HOUSE OF HARLOW

Available at Kitson's, Nicole Richie's jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, is inspired by her love of the 60's and 70's and named after her daughter with Good Charlotte's Joel Madden...it was also created in collaboration with jewelry giant, Mouawad.

In the vein, sorta', of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten and Dear by Amanda Bynes, Richie's line is surprisingly inexpensive. Prices range from $30 - $150.00. Shop the line here.

Pic: New York Post

THAKOON + TARGET

The rumors were true. . . Target has confirmed that wunder designer Thakoon Panichgul is indeed the next designer in their Go International series. Thakoon has been in the news a lot as of late. His dresses are favored by Michelle Obama and he is designing for Italian accessories giant Hogan.

"Target was very easy to work with. They wanted a lot of prints and I chose silhouettes that have done well in the past." - Thakoon to Women's Wear Daily.

This collaboration is especially exciting because Thakoon essentially replicates his runway looks for the Target collection. Compare the dresses here. Close, right? You'll find his signature prints and patterns throughout the Target collection. Thakoon for Target will be available beginning on Christmas day. Check out the press release and images!

Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts.

TECH CHIC: VIVIENNE TAM + HP

The perfect marriage of form and function! Vivienne Tam has partnered with Hewlett Packard to create the digital clutch, aka the HP Vivienne Tam Special Edition Notebook, which features Tam's signature peony design on the lid and the keypad.

The laptop comes with an an embroidered storage sleeve which protects the notebook as it is being carried as a clutch. The 10-inch notebook made it's debut at the Spring 2009 Vivienne Tam show. It's available at HP and starts at $699.99.  

POLITICS OF FASHION: MRS. OBAMA GOES TO WASHINGTON

Isaac Mizhrahi sketch for Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama.

Women's Wear Daily asked for sketches for the future First Lady's inaugural dress and fashion's designing elite answered. View a slideshow of each sketch here. I really like the dress above because it is classic, colorful and would be flattering on Michelle's figure. It's fancy enough to honor the solemnity of the occasion, but the bright color adds a bit of fun. The slide below includes some of the sketches submitted to WWD by the fashion designers (click on the slide for a large picture).  Which dress do you think is most appropriate?

Designers such as Isaac Mizrahi, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, Chado Ralph Rucci, Karl Largerfeld for Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Koi Suwannagate, Marc Jacobs, Christian Lacroix, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Tracy Reese, Rodarte, Rachel Roy, Peter Som, Elie Tahari, Tuleh, Kai Milla, Nicole Miller, Reem Acra, Zero + Maria Cornejo all submitted sketches. 

Surprisingly, a few of Michelle's favorite designers are missing from the list. . . there's nary a mention of Maria Pinto, Narcisso Rodriguez or Thakoon--designers whose frocks have been worn by Mrs. Obama on the campaign trail and to key victory speeches and white house visits. Interesting. Maybe these designers have submitted sketches directly to the First Lady in waiting.

I think these Bonnie Young dresses would go well with the Isaac Mizhrahi dress for Michelle Obama above.  Malia's dress looks a lot like this Giambattista Valli creation.

Not to be outdone, check out WWD's sketches for Malia and Sasha here. Meanwhile, the President-elect is rumored to be wearing a Hart Schaffner Marx tuxedo--an American made, Chicago based union shop.

Click on the label below for vintage Politics of Fashion posts.

OBJET D'ART: ROBERTO CAVALLI PAVE CLAW-SET RING

Roberto Cavalli's Pave Claw-Set Ring, $395 at vivre.com

Economical luxe. The black or crystal four-pronged goldtone pave ring is opulent enough to dramatize any holiday outfit and the price tag is low enough to make the ring a pretty inexpensive heirloom. Click on the label below for vintage Objet D'Art posts.

OOH LA LA!

Two of my favorite online discount shopping destinations are having serious holiday deals. For up to 70% and 80% off retail on brands such as Just Cavalli, Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Tahari and Zac Posen check out Gilt Groupe and Rue La La. Due to the exclusive nature of membership to these sites, not everyone can take advantage. However, StyleChile readers can enjoy VIP membership to both Gilt Groupe and Rue La La just in time for the holidays.

Gilt Groupe

- log on with www.gilt.com/stylechile

Gilt Groupe is having the following sales this week: Botkier and M Missoni on December 9, Jill Stuart RTW and Shoes and Bedat & Co. on December 10, Milly Marc Bouwer Glamit and Marco Bicego on December 12 and Ali & Ro on December 13.

Rue La La

- Go to www.ruelala.com; select "invited by a member"; enter "vip@ruelala.com" to bypass the waitlist and get in.

Rue La La is hosting the following boutiques, just in time for holiday shopping! Kooba and La Perla on December 9, Kate Spade on December 11, Ellen Tracy and Samsonite Black Label on December 12 and Via Spiga and Honora Pearls on December 15.

For comprehensive coverage of Gilt Groupe and Rue La La read my vintage post here. If you'd like your own invitation to these exclusive shopping sites, shoot me an e-mail at stylechil@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more on my guest blog on Gilt Groupe!

RARE BIRD!

While perusing The Sartorialist (if you're not already a fan, you must get on it) a couple of months ago, I stumbled across the pic below. Sart described the outfit as '80s flapper.

I loved everything, but the feather in the hair really appealed to me. I needed to find out who made it! My search was short lived . . . as I read the comments, I came across a note from the designer, Alita (below right).

So right after going to her site and scooping up a few of her feathered headbands for me and friends, I contacted her to ask a few questions for StyleChile.

Left: Green Guinea Black White Spot Headband Alice Band Shimmer $32.00; Right: Wide Green Rippling Sea Band, $44.00

When asked about her biggest fashion influences, Alita replied: "the biggest by far was Isabella Blow, who was a great patron and muse to the avant garde hatmaker Philip Treacy". Alita has been drawn to designing and jewelry-making ever since childhood. With respect to fashion, she's most proud of "being shot by the Sartorialist" (both her and her pieces!). I die. She's clearly on top of her fashion game. Of the Sart, she says: "He's one of the most finicky sensibilities in fashion right now...and you don't find him, he finds you."

Feathers are a key trend for this fall winter. Adding a feather to your ensemble is an easy and inexpensive way to add some flair. Check out Carolina Herrera's use of feather in her Fall 2008 show here, and Michelle Obama's feather pin.

Get your own Charm School Design original by visiting www.charmschooldesign.etsy.com. You can thank me later! Order for Christmas by December 11. Tell Alita I sent ya!

ATLANTIS THE PALM GRAND OPENING PARTY

...and I thought I had seen it all after walking by a ski slope in the middle of the mall tonight--in a country with 90+ degree heat in winter. Apparently, I am living in the twilight zone. That's how I've been feeling as of late...with the financial crisis that just keeps going and going, piracy on the high seas (really? is this 2008?), fighting in the Congo, the election of a Black president of the United States, and all of a sudden I'm living in the Middle East in an apartment which is equidistant from the biggest mall in the world and the tallest building in the world. Now this...

And in the latest twilight zone news: the most expensive launch party ever was held at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah in Dubai tonight, on a man made island no less...the party cost approximately $30M and featured fireworks that were seen from space... with only $2,000 guests, including Oprah. Some of the other guests are below. The Atlantis is made with 58,000 km of steel bars, which is more than 9 times the length of the Great Wall of China.

Left: Charlize Thereon, one of Hollywood's best dressed in my humble opinion...but I'm still trying to understand her shoes. Right: Mischa Barton wears a Grecian inspired one-shouldered dress.

Mary Kate sans Ashley

I am so confused by this all. On the one hand, my mantra is: "life is short, live it up" and all sorts of variations of "c'est la vie", but on the other hand, I feel very guilty--by association--I mean, I'm not doing anything ridiculous (except for a moment of weakness while "window shopping" online today, I cancelled the order within an hour!), but everyone around me is.

And just when I was starting to think the suggested attire was a long white dress...

Kylie Minogue was paid $4M to perform

Bollyood star Priyanka Chopra

And, so as much as I'm enjoying my time here --I'm not ungrateful, I'm having a great time living and working here--I'm a little disoriented. I really just don't know how to feel. I definitely feel a sense of shame after experiencing some of the things that I have in the past month. Anyway, this post is more personal than usual. Excuse the ranting.

Lindsay Lohan and Michael Jordan were there...

Want to live on the Palm Jumeirah? Take a peek at my pic of miniature replica homes on the man-made island.

Just for the record, had I been invited I would have gone to the Atlantis grand opening party tonight, and would have enjoyed it. But, I still think it's bizarre that in times like these folks can spend so much on something so trivial. What's wrong with having a $15M party?

POLITICS OF FASHION: FIRST LADY FASHION!

Aren't you happy with the election results?! I so look forward to seeing President Obama and his beautiful family in the White House! I'm also super excited to see the future First Lady's fashion choices. Just as Obama's presidency will be the panacea to President Bush's failed policies, Michelle Obama's fashion sense is a welcome change from the dreary styles of Mrs. Bush. Interesting times are ahead of us politically and sartorially.

Not since Jackie Kennedy are people so tuned in to the First Lady's dress. Her style is a modern day incarnation of the Lady of Camelot...down to the faux pearls! She's even being compared to the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni Sarkozy. I cannot wait to see what she wears to the inaugural ball! The internet is rife with speculation as to the inaugural dress. Check out these designs from former Project Runway contestants and check out Jezebel's suggestions here.

Wall Street Journal Comparison of Michelle O. and Jackie O nee Kennedy.

While I've enjoyed some of Cindy McCain's ensembles, I've often worried about her choice of sherbert colored fabric. Mrs. McCain's style is age appropriate, and so probably wouldn't have gone over so well on Michelle, but the colors?! Not to mention the price tag. We know that Michelle can afford pricier designer duds...she loves Thakoon and Maria Pinto and frequents Ikram, but like the rest of us, she wears J. Crew, Gap and H&M often. You don't need a lot of money to buy class and a fashion sense!

P.S. It looks like the Obama girls are already quite the little fashionistas! Read more about Sasha's influence here and Malia's status as a fashion icon here.

NYC SAMPLE SALES!!!

What: Vitamin A

Why: Sleek silhouettes and gorgeous shimmering colors.

When: Nov. 6&7. 10 a.m. - 6p.m.

Where: 336 W. 37th St., Ste 840 (212-939-7265).

What: Shoshanna & Anlo

Why: 75% off fall 2008, swimwear, and denim.

When: Nov. 5 & 6. Wed.,

10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422.

What: Tibi

Why: Lambswool sweater cape for $104 (reg. $414); crepe long-sleeve gown for$200 (reg. $784); silk shift dress for $80 (reg. $320);belted cape jacket for $140 (reg. $559).

When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: Penthouse 15, 336 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 15th flr. (212-966-3773).

What: Vivienne Tam

Why: Save up to 75%. Silver metallic Aphrodite dress for $150 (reg. $795); taffeta rose applique dress for $120 (reg. $495).

When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 260 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 3rd flr. (212-840-6470).

What: Hayden-Harnett

Why: 40%-70% off fall 2008 collections and accessories.

When: Nov. 5-8. Wed.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.

Where: Edgo Noho, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette Sts. (718-383-4450).

LEVI'S FALL FASHION PREVIEW

Even though I will not get to experience a proper fall, or winter, this year (not that I mind that so much), I was thrilled to be invited to Levi's fall fashion preview in mid October. This was particularly exciting for me, because while I think I have come a long way in my fashion choices, Levi's has been one of the brands that I've been rocking since way back when. I had every color imaginable.

The Levi's team treated us to yummy cupcakes from Magnolia's, lots of bubbly and a gift card! The card will come in handy because wearing jeans from a brand that I've loved since childhood will be very comforting to me while I'm so far from home. There's something to be said about a company that's been around forever! I'll be sure to rock them often, to bring a lil' Americana to Dubai. Help me pick a pair! Which is your favorite pair of Levi's?

Photo Credit: whatshaute.com (my pics were erased at my going away party later that night).

Update: I was on the Dubai big bus tour (lol) and hopped off at Deira City Centre to check out the mall there. More to come on Dubai mall life...the malls here are like entire cities onto themselves. My Levi giftcard was burning a hole in my bag, so I was thrilled when I encountered the Levi store pictured below. I still haven't used the gift card, but plan to soon!

An Emirati walks by the Levi store in Deira, Dubai.

MOVING TO DUBAI!

Fashionistas. I'm leaving tonight, for my new home in Dubai! Well, it's only temporary--I will work in my firm's Dubai office for a year or so but, of course, I'll remain committed to bringing you the latest fashions from the world over! Dubai is centrally located, so I will keep my eye on the latest in that region as well as Europe, East Asia and the America's, natch.

Shopping is a daily ritual for Emiratis, but in Dubai it's taken to a sublime level. - Lonely Planet; Dubai Encounter

I'm going to miss my beloved city and all of my friends and family, but what with the internets (lol) and all, it's like nothing will have changed. Be sure to let me know if you're in the region! 

Thanks to all my friends and fam and colleagues who came out to, and threw, my going away parties. Thanks for all the gifts, cards and well wishes.  I miss y'all already!

xoxo

Naki

P.S. -Special thanks to Erin (fab designer for a major, major U.S. department store), for the goodies, including my ever so appropriate luggage tags--one of which is featured above. 

LOUIS VUITTON CASINO NIGHT

Better late than never, right? That's starting to seem like the theme for this blog.

Anyhoo, check out some of my candids from the Louis Vuitton Casino Night event--held in early September at their Soho store--to celebrate the launch of the Damier Graphite collection.

Sean Paul came through. And, of course, I asked him the name of his lawyer. He told me that he works with Terri Baker. Guess what? I was Terri's intern during the summer of my sophomore year in college...when I thought I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer! Small, small world!

Our favorite duo! Dee and Ricky. This was taken right after

 Kanye showcased the lego heart that they made especially for him for the MTV music awards. Click on this link to check out my last interaction with these two.

I loved this woman's outfit. She's wearing Prada.

This fab ensemble is Louis Vuitton, of course!

Get your LV Damier at eluxury.com. Click on the photos below for vintage candids.

P.S. Please give me photo credit if you use the photos. Thanks to David B. for bringing me along to this event... he keeps me so fab!

YES WE CAN!

And in a shocking display of partisanship, multiple designers at Paris Fashion Week showcased their love for Barack Obama...all up and down the runways!

Spring 2009 looks at Sonia Rykiel, left, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (peep the "yes" and "no" gloves).

This is why I love the French. Stay tuned for a post on CFDA certified gear--inspired by Obama, as well as a post showing off Michelle Obama's style. Clearly, I'm very biased; unashamedly so (and I still have love for Hillary--though that was tested earlier this year!). Be sure to vote this November.

Update: Check out Zandile's post, over at the Blay report, on Keds for Barack.

Source: NY Mag. Thanks for the tip, Dr. Deville!

JONATHAN SAUNDERS + TARGET

Target's latest Go International Designer, Scottish born - London based Jonathan Saunders, is known as, among other things, a talented contemporary print maker.

"Jonathan Saunders brings tremendous talent to our GO International program, providing fashion-forward pieces at a great value...his Target collection offers stylish, up-to-the-minute fashion that is accessible to all." - Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target

Ranging in price from $14.99-$59.99, Jonathan Saunders for Target is available throughout the month of October. Check out the entire collection here. Shop the collection here. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts.

IN ABSENTIA, FASHION WEEK CANDIDS

You guys. I so dropped the ball...no excuses. I've got a whole lot of blogging to do to make up for yet another prolonged absence. In the meantime, enjoy my candids of some New York Fashion Week models. Yeah, yeah... New York Fashion Week was, like, so last month!

I know a Leger when I see one.

Update: According to LJ, a fashion loving stylist from Australia, the "first model is Lou Dillon, her mother is Jane Birkin (Hermes Birkin Bag Muse). Don't know the other three but great photos." Thanks LJ!

This sista' was straight diva! She posed for many pics.

The Chanel bag took this outfit up a notch.

I'm not a fan of grunge, but her outfit would make me reconsider. For a second.

Just a smattering of some of the pretty people at the shows. I don't know who any of these models are, do you? They were leaving either DKNY or Herve Leger. All very fashionable--and nice!

GEN ART'S CRHEE!

Given that Gen Art provides a platform for emerging artists and considering that designers such as Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Chaiken, Rodarte, Louis Verdad, Milly, Philip Lim, Twinkle by Wenlan, Duckie Brown, Geren Ford, Sari Gueron & Shoshanna were all debuted by Gen Art--well before they were known by the masses--I was geeked to get a chance to preview the collection of one of Gen Art's emerging stars!

Pieces from Crhee's Spring '09 line on the Gen Art: Fresh Faces runway

Inspired by the movie Gattaca, Christine Rhree's line is part futuristic and supernatural. Her line is classic and timeless yet unconventional; at once minimalist and soft, yet highly structured and strong! Case in point, the black dress to the far left, it' appears as a classich sheath from the front, but includes an unexpected cut-out back; the "bones" within are outlined in white, reminiscient of a skeleton. Check out my pics of Christine and her Spring '09 line below.

Christine Rhee! Her fab shoes are by Pierre Hardy!

Of the designer, Women's Wear Daily stated: "Meanwhile, if 007 were a woman, she would go for the former architect Christine Rhee’s body-conscious suiting in her fierce-yet-feminine line CRHEE."

Showcasing her wit and love for, among others, the artist formerly known as Prince, CRHEE's Spring '09 line includes a few pieces that were made with the artist in mind. One ensemble includes a top named Mayte and a skirt called Apollonia.

Mark my words, this former Princeton educated architecture student (and apprentice for architect Lynn Breslin) turned fashion designer is the next big thing. You can thank me later! CRHEE's pieces retail for $300 - $600; get your own at StandardDeviationNy.com and crhee.com.

PAMELLA ROLAND: FRONT ROW

Hey, y'all. I took a few pics of some of the celebrities who were in attendance at the Pamella Roland show (check out my review of the show in the post below). I was so impressed with just how easy going they all were. Each chatted me up for a bit and wanted to know all about the blog.

Natalie Cole looked fabulous. Her Pamella Roland dress and jewelry and makeup were fierce.. her skin is positvely radiant...haircut is so on point.

Mel B. told me that she was looking forward to form fitting outfits for this fall; she knows what works for her and embraces it! She was eager to see what Pamella had to offer. Her husband, Stephen Belafonte, was very gracious...he wanted the focus to be on his wife, but he posed for a few pics as well.

America's Next Top Model judge and noted fashion photographer, Nigel Barker, and his beautiful wife--she's also wearing Pamella Roland!

I've finally gotten a pic of Nigel! I've struggled to get good pics of him in the past, but came really close at the M&M's premium event. When I told him about my various attempts, his wife chimed in with: "Honey, all you had to do was ask!". Yay!

Angela and Vanessa Simmons were darling! How cute are they?! I cannot get enough of Vanessa's Arden Wohl esque headband! Check out their sneaker line, Pastry!

Eric Benet and his companion were so charming!

Danity Kane's D. Woods came in right before the show started, but graciously posed for pics.

Speaking of America's Next Top Model, cycle 9 winner, Saliesha killed it in Pamella's show! Tyra and all the Jay's would be proud!

I sat right behind Essence Magazine's Mikki Taylor...ok, talk about starstruck! I was careful to keep it under wraps, but I adore her!

D. Woods and Angela and Vanessa got together for a group shot.

Have a good weekend! Click on the label below for vintage Candids and Fashion Week posts!