BLACK MAGIC!

Looking for something fab to wear on New Year's eve? Or for the eve of New Year's eve, or for the night of New Year's day? Is the phenomena of having parties seemingly every night leading up to New Year's and the day after the big eve a New York thing? Not that I'm complaining, I plan to attend them all.

Left to right. Top: Lulu Lame dress $145.00 on shopintuition.com, Swarovski jeweled headband $160.00 on swarovski.com, Gaetano Perrone jeweled "Diana" shoe for Te Casan $ 375.00(heels are no longer available), See by Chloe square sequined dress $555.00 on net-a-porter.com. Bottom: Oasis beaded clutch bag, £17.00 0n asos.com; Nars glitter pencil in Area (black with gold) is $24.00 on sephora.com, Oscar de La Renta full cotton twill skirt, $2,780.00 on net-a-porter.com; Jet and rhinestone bracelet £12.00 on topshop.com.

Whether you're attending a swanky formal party, chic party at a lounge, dinner with friends, or a house party, throw a little bit of black in there. Not just any 'ole black. A number (black or not) that involves lots of shimmery, sparkly black stones, sequins, pailletes etc...It's the perfect way to add a little glam without looking like you're trying too hard.

Kelly Rowland on her way to the 2007 MTV Europe Awards

My pick, Kelly Rowland's midnight blue dress with black accents. Does anyone know who makes this dress?

Click on the link below for vintage Style Trends posts!

STYLEBITS

Holly Brubach, the former Style Editor of the New York Times and expert Fashion writer, opened the doors of her private Chanel collection on Yoox.com. Click here to purchase a piece from this fab assembly of iconic Chanel designs. Hurry, many of the pieces are sold out!

The ladies of Seasoned to Perfection, purveyors of luxe vintage wares, are launching The Uptown Emerging Designers Market(UEDM) -- a monthly market that will take place at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem starting in February 2008. For more information about vending opportunities or to be added to the UEDM mailing list send an email to UptownEDM@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the launch of Seasoned to Perfection's website!

Check out this amazing designer! A graduate of NY's Fashion Institute of Technology, Hilton Hollis makes amazing well tailored pieces for work and play. Stylist, Leisel "Q" Quamie of Styling Your Image says: "Hilton Hollis is perfect for the young socialite, very classic chic. Great pieces to mix and match."

Click on the link below for vintage StyleBits posts!

STYLESTAR: MIMEKI

Hot on the scene, Jamaica's latest export, Rochelle Thwaites, launches her luxury handbag line--Mimeki! The company's tagline: 'Luxury Redefined", is right on the money. Mimeki, Jamaican patois for "I made it", are beautiful bags, classic with a twist. Rochelle, an interior designer by trade, brings her eye for style to handbags. This young designer has already received many accolades...

Left: "Kamalia" Clutch $485.00; Right: "Lola" Crocco Hobo $325.00

...Mimeki bags were the official Celebrity Retreat Bag at the 2007 ALMA Awards, where they received rave reviews backstage from celebrities like Eva Mendes, Jessica Alba, and Eva Longoria. Rochelle and Mimeki have also been featured in many magazines including November 2007's Black Enterprise and Latina magazines! Keep reading for my interview with Rochelle!

StyleChile: When did you become interested in designing?
Rochelle Thwaites: I have been "designing" so to speak since way back when....I loved putting ideas on paper for everything! From designing my room as a little girl to having pieces of clothing made from my designs.

StyleChile: How do you manage to stay fashionable?
Rochelle Thwaites: I don't think of myself as "fashionable". However I think the key for me is to maintain my classic staple style and add a touch of trend to outfits I put together.

StyleChile: Do you have any tips or words of advice for today's fun, fashionable, females?
Rochelle Thwaites: Be individualistic! Maintain your own personal style while incorporating some of the amazing fashion trends of the season. Try not to look like a fashion victim by stepping way out of your box and looking uncomfortable.

StyleChile: Of what (fashion oriented) achievement are you most proud?
Rochelle Thwaites: The only fashion-oriented achievement I am proud of and will ever be proud of is to see a random woman wearing a Mimeki!

StyleChile: How do you stay inspired?
Rochelle Thwaites: I observe women's attire and attitude. I design for the "Confident" woman and women who clearly do not want to look like everyone else. Mimeki is all about individuality.

StyleChile: Tell us how to best obtain Mimeki.
Rochelle Thwaites: Mimeki handbags and accessories are exclusive limited edition products and are available at mimeki.com.

StyleChile: Please tell us about your latest projects!
Rochelle Thwaites: 2008 is going to be an amazing year as we are launching Mimeki Kustom!
StyleChile: What are some of your favorite trends this season?
Rochelle Thwaites: I think this season has brought a little glamour to our lives and I like that. A little gold and glitz for the season goes a long way. Shine On!!!

StyleChile: If you could only keep one item in your closet right now what would it be? why?
Rochelle Thwaites: It would be my very first pair of UGGS. They look extremely worn but nothing beats the comfort!

StyleChile: Who do you think has great style?
Rochelle Thwaites: My mother! She is one classy lady and I love that about her.

Click on the label below for vintage StyleStar posts!

DESIGNERS FOR DARFUR

In this, the season of giving (and shopping!), please remember the less fortunate among us. Consider purchasing a t-shirt to support the continued efforts to save the Darfur region of the Sudan. Learn more about this very necessary effort and get your own limited edition Designers for Darfur t-shirt here.

"These t-shirts are so much more than a simple shirt - - -These are billboards which announce to the world-at-large that we are all united in bringing the genocide currently taking place in Darfur to an end."

Designers For Darfur was founded in 2006 by designer Malcolm Harris (Mal Sirrah, Inc.) --previously discussed here-- and model and heiress Lydia Hearst. Designers For Darfur represents hundreds of international designers and the wider fashion community collectively banding together to show their commitment and solidarity towards ending the atrocity of genocide currently taking place in Darfur.

WEEKLY STYLE REVIEW

Check out a selection of some of these more stylish celebs!

NYC SAMPLE SALES!

What: Colette Malouf
Why: Headbands, scarves, ponytail holders, and cuffs from 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-941-9588).




What: Proenza Schouler
Why: Tops, bottoms, dresses, and shoes were $325-$3,500, now $80-$875.
When: Dec. 13 & 14. Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 120 Walker St., b/t Centre & Baxter Sts., 6th flr.

What: Lola Hats
Why: Caps (and more) priced $45-$140. Cash only. When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 535 Eighth Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 20th flr. (212-279-9093).

What: Vera Wang Bridal Collection
Why: Brides to be, sharpen your claws. Those glam gowns are 30-70 percent off retail.
When: Dec. 15. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave., b/t 34th & 35th Sts. (212-575-6400).




What: Mulberry
Why: Up to 70 percent off original prices on the coveted bags and clothing.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr.


What: Diane von Furstenberg
Why: Iconic dresses, coats, gowns, sweaters, and other stuff at up to 75 percent off.
When: Dec. 10-15. Mon., noon-6 p.m.; Tues., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-5400).





What: Cass Guy and Burwell
Why: Fifty to 75 percent off coats, jackets, dresses, and knits. Little boys’ coats, vests, and tees (3 months to 8 years) at sample sale prices.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 265 W. 37th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 21st flr.





What: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Adampluseve
Why: Up to 80 percent off of-the-moment coats, tops, dresses, skirts, and sweaters.
When: Dec. 13-15. Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 145 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. (212-388-0339).




What: Castle Starr
Why: Current collection including dresses and blouses at 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 275 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 10th flr.





What: Elijah
Why: The collection is up to 50 percent off wholesale. James Coviello, too. Shop and drink to that.
When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 213 W. 35th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 903.






What: Yaya Aflalo and Love Yaya
Why: Trendy blouses, pants, sweaters, and other threads priced below wholesale.
When: Thru Dec. 14. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 80 W. 40th St., at Sixth Ave., 7th flr. (212-391-4400).




What: Showroom Seven
Why: Robin, Sue Stemp, Tony Cohen, Issa London, and then some at wholesale and below.
When: Dec. 10-15 & 17-21. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 498 Seventh Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 24th flr. (212-643-4810).





What: Eberjey Lingerie
Why: Camis, briefs, bathing suits, and more are 50-75 percent off.
When: Dec. 11 & 12. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 183 Madison Ave., at 34th St., ste. 610. (212-696-5393).

MADEWELL + GIVEAWAY

Remember this? The secret Madewell shop frequented by many celebs and fashionistas in the know? Looks like the marketing team at Madewell, the laid-back collection brought to us from the folks at J. Crew, may have taken my criticism to heart!

Keira Knightley photographed with the Masai in June 2007's Vogue is wearing a Madewell shirt jacket. The parachute skirt was specifically created by Thakoon, upon the request of Vogue creative director, Grace Coddington, who wanted to complement the Madewell shirt jacket!

Established in 1937*, Madewell is hip and modern, while retaining many of the vintage elements of the original brand. The line is a favorite of celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Michelle Williams, Winona Ryder, Uma Thurman, and Reese Witherspoon...

...and until now, Madewell’s unique garment-dyed denim had been available in very limited quantities at Scoop and at the secret shop event mentioned above. But have no fear, a Madewell store will be opening in a permanent location in Soho at the corner of Broome and Broadway by early 2008! Visit the temporary location a few blocks away at 532 Broadway, pictured above, to scoop great holiday gifts!

Get a yummy Madewell shirt for free, by submitting a picture of yourself at or inside Madewell, or by one of the bill postings around town! Brooklyn-based DJs Kiss and Tell will be in store on December 8 and DJ Cat is hitting the turntables at Madewell on December 16. Send an e-mail** to stylechil@gmail.com including name and mailing address!

* In 1937 a great high quality workwear company was founded in New Bedford, MA named--you guessed it-- Madewell! J. Crew's CEO Millard "Mickey" Drexler discovered the name back in 2003 (before he joined the retailer) and acquired it.

** Information submitted will only be used in connection with StyleChile's giveaway and will not be distributed to any third parties. Size: medium.

Special thanks to Amie at 360i for providing the info, T-Shirt, and Vogue picture; coordinating interviews (more to come on that later); and zealously representing the brand around the clock. I received an e-mail from her very late this evening!