SHOE-IN!

The 11th Annual Shoe Inn Warehouse Sale is here, with over 10,000 pairs of shoes from designers such as Burberry, Chloe, Moschino, Uggs, Ralph Lauren and many, many, many more. All shoes are $19-$149 and Boots are $50-$199.

Pictured: Stuart Weitzman "Romancemid" available for $285.00 on zappos.com, but should be much cheaper at the sale!

Thanks to David for the heads up!

January 7, 2008 -January 11,2008 Mon-Fri; 9am- 7:00pm
311 West 34th St. Manhattan Center Studios (Btwn 8th & 9th Ave.)
Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY 10018

FACES OF FASHION: NAOMI CAMPBELL & PHARRELL WILLIAMS FOR LOUIS VUITTON

The iconic Naomi Campbell and recording artist Pharrell Williams are two of the new faces of Louis Vuitton! Look out for these two to accompany Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy in the Spring 2008 campaigns.

“We brought to this campaign a touch of the street, elevated to a rich, modern chic that embodies the message of our ready-to-wear accessories and bags. Working with beautiful, iconic, and powerful faces, we created compositions that boldly display Vuitton's exquisite, super-luxe style."- Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton's artistic director.

Naomi, is well, Naomi...simply fab, with minor behavioral problems! Pharrell Willims aka Skateboard P will represent a line of suitcases and bags and is collaborating with Jacobs and Bathing Ape founder, Nigo aka Tomoaki Nagao, to create "bling bling" eyewear! Rumor has it, that he is also designing a line of jewelry for the brand. I couldn't have said it better than this: "So freakin' clever of LV to embrace the conspicuous consumption of hip-hop and use one of its leading artists to front their new collection."- Rodonline

So frickin' clever indeed. Stay tuned for forthcoming Faces of Fashion posts!

INTRO TO FASHION 101: HERVE LEGER

Known for his body concious silouhettes, Hervé Léger*--who honed his craft under the tutelage of Karl Lagerfeld, with whom he designed swimwear for Fendi and Chanel--has a knack for accentuating a woman's curves while resculpting and remoulding the rest. Léger is often compared to Azzedine Alaia because of the uninterrupted line and body-hugging fit of his dresses.

The woman that he designs for is "fed up with the vagaries of fashion; she does not give a damn about trends, she refuses to be a feminine clothes hanger". - Hervé Léger

His signature "bender" dresses, which are enjoying a resurgence (see the slide and pic below), are composed of hand-stitched elastic bandages and are as elegant in their simplicity as they were serendipitous in their origin. Two days before he was to show his collection in February 1989, he spotted a roll of seam-binding made from Lurex, Lycra and Elasticine lying on the floor. He began winding it round a wooden mannequin and the bender dress was born.

Kim Kardashian is a big fan of Léger's bender dress!

The New York Post reports that BCBGMAXAZRIA GROUP plans to show their Hervé Léger by Max Azria ready-to-wear collection during Fall 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This will mark the first time since the mid-nineties that the collection will be presented on the runway, and the first time ever that it will be shown in New York. The collection was originally shown in Paris. Read more here. Hervé Léger is available at four eponymous boutiques located on Paris’ legendary rue Cambon, New York’s Madison Avenue, Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive and in Las Vegas.

* He is known today as Hervé L. Leroux due in large part to conflicts with directors at BCBG which owned nearly all of his company and had the rights to his name!

Click on the label below for vintage Fashion 101 posts!

Thanks to UK reader, Thuy Anh, for the Hervé Léger by Max Azria tip!

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).