The coat you must order right now

You probably won't believe me when you first read the next line...Walmart is releasing the must have jacket of the season this Sunday.

Ok don't worry, you aren't seeing things!

You may have heard that Norma Kamali has been designing a line for Walmart and I have to admit it has brought me in touch with middle America once again. I actually had a guy tip his John Deere cap at me the last time I visited a local Walmart in Charlotte, North Carolina.  It was a proud moment.

But back to the topic at hand. If you know anything about fashion you know that Norma Kamali is a legend and her story started for many with her design of a"sleeping bag coat".  These coats have been seen on fashionistas around the world and are a coveted item in most social circles.

So imagine if I told you you could own one for $35.  You would laugh at me right? Well hold down that giggle. She's done it. That's right folks. She has released almost an identical version for Walmart.  I just ordered mine online in three different sizes to make sure I get one that works. I don't want to chance having these sell out before I get my manicured fingers all over one. And don't judge the coat by how it is pictured on the website. I've seen it at press events and it really is the real deal...

Or you can go for the $500 version (pictured above)...

Anthropologie and reality

So just as Anthropologie opens a store in my new hometown of London, England,  it seems to be getting a lot of press here and not too much mention of what is going on with the store stateside.  First of all, I hear from friends in NYC that a new show has debuted in which the buyer for Anthropologie stores takes us all on reality show adventure as he purchases goods for the stores. It's called "Man Shops Globe" and the star is Keith Johnson, head buyer for the chain. I decided to do a little research of my own on this show and was surprised to see that I certainly wasn't hearing just horrible things from my friends...but from every news source in North America!  The first major complaint was the fact that Johnson never mentions how much he is paying for things. Probably a good idea as I certainly don't want to hear that the mirror I just paid $700 for cost Anthropologie a fiver (and although we know this is always the case you certainly don't want to be reminded of it on national television as your husband looks across the room, sees the mirror, points at the television set and says "we could have flown over there, had a week's long vacation, bought ten of those mirrors and shipped the damn things home for what you just paid.")
The New York Observer had this to say:
"Anthropologie is boring. Anthropologie is thinking that France is pretty. Anthropopologie is a knee-length floral-print skirt paired with embellished flats. Anthropologie is naming your baby "Emma." "
The Washington Post took a step further and attacked the host:
"Man Shops Globe" tries to come off with "Amazing Race" urgency tempered by the cool style of a Tim Gunn type, but Johnson's suitcase (an old-fashioned hard-sided piece of luggage with leather straps) is more interesting than he is."


I always say watch the show for yourself and form your own opinions. The critics are exactly that - critics. They are paid to be critical.  So if you live in the US, have access to the Sundance channel and a free afternoon, catch up on the past few episodes and write to me and let me know what you think. 

On a slightly different note, Anthropologie is adding another string to their bow with the launch of a new website - The Anthropologist.  It is set to be launched on November 2nd and apparently it is a website created to inspire us all. Let's keep an open mind and wait to see what they come up with.
Here are some screen shots cropped from the current homepage:

More sweet stuff from the Daily Candy girls

I think one of the best things to come out of the internet in recent years is Daily Candy. It is one of the most clever, stylish, finger on the pulse emails that I receive and also one of the only emails I look forward to opening on a daily basis. Anything worth knowing about comes up on Daily Candy before it is seen anywhere else. So before I go into a rant and rave about their latest announcement let me first encourage you to sign up. If there is one thing I can guarantee it's that you will love this email. I have turned more people onto it and now no one asks me for my little black book suggestions (kind of sad but knowledge is power).
Now onto the sweet stuff. Daily Candy is taking their crazy knowledge about everything cool and channeling it into an online marketplace. The best part is that all the wears they will be selling at 80% off. It's called swirl (and all I could think of was vanilla and chocolate swirled icecream...hello my daily candy).
So after you have signed up for Daily Candy make sure you register to get on the list for the first sale that will no doubt rock your candy land!

Michelle Obama looking festive on the December cover of Glamour Magazine

A new ruler to take the throne in the kingdom of Armani

Sadly, there are talks of Armani retiring.  WWD reported this morning that the 75-year old designer announced his preparation to step aside in the near future. He made this announcement as only Armani would - at a cocktail party in Moscow surrounded by loving fans.  It is rumoured that Giorgio Armani is actually moving aside to take a place in the Italian Senate. But he is not leaving his post without a good team in place who understand that brand and to continue the tradition of Armani in a tasteful and classic way which would make the creator proud.
"I understand that eventually I will have to pass things on. I am already organizing an entire team around me who understands what I do and will be, at some point, ready to step in and continue what I do," stated Armani.

We will be sad to see him go but as he said, he's not leaving without a good team in place that can continue with his vision. Let's hope there's one hell of a retirement line (and accompanying party) to look forward to!

Versace in trouble?

The Wall Street Journal announced this morning that Versace is cutting 350 jobs, nearly a quarter of their work force. I don't think anyone was ignorant enough to believe that high fashion would go untouched by the recession. The news is full of reports of layoffs and closures in the world of glam at the moment. Yesterday Conde Nast announced further layoffs on several different publications as well. It is rare these days to open a paper or a search engine without seeing a reference to a fashion house in trouble or making cutbacks. For Versace, though, the news is not good. They are reporting a pre-tax loss of  $44.4 million compared to 2008 when Versace posted a net profit of €9 million. Let's hope new CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris can shake things up a bit and keep the name of Gianni Versace alive for future generations.

Crystal Renn not shown in her underwear alongside other models....

She's just published an outstanding book, Hungry, about her life as anorexic and coming to terms with being a plus sized model and now she stars in a video for climate change featuring 10 models. She is the only plus sized model in the bunch. She is also the only model that doesn't make it past the second round of taking of their clothes. What the hell is up with that people? She happens to be the best looking girl on the screen. Way to show the world we are changing our views of models....

Daphne Guinness in the Nina Ricci "six footers"

Now every woman can be a six foot supermodel if you decide to take style advice from Daphne Guinness. I bet she is over six feet tall in these bad boys. Would you wear such huge heels? And on cobblestone streets around town? Me thinks not! It's a good thing she probably only has to walk as far as the car waiting for her.

Jackson family users premiere to score free wears

As if scoring Versace for the whole family to wear for the Funeral of MJ wasn't enough, the Jackson family is now chasing designers for freebies to wear to the premiere of Michael Jackson's movie "This Is It", reports TMZ. I can't wait to see what the boys are wearing tonight. I guess we will be able to spot the true fashion famewhores.  More to come...

Blog of the Day

We love this aleXsandro Palombo! Not only is he a talented artist but he has a great sense of humour.
Make sure you check out his work thus far and sign up to follow....

Here are a few more choice selections from his website:

Disney gives new meaning to the Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Looks like Disney feels there is room in the diamond ring marketplace. You might remember a few years ago the clothing designer Kirstie Kelly was commissioned to design wedding attire that was inspired by classic Disney characters. Well why not have the whole package right?  Now you can start the wedding off on the right foot and begin at the words "will you marry me?" The line is labeled "Kirstie Kelly for Disney by Mouawad" and was announced during last week's Bridal Fashion Week in NYC.  There are six diamond rings based on the six classic princesses featured in Disney story lines.  The little gems range in price from $1,200 to $6,000.

Feel like a change of haircolour today....?

Well all you need to do is brush.  That's right...there is a new product on the market and although it looks incredibly cheesy it is getting rave reviews from users, even if it is just for halloween parties.  It's called the Lady Elegance Hair Colouring Brush.
You just fill the container and brush new colours straight onto your hair. For $19 it's worth a halloween adventure. It's available now on amazon.com. 

DIY Fendi - Handbag of the Day

Now you can truly say you have a one of a kind Fendi bag. Fendi has released this craftbox set called Baguette Mezzo Punto, literally translated as "Half Stiched Bag".  You get the shell of a fendi and all of the tools you need to make it into your own. The bag will come onto the market in December. I can't believe this hasn't been done before. What a brilliant idea! Koodos to Fendi!

Ivanka gets married

Ivanka Trump married Jared Kushner yesterdayin New Jersey wearing an absolutely gorgeous Vera Wang gown which she modelled on the one and only Grace Kelly.  Over 500 people attended the wedding. The guestlist read like a hollywood premiere - Mayor Rudy Guiliani, Regis Philbin, Barbara Walters, Natalie Portman and Russell Crowe to name just a few.  I can't wait to see what the guests chose to wear to the event. For now I am content with the gorgeous images of the Bride and Groom.  Check out the comparison pic of Grace and Ivanka here. Former Miss Trump, you have truly given us all something to live up to walking down the aisle in the future!

Halloween Costumes on the Cheap

During a recession we have to make cuts where we can. But how can you even think about not doing Halloween? It is one of the greatest holidays of the year. One in which you can wear absolutely whatever you want, look like the biggest idiot and get away with it.  Well thanks to Walmart and Target you can look super sassy and cute and not spend a fortune. There are over 1,000 costumes available from the two big retailers and prices range from $24.99 to $109.99. 

Topshop Expansion

Topshop had always been a reason for the style obsessed to plan a visit to London. The London tourism office may be shaking in their boots this morning as Philip Green has announced he will open stores in Paris, Milan and China over the coming years.  He's already created quite a following stateside with the new store in Manhattan. Topshop is truly taking over the fashion world! Read more about it!

Abnormally small Fashion Designer would rather not design for normal sized ladies

And this is news? Well not really but let's face it, the public likes it when big named designers put their foot in it. Donatella Versace definitely did that last week when she answered a question online at Vogue:

Why do designers typically refuse to design for sizes above 10? This question is not meant to be confrontational; I’ve just always wondered about this. Is it simply a prejudice? Wouldn’t it be a good business decision? I can understand not wanting to start a stand-alone plus-size line, but what about extending sizes to 14/16? We have money, too! —Daphne L. Scott, Chicago

We do offer larger sizes at Versace, but I take your point. I certainly wouldn’t want to do a plus-size line, as I have no problem with women of any size wearing my clothes. I guess some styles lend themselves to being scaled up, while some others just don’t work. Sometimes it can depend on the specific piece.

Way to go Donatella!

Family portrait time

Everybody's doing it these days...including the Obama's and the Madden's....

London Fog causes another celebrity's clothes to fall off

Gisele Bundchen was the last to bear skin for the label which seems to be making a comeback with their classic macs. Now Eva Longoria and Tony Parker are strutting their stuff, in the nude, for London Fog. Here are some of the first shots:

The challenge of pronouncing some designer's names....

Check out Splendicity for a run down on how to pronounce some of the most important designer names there are to know. It's a guarantee to make you feel more confident when speaking about movements in design during the next fashion week in February.

A little preview:
Anya Hindmarch : ahn-ya heind-march
Badgley Mischka : badge-lee meesh-ka
Balenciaga : bah-len-see-ah-gah

Stella McCartney for Gap Kids

If only I had a six year old son or daughter to dress. Better yet, if only I could fit into clothes made for a twelve year old! The new Stella McCartney collection for kids is set to hit Gap on November 2nd and I am hoping to be the first one in the store to collect pieces for my future sons, daughter, nieces, nephews and anyone else I can think of by the time I reach the cash register. This collection looks phenomenal and is definitely the best collaboration effort we have seen yet. These pieces are pure genius and are sure to hook little girls on Stella from the moment they put on their brand new pink tootoo.

Gisele Bundchen the model for all pregnant fashionistas

Ok so after seeing this picture of Gisele Bundchen I went through a cycle of emotions. First - I got all broody and wanted to be pregnant with a rocker's t-shirt stretched around my belly. Second - I reflected over all the models and celebrities which have supplied us with endless ideas for pregnancy fashion....and third- I decided I needed to do a post about the glowing beauties and their fashion statements for all you ladies walking down the nine month path to motherhood! Enjoy!

Best Shops for Maternity Clothes:

A Pea in the Pod

Bella Bum Bum

Isabella Oliver Maternity

Gap Maternity

This Week's fashion winners and losers

More from Jimmy Choo for H&M

Tamara Mellon talks us through the collection and how to put it together in outfits. She is a true style icon of the 2000s and makes it all look so effortless.

Surf's up Cynthia Rowley

I just can't report these new designer teams fast enough these days. The latest news from the shop floor - Cynthia Rowley is teaming up with Roxy Surfwear to create a line of clothing and accessories for all things surfing. The line will launch of Barneys in New York next March.

The Olsen twins join the JCPenney family

Olsenboye, as the label will be called, is a clear indication that the Olsen Twins have their finger on the pulse. The Olsen Twins are teaming up with JCPenney to create this new line of clothing. During a recession women everywhere are looking for cheaper options to keep up to date with trends. What better time to start a trendy new low priced label! Twin power reigns again. We are awaiting further details so stay tuned! If this is anything similar to what the pair have done in the past you can expect queues outside JCPenney for the first time in ages, if ever.

Update:
Check out the video from the site....

2009 Victoria's Secret Secret Fantasy Bra Revealed

Marisa Miller will do the honors this year. On December 1st, during Victoria's Secret annual fashion show Marisa will strut her stuff in a $3million diamond bra designed by Damiani. Adorned with over 3,000 diamonds, including a 16 carat heart shaped diamond, this is not your ordinary bra. And to make sure you are getting great value for money the bra is part of their convertible range which provides five ways in which the bra can be worn - halter, crossback, strapless, one strap and the classic.

Video of the shoot:

Michelle Obama's necklace found!

The good folks at Instyle have made a great discovery! Remember the necklace Michelle Obama wore at the White House Correspondent's dinner in May? Well, the Peter Eramus piece is available for purchase at Anthropologie! For $198 you can transform absolutely any outfit instantly. This piece is a must have for your collection.

The evolution of Tyra

She has always been gorgeous, there is no doubt about that. Over the years we have watched Tyra yo-yo with weight and receive a great deal of attention from the press along the way. From her rise to fame on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit catalogue to the unflattering picture of her in a one piece (which should actually just be seen as a wardrobe mishap more than anything else) and now onto a photoshoot showcasing Tyra's new fierce body shape...this woman is a force to be reckoned with. No other model can claim the level of success Tyra has enjoyed in recent years. She has her own daily talkshow, The Tyra Banks Show, as well as America's Next Top Model which is now in its 13th season.

I can't wait to see the photos from the latest shoot....I'll post them as soon as I get them...until then we remain one of the biggest fans of this lovely lady!

Want your man to look like a Don Draper?

Well your wish is Brooks Brother's command. For $998 you get a suit that looks like it has come straight of the back of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) or Roger Sterling (John Slattery). This hand-finished suit made of grey sharkskin fabric features a 2-button jacket with narrow lapels, hacking pockets and side vents and plain-front trousers.  This suit is a limited edition run so make sure to order online now. Sizes range from 36 short to 42 long.

Handbag Happiness

Love, love, love. I love this bag. However, with a pricetag of $7,000+ and a limited edition run of 50, unfortunately you won't see one of these swinging from my arm. But I can't wait to see who is pictured running around NYC with such an amazing ode to taxi drivers everywhere. Created by Tomas Maier, this bag will come onto the market next month so make sure and get your name on the waiting list. You never know what billionaire will drop off (they seem to be dropping off like flies these days) and make room for your dreams of arm candy!

Stephanie Seymour's Dreamy Wardrobe Budget

The New York Post has been keeping the world up to date on the latest filings from the Stephanie Seymour / Peter Brant divorce on a regular basis. The latest news to come out of the proceedings is the shocking amount of money Seymour spends on a monthly basis. It has been reported that Seymour spends $257,000 a month with a staggering $50,000 of that spent on clothes!
Dear Stephanie - when the divorce has finalized would you mind giving me Peter's number?
People, just imagine what her closet must look like! I imagine it must look something similar to the floor at Neiman Marcus.

New Ralph Lauren Gift Center

Do you have that friend who has absolutely everything and always leaves you between a rock and a hard place at Birthdays and Holidays because they seem to have it all already? Well this site is for you. Ralph Lauren has just launched a site full of original vintage pieces. The Ralph Lauren Gift Vault is up and running now and features fantastic one of a kind antique jewelry, furniture, textiles and decorative items, all over 100 years old. Each piece up for sale is hand selected by Ralph Lauren and is authenticated by their team of experts. Visit this site even just to drool over the wears! It's worth it, trust me.

Today's Shoe Bargain

The Shoe Nazis among us will surely knock this post but I have to say that Payless Shoes does occassionally come out with some nice items.  A good pair of trendy heels for $24.99. That's pretty damn snazzy.  Let's be honest here. These shoes are only going to last as long as the trend itself so you don't feel bad at all about throwing them in the trash at a price so low. Plus you won't have to worry about scuffing them up while you are painting the town red. I don't know about you but when I wear my Jimmy Choos on a night out I feel I have to be extra careful with how I place my feet on the pavement. Those guys aren't so cheap to replace and the last thing you want to do is be seen in a pair of overly worn heels!

Update: Vogue's November Issue

Style.com has released this video of behind the scenes footage for the covershoot of Vogue USA's November issue.  I think they probably felt proof was needed that all the women were actually shot together. I am still not convinced that the finished shot was one in which all the models were together but rather a roughly photoshopped montage of several of Annie's shots.  Still, a nice little clip of how much fun these women all had together. And what an amazing group of women it is. The photoshoot looked so awesome. How could there have not even been one shot decent enough to use as a whole?

The preppiest brand on earth gets a facelift

If you consult "The Preppy Handbook", written in 1980, you will find that the number one brand of all those serious prepsters at the Ivy League schools was none other than L.L. Bean.  I am sure even today Anna Wintour has an L.L. Bean tote in her house in the Hamptons. It is simply a staple in every household these days.  Every year I make the great pilgrimage to Freeport, Maine to stock up on my boat bags (which never go out of style, EVER) and puff vests from the brand's homestore. They have been known for their classics since their debut.

Recently, however, L.L. Bean has announced an interesting collaboration. In March 2010 they will release a line named The L.L. Bean Collection. Alex Carleton,  a forty-year-old who has worked with other great American brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren, has come on board to  give the brand a leg up with this new look in a dog eat dog fashion world.

Last I checked L.L. Bean was doing just fine with over $1.5 billion annually in sales. I am all for new looks with companies.  Many companies in the past, such as Eddie Bauer, have shown that if you don't grow with fashion you will be left in the retail graveyard. But the Bean has never shown any signs of stopping.

The good news seems to be that the company will continue with the classics and simply take this new look on as an additional arm in the company rather than replacing the classics with trendy material.
I am very much looking forward to the launch. I've seen a few of the bags that are being launched alongside the line and I will definitely have my hands on some of those gems as soon as they are released!

The Handbag Daydream

Gucci has launched a new line of Jackie Bags for the winter season and we can't wait to get our hands on the new grey suede version, available from Neiman Marcus for $2,995.

New Avon Lady Calling

Now your "lovely lady lumps" can smell like the fantastic Fergie thanks to a new partnership with Avon that was announced on Friday.  Wilhelmina, Fergie's agency, has brokered what may seem like a most unusual collaboration of talents.  
Fergie stated:
"I'm so excited to partner with Avon to develop my first-ever fragrance. I'm always seeking out new ways to express myself, and fragrance is the perfect opportunity to share my originality and confidence with my fans, and the Avon consumer. I couldn't be happier to be working with a brand with such a strong reputation for supporting women."
And Avon added:
"We are thrilled to partner with Fergie and feel she will resonate strongly with our Avon Representatives and customers both as a fashion/style icon and a bold, multi-talented woman," says Jeri Finard, Senior Vice President and Global Brand President, Avon Products, Inc. "Fergie is a strong, confident and unique woman who stays true to herself and her beliefs. She inspires others with the empowering message that anyone can make their dreams come true - a message that is at the core of the Avon brand."


Well that explains it....ummm I think. Does this woman look like an Avon lady to you?