Fashion Must-Do: Announcing the Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet Road Tour!

It goes without saying that I adore clothing label Alice + Olivia. Anyone who has a chance to experience the fun, frivolity and chicness of this label cannot argue that it embodies the spirit of its designer, the effervescent Stacey Bendet. Which is why I'm excited to tell you about the fact that YOU will get a chance to meet Stacey and the group because they're coming somewhere near (or directly toward) YOUR TOWN!

Stacey and her team are hopping into a 1970’s vintage Airstream motor home armed with a+o stylists and the hottest looks for Summer and Fall.The trunk show/make America beautiful effort comes complete with a team of photographers, stylists, DJs, and a+o friends who are going from town to town for makeovers, styling sessions, impromptu photo shoots, and local model searches. The team includes a+o in-house stylist Cleo, a documentary-style photographer named Diggy (who studied with Mary Ellen Mark and Annie Leibovitz), and downtown NYC improv actress Mollie.

While they're hopping from town to town visiting their favorite boutiques, they'll be stopping in small towns and participating in community projects at every stop. As in, extremely fabulous things like rebuilding the wardrobe of a Nashville girl who lost her belongings in the flood, making a high student’s prom dreams come true, giving a new mom a makeover, outfitting a bride for her upcoming honeymoon, and dressing a teen for her first date! Like I said, FUN!

Want to get in on the fun? Here you go!

ALICE + OLIVIA 2010 SUMMER TOUR DATES


Nashville, TN: Tuesday June 15 – Wednesday June 16th
Trunk show / Makeover Project / Event with The Cotton Mill - June 15                               
Vintage tour & Photo shoot – June 16

Orange Beach, AL: Thursday June 17th
Trunk show at Lucca / Makeover Project / Block Party at The Wharf to benefit Share the Beach


Miami, FL: June 18 - 19th
Trunk show with Scarlett to benefit Kristi House / Makeover project - June 18th
Trunk show at Ida & Harry and Fashion show event at LIV, Fontainebleau Hotel – June 19th

Nashville, TN: Monday June 21st- Tuesday June 22
Nashville Rising Concert – June 22nd

Atlanta, GA: Wednesday June 23rd
Styling Event & Trunk show with Neiman Marcus


Savannah, GA: Thursday June 24th
Trunk show with Bleu Belle / Makeover Project


Wilmington, NC: Friday June 25th
Trunk show / Fashion show with Monkees / Makeover Project

Charleston, SC: Saturday, June 26th – Sunday June 27th
Event with Caviar & Bananas to benefit Feed The Need


TBD, SC: Monday June 28th
Pop-up Shop and Photo shoot

Raleigh, SC: Tuesday June 29th - Wednesday June 30th
Trunk show / Event with Gena Chandler to Benefit National Students of AMF - June 29

Virginia Beach, VA: Thursday July 1st
Trunk show with Frances Kahn

Washington DC: Friday July 2nd                                                                                    
Saks Trunk show / Makeover Project

Atlantic City, NJ: Saturday July 3rd – Sunday July 4th          
 Pop-up shop on the Boardwalk, DJ Party

The Hamptons, NY: Saturday July 10th- Sunday July 11th                 
Pop-up Shop, Location TBD

Montauk, NY: Saturday July 17th
End of Tour Event at the Surf Lodge

*Please note dates are subject to change and additional dates and surprise stops will be announced

So, go check out the fun and get pampered and pretty much perfect with the Alice + Olivia team! All my Southern girls should get in on this immediately, and for those of you who are in the NY area, I'll hopefully see you at the July 17th event in Montauk!

Resort Report: Erin Fetherston Makes Magic With Her 2010 Collection

Fashion designer Erin Fetherston is previewing her Resort collection this week and we've got some of the photos!

Full of fabulous separates and dresses, the designer said, "For resort, I was inspired by the French film, L'Amant.  I wanted to capture an effortless, chic sensibility in an offering with lots of mix and matchability."

I'd say the designer nailed it, especially since this is also her first foray into the world of denim. Check it out for yourself.

With the designer now doing double-duty as Guest Designer and Creative Consultant for Juicy Couture as well as designing her own quirky cool designs, it looks like the dynamo has hit her stride. Looking forward to seeing what else she comes up with.

Obsessions of the Day: My List of Birthday Favorites

Every day, I send you these lovely daily obsessions of little things that make my heart go pitter-patter. In honor of my birthday today, I thought I would give you a list of obsessions that would make my heart skip a beat. Here are my new obsessions in no particular order but with equal admiration:

The beauty floor at Bergdorf Goodman - This is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see, beauty addicts. It's sincerely one of the best curated collections of cosmetics, skincare and fragrance you will ever come across in an environment that is elegant and easy to navigate. When in NYC, it's a landmark experience that you will never forget. It's one of my favorite places in the entire city.

Fenton/Fallon For J. Crew - Every single item of jewelry in this collection is sheer perfection. This is a great way to pick up jewelry designer Dana Lorenz' pieces at a fraction of what her original pieces cost. I need everything single thing that she does and this diffusion line is no exception. This fringe cuff bracelet is $115. Buy it and wear it with everything.

Hanes Men's Undershirts - I adore T by Alexander Wang but not everyone can drop that kind of coin on a T-shirt on a regular basis. These soft, durable and sexy tees are a staple in my wardrobe and I purchase packs of them at a time in the tank and tee versions. I take them home with boxes of dye and change the colors, cut the necks, resew the sleeves, add chains and ribbons. Most of the tees I own I've made myself.

Levi's Denim - If you look in my closet, you will see a vast array of jeans, but you'll see quite a number of Levi's denim jeans in varying silhouettes and washes. I discovered 501's in high school and I've been a fan ever since. They always make me look my best and I'm a huge, unwaivering fan. I just wore my beloved pair of Levi's Demi Curve Skinnies in Nickel Grey ($59.50) last night.

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet - If you read this site, you know that I'm completely obsessed with her fabulous party-worthy clothes. My goal at some point is to purchase at least one piece a month, like her "Jasmine" Bustier Dress ($495).

ADAM Ostrich Feather Skirt ($595) - This came blowing down the runway on the model and it took my breath away. Where oh where has this skirt been my entire life? Silken easy V-neck tee, a glittering arm full of bangles and some dangerously strappy shoes will complete a look that says EVERY DAY is my birthday.

Brian Atwood Shoes - All of us pledge our allegiance to a shoe designer at some point in our lives. Although I do adore my Diors, I have a particular passion for all things Brian Atwood, like these stunning "Loca" Studded Pumps ($800) that you can see in all their glory in the Sex and the City sequel out now (toward the end in Abu Dhabi when Carrie shows a little leg.)

Rick Owens - I bow to the high priest of goth tailoring and there isn't a fashion lover worth her salt that doesn't covet one of his mind-blowing leather jackets. Most women purchase a major designer bag to designate that they've made it. My money will be spent on a Rick Owens Organza-Trim Biker Jacket ($2,010.)

My Amazon Wish List - Most of us update them about once a month. I update mine about once every other day and it's filled with a fashion library I would kill for, movies I adore and other objects I desire, like this fabulous Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) ($499.)

These are just a few on the top of many, many designers that have inspired me. I adore fashion, I love style and I am a sincere disciple of beauty. May this list inspire your own fashion fantasies and may all of you get everything you desire for your birthdays and every day.

Fashion News: Iman to Be Honored With CFDA Award Tonight!

It's truly a good week when it starts out with news this amazing. My favorite model of all time and one of my greatest Style Icons, Iman, will be honored with a Fashion Icon award at the CFDA Awards tonight at Lincoln Center!

Previous winners of the award have included Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker, but this is an amazing honor for black models from every era, a group that has seen much struggle within the fashion industry. The recognition of one of the greatest models and businesswomen of our time is a huge step in the right direction and well-deserved per her impressive body of work. She's a Fashion Icon and a role model that you can have it all, work very hard and still be a class act.

For those who would like to read the spectacular piece on Iman that was published in Friday's New York Times regarding this award and her fantastic career (written beautifully by Teri Agins), please click here.

Bravo, Iman! We look forward to covering what spectacular creation Alexander Wang is reportedly creating for you and please enjoy this amazing reward. ADORE YOU!

Fashion Fabulous: The New Wardrobe Stars of Sex and the City 2

So, tonight's the night and I'm heading to a sneak preview of Sex and the City 2, courtesy of Coty Prestige and Sarah Jessica Parker's fabulous Carrie Bradshaw-inspired fragrance, SJP NYC. I'll give you some serious scoop on the fragrance and the event tomorrow (and if you want to follow the action tonight from the event, follow me on twitter and/or hashtag #SJPNYC), but as with any fabulous fashion event, I've done my homework and discovered some of the fabulous labels I'll be seeing this evening.

Here are the names that will be on everyone's lips after this weekend thanks to Patricia Field, Molly Rogers, their designer and vintage connections, and a healthy $10 million wardrobe budget:

Jee Vice - This French eyewear company is all over the movie, especially one Ms. Bradshaw. I already have two pairs of the stunners, but you'll see Carrie rock a pair of these fabulous Jee Vice "Heated" Sunglasses in Orange Jubilee ($170).

Charlotte Olympia - this London "It" girl already has a celebrity cult following (Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Anna Paquin are just a few) and her 40's and 50's-inspired footwear is all the rage across the pond, in Hollywood and now on the feet of Ms. Bradshaw. Look for spectacular footwear from the designer, like these Dolly Leather Platform Pumps ($556).

 Halston Heritage - With SJP on the creative team, it's no wonder these dresses would wind up front and center in this movie but trust me, when you see them in person, they're FABULOUS. From the V-Neck Jersey Dress ($325) seen on the posters and the first shot of the film to the incredibly glam Metallic-Stripe Dress ($435), the revamp of the legendary design house hasn't seen this much action since they closed Studio 54.

Solange Azagury-Patridge - Ladies who lunch and those of us who are obsessed with fine jewelry know the work of this designing dynamo with an eye for gems and chains that are simply out of this world. That necklace on Carrie on the poster? Hers. A lot of the chains in the movie? Hers. The new "Carrie" necklace in the opening scene is 18ct white gold with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and fire opals and it costs almost $200,000. Can we say UPGRADE?!?

Low Luv - Another fabulous accessories label, this rocker cool label is a personal favorite of yours truly, especially piece from their collaboration with model-turned-designer Erin Wasson. Look for pieces from the brand to pop up almost everywhere, including this Snake-Hinged Cuff ($245).

The Blonds - As a HUGE fan of this rock-and-roll label, to me they need no introduction. You've seen their work on Rihanna, Katy Perry, Fergie and countless other celebrities and they add a whole new level of drama to the wardrobes of Carrie and Samantha in Abu Dhabi. You know, like Samantha's fabulous red dress with all the spikes you keep seeing everywhere, previously rocked by RiRi?

I'll report back on trends and all sorts of other things tomorrow but go ahead and look up these fabulous designers so you can get a leg up on your friends in the fashion department. The time has come, ladies! Sex and the City 2 is almost here!

Fashion Necessity: Donna Karan The Body Perfect Shapewear

We all love the looks of the red carpet - long, lean, lithe bodies walking in thousands of dollars of couture hand-sewn by tiny women in couture houses in Europe. But if you ask any stylist or designer, they will tell you that no matter how thin these women are, nothing causes clean lines like shapewear. It's like construction: the right foundation is key to building anything.

My new recent discovery has been the awe-inspiring power of Donna Karan The Body Perfect Shapewear. Of course, the woman who has spent an entire career creating clothing to hide a woman's flaws and enhance her feminine shape would come up with mind-blowing shapewear that smooths and holds you in without feeling uncomfortable. They come in nude and black (please note: flash photography WILL reveal your little secret - judge accordingly and test ahead of time) and in different shapes for different needs (capri pants, high-waist embrace brief.) Under pants, an evening gown, a cocktail dress, knitwear - whenever you need to ensure long, lean lines (which is almost always, let's be honest here), this shapewear will get the job done.

Wedding season, cocktail parties, date night - there are a LOT of occasions coming up where this product will be needed. Get them all and rotate them often - they WORK.


Donna Karan The Body Perfect Collection ($35 - $45), available at Bare Necessities

Fashion News: Uniqlo Partners With Velvet by Graham and Spencer for Capsule Collection

Summertime is the right time for the perfect T-shirt (although, what season ISN'T?) and our favorite Japanese retailer, Uniqlo, has created another super-fabulous designer partnership to make sure your tops fit you to a T this season. Los Angeles-based brand Velvet by Graham and Spencer are set to design a capsule collection of feminine knits includes pants, tops and dresses.

The collection will build on the brand’s beloved line of contemporary tees and tops and will consist of fourteen items, including camisoles, dresses, jersey harem pants and those beloved t-shirts. The sumptuous capsule collection is scheduled to arrive on June 17th, with prices ranging from $15.50-$19.50, a mere fraction of the price of Velvet's higher-end pieces.

Mark those calendars! This will be a collection you won't want to miss!

Obsession of the Day: Alexander McQueen Skull Gem Knuckle Duster Ring

The recent passing of Alexander McQueen was so shocking I think it rendered the entire fashion industry speechless for a good two months. I don't believe we're over the premature death of this creative genius just yet. His talent lives on.

In his honor, I feel like today's Obsession of the Day needed to be something from one of his last genius collections, a little way to unleash your personal style after a week's worth of "work-appropriate" clothes. This is a ring I would have worn during my other life (a long career in human resources - don't ask) to add rocker edge to my suits and I most certainly would wear now. It's a four-finger knuckle duster in gunmetal with two skulls and a fabulous stone seemingly modeled from post-Apocalyptic Terminators. It's beyond cool and adds instant rock and roll glamour to any wardrobe.

Just imagine this ring running across your fingers as you give that Powerpoint presentation, then kick on some black skinnies and platforms for drinks with the girls. TGIF, indeed.

Alexander McQueen Skull Gem Knuckle Duster Ring ($374), available via farfetch.com

Sale Alert: Get Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler and Others At The Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

If ever there was a sample sale to attend, THIS is the one I would highly recommend. One of my favorite stores, Opening Ceremony, is having a fabulous sample sale from May 13th through May 16th at their Soho location (33 Howard between Lafayette and Broadway - I have it memorized), where you can get 60-90% off some amazing designer merchandise. We're talking Alexander Wang, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Jeremy Scott, Proenza Schouler, Rachel Comey, Vena Cava and many, many more. Details are in the invite. If you love amazing designer merchandise at a fabulous price, THIS is the sample sale to attend!

Sample Sale Alert: Rebecca Minkoff NYC Sample Sale

If you recently read my interview with clothing and accessories designer Rebecca Minkoff, you've no doubt understood everyone's obsession with her fabulous handbags and gorgeous clothes. Well, if you're an NYC gal looking to score more Minkoff for your closet (or your first one, in which case, mazel), there's a sample sale coming from May 12th through May 16th that you simply cannot afford to miss. Details are above in the invitation. If you want to know where I'll be during that time, I might be the one fighting you off of a fabulous Cross Body bag. See you there!

Sample Sale Alert: Twinkle By Wenlan Spring 2010 Collection

Those of us who are addicted to the flirty fashions of Twinkle by Wenlan have reason to celebrate: a sample sale cometh! Mark your calendars for May 13th and 14th in Manhattan for spectacular deals on Spring 2010 merchandise! The actual showroom will be open with deals not to be believed: signature chunky knits, gorgeous dresses, whimsical accessories and so much more and prices up to 75% of retail. Location details are in the invitation above and if you need a quick refresher of the fabulous collection, here you go (I was there - totally fun items). Have fun! I'll see you there!

Celebrity NYC: New York City Favorites From Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia

When you live in New York, you tend to get recommendations of what's new, hot and fabulous from your friend, coworkers, colleagues or from the magazines and blogs we rely upon regularly. I thought it might be fun to ask designers, stylists and other tastemakers where they hang out in NYC. You saw the interview a couple of weeks ago with Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet. Here, the designer gives us her picks on what to do, see, eat and experience in her New York City. Hey Stacey, what are your favorite places to:

Eat? Sushi, or vegan food from Blossom.

Have a cocktail? Kenmare (in Nolita) or random LES margarita spots.

Shop?  Online, vintage, DEAR on the LES

Do yoga/workout? Ashtanga yoga with Eddie Stern

Relax and unwind? My apartment!

Have a day of beauty? Omg, who has time?!? I get a facial from Eloise’s banana-covered palms.

Have a little peace and quiet? Malibu!

Party until dawn? Kenmare followed by Boom Boom Room at The Standard.

Spend time with your daughter? She is my buddy! I take her everywhere! We love to go to Sundaes and Cones for ice cream for a treat!

Get out there and check out some of Stacey's picks from the city! And, of course, keep it tuned here for more fabulous NYC picks from amazing talent from around the worlds of fashion, style and beauty!

Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Rebecca Minkoff

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with shoes and handbags. Nothing makes me salivate more quickly than a gorgeous, amazing handbag and one of my favorites is designer Rebecca Minkoff. Sewing since the age of 8 and designing clothing since the age of 18, this clothing and accessories designer got her start in the handbag arena when her friend, actress Jenna Elfman, asked her to design a handbag for her next movie. That, my friends, is how the 'Morning After’ bag was born and the rest, as they say, is fashion history.

Rebecca designs not only covet-worthy handbags but jewelry (I have three bracelets), clothing (to die for), and accessories (swoon). The designing dynamo can also count herself among Hollywood's favorite designers with well-known fans like Lauren Conrad, Hilary Duff, Bijou Phillips, Jessica Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Debra Messing. I recently had a chance to chat with Rebecca and here's what she had to say:

FSB: What do you think has brought your line such success?
Rebecca Minkoff: I think my line has been so successful because it provides consumers with high-quality contemporary bags at an affordable price point. I work to ensure all of the designs are both fashionable and functional.  I also make a point to listen to consumer feedback that I hear at events and read on blogs and try and incorporate some of their ideas.

FSB: Can you share your inspirations? What’s on your mood board? What inspires you to create?  
Rebecca: I get a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces.  I also love to travel throughout Europe for inspiration.  My fall 2010 collection theme is Paris Je t’aime and has Parisian influences. My mood board is a mix of vintage designs, beautiful photography, and sketches.

FSB: Can you share a little about the spring collection? Who is the Rebecca Minkoff woman this season? What are some of your personal picks from the line this season?
Rebecca: The spring collection is fun and playful. The Rebecca Minkoff woman has a distinct sense of style: she isn't flashy, but makes a statement with her clothing and accessories.  She's fun and confident.  Also, because my bags are great for day-to-night, they appeal to women who are always on the go! Some of my favorite bag collections this spring are the Easy Rider, Tie Dye, and Linear Studs.

FSB: What’s your favorite bag? Which one are you carrying right now?
Rebecca: I'm wearing my 3-Zip MAC in Black, a playful update on my best-selling Morning After Clutch. I love zippers as a decorative accent, and they're also great for organization! The size is perfect for both work and for dinner/drinks afterwards.

Rebecca's fabulous and amazing items are available at Searle, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel and Shopbop.com and over 200 boutiques across the US, France, Japan, Russia and Canada. Seriously, ladies: no wardrobe is complete with a Minkoff so check out her site, learn more, go shopping and get some Minkoff Magic for your wardrobe.

FSB On The Scene: The Finale Party For Project Runway and an Interview with Winner Seth Aaron!

Last night, Bluefly invited me and a select few individuals to attend a Project Runway finale party at the apartment (nay, two-floor mega-palace for us New Yorkers - you could land a plane in there) of the super-fabulous Laura Bennett (previous finalist of Project Runway/designer/now author/amazing mom).

If you're a Project Runway fan, this was a dream come true, as tons of former designers were present and available: Kevin, Jay, Malan, Epperson, Maya (the designer who left the show this season), even crowd favorite Anthony were all present to watch the finale show on a projection television with drinks and snacks. I even got a chance to meet one of my favorites, the fabulous and amazing Kara Janx.

And, I die, Kelly Cutrone and I wound up chatting about her book, life in general and all sorts of other things. Ladies and gentlemen, she could not have been more sweet. I now have a mad girl crush on Kelly. She's beyond fabulous.

But if you watched the show, you know that Seth Aaron Henderson won! People, this is the first time I've picked the winner from the very first show of the season and he was sitting right across from me with his entire family!

I jumped at the chance to interview the designer mere moments after he was announced the winner on national television. Here's what he had to say:

FSB: You won! As a huge fan of the show, I have to know: what was it like to get the end? Describe the gauntlet that is Project Runway.
Seth Aaron: Well, obviously, it was a blessing, number one. I didn't really consider it a huge labor. I mean, that's what I came to do. I'm pretty focused, I know who I am and I'm confident. I thought it was a lot of fun!

FSB: How would you describe your buyer? Who is the woman that wears your clothing?
Seth Aaron: Anyone who wants to f*^kng wants to tear it up. :) I mean, you have to remember that what you see on the show isn't necessarily real life. I design ready-to-wear. I have a line, but when you get on Project Runway, you almost have to just say to Hell with that. This is costume, something rich, something impressive. I mean, the only project I didn't bring it was the Heidi Klum challenge, where I tried to take it back a little and you saw how that worked out. It's about bringing up to a whole new level. I just went completely editorial all the time. When you go to Fashion Week, you don't show a collection. You show a show.

FSB: Nice! So what's next for you?
Seth Aaron:  Manufacturer, Los Angeles...I'm already working on reps for Los Angeles and New York. I've already got one here that's going to put (the line) all over Manhattan. It's now about finding a manufacturer that can do it. After that, Tokyo. I'll continue with the editorial runway show. I really love that. I've also got someone from London Fashion Week contacting me, so I'd like to do that next.

FSB: Awesome! So, one last question: what's it feel like to win Project Runway?
Seth Aaron: What do you think?!?

FSB: I think it would be pretty freakin' awesome!
Seth Aaron: It's pretty freakin' awesome!

Thanks to Bluefly, Laura Bennett, Project Runway and Attention! for such a fabulous evening! Congratulations to Seth Aaron Hamilton!