Fashionista Food

It’s Monday and it’s time to get back on the vicious hamster wheel of detoxing after retoxing. You know the drill- spend 5 days of grueling work, workouts and water to cleanse yourself of all the Skinny Bitches (read: Grey Goose/Club Soda/Limes), cigarettes and 4am Moonstuck sessions you so happily enjoyed, only to do it all over again starting Friday. It’s exhausting!

At least we know there are diets, drinks and detoxifiers to help us in our vain quest for balance. GT’s Kombucha Tea is one of them. This tea is so hot right now. A staple in New York Mag's Fashion Week Food Journal, it seems industry insiders can not stop talking about this tea. And for all of you Perez readers wondering what odd bottle Ms. Lohan was toting around post-rehab, this is it. A fermented, fizzy cocktail of raw nutrients and enzymes and meant to improve liver functions, aid circulation in the blood and the digestive system and “increase metabolism”. Hey they said it not us.

Final Word: Perhaps it’s all organic baloney, but I do know that after a swig of the Divine Grape concoction I do feel lighter, brighter and better about my body. But then again maybe it’s because I haven’t had a shot or cigarette in 24 hours…you decide. Kombucha Tea is available at Westerly Natural Market or Whole Foods.

It Boy Of The Week

We love us some Benjamin Cho. After taking a fashion sabbatical as “party promoter” for the past year Mr. Cho has reappeared with a renewed conviction and an original point of view in his spring 2007 collection.

Maybe every designer should take a break to party at some point (not you Mr. Jacobs,) because unlimited debauchery has only done Mr. Cho good. Lower East Sider meets Parisian ingénue, the Spring line is for the girl who has tendencies for the avant-garde yet still likes to look pretty.



His combination of edgy and elegance is in perfect proportion, ie, the mini zipper dress that opened the show. But what’s best is the infectious designer himself. Whether I see him rocking out backstage at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, sipping mojitos at a Jalouse party in Miami or taking in art at the MoMA he is always incredibly gracious and sweet.




Final Word: This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship- between me and Mr. Cho’s clothes that is. Get your own piece of the man at Seven New York, 110 Mercer St.

It's My Party...

So it's my 25th birthday this Sunday and I'm gearing up for some serious feting and debauchery, as one must when one turns a quarter of a century old. (Gulp.) But the big question remains...what does one wear to such an occasion??

Well to be honest, I already have the dress. A hot pink Christopher Kane number (not pictured) shipped straight from Ikram boutique in Chicago for which I had to give up my first born (well, not really but you get the point.) The dress is so short, so bright and so tight it’s pretty much the equivalent to 90s Versace on acid. Also, please understand my usual wardrobe consists of quiet empire waists and bohemian baby dolls so needless to say I'm a bit daunted to take my scuba suit out for a test drive.

Still, I’m obsessed. Why? Because we all have a boldly sexy Alaia girl within us (I think) and after months of being shrouded by bubble, boat and balloon silhouettes I’m ready to strip my layers for something tight….really tight. And the fact that my boyfriend loves it (shocker) doesn’t hurt either.

But all this party prepping has got me thinking about what dresses I could be wearing to my next fete. FYI, dress shopping = snowball effect. Well, I’ve already found my man. Giambattista Valli is by far the most exciting pick. His frocks are fresh, young and intoxicatingly beautiful. I’m simply drooling over every piece in the collection!


Final Word: I may have to wait to splurge on my next party dress…otherwise I’ll be all dressed up with nowhere to go. But as a confessed shopaholic, that definitely would not be the first time…

We're Bitten With Sarah Jessica Parker

Today at the eternally hot restaurant Indochine, Sarah Jessica Parker launched her first-ever clothing line called Bitten.

Hold you horses ladies. Let me first clear the smoke.

Fact #1: It’s a pre-teens line.
Fact #2: It’s exclusively sold at Steve & Barry’s (Think Taget for Teens).
Fact #3: We know, our hearts sunk a little too.

The truth is, Miss Broderick is smart. She knows not to test her boundaries with her stylish, already loyal AND cynical fans. As many celebrity/designers can attest (Read: Jessica Simpson and Beyonce,) being a style icon does not make you a designer. So to offer her personal wardrobe as inspiration to kids across America is by all means a worthy business endeavor.

The pieces were thankfully not Patricia Field carbon copies but elegant, flirty, feminine and all very Sarah Jessica Parker. I was surprised how polished a sophisticated the line was especially for a younger set, but leave it to SJP to not underestimate her audience. Plenty of striped tees, cropped chinos and simple shifts were shown- but the best feature was the styling, which I found to be APC meets Urban Outfitters. We also love how the models were real girls…so her!

Final Word: Although we are not her target customer (sniffle) we adore SJP in all her tiny, bubbly, Manhattan-y loveliness and this latest endeavor only seals the deal. Now if only there were a Bitten for big girls like us…

Testino Lets Us In

This month fashion photographer Mario Testino debuts his latest book “Let Me In!” featuring a collection of his personal archives throughout the years of taking pictures of models, celebrities and well, beautiful people.

A behind the scenes look at some of the most glamorous parties, red carpet events and photo hoots, even these “outtakes” are more glamorous and even more intriguing than what’s published. A touching shot of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony actually makes you wonder if perhaps her love truly doesn’t cost a thing. And the shot of Gwenyth and Madonna puts to rest all those catty gossip tales we’ve feasted on.



In the end, we are all voyeurs- and Testino knows it. He cunningly includes cover girl Demi Moore in nothing but her birthday suit canoodling with her hubby Ashton Kutcher at home. If that’s not enough of a draw, don’t know what is.


Final Word: An absolute must-have for your coffee table book collection, you could wait and score a copy at the highly anticipated Taschen store in SoHo this spring or right away at www.taschen.com.

Bluefly Gets Busy

Last week, we reported on Bluefly’s risqué new print ad campaign; naked girl on a subway platform essentially selling us clothes. This week, they’ve kept us talking as they’ve taken their saucy sales pitch to the tube.

Like the print ad, the television spot entitled “The Catch,” uses shock value and sex appeal to paint a picture of a successful, empowered—and don’t forget fashionable—modern woman.

It goes a little something like this; hot guy asks beautiful colleague to dinner, beautiful colleague gives a flirtatious, feeble acceptance. Attractive pair tongues sushi. Hot guy leaves the table to take a phone call. Beautiful girl takes the initiative to jump his bones in the coat room (good choice by beautiful girl, hot guy is really, pretty hot). Attractive pair goes back to his place. Relations ensue. Beautiful girl spends the night, but covers her bases by ordering an outfit from Bluefly and successfully avoids walk-of-shame. Click here to see for yourself.

Let me just throw this out there; I would call myself a realist. But most people—especially those who know me—DO call me a cynic. Therefore, when viewing this ad, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with questions posed by reality:

How did she get his address? Well, they seem to work together so maybe she knows where he lives. But apartment number, zip code? Hmm. And what about the shipping? Which carrier is offering this midnight express? Maybe DHL? I don’t know so much about their plans. Must cost a fortune!! Hmmm.

But in advertising reality, these details don’t mean a thing. This is art, and if we interpret it literally we lose half the message. The print ad girl wasn’t really naked on the subway platform, and the commercial girl didn’t really order post-coital work clothes to some dude’s apartment.

These women are similar in the sense that they will let nothing get in the way of their desires. For one, it’s the perfect outfit. For the other, it’s getting busy with a beautiful man. And as I have said before, who can disagree with that?

With this advertising campaign, Bluefly is promoting a modern woman who can have her cake and eat it too. The job, the clothes, the sex. And at this point, Bluefly is not only outfitting these women, they are re-assuring and promoting them in this take-charge lifestyle.

Final Word: As long as you make it to work in the morning, go out, get laid, and never, ever pay retail.

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.