment?

I know that this will some day come back to haunt me and wind up on my permanent record, but I'm going to go out on a sartorial limb and say that Kim Kardashian actually looks good in her Marchesa gown. Yes, the woman is as orange as a 1970s Formica counter top, but at least her supernatural glow contrasts nicely with the gown.

If anyone can pull off Alexander McQueen on the red carpet it's... Anna Paquin? OK, I admit I've been in a car since 11 this morning driving back to Boston from Montreal and my eyes are completely blood shot from being stuck in a two hour traffic jam, but still, I kind of like this craziness. It doesn't hurt that I love "True Blood" and Paquin. I also love the combination of her delicate features and this imaginative dress.

"Mad Men" bombshell Christina Hendrinks seems to have a difficult time with the red carpet. She's trying something more sexy and retro tonight (kudos), but the color -- and the feathers -- seem just slightly off. Is she auditioning for a Mae West biopic in this outfit? Am I just spoiled by seeing her dressed as Joan Harris every week? Readers, what do you think?

I'd say love is Jane Lynch in a one-shoulder, aubergine Ali Rahimi gown on the red carpet. Perhaps you were hoping for a sequined track suit? I secretly was. But the Glee star looks stunning in this ensemble.

Get thee and thy baby bump to Isis Maternity in Boston tomorrow night, where Amy Tara Koch will be discussing and signing her new book: "Bump It Up: Transforming your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement."

In the book, Koch offers tips about dressing and accessorizing and keeping your fashion identity while pregnant, alongside advice from style heavyweights like Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, and Nicole Miller. Learn how to "mask your mound" until 12 weeks and how wearing kitten heels, boots, or wedges can help elongate your frame — Koch will demo some of her tips tomorrow night, so take notes.

Here's what Kate Spade had to say about "Bump It Up": “Why, oh, why wasn’t Bump It Up around when I was pregnant? It is zippy, humorous, and filled with practical tips that any woman can relate to. It is the ultimate preggo style bible!” Well, then.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and it's open to the public. Registration required.

The annual Filene's Basement Running of the Brides takes place this Friday at 8 a.m. at the Hynes Convention Center. You savvy ladies who have managed to put a ring on it know that you need to be up much earlier to get the Vera Wang of your dreams. Top physical conditioning is also import in making sure you get the perfect taffeta gown. That's why Boston Sports Club is hosting a special class to help brides-to-be get ready for the strenuous event.
On Wed., Aug. 18. Boston Sports Club at 505 Boylston Street brings out instructors to offer a special 50-minute strength, conditioning and flexibility training class for brides-to-be in search of the perfect wedding dress while "helping them burn calories and help combat the stress of the upcoming nuptials." This special class starts at 1:15 p.m. and is free, meaning you don't need to be a member of Boston Sports Club to take part.

An email from Urban Outfitters was enough to shock me out of a little summer Stylephile hiatus. (Like my cohort Chris, I am prepared to grovel at your well-heeled feet for forgiveness. We're back and ready to blog.)

The subject line of said email: "Inspired by: The 90's." Why, god, why?

I was banking on a few more blissful babydoll dress-free years before "Reality Bites" became en vogue. I am not ready for an onslaught of belly shirts, frumpy blouses, shapeless sweaters, and baggy jeans. For the love of Jordan Catalano, make it stop!

File under: Too much, too soon.

Spotted: S trouncing around ComicCon like a one-woman peepshow. Seriously, her, um, assets are about two seconds from fleeing this whole low-cut, belted, harem pants mess:

Blake Lively is gorgeous and blessed with a knock-out figure. She doesn't need to flaunt it quite so much or show all that skin. And the bunchy, baggy pants actually shorten her mile-long gams. Who is dressing her? Nothing is working here, except maybe the shoes. Keep the shoes; lose the casual fembot ensemble.

Thanks and xoxo, C

I've been obsessed with Carrera sunglasses ever since I found out Yoko Ono is a fan. Hello, new vintage eyewear collection on Boston-based streetwear shop Karmaloop.com. Bye, grocery money.

The refurbished shades cost between $120 and $350 (a nifty pair of foldable gold and silver Porsche glasses carries the highest price tag). Karmaloop has the coveted Carreras and other sought-after brands including Gucci, Dior, Playboy, and Cazal.

A few favorites for shady ladies (and lads):

[Carrera 5416, $200]

[Dior Sunglasses, $200]

[Paloma Picasso 3728 Sunglasses, $225]

[Ultra Sudan 2 Sunglasses, $120]

If you're feeling the urge to pop your collar in the breeze and slip on your Topsiders for a walk around the city this evening, head in the direction of the W Boston. Boldfacers is hosting a preppy pop-up today from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be clothes from Vineyard Vines, E.A. Davis, and Ame and Lulu lead the preppy pack. And, brace yourselves, there will also be pink and green cocktails. Your serve, Buffy.

Minneapolis-based accessory designer Laura Nelli taught herself how to sew in 2004. She's come a long way from fiddling with a used sewing machines — her ribbon and silk charmeuse Midnight Cherub clutch ($95) was recently featured in Oprah magazine:

Her pieces are feminine and a bit edgy at the same time. The textured Perfectly Petersham clutch ($190) is perfect for the fashion-forward bride (in cream) or her attendants (perhaps in magenta or chartreuse):

It's made entirely of Petersham ribbon and was also a finalist in the 2008 Independent Handbag Designer Awards.

(I clearly have weddings on the brain — wedding season is in full swing, after all. Two down this summer, two to go.)

When Chantal Biya, first lady of Cameroon, visits your country, most first ladies know to find a closet, an empty storage locker, or to locate a space under a bed to hide, because there is no competing with her glamour and personal style. You can't blame former super model, international pop star, and first lady of France Carla Bruni Sarkozy for trying to steal the spotlight away from Biya. But try as she might, there's no competing with the coiffure that put Cameroon on the map. Bruni, we suggest that instead of getting in Chantal's shot, you pick up your guitar and pen another song like this, but dedicated to Chantal's red pant suit with matching earrings and lipstick (it's all in the color coordinating, girl).

What in the name of Wendy Pepper is going on here? "Project Runway" producers came to Boston in April scouring for fresh design talent for season eight of the show (which premieres July 29). Today, the 17 (!) contestants were announced, and how many are from Boston? Exactly zero. While other reality shows can't get enough of us, "Project Runway" seems to be ignoring us.

Season eight contestants are:
A.J. Thouvenot, 26 - Hometown: St. Louis, MO; Resides in St. Charles, MO
Andy South, 23 - Hometown: Waipahu, HI; Resides in Honolulu, HI
April Johnston, 21 - Hometown: Mooresville, NC; Resides in Savannah, GA
Casanova, 33 - Hometown: Fajardo, Puerto Rico; Resides in Astoria, NY
Christopher Collins, 30 - Hometown: Encinitas, CA; Resides in San Francisco, CA
Gretchen Jones, 28 - Hometown: Fairplay, CO; Resides in Portland, OR
Ivy Higa, 30 - Hometown: Seoul, South Korea/Kaihula-Kona, HI; Resides in New York, NY
Jason Troisi, 33 - Hometown: Greenwich, CT; Resides in Greenwich, CT
Kristin Haskins-Simms, 38 - Hometown: Philadelphia, PA; Resides in Philadelphia, PA
McKell Maddox, 29 - Hometown: Brigham City, UT; Resides in Layton, UT
Michael Costello, 27 - Hometown: Los Angeles, CA; Resides in Palm Desert, CA
Michael Drummond, 31 - Hometown: St. Louis, MO; Resides in St. Louis, MO
Mondo Guerra, 32 - Hometown: Denver, CO; Resides in Denver, CO
Nicolas D'Aurizio, 31 - Hometown: Hackensack, NJ; Resides in New York, NY
Peach Carr, 50 - Hometown: Winfield, IL; Resides in Lake Forest, IL
Sarah Trost, 27 - Hometown: Frazier Park, CA; Resides in Toluca Lake, CA
Valerie Mayen, 28 - Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX; Resides in Cleveland, OH

In other PR news, Selma Blair will be the guest judge for the first episode of the season.

Unless you've exceeded your credit card limit or have been summering in a cave in Athol, you know that nearly every clothing store in Boston is marking down merchandise this month to rid shelves of summer goods. Some of the sales happening now include the Tannery:

At the men's store Uniform, spring and summer merchandise is now 25 percent off.
On Friday, Nordstrom launches its anniversary sale. But unlike most sales this time of year, Nordstrom is putting its fall merchadise on sale through August 2. After two weeks, brands such as Elie Tahari, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, and True Religion are marked back up to full price.

I am always drawn to anchors. Was I a swashbuckler in a past life? Or, perhaps my subconscious is pushing me to the open waters? [Insert alternative theory involving the sea as a metaphor for freedom and adventure here.]

Anchors are a little preppy, a little macho, and plenty summery. Check out some of my favorite seaworthy finds from an interwebs cruise. Ahoy, mateys!

Can you hear the sea in these?

[Earrings from meydalle, $29]

Get your sea legs:

[Sailing-the-Street wedges from Anthropologie, $59.95 on sale]

For the modern day mermaid:

[Tara Matthews bikini from Net-a-Porter, $350]

Perfect for the sea breeze:

[Illustrated People raglan from TopShop, $42 on sale]

Never thought these words would pass my glossy lips: I want Kelis' dress.

Yes, it's true. The poptart and usual captain of the Crazy Fashion Train — think spandex, lace, and synthetics — has been promoted to first mate of the S.S. Classy:

Kelis is a tall glass of milkshake in this well-tailored sailor frock, funky pink heels, and white cuff watch at the O2 Silver Clef Awards in London. (I don't love the necklace — it's too Wilma Flinstone for my tastes. You can't win 'em all, I guess.)

Well played, K. We're eagerly awaiting your next style move.

Don Draper's wardrobe will get darker, Peggie Olsen will "come into her own" with fashion, and Betty Draper will turn to Jackie O-style suits. Yes, we cannot wait for season four of 'Mad Men" to begin later this month, and here's a preview of the Cold War wardrobe in a video with the show's costume designer, Janie Bryant. What got us truly excited is when Bryant teases that we'll see a mod lifestyle and hints of youth culture. Plus, how can you not feel a tingle getting a look at Joan's slip ?

If you were not watching Liza Minnelli on HSN last night, you missed television's most intoxicating evening of entertainment. As you can see by this highlights clip (it's NSFW, unless you're allowed to laugh loudly in your cubicle), Liza did not disappoint. Whether its talking about medical ailments or fashion, she can do it all. And, she can still wear sequins and demonstrate how to make a bracelet out of clay while laying in a hospital bed like nobody's business.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some velvet pants to order.

You read that correctly. When "Project Runway" returns to Lifetime on July 29, the show will be 90 minutes instead of an hour every week. Even die hard fans have been complaining that the fashion reality competition has lost a bit of its luster in recent seasons. Will they commit to an additional 30 minutes a week?

Madonna's Material Girl fashion line arrives at Macy's on Aug. 3, but you'll find that the face, voice, and inspiration for the line is Madge's 13-year-old daughter Lourdes -- who has taken to calling herself Lola (honestly, can pop stardom be far behind?) To help whip up appropriate frenzy for the line, Lourdes -- sorry -- Lola, blogs on the official website sounding every bit the 13-year-old she is. "Helluuur thurrrr, I’m Lola and this is my first blog entry so it’s kind of like ummmm…." In teenspeak, that means "Hello, I'm Loudres, and doing this until I can access my trust fund." Madonna isn't keen on letting Lola chat with reporters, but she doesn't mind for the Material offspring blogging about her love of the 1980s.

The collection, which will sell between $12 to $40, is inspired by Madonna's greatest looks (sadly, no 1990 cone bras or bustiers). As long as there is no sign of the dowdy track suits she designed for H&M a few years back, we'll be satisfied.

-- photo from WWD

Because no baby wants to be seen in plain white diaper this summer -- and Dora the Explorer diapers are so 2003 -- Pampers has teamed with fashion designer Cynthia Rowley to create diapers in madras, with ruffles, and in stripes. The diapers go on sale in mid-July at Target. No word yet if you'll be paying a premium for toddler style, but at least the look of the diaper will finally live up to the swanky Bugaboo stroller.

Wherefore art thou pants, Lady Gaga:

[Bill Kostroun / AP Photo]

The poptart watched the Yankees-Mets game from a luxury box Friday night looking like the morning after. I'm not surprised by anything Gaga does, really, but talk about a new sanitary low. What's next? Bottomless subway rides?

(Apparently, she waltzed past security into the clubhouse with her entourage after the Yankees' loss to the Mets, which ruffled some brass feathers — New York Post)

Vogue editor Anna Wintour will be throwing some serious stink eye in Tim Gunn's direction this fall at Fashion Week. The silver-haired "Project Runway" mentor is spilling the beans on Wintour and her Vogue clique in his forth-coming book "Gunn's Golden Rules," and the stories are... strange. He writes that he saw Anna engaged in a full-on Whitney Houston, "Bodyguard"-esque moment:

"I was with a colleague from Parsons, and we had been discussing the will-she-or-won't-she-take-the-elevator question, so we ran over to the elevator bay to see if Anna would deign to get on. She wasn't there. Then we looked over the stairway railing. And what did we see but Anna being carried down the stairs. The bodyguards had made a fireman's lock and were racing her from landing to landing. She was sitting on their crossed arms.. I ran to the window to see if they would put her down on the sidewalk or carry her to the car like that. They carried her to the car. And I thought: I will never forget this."

No word if Anna burst into a chorus of "I Will Always Love You" during this touching moment.

The beloved Gunn claims he once saw André Leon Talley in similarly odd situation:

"When we return to the green room, we see that someone has spread a translucent barber's bib over Andre and he's reclining, his arms at his sides. He's being fed grapes and cubes of cheese one by one, like a bird in a nest."

If Andre is hiring any grape and cheese boys, we're available for the position.

Apologies for the Right Said Fred-isms, but Perry Ellis is looking for hunky gents to model in its September runway show in Miami. You'll also get a chance to model in print. If you think you've got the goods -- or want to recommend some eye candy who might qualify -- then follow Perry Ellis on Facebook and submit your name, city, height, clothing size and four recent clear, color photos to promotions@pery.com. The photos should only include the contestant and cannot be larger than 2MB each. The photos should include two recent full body shots and two close-up shots.

Finalists will be announced on July 7th for friends and family to cast their votes on the Perry Ellis Facebook page.

In tomorrow's G, I tackle this sartorial query. Read what I have to say in the extended entry, and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments section.

Dear Christopher,

I desperately need your help. I am a 31-year-old married mother of three boys, and I am finally escaping for four days to go to Los Angeles with a group of my girlfriends. We have a long weekend full of sightseeing, beach-going, and bar hopping. What should I wear? I don't have a closet full of trendy clothes. I'm more on the preppy side, and do most of my shopping at the Loft or J Crew. Keep in mind that I gave birth to three boys, so my physique is not what it once was, but I run everyday. Am I going to stick out like a sore thumb in L.A.? Are there normal people out west? I can't afford to go crazy and buy a new wardrobe for this trip. Please suggest some key items to pack.

Melanie