NAANA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG!

Left: Blame it on Rio, $120.00, Right: The Python, $150.00

One of my favorite young designers is bringing us more of her fab designs. Remember Naana B.? Naana's been a busy bee since our last feature. In addition revamping her website and creating the Vixen collection, from which the snakeskin purses above are from, she designed two coutoure gowns for attendees of the inaugural balls and is set to launch a line of evening gowns and day wear in Spring '09. Log on to www.naanab.com for the latest. Tell her I sent ya!

STYLESTAR: URSULA STEPHEN

The word "tastemaker" is overused and cliched, but alas, there is no better word to describe Ursula Stephen.

The descriptor is quite apt in her case, as she literally precipitated the craze surrounding the little black bob.

Her handiwork is most prominently featured on Rihanna, but this celebrity hairstylist also counts Michelle Williams, Keyshia Cole and America's Next Top Model winner, Saleisha, amongst her clientele.

I tried to catch up with Ursula, and not-so-secretly tried to score a salon session with her, but this busy style maven is not available to work with hoi polloi the likes of me. Just kidding, she has not yet opened a salon, but intends to do so in the future. She found some time to graciously answer my questions. Keep reading for more of my interview with Ursula!

StyleChile: When did you become interested in doing hair?

Ursula: I've always been interested in hair. When I was a little girl I would always play in my moms hair- no matter how much she yelled at me. The best was when she went to the salon. Because she would need me to put the rollers in that night- Heaven lol.

StyleChile: Who were your influences?

Ursula: At that time, every salon stylist was an influence on me. I grew up going to the salon. Either to get my hair done or whenever my mom went to get her hair done. So I would always admire the stylist. I wanted to be just like them. Even at that age I could admire their craft.
StyleChile: How do you manage to stay fashionable?

Ursula: Staying fashionable? -ha! I don't know. I've always had a love for fashion. And I feel the two-hair and fashion, go hand in hand. I'm always flipping through fashion magazines. They give me inspiration, and keep me in the know!

StyleChile: Do you have any tips or words of advice on hair care for today's fun, fashionable, females?

Ursula: Love your hair!, baby it! Its not as strong as you think. Although you wanna keep up with all the trends be sure to incorporate a HAIRCARE routine.

StyleChile: How do you stay inspired?

Ursula: My inspiration comes from so many things. Fashion mags, old movies, old hair mags, sometimes just walking around the city. My imagination is wild!

StyleChile: Tell us how to best obtain your services?

Ursula: Well at this point in my career its definitely not easy-smile. I'm moving around so much. However a salon is definitely in my future plans!

StyleChile: Of what achievement at you most proud?

Ursula: Wow!, well my Gucci ad is definitely one of them. I just became a spokesperson for Motions- definitely proud of that! But most of all I'm just happy that my work is out there for the world to see and appreciate- it's a blessing!

StyleChile: What are some of your favorite hair trends this season?

Ursula: Besides short hair. Lol. I'm loving the mid-length mushroom haircut with round bangs. And I like the snatch backs. Either sleek or a little messy.

StyleChile:What's your favorite hair care product?

Ursula: I love leave-in conditioners, right now L'anza is one of my favorites.

P.S. - my thoughts and prayers are with Rihanna as she deals with the unfortunate pre-Grammy incident involving boyfriend, Chris Brown.

NEW BALANCE + NINE WEST

Left: fromt he Icon collection, sporty and chic--Classy, $89.00. Right: from the Kiki collection, vivid color and rubber banding--NW Emilian, $89.00.

This is exciting! I've always been a fan of the uber comfortable New Balance...perfect for running or not. I've always known about New Balances, but have got my D.C. homies to thank for really putting me on to the line. No one wears New Balances like a guy from D.C.!

This collaboration with Nine West is touted as the perfect combination of fashion and performance and I think they may be onto something. The sneakers arrive in select stores by March, but you can pre-order today! Select your favorites from the Icon, Sheer, Kiki and DNA collection.

HAVE A HEART!

Give a gift that gives back! Get your loved one new products from the (RED) line. Starting on Valentine's day, you'll be able to purchase a fab Emporio Armani heart t-shirt, GAP graphic tee, products from Apple, Hallmark and more!

Up to 50% of profits of product RED items sold will benefit the Global Fund which funds HIV and AIDS programs in Africa with a focus on the health of women and children.

Get your product RED valentine's gift here www.joinred.com.

NYC SAMPLE SALES!

What: Foley + Corinna
Why: Up to 75 percent off vintage, ready-to-wear, and bags.
When: Jan. 28-Feb. 1. Wed.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 143 Ludlow St., b/t Stanton & Rivington Sts. (212-505-2650).


What: Luca Luca
Why: Discounts on fall and spring merch. Pants from $60, tops from $50, and shoes from $75.
When: Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 19 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 4th flr. (212-644-5568).



What: Temperley London
Why: Fall/winter goods at up to 80 percent off. Sexy Kaleidoscope and Zola dresses were $1,295, now $323; Beatrice tunic was $995, now $248.
When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Fri., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 453 Broome St., b/t Greene & Mercer Sts., 2nd flr. (212-219-2929).

What: RavinStyle Why: Take 50-80 percent off Secrets of Charm, Nili Lotan, Matt Bernson, and more. Plus, bins chockful of stuff for $50 and less.
When: Jan. 29 & 30. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: 466 Washington St., b/t Canal & Watts Sts., ste. 1w.

What: Daryl K and Kerrigan
Why: Up to 75 percent off retail on fall and resort items from ’08.
When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 21 Bond St., b/t Bowery & Lafayette St. (212-529-8790).

THE BIG REVEAL!

At last. . . I watched the Inauguration with new English, South African and Australian friends. . . one Brit in particular (actually, a bunch of them) said of the Inauguration day dress: [insert strong Tottenham accented English here] "She's dressed like the Queen Mother!". . . I actually liked Michelle's day dress by Isabel Toledo, 47, whom I only first heard about when I read this article about her and talented husband, Ruben, several months back (thanks for the article David B!).

Like the rest of us, neither Jason nor Isabel knew what Michelle would wear. They found out that she was wearing their designs by watching the inauguration coverage! Left: I had a feeling she'd wear white just like her fashion forebear Jackie O! The one-of-a-kind Jason Wu chiffon dress; Right: The Isabel Toledo satin-backed wool dress is made with lace called guipure, it's a kind of lace used most often in French haute couture.

The Toledo dress is colorful (is that chartreuse?), screamed optimism, and how great did it look against the yellow of St. John's church? Michelle kept the look youthful by adding fun green J.Crew gloves and Jimmy Choo heels. . . it fit well and was totally appropriate for the occasion. I did enjoy the extra bling from all that bezel. And, to Jason Wu, 26, the lucky designer whose silk chiffon dress--with organza rosettes, Swarovski crystal rhinestones and silver embroidery--was worn by Mrs. O to 10 Inaugural balls, congratulations!!!

Left: The President and First Lady the day before the Inauguration--Michelle is wearing a tan and black Narcisso Rodriquez suit; Right: Obama in J.Crew at the Kids' Inaugural Concert. She's wearing Loree Rodkin's green saffire earrings and deco-inspired belt!

Both designers are representative of new Americana, a la Barack Obama, diversity and talent at their best. Both are people of color and in Mr. Wu's case, gay. Both are from immigrant backgrounds, Mrs. Toledo a Latina from Cuba who grew up in New Jersey and Mr. Wu from Taiwan, who grew up in Canada, France and Japan. CNN points out Michelle's penchant for wearing American designers from other nations. Her choice no doubt sends a message of hope throughout the embattled American fashion industry.

Didn't Malia and Sasha look downright edible?! They were super cute in their J. Crew coats from the Crewcuts line (sorry, you can't buy one) and enjoyed their lip gloss way too much. . .Let's not forget about Jill Biden, who is clearly a fashionista herself. She looked fantastic in her red Reem Acra ball gown! I thought her day ensemble (red Fleurette coat and a belted glen plaid dress by Milly) was a bit casual, why boots and not some hot pumps? It's cold, but still. . .

As discussed previously, President Barack Hussein Obama was slated to wear a Hart Schaffner Marx tuxedo--from an American made, Chicago based union shop. . . But, I'm not sure what he wore. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't appear that anyone has written about his outfit!

P.S.--Looks like J. Crew is geeked about the Presidential publicity! Check out the front page of their website as they congratulate the First Family.

IF YOU ARE WHAT THEY SAY YOU ARE...

Michelle is not the only one with designers clamoring all over her...The man of the hour needs attire as well! Women's Wear Daily asked, and fashion designers answered...from Richard James Saville Row (featured above), to Sean John, Perry Ellis and even Nicole Miller! Geoffrey Beene, Elie Tahari, Countess Mara, to Zegna and Tim Hamilton...They all submitted designs for Barack Obama's inaugural ensembles. All 53 looks are featured in the slide below. Click here to check out WWD's slideshow.

I'm excited to see what he picks, but I already know that it will be spectacular! I'm partial to Zegna (always)....and Ferragamo is a good look, but might that be because they were the only ones to draw a figure that really resembled the President-Elect? I'm not feeling D Squared's depiction of Obama in the least and I'm not quite sure the folks at Duckie Brown were serious...Nautica's suit looks like something he has already worn on many occasions... Some designers took the Lincoln reference just a bit too far...they had everything but the top hat!

Fashion aside, I'm psyched to experience this moment in history. Even though I'm so very far away from Washington, D.C., I'll be there in spirit!

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

GLOOM AND DOOM

I fear my fashion journalistic integrity would seriously be called into question if I failed to acknowledge the impact of the global financial crisis on the fashion industry.  Halas, here it is...

Established and emerging designers are equally affected (NY Fashion Week's cancellations are indicative of their plight), web based shops and physical spaces alike are being decimated...What to do? Shop our way out of the crisis? If you have disposable income, I guess that might be the answer. You'll get ridiculous deals, downright steals, and you'll help the "economy", no? Guilt free shopping at it's best? Shopping for the sake of the world economy? Maybe.

Chanel

Chanel is to lay off 200 Paris staff in an unmistakable a sign that even fashion's elite are not immune from the effects of recession.

Macy's
Department-store operator Macy's Inc. said on January 8, after an abyssmal holiday season--one of the worst in decades, that it would close 11 underperforming stores in 9 states. The store's operator reported a $30 million loss in the first nine months of 2008, with sales dropping 4.3%.

E-Luxury

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey's e-commerce site, e-luxury, will be closing up shop within the next 6 months.

Saks
An 80% off sale? Really? This could only mean that bad news is forthcoming...and, this weekend we learned that Saks is axing 1,100 jobs...that's 9% of its workforce!

Té Casan

One of my favorites, mentioned on this blog here, here and here has folded. Recently in the news for their alliance with Natalie Portman and her line of vegan shoes, the boutique closed it's doors the day after Black Friday.

Steve & Barry's
retailer, known for their association with Sarah Jessica Parker's line, Bitten, filed for bankruptcy last July. The owners of the store will liquidate the company's remaining 173 stores.

And, sadly, the list goes on and on... I hope that I will not have to update this post, but the Wall Street Journal doth portend a wave of bankruptcy filings for retailers in the wake of the holidays :(

However, in other news, Versace's CEO, Giancarlo Di Risio, is not having it. He had this to say to Vogue UK: "Our regular client was not queing on January 3-4 in Milan or Rome but was on the slopes in St. Moritz or on a boat in the Caribbean. We want to offer a real luxury and not to open our doors to the consumption of young girls who can put the designer handbag of their dreams on their arm with less than 300 Euros. We are not interested in that." Zing!

GOLDEN GIRLS @ THE GOLDEN GLOBES

And, the winner is...Dior! Looks like everyone and their mother was wearing the house's designs. The 66th Annual Golden Globes was last night, and while I'll have to catch it on youtube, that won't stop me from writing about the outfits! Check out my slide and what I'd like to consider stream of conciousness, ahem, colorful commentary below.

Eva Mendes rocked my world in the white silk taffeta Dior and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.* Eva's dress was rivaled only by Cameron Diaz's Chanel Haute Couture and Jennifer Lopez's gold beaded Machesa. January Jones' blue Versace was fierce! Drew Barrymore brought it in that custom-made Dior Haute Couture! Demi looked fab and tanned in a peach Dior, and Kate Bekinsdale's Mendel was yum!

Poor Bey Bey...Beyonce (my favorite celeb, usually) and Blake lively were both victims of the same ill-fitting, too-high-slit contraption. America Ferrara (or her stylist) is still stuck in the era of the short bubble dress...that was like, so when the Dow was still above 11,000. Olivia Wilde kept it interesting in the violet Reem Acra. Angelina's Atelier Versace gown bores me, but I guess when one's life is so interesting the clothing shouldn't be. Anne Hathaway's Armani Prive was yawn, I swear I've seen that dress before!

* "You can learn how to dress by checkin' my fresh..." - Jigga. I see that Cameron Diaz kicked off the white fluffy dress and turquoise jewelry trend! Check out her outfit from the 2007 Golden Globes and compare Eva Mendes' and Sandra Bullock's white fluffy Dior dress and turquoise jewelry from this year's Golden Globes.