To Turban or Not To Turban

When the fashion gods bestow a mystery upon the masses, the only thing to do is look to the style visionaries to see if and how we can actually wear them.

This is true with the turban. Or “turband” as I like to call it. Both Olsen twins have already rocked theirs as well as our super chic friend MJ. These girls have taken their cue from the catwalk and have been flaunting them from Paris to the LES.



But this look is not for everyone. And it’s not especially easy to find. I even overheard a hipster salesgirl at vintage boutique Some Odd Rubies lamenting that she could not find one anywhere, even online. Don’t despair hipster girl. You can find these chic Prada-inspired headpieces at Intermix.







Final Word: If you’re not the turband kind of gal, perhaps opt for a girl red patent headband with a bow like the one from Miu Miu. Either way, the best thing to wear with your new headgear is unabashed confidence- the hottest accessory for spring.

Marc Jacobs in Rehab

Yet another celebrity bites the dust...will this trend never end?? But to be honest, I do believe Mr. Jacobs is serious about seeking treatment for his relapse in sobriety. Unfortunately he chose a moment in cultural history where rehab is as trendy black tights and ballerinas. I thought he starts fads not follows them!

Jacobs' business partner, Robert Duffy, says, "Marc made the right decision. He'd been sober for seven years. When he relapsed, he wanted to deal with it right away. According to the experts, such a relapse isn't uncommon. Thankfully, Marc recognized the problem himself and chose to deal with it. Obviously, our prayers are with him."

Final Word: All kidding aside, we wish the designer well and hope he gets better soon!

Weekend Update with Catherine Holstein

Over the weekend I went to Barney’s, which unlike my high school days, is an event (I rarely find myself north of 23rd street other than to get my haircut or waxed.) So walking onto the 8th floor of COOP, I had pretty low expectations of Vince, Splendid and Rogan to be splayed out in a mess as little girls rifled through them immediately squashing any real appeal. But instead, hidden in the corner was a humble rack of sweet frocks that caught my eye.

I was drawn to their simplicity - they had something the other baby dolls did not…thought. These smart pieces seemed sadly discarded, but they were fawning for my attention. A 1920s halter dress in eggshell with ivory buttons running down the front, a tuxedo style silk jumper and a creamy drop back shift with loose pockets in the front embodied a retro feel yet were more contemporary than anything else on the floor.

I looked at the label- Catherine Holstein. Eureka. I’ve seen this 23-year old’s photo on Style.com for ages arm in arm with Victoria Traina and the Proenza boys with the caption “designer” below. Sure, everyone is a designer these days but I had no idea who she or her work was.

After some research I found her Teen Vogue article in June 06 and it was her sailor dress that Mischa wore last summer, albeit in a completely un-chic way. But why did she have such awful retail real estate? And why haven’t I heard of her??

Final Word: It’s official; I have a crush. In the end, I left with only one of Miss Holstein’s dress, but could’ve left with four. And I can’t stop thinking about my dress let alone the others I left on the racks. Perhaps I’ll have to make my trip uptown a weekly occasion…

Loeffler Randall: Head to Toe

Some people, or companies, just do everything right. That seems to be the case for Loeffler Randall. Their business began as footwear collection in 2004, picking up press and distribution by Fall 2005.

When their first boot hit the “Best Bets” page of New York Magazine two falls ago, it was love at first sight. When the boots were delivered to Intermix a week later, I picked up a pair in camel without hesitation and have been a devotee ever since.

Made from fine leather, with a simple slip-on design and 3 inch cone heel (pictured above), the boot is pretty much perfect. From black, to deep midnight blue, most of my friends now own a pair, and even a year and a half post-purchase, collectively, we are rarely without them.

Our wardrobes now also stock high-levels of their flat Matilde boot and Estella Sweetheart pump. Recently, I have begun to notice that when I am immediately drawn to something in a shoe department or magazine, Loeffler Randall is usually behind it.

But my friends and I are hardly their only fans. In 2006, designer Jessie Randall—who owns and runs the company with husband Brian Murphy—was nominated for the Swarovski Perry Ellis CDFA Award for new emerging accessories talent. By 2007, the company had enough steam to launch a line of handbags.

This week, Randall will debut her first ready-to-wear collection, Fall/Winter 2007. With a sneak peak at their lookbook, my love affair with Loeffler Randall will undoubtedly continue, bordering on full-blown obsession.

Randall, targeting the “chic, modern girl,” operates on the aesthetic of designing accessories—and now clothing—that she would want to wear, but was never able to find. Lucky for us, her taste—and work—are impeccable.

For the ready-to-wear collection, expect voluminous coats and capes with two-layered batwing sleeves and high-waisted belts, short, loose-fitting dresses of wool, satin, metallic and plaid, and blousy tops that pair perfectly with fitted jeans and the aforementioned boot perfection.

Final Word: The Butterfly and Fraulein series are amongst our faves, but we’ll have to wait months to get our hands on them. For the time being, stop into Bergdorf’s or Intermix to accessorize for spring. Mark my words, you’ll be back to more.

CK One...the sequel?

Yesterday the New York Times covered Calvin Klein’s new fragrance, CK in2u, equivocating it to the 90s cultural phenomenon, CK One.

Interesting. I had no idea Calvin Klein had something new brewing in its perpetual cauldron of Madison Avenue shifts, obscure jeans and counterfeit Canal Street underwear, let alone a groundbreaking fragrance that could single-handedly give awkward adolescents courage to go to second base (theoretically speaking).










According to the Times, this scent will be marketed to “technosexuals” (it’s actually trademarked) born between 1982-1995. In other words, us. Sounds like something out of To Catch a Predator. What’s worse is the name is supposed to be an IM, as in it’s so instantaneously sexual, they couldn’t even write the word out but had to text it. Really bringing out the think tanks on this one.

Still, last night when the company threw their launch party, I had to go since everyone loves a party. And actually, it was awesome. Converting the first floor of the CK offices, the whole space looked like a warehouse rave with graffiti splashed walls, box crates for seats and a DJ spinning from atop . Only serving beer and hard liquor with a tequila room in the back and no product in sight,– this place was actually cool.

Even Sienna Miller was there lending style cred with boyfriend Jamie Burke in tow. Surrounding her were crowds of 20-something hipsters and no shortage of black leather, fedoras and facial hair with an occasional prep or jap in betwen. I guess this is what the CK One generation looks like grown up.

Final Word: After all is said and done, I haven’t even smelled the perfume. Apparently the women’s has grapefruit and red currant tones while the men’s is more tropical with lime and cocoa. Yum. I guess this begs the question, do I want to revisit junior high all over again? If it means getting to pass notes, go to make out parties and have spring break- then yes, yes I do.

White Hot American Summer

Whether or not you admire the Olsen twins’ style, you have to at least respect it. These days no chic chicas in the biz leave the house sans stylist, except maybe Sienna Miller, who’s British so she doesn’t count. But when an American relies on her own judgment in the closet, anything a step up from country bumpkin is a coup.




But regardless of whether luxe hobo is your personal style or not, this dynamic duo start trends rather than mimic them. In fact after both pint-size fashionistas sported their white frame sunglasses as early as last year with designers following suit including Luella and Proenza Schouler for their Spring 2007 collections.



Final Word: This summer, I plan to rock the retro punk look paired with something ultra feminine, say a baby doll dress. But steer away from skinny jeans, for fright of looking like some hipster-freak at Don Hill’s on a Monday- ew.

Why European Socialites Are Chicer, Cooler, Better than Ours…

I am ashamed to admit that I’ve even considered this, but might as well digress.

Although I’ve never rubbed shoulders with the Royal European set (at least to my knowledge,) I have, to my dismay, feted with the latter group on a number of occasions. Without a doubt this social enclave is one of the most prudish, frigid and ennuyeux bunch with whom I wouldn’t deign to share a banquette at Bungalow to save my life. My guest appearance (as a meager plebian) to the Young Lions Ball at the New York City Library last year made that point very clear. Girls in borrowed dresses with zero personal style sipped cocktails of Perrier and lime, while air kissing their way to the paparazzi that mechanically took photos with no sense of genuine zeal. The whole event seemed contrived, fake and well, not fun.

But having read my fair share of HELLO, OK! and POINT DE VUE I’ve seen enough young royalty (Charlotte, Tatiana, Camilla) abroad to know that these girls are way more stylish, interesting and cooler. Even French VOGUE who prides itself on being above society focused its lenses on the young glitterati last month in a photo collage by Mario Testino.



Maybe it’s because they don’t care. Truth be told, there really is no place to go from princess. Meanwhile on the other side of the pond, the idea of meritocracy exists even in the upper echelon of New York society (see Tory Burch) where our local celebutantes desperately try to outrank each other every day (see socialiterank.com).

In Europe the privileged aren’t afraid to look or act like rock stars, sexpots or girls their age. Rebellious as any royal spawn should be, these ingenues are the next big thing.



Final Word: Granted none of this banter means much to the average girl, but these public princesses are, in my humble opinion, much more worthy of our endless scrutiny and mimicking than your regular Robertson Boulevard it-girl du jour. Why? Because they have something our faux socialites just don’t have- class. Or at least something that looks like it…

An Eco-Conscious Girl’s Best Friend

We live in a green world- or it’s getting that way. From Leo DiCaprio announcing the Oscars have “gone green,” to Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth wining Best Documentary to hybrids replacing limos at the red carpet, going green is pretty much all celebrities are talking about …which means it’s all we’re talking about.

So I feel it is partly our duty to note chic eco-friendly things that sprout up in the market, which don’t exactly look like hemp, smell like Birkenstocks or taste of Granola.

Hip hop impresario and master yogi Russell Simons may have provided us just that. One of his many endeavors, Simmons Jewelry Company (yes, there is such a thing) that normally caters to a blinged out demographic is shifting gears with the launch of the Green Bracelet. Unexpected celebrities like Beyonce and T.I. have already been wearing these eco cuffs amid other shiny unmentionables.

Made from raw materials of green malachite beads and a rough African conflict free diamond, The Green Bracelet also does good. Twenty five percent of profits go to support educational programs via the SJC's Diamond Empowerment Fund. Think of it as the new Lance Armstrong band- with ice.

Final Word: When the bracelets hit stores at the end of March, each will come with Kimberley Process and GCAL certificates, insuring the diamonds are conflict free. If that’s not being an informed consumer, I don’t know what is.

Monotony at The Times

I’m starting to grow tired of Cathy Horyn’s endless disappointment with the collections. After the bold statement in the Times yesterday on London Fashion Week (“…no single first-rate talent has emerged,”) I’m beginning to wonder if anything will knock the couture socks off Ms. Horyn’s privileged feet save designers dressing models in car parts, larded in oil and wheeling them out onto the runway on unicycles. Not sure why that image, but I guess that would be unexpected.



On Christopher Kane, the fashion industry’s darling du jour, she says: “he is too mindful of his fashion references (Azzedine Alaia).” Sure his designs are inspired by a predecessor, but when was the last time girls got excited about flaunting their curves in tight-fitted bodices with enough confidence in one dress to single-handedly put Hilary in office? Especially since Mr. Kane is not creating carbon copies- his point of view is fresh, young and yes Alaia-inspired but since when has remixing fashion become a crime or been considered tired?




Final Word: I do respect the opinion of Times’ fashion writer; in fact I sometimes model my work on her usual hard critiques. But after a while one must wonder if she is just doling out personal taste rather than viewing the clothes with an objective eye. After all, what is true fashion if not a tool to challenge your own style limitations?

Bluefly: Bathing Suits, Business Suits and...Birthday Suits?

Last week, Bluefly, the leading online retailer of designer brands, released a risqué new advertising campaign. The first of the ads, which appeared in the March 2007 issue of Lucky magazine and other top media markets throughout the country, depicts a girl nonchalantly waiting for her morning subway while completely nude.

The image, shot by photographer Leif Schiller, is tastefully done with limbs and accessories covering any R-rated regions. The picture does not evoke the shock value one may associate with a naked girl on a subway platform, but that is exactly the point.

Are we to assume her by-standers are simply too jaded or robotic to notice an attractive girl in her birthday suit on the morning commute? Or rather, is the nudity not a literal nudity but simply that sense of feeling naked?

I tend to lean toward the latter. At the end of the day, Bluefly wants to sell us clothes. And while their decision to use nudity to do so is an interesting one, I happen to like it.

They are tapping into that sense of feeling unclothed with our clothes. It’s like when you’re running to a dinner and you don’t have time to stop home so you borrow a top from your friend. The top fits, and its look good, and you choose one from their closet that happens to suit your style. But it’s just not yours, and in turn, it’s just not right.

Getting dressed is such a personal form of self-expression, and that’s exactly what Bluefly is tapping into here. The girl in the ad is taking a stand against settling for a mediocre wardrobe. If she had it her way, she would go undressed rather than poorly dressed, and who can disagree with that?

Final Word: If you have continuous re-occurring naked-in-a-crowd dreams, you may want to consult your therapist. But if you’re looking to pick up some discounted designer duds from your desk, Bluefly has got you covered. Literally.

The Best of Fashion Week

With the end of fashion week nearly approaching, here our top 5 picks of the season so far...not counting Mr. Posen who shows later this evening...



1. Derek Lam - This unapologetically sexy metallic minidress has all the right details. High neck, high hem and just enough gunmetal glam to keep under wraps of your new fall coat.






2. Peter Som – Ok, so it’s another gunmetal metallic piece, but I don’t care, I’m obsessed! Especially with the 1940s loose tie-front style covered by a subdued nubby cardigan. Perfection.







3. Thakoon – External stitching reminiscent of piping is a big trend we’ve seen on all the runways. It looks great here with the light gray and black contrast. I’ve seen a lot of coats as dresses this season, and I appreciate that concept a lot.










4. Marc Jacobs – So we all know we will be peeling off our layers to dress according to Marc and this is one standout look out of the star-studded collection. Tuxedo dressing was rampant on the runways, as was acidic doses of color.













5. Proenza Schouler – There was so much to choose from these boys but the best may be these wide-leg trousers paired with a fitted top in their signature corset tradition.










Final Word: Although my opaque stockings haven’t been knocked off, I’m pleased to see New York designers are making a concerted effort to push the boundaries a little. As the Times’ fashion editor Cathy Horyn said today, “Misguided though it may be, American fashion is not complacent.” You’re up Mr. Posen.

Doucette Duval Makes their Mark

Stephanie Doucette and Annabet Duvall are the epitome of girls‚ girls. The moment I walked onto the 8th floor of the ever-eccentric Chelsea Hotel, I was greeted by a giddy energy of a slumber party. After getting a goody bag of organic cookies and hairspray, I was guided into a petite pink suite where the designer duo was gabbing with society girl Annabel Tollman and sipping what appeared to be tea (It was Maker's Mark.)

The collection oozed the same deliberate nonchalance, radiating Courtney Love‚s punk rebellion and Sandra Dee‚s 1950s lady-like femininity. Indeed, Grease Lightening seemed to be a big reference with strong retro glam connotations- after all, these girls‚ first love was vintage couture (They launched their label on Valentine's Day!).



The rockabilly theme remained consistent in the form of nubby tweed car coats of fine Italian wool, frilly taffeta frocks and sweet sundresses all styled with brightly colored knee socks. But perhaps the most memorable was the unique optimism of the entire collection, a rare trait when other young contemporaries feign austere self-doubt.



Final Word: These girls have officially arrived. Look out for their new collection at select Intermix!

Much Love for Abaete and Sass & Bide

Yesterday afternoon at Bryant Park I had a chance to check out the Fall/Winter 2007 Collections for both Abaete and Sass & Bide.

In viewing the collections one after the other, these ready-to-wear labels proved one valid point: this season’s trends are not going anywhere.

Although each collection had their own theme and personality, both labels continued to put dark stockings and leggings down the runway with short skirts, tight dresses and loose-fitting tops paired with the ever-present skinny jean.

Sequins, gold, pailettes and jeweled embellishments were everywhere.

Abaete referenced 60’s mod glamour with shortened geometric designs and exposed, over-sized zippers. A futuristic element also appeared in the patent bubble dress and belted trench.

Abaete took risks, but nailed them all. Of the 30 dresses and jackets shown, I wanted to wear them all.

Sass & Bide sexed it up a bit with gold mini-dresses, draped and gathered on the top and short and fitted on the bottom. They showed some prints in similar silhouettes and brought back their super sexy skinny jean.

My favorite look included a black sequined racer-back tank worn over a grey Henley dress with black leggings.

Final Word: Both Abaete and Sass & Bide have proved they know what girls want and these sleek, chic sexy collections are giving them exactly that. Insider tip: Buy white stockings. Tres chic. Who knew?

Alexander The Great

Earlier today, in an abandoned factory on the way west side industry it-boy Alexander Wang debuted Fall/Winter 2007, his second complete collection.

Young Wang, a Parson’s alum with Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam on his short but sweet resume, displayed a mature sophistication with a collection heavy on wools, tweeds and menswear inspired separates.

As a nod to the decade of his birth, he showed some 80's love with gaudy gold chains and grommeted hats, tops and jackets a la old school hip-hop.

Wide-legged, high-waisted herringbone trousers walked the runway with suspender-ed loose-fitting black wool shorts. Leather motorcycle pants and sequined tops and dresses added a flirty, youthful edge.

His signature graphic cashmere appears in an over-sized cardigan of tiger motif. It was worn backwards with opaque anthracite stockings, styled by Wang muse Victoria Traina

My favorite pieces include the Chevron Aviator Dress, a racer-back mini of graphic black and grey wool, and the Members Only cape, which is exactly what it sounds like, but cooler.

Final Word: This promising protégée continues to perform. Alexander Wang is the next big thing, if he isn’t so already. The collection, all completely wearable and bound for commerical success, hits stores late summer. Pick it up Alchemist, Miami Beach.

Sneak Peak: Proenza Schouler for Target

Last night Proenza Schouler launched their Spring 2007 Target collection at Opening Ceremony. Fashionistas congregated to shop the designer duo’s capsule collection as hosts/designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez worked the room of editors, it-girls and industry insiders.

Their signature pieces—two-toned bustiers and sexy, satin dresses—filled the racks alongside an extensive collection of casual cottons. With navy and white striped cabanas for dressing rooms and yellow tarring ropes hung floor to ceiling, the usually avant-garde boutique was transformed into an urban yacht club of sorts.

The collection followed the same aesthetic. Cropped canvas jackets, full bodied trenches and preppy cardigans complimented colorful incarnations of nautical stripes and bold Hawaiian prints appearing on halters, dresses and handbags.

My favorites include a fitted, hooded, school bus yellow windbreaker and smartly cut striped cotton tees in red, navy and granny apple green.

If J. Crew and H&M had a love-child, raised it in Brooklyn and vacationed in Maui—that is Proenza Schouler for Target.

And it works. All the good sizes were gone when I got there.

Final Word: They replenish daily and are open to the public all weekend. The collection hits Target stores throughout the country next week. Until then, Opening Ceremony, 35 Howard Street between Broadway and Lafayette.

Divine Designs at DoucetteDuvall

Two autumns ago, DoucetteDuvall launched their first collection. It included two dresses and two jackets in two prints.

Since, the ladies behind the line—Stephanie Ann Doucette and Annebet Duvall—have been keeping quite busy. They have been featured in Lucky, shot for Elle and quadrupled their retail exposure.

When they preview their Fall/Winter collection this Monday at Hotel Chelsea, the ladies will debut their most extensive endeavor to date.

With over two dozen dresses and a well-edited handful of jackets, they uphold their commitment to fine-tailored, feminine silhouettes. They continued to show their signature silk-charmeuse prints and introduce hints of fine Italian wool.

In a time when girls are finally starting to dress up again, DoucetteDuvall’s vintage-inspired collection is as impossibility chic and it is timely. A level of sophistication has returned to daily fashion, and DD has been advocating this nostalgic notion since their start.

From sweet, simple sundresses (Sammy Jo) to dramatic cocktail couture (Zsa Zsa), DoucetteDuvall will take you from summer soirees to holiday hedonism with an effortless, elegant ease.

But if you still feel you need a reason to get dressed up, DoucetteDuvall is as good as any.

Final Word: The Blackberrie officially invites you to preview the Fall/Winter collection. Monday, February 5th, 2-4 p.m. Hotel Chelsea, 222 W 23rd Street, Suite 822. RSVP to Meredith@doucetteduvall.com

Blackberrie on TV!

We’re proud to announce that one of The Blackberrie’s founders/co-writers Eazy-E (also style editor of Florida International Magazine) will be featured on CBS’s The Early Show on Friday, February 2 at 8:17 a.m. co-hosting a live segment showing the hottest trends in swimwear and fashion for Spring! The segment is part of CBS’s Miami coverage of Super Bowl XLI so all you fashionable jet-setters will have something to wear to Dophin Stadium.

But no need to fret, one need not squander Jet Blue points to take advantage of Spring’s sporty trends. Here are our top 3 looks for Spring that embody the Super Bowl spirit while hitting on arguably the most important trend of the season- athletic chic.



Marni was at the forefront of the collections showing simple belted shifts over Adidas-style leggings and cat suits shown under tent dresses. Be sure to accessorize with bold bangles and even bolder platforms to avoid looking like you came to dinner directly from your Powerstrike class. Deodorant never hurt anyone either.








Albert Elbaz of Lanvin brought a touch of luxury to the sporty look creating cocktail dresses that recalled real scuba suits- only instead of neoprene he used sumptuous materials such as satin and leather. The strongest point was the racerback tank dress- a must-have for every girl’s Spring wardrobe.


Finally, newcomer Maria Cornjeo of Zero by Maria Cornjeo made smart cuts her signature working with architectural silhouettes, a dusty color palette and asymmetrical necklines, perfect for a post-ballet workout, or happy hour at Beatrice Inn.

Final Word: It’s true, sports are universal. While your male compatriots will be content slugging beer and devouring wings, you can enjoy the game to, by wearing it. For those of you who will be in the City of Vision and Vice this weekend, you may want to hit up Mansion Sunday night for P-Diddy’s party with DJ Berrie on the wheels of steel…we’ll be there.

Folles Aux Kage

As we all diddle away at our day jobs—The Blackberrie, unfortunately, not being mine—we dream about what we want to be doing. What we could be doing. What we would be being if we weren’t held captive of our own cubicle. Okay, so I don’t actually sit in a cubicle—that was purely for dramatic affect—but you catch my drift.

This is exactly why we would like to salute Creations by Kage. After spending several years working in advertising and art buying, USC alum turned New Yorker, Kristin Holstein, decided she wanted to do something she truly enjoyed. So took some design classes at FIT and shortly after, Kage, a line of handbags reflecting her personal style, was born.

Her debut season, Spring/Summer 2007, is available now. The line is simple and compact, offering two styles; the Stormy tote for day, and the Jackson clutch for evening. Each style is available in five classic colors from saddle to midnight.

These bags are useful, wearable and still reasonably affordable. And the subtle preppy details—embossed Kage monogram and horseshoe charm—set them apart from the pack.

Final Word: With the alarming amount of wannabe fashionistas and the increasing ubiquity of Canal Street knock-offs, I have developed an aversion to any type of "It" bag. Buy these under-the-radar totes direct from the designer and maintain your personal panache. Contact Kristin at kage@creationsbykage.com.

Trend Alert! Return of the Flare???

We don’t normally document the everyday wardrobe choices of celebrities; plenty of other websites do such frivolity just fine. But it is our undeniable duty to announce when a trend so dear to our hearts has reappeared on the stems of tabloid princesses Lindsay, Ashley and Nicole in the span of one week.

Yes, these scandalous starlets have given up their skinny silhouettes and have emerged wearing not Superfines, not J Brands, not even Sass and Bides but (gasp) flared jeans!!! Did they discover these bygone blues under the heap of their (stylists’) bottomless closets? I for one sold my mounds of Mudds, Sevens and True Religions on Ebay years ago. Yes I owned Mudds. Or even more bewildering, did they actually purchase these in a modern day retail store?



From wherever these bell-bottoms have arisen, they are unmistakably here for all brilliant paprazzi flashbulbs to behold. And I have to admit, I’m intrigued. I didn’t think I was ready to give up my sea of skinny jeans, but perhaps I’m ready for a change.

Take note- if you dare to bring boot cuts back, think glam hippie. None of these modern day muses opted for low-rise mishaps a la 90s Britney. The look is reimagined in a slouchy fit with simple tops, platform shoes and a statement bag. But most important is attitude- chic nonchalance is a must to pull off the flared leg.



Final Word: Perhaps we underestimated the power of Rachel Zoe and without her sorceress stylist powers Miss Richie is truly lost. Perhaps this is simply a sartorial smack on fashion lemmings worldwide. Or perhaps these it-girls are onto something ingenious. Either way I’m into it. Now if only I could find that pair of Paris Blues…

Contradictory Caravan Parks it on the UES

What started as a quirky retail concept, Caravan created some mild buzz in Spring 2005 when it launched the city’s first mobile boutique. Inspired by the pop-up stores saturating Soho retail, creator and owner Claudine Gumbel—one of the founders of Think PR—figured if retail could be temporary, it could also be mobile.

So she and her husband took a Winnebago, covered it in logos, added an AC and some contemporary clothing lines and just like that, Caravan was created.

The idea was that Caravan “brings the boutique to you,” parking in different neighborhoods throughout the city, or even, upon request, right outside your apartment.

Every Friday after work Caravan would be parked outside my office in Meatpacking, but I was never once tempted to crawl in. Maybe it’s because I get car-sick and suffer from slight claustrophobia, or maybe it’s because shopping in a trailer is just weird.

Either way, a year after the concept store’s inception, the Gumbels threw down some cash on actual rent and opened a second location in a storefront on Great Jones Street. Mobile no more, Caravan kept its name but lost its concept.

Just to make things even more blatantly amusing, Caravan recently opened a second stationary location on the Upper East Side. As if cross-over clientele from Great Jones Street to 91st & Lex wasn’t a contradiction enough, this outpost is attempting to capture the exclusivity of the neighborhood—or rather, the exclusivity that lives 20 blocks south and two avenues closer to the park—by setting up an “appointment only” shopping experience.

Wait, it gets better. You get an appointment by calling a secret phone number.

Are their Nieves Lavi or Rachel Pally dresses—which you can get at any Scoop or Intermix on any corner in this city—really so sought after? Even if they’re served up with complimentary Moet champagne and chocolates from Boule (that’s what they’ve listed as incentive to flock)?

I think not.

Note to self Claudine Gumbel, we know you were groomed in the world of PR where fickle fads rule supreme. But you can’t start with trailer trash chic is 2005 and decide you’re The Saks Club two years later.

Final Word: Caravan, 128 E. 91st Street. Secret phone number yet to be uncovered. And if you want a Shoshanna dress delivered to your doorstep, I hope you can wait til Spring since the orignal Caravan is in "hibernation" for the winter. Dang!

Fashion Week Kick Off…From the Horses’ Mouths

Today, WWD revealed the inspiration behind many of the designer’s upcoming Fall 2007 collections that will show during Fashion week starting next Friday. It’s game time! And I’m not referring to the Colts-Bears match that inconveniently conflicts with Phillip Lim. (Fashionistas like football too!)

Here are a few sound bytes from New York designers and our interpretation of what the hell they’re talking about:

-Rachel Roy: “The strength of femininity through strong lines, soft touches and restrained finishings.” I predict this means more of her 1940s cuts, big shoulders, tiny waists with enough sex appeal to satisfy her Rocawear husband Damon Dash. Very Dita Von Teese meets Kimora Lee Simmons is what I’m picturing.


-Alexander Wang: “The volume and richness of Eighties hip-hop references (Run DMC and Public Enemy) meets Seventies Parisian Chic (Bianca Jagger in le smoking).” Yes!!!!! When has a designer EVER referenced Public Enemy?? I am very intrigued to see what this will bring. Perhaps an answer to our previous Urban Girl post? Is Mr. Wang trying to bring Flava Flav’s clock chain back?? Only time will tell. Ha.






-Derek Lam: “I drive past the Frank Gehry building on the West Side Highway every day on the way to work, which has all the hallmarks of Gehry’s work: a perfect combination of fluidity and structure and beautiful asymmetry.” Derek Lam drives?? Who knew anyone in this town did let alone a fashion desiger, sculptural lines and a modern crisp color palette. Hopefully sweet and feminine has had its day.




-Prouenza Schouler: “The psychology of dress is explored through handmade Rorschachs that leave the idea of “central motif” up to the viewer. Layering of sheer, diaphanous layers paired with layers of tailored suitings propose an idea of fashion on more cerebral and less frivolous grounds.” Bravo. Not counting their painful feeling of self-importance (Psychology of dress? Please.) I always applaud the push for cerebral fashion over frivolity. Especially when I feel if I see another babydoll or trapeze dress I may cry. Very excited for this one.

Final Word: Sure this is all speculation, with designers you never know what they’re going to pull out of that magic couture hat, but based on these few tidbits I have a feeling that New York wants to wow us this season, and based on the last few collections we’ve seen stateside, I hope they do.

Idol Worship

It Girl of The Week: Jennifer Hudson

After months of Oscar buzz, the nod is finally official. Jennifer Hudson is going to the Academy Awards, and we’ve been following her every step of the way. For those of you who may have missed her ascent to superstardom, here are the reasons Ms. Hudson is our girl:

-Girl can sang.

-She lost to Fantasia Barrino on the third season of American Idol and then beat her out for the part of Effie in “Dreamgirls.”

-Now she’s making movies with Jamie Foxx, not headlines (BET lip-lock? Yea, that’s you Fantasia).

-Her Oscar news conveniently coincided with the second week of Idol auditions. Perhaps a coincidence or perhaps just the marketing machine that IS American Idol. Either way I don’t care. Either way I like it.

-She’s not Beyonce.

-“I’m Telling You Am I Not Going” actually outshines Abigail Breslin’s “Super Freak” in “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Final Word: Watch out, Cate Blanchette. This girl's gonna give you a run for your money.

The Puppet Master

Paris, FRANCE - Yesterday in a vivid act of dazzling drama, John Galliano created a fierce fantasy on the stage of his Spring 2007 couture show with characters plucked straight out of Puccini’s masterpiece Madame Butterfly. Set against the backdrop of a winter wonderland worthy of the Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, these striking creatures clad in kimonos, obis and other fanciful designs teetered out on towering platforms with the grace a geisha would envy.

Everyone knows, John Galliano does couture best. For over a decade, he has designed spectacular creations for Christian Dior under Bernard Arnault’s watchful eye. Having once said, “my role is to seduce,” he most definitely accomplished that here. Even French VOGUE was so seduced to dedicate an entire issue to the man, the designer, the legend. And this season he went above and beyond playing with Eastern techniques of clothing design and even origami. But instead of folding squarely cut colorful paper; he used tulle, chiffon and silk.



Yet it wasn’t all Asian inspiration. Mr. Galliano deftly combined the east with western silhouettes from the turn of the century including tight pencil skirts, padded jackets cinched at the waist and platform heels. With the precision of any Kabuki specialist, he created remarkable characters in geisha makeup masks, making American beauty Angela Lindvall a dead ringer for Cho-Cho-San.



At the end of the spectacle, the master revealed himself dressed as Napoleon- a not so subtle allusion to himself as leader of this insane battle that is haute couture.

Final Word: No matter what you call him- designer, genius, emperor, Mr. Galliano is no doubt the king of all things theatrical, and he has wowed us yet again.