Save The Date: The Museum at FIT- NYC

Two noteworthy exhibits at The Museum at FIT in New York City are taking place this summer. Currently on show is Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out running from June 17 through September 26. This exhibit showcases the work of one of Americas most conceptual designers. The upcoming Fashion & Politics exhibit runs from July 7 through November 7 and will explore how political ideologies are expressed in fashion. Both a must see!

Hunting For Handmade: Rebound

Called a "novel accessory" from designer Caitlin Phillips, Rebound is a collection of purses made from old hardcover books. Lined in cheerful printed cotton, and with handles made of candy colored wooden beads these purses are quite adorable. The best part, when not in use, the handles may be folded inside the purse and you can store it on a bookcase just like a real book! Editions of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys seem to be her specialty but you can even have one custom made from a book in your own collection. If you are in the DC area, be sure to check out her exhibit at Artomatic called "Caitlin Phillips and the Mystery of the Book Purse". It runs until July 5th.

Trends to Watch: Rompers

I'm loving the romper/ playsuit trend this spring/summer! How about you? Are you wearing them? If so, with what kind of shoe? Chunky heels, stilettos, or tennis shoes?

Above photo- Worn with tennis shoes. Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Trovata - Runway

Worn with chunky heels. Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear BCBG Max Azria - Runway

Worn with an ankle boot. Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Alexandre Herchcovitch - Runway


Worn with stilettos. Gossip Girl's Blake Lively at a CW event.

Photos via style.com and justjared.com

In The Spotlight: Peter Jensen Resort 2010

I'm in love with the quirky and cute Resort 2010 collection from Danish designer Peter Jensen. Shown in London a few days ago, he had the models pose in a set completely drawn in marker by illustrator Charlotte Mann. The clothes are whimsical, with a slight retro feel. Wearable, easy going, and fun. The way resort should be.

Go to style.com to see more of this adorable collection.

Resort Bests and Worsts

I was inspired to write this when I almost choked on my morning OJ while reviewing the resort collections in WWD. Am I the only person who thinks Dolce & Gabbana's rhinestone embellished jeans (left) are the most hideous thing they've ever seen (other than the bedazzled versions found at K-Mart-like stores)? Is this a backlash from mass-produced copies of luxury labels? Now luxury is copying the lowest of low-end apparel design? Here's a tip: if you like this look, you can save a ton of money by buying the cheapee version, and they'll be just as ugly. I do love the tailored jacket and striking jewels though.

Betsey Johnson (below) didn't do much better with her resort collection. Black and pink taffeta and tulle reminded me of some 80's prom nightmare, and her pastel pieces looked like stuff you'd find in dusty windows of chinatown. Basic message to these designers? Stay away from cheap-looking fabrics! You are world-renowned designers; you know better.

























My faves? Giambattista Valli's (below left) smart ruched jersey and tailored looks are retro and ladylike. I love how this grey-toned outfit has so much different texture. You can really have fun with your choice of shoes and bags. This look would also be flawless going from day to night. As you can tell, I love neutrals. J. Mendel's (below right) camel mini dress is sporty and sleek.






















All photos from WWD.

Victorian Goth by Craig McDean

In keeping with Grace's post on sexy horror flicks, I think these haunting images from the May issue of Italian Vogue are stunning. Shot by Craig McDean they combine Victorian, goth, and 90's grunge without being cliche. I love the tattered tights and gloves splashed with touches of red gauze.

Hunting For Handmade: Jennifer Ladd

Jennifer Ladd's handmade purses and clutches are so colorful and cheery. The variety of prints are perfect for summer. In addition to clutches and wooden handled purses she also makes laptop bags and baby items. To see more and shop go to her Etsy store.

Sexy Horror Flicks with Great Style

I remember seeing Bram Stoker's Dracula when it first came out in 1992 and being surprised and slightly titillated at the movie's intense eroticism--a werewolf taking advantage of a redhead in a lightning storm, a bloodsucking harem (led by Monica Bellucci) keeping Keanu Reeves just conscious enough to experience their lust. A night in with a scary sexy movie can be the perfect guilty treat. Check out this list of erotic horror flicks posted by Refinery29. If you can get past the blood and the sex, try to notice how beautifully styled (The Hunger) and shot (Rosemary's Baby) these films are.


Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie in The Hunger

















Mia Farrow and Ruth Gordon in Rosemary's Baby

Save the Date: Celebrate Brooklyn Concert Series

Celebrate Brooklyn's summer concert series kicks off next Monday, June 8 at Prospect Park Bandshell with one of my all time favorite musicians, David Byrne.

In this free concert, David Byrne will perform Music of David Byrne and Brian Eno, featuring material spanning his collaborations with Brian Eno: three Talking Heads albums, 1981’s groundbreaking My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, and last year’s Everything that Happens will Happen Today. An ensemble cast including dancers, background vocalists, and a singular band will amplify the spectacle. (taken from Celebrate Brooklyn website)

Gates at 6:30 pm, show at 8 pm. The concerts are free, with a $3 suggested donation. Pony up. The donation supports BRIC Arts / Media / Bklyn.

Hunting For Handmade: Doloris Petunia

"Everything lovely" can be found at Doloris Petunia! This handmade accessory/jewelry line focuses on headpieces and statement necklaces. Custom orders are the specialty with a strong interest in taking your odd broken sentimental jewelry bits and turning it into something quite lovely. To see more of the collection shop their Etsy store.

Save the Date: CornerMRKT in DUMBO this Weekend

After getting your fill at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, you may want to swing by DUMBO's CornerMRKT for a smaller, neighborhood-y indie designer market. CornerMRKT showcases over 15 local independent clothing, jewelry and handbag designers (including many NYC boutique favorites!).

This Saturday and Sunday
June 6-7, 11am-7pm
Corner of Jay st. & Front st. in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Directions: F to York Street, A/C to High Street.

Participating designers:
Aimee g
Arza Design
Cinderloop
Lauren Wimmer Jewelry
naturevsfuture
Radka Design
Rebecka Froberg
SAMOY LENKO
+ more

Hair Stylist Extraordinaire Jeanie Syfu in Nylon

We loved her personal style backstage on Project Runway, where hair stylist Jeanie Syfu helped designers like Christian Soriano finish their runway looks by creating gravity-defying coifs in mere minutes. She has styled A-listers like Sandra Bullock and for fashion week faves like Richie Rich. Check out Nylon's insider interview with this up and coming stylist extraordinaire.

Below are a few of my favorite excerpts. Read the whole interview at Nylon.com.

In what ways does hair styling affect the overall look of an outfit?

It can totally change your look; a pair of jeans and a T-shirt can look completely different by how you wear your hair. But real life versus the runway is so different. Runway has a wow factor. Most people don’t want to fuss that much with their hair and, quite honestly, I don’t think a lot of people have the time to do the looks on the runway. But I’ve been seeing a lot of tousled looks that are pretty easy to do. I did the Richie Rich fashion show this year, and it’s like a costume, a fantasy. There’s a way of taking that look and turning it down a notch.

In real life, what do you suggest doing if you’ve only got five minutes to do something with your hair?

Find a really good product to enhance your natural texture, and work with what you’ve got. Or splurge on a really good haircut, so your cut is styling your hair on its own. Or just a loose, tousled bun. We’ve been doing tons of that [on the show] because we really didn’t have that much time. I also did a lot of it during Fashion Week. It’s easy and works in every day life.

You can also see Jeanie on Bravo's new fashion design show The Fashion Show.

In The Spotlight: Lily & Jae

I'm in love with the Lily & Jae Spring Summer 09 look book! Camping...airstream trailers, the lake...ahhh summer! The clothes are adorable too. The perfect blend of comfort and girly. To see the complete look book go to the Lily & Jae site.