Sunglass Hut set out to find one fashionista to hire as their personal fashion/style blogger for a year, offering her a $100K salary, $1K/month spending allowance, a fully furnished apartment at the W Residences Downtown, and VIP passes to fashion shows in New York, Milan, Paris and more. After receiving thousands of applications and submission videos, the Sunglass Hut creative team narrowed the applications down to 350 – from there, a two-week-long judging and voting period began. The Sunglass Hut creative team, along with celebrity judges Wendy Lam of Nitrolicious.com and greasy seat filler BryanBoy, chose the final ten bloggers to participate in a month-long blog-off.

I caught up with our favorite finalist, Jinna Yang (http://jinna.fulltimefabulous.com). You have probably seen her out and about covering events in New York City, Nikon strapped to her shoulder, blogging about style trends and fashion finds.

FashionIndie: The Great Debate: Style vs. Fashion

Jinna Yang: Fashion to me is the aura: the bright lights, the catwalk, the lifestyle. Style is your personal statement. You can have all the best fashion in your closet, but without style, you can’t do as much damage. Style is what seals the deal – the little light bulb that goes off when you see the perfect pair of shades to complement the dress you bought 2 weeks ago. Like they say, “It’s not WHAT you wear, it’s HOW you wear it.”

FI: What is the inspiration behind your style?

JY: Anything and everything. People in the street, discovering new materials/fabrics, art, music, life and my body. Style is learned (no one was born with it), and it’s always changing. Following trends is great, but taking the trend and putting your own spin on it? That’s the best part. My style is just as multi-faceted as I am – now imagine trying to get dressed every morning. Eek.

FI: Who is your style icon?

JY: I am obsessed with Chloe Sevigny because she’s an individualist. I love her fun, chameleon-esque style that can be loud and bright one minute, and pastel-filled subtlety the next. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but knows when to stay inside the lines. She always looks amazing and her confidence exudes right through the couture gowns and vintage denim hot shorts. Whatever she wears, she works it.

FI: Why do you deserve to be Sunglass Hut’s Full Time Fabulous Fashion Blogger?

JY: All perks aside, blogging has allowed me to express myself by becoming an outlet for my style inspirations, visual media skills, and creative fashion direction. I was never the kid you talked to in school who knew from 9 years old what they wanted to do when they grew up. Even throughout college, I struggled with trying to find a career path that allowed me to do everything I wanted to do. When I found blogging, I knew that I had finally found my calling.

I want to be Sunglass Hut’s fashion blogger because I am a full-blooded fashion and style blogger who gets satisfaction out of helping others feel the same inspiration that I do. Helping friends and readers with ideas and tips on what accessories to wear to make a great outfit perfect, or what to rock for their first fashion show. I love reaching out to other bloggers and style trendsetters on social networking sites like Lookbooks.com. I find my style inspiration everywhere, including on other blogs. It’s a lot easier to see what clothes or shoes look like when they’re on someone compared to what it looks like laid out on a white background on your computer screen.

Success to me is not measured by the amount of money, but by the ability to be able to do what you love to do every single day. I know I’m the perfect fit for the shoe. And like they say, “If the shoe fits, wear it.”

Why FashionIndie Endorses Jinna Yang
Jinna is one of the hardest working blogger we know. She is constantly posting relevant information, and her inclusive personality is humbling. Her sense of style is versatile and unique, and her voice is distinctive. She’s the type of blogger we love to read and love to follow. TEAM YANG!!!

Why She Deserves to be Sunglass Hut’s Blogger
We endorse Jinna because she has the best content we’ve seen yet – her posts are fun, colorful and interesting to read. She doesn’t just tell a story, she shows us what we want to see. She’s super stylish, fashion-knowledgeable and we can never wait to see what funky looks she will put together next! We love her style advice and trend tips.

Don’t believe us? Support her by rating and liking her posts at http://jinna.fulltimefabulous.com to see what we mean.

LookBooks introduced the NYC fashion blogging world to Joseph Ribkoff last night in unmatched style. An action-packed evening of notable names, charitable contributions and fashionable charm, it was undeniably New York City’s hottest ticket this week. And as a very important side, indie extraordinaire Josh Linam got to interview Miss America. (Click to View)

Hosts Derek Warburton from must read blog of the moment Derek Loves Shopping, Miss America Caressa Cameron, and our own Fashion Director Samantha Lim gathered in the LookBooks Lounge aka Suite 901, as party-goers met new friends and sipped tasty vodka concoctions poured from limited-edition crystal bottles, compliments of sponsor Absolut Vodka.

Special guests for the night included designer Richie Rich, Rocco Gaglioti of Fashion News Live, and author of the number-one New York Times best-seller the 4-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss.  Over 30 of New York City’s foremost fashion bloggers joined to document the inaugural gathering with friends Kimmie Smith (Kitten Lounge), Heather Epstein (Fashionista NY Girl), Lester Brathwaite (Fashion Indie), Joe Magnone (Chic Unique New York), Sunglass Hut blogger finalist Jinna Yang (Grease & Glamour), Dawn DeMello (Bella Dawn), Francesca Alfano (Lace Love Luxe), Kristen Colapinto (Social Vixen), Dana Prigge (Daily Fashionista), Marcus Mason (Confessions of a Fashion Addict), Katy (Sugar Laws), Ritika Wahal (Ms Fabulous), Caryn La Greca (Caryn La Greca Photography), Eddie Linders (Eddie Garou Photography), Terry Diamond (Terry Diamond Photography), Jeremy Logan (J Logan Enterprises), Arthur Eisenberg (AE Photography), Jillian Nelson (JillPics), Lorna Solano (The Fabulous Report), Constance Boardman (The Examiner), Paul Farkas (Social TV), Mandy Wilczynsk (Red Rover Style), Megan Ward (King Collective), Jae Ahn (CondeNast), Mia Sarah Abedullah (MiaSarah Style), Joseph Guarino (ScallyWag Vagabond), Makeda Saggau (BisNow) and McArthur Joseph (Daily Mister).

Eleven of our top blogger friends provided styling for women from Bottomless Closet, a charity benefitting financially-struggling women with clothing, jobs and career training. A runway show was hosted, showcasing fashion by Joseph Ribkoff, and Miss America “crowned” three runway winners. In a word, the night was incredible!

These paper snowflakes were created when a father noticed his son was making paper crafts that look like a bunch of Stormtroopers. Star Wars and the holidays. Together again. Click here for a tutorial on how to create your own Vader Snowflakes.

Really wish they taught us how to make these in The Star Wars Holiday special. All we got out of that shit was a Wookie Reunion.

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(COS shirt yoke with Whistles thunderbolts trousers, H&M x Lanvin dress tucked in, vintage scarf, Suno x Loeffler Randall wedges)

In unusual style, I arrived to the dinner unfashionably late, running from our 30th street loft offices, uptown, in rush hour traffic, arrived at the dinner at the start of our first course. A beautiful appetizer was set before my empty chair as I arrived dressed as if I had just performed manual labor for the New York State Prison System. All 29 other guests were in suit and tie.

An enthusiastic gentleman greeted me as I apologized for my tardiness and poor choice in dress. He sat me down in a seat reserved for me and in one fluid movement cut a cigar, lit it and placed it in my hand. He called a server to deliver a glass of a 15-year old Macallan single malt to my other hand and just like that my anxious energy was subdued to a peaceful hue.

Second course, a beautiful steak prepared by celebrity chef Olivier Cheng and another fine cigar specially prepared for the evening by La Flor Dominicana co-founder and cigar master Litto Gomez. The cigar was a limited edition blend made specifically for the evening designed to match our dinner. The group praised Olivier and Litto for their perfect marriage of meat and smoke. I enjoyed my nearly instant buzz and the rich tastes produced by mixing deep puff of burnt tobacco and a perfectly prepared porterhouse.

A few moments passed. I was well into dessert, a 25-year old Macallan, and a conversation on the effectiveness of Groupon-like programs in suburban areas. I was introduced to the Sherman Clan and other important guests at our table. Many were cigar aficionados, titans taking an old industry in new directions. Others were top retailers and media leaders in the cigar industry.

At the end of the evening, we left our cavernous setting and moved to the Nat Sherman store’s selling level where a 30-year old Macallan awaited. I was informed that the bottle we were drinking from retailed for $1000 and that the final cigar could fetch over a hundred by true collectors. I was impressed by the lavishness of it all and yet it’s simplicity. A group of men (and some women) coming together to appreciate the finer things, a concept that’s lost to a generation of bottle service and instant satisfaction.

After a final goodbye to the Sherman’s, I made my way out into the night, the 30-year old still warming my sternum and a strong desire to light up my gifted cigars in my mind.

Michele Sherman, William Sherman, Joel Sherman

William Sherman, Paul Chapman

Joel Sherman

Litto Gomez with Signed Nat Sherman Case

That’s right. Gilt is now carrying Best Made Company Axe’s. Their justification for selling the worlds most luxurious axe to downtown business men below…

“Your lifestyle may not include many activities that require the use of an ax (apologies to the urban woodsmen out there), but once you see the gorgeously worked axes by Best Made Company, there’s a good chance you’ll be coveting one of their limited-edition designs. Our sale has stripey options in classic forest green, bright lemon yellow, and more—in addition to accessories that (naturally) include a leather back sling so you can tote your ax wherever you go.”

“Wherever you go”?!? Who the fuck goes to places where a tree needs cutting?

Who ever buys an axe at a discount is obviously looking to do some damage.

I’m hoping the FBI is currently tracking people on GILT like they’re tracking us on Facebook.

Fortunately, Gilt is also selling a Rape Whistle and a First Aid Kit in the same lot. Never know when you might need either.

Guess which one was sold out…

Are you ready for 12 Days of DVF?

Diane von Furstenburg is giving our readers a chance to win a $2000 shopping spree at DVF. To enter, head over to the DVF Facebook page and sign up for their email newsletter. You’ll be automatically entered to win. The sweepstakes runs from November 17th – November 29th.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for all the women in your life? DVF has an amazing selection of accessories and fashion staples like wrap dresses and handbags that are perfect for the most fashionable people on your gift list.

DVF has always been a fan favorite at FashionIndie.com. Her looks define trends and the DVF girl is both sophisticated and ready for anything the world throws at her. Be sure to follow DVF on Facebook to receive special offers and access to insider info only available to her fans.

Spent the day at home today. Needed to regain some time and have been loving it.

Decided to check out Outsourced on Demand, so it’s playing the background while I type. It’s the most important show for Indian Culture in America. So educational and funny. Makes you pay attention and love it. Hope they make a show like this for every unique country.

So you should watch outsourced on NBC. It’s the goodness.

Are you ready for 12 Days of DVF?

Diane von Furstenburg is giving our readers a chance to win a $2000 shopping spree at DVF. To enter, head over to the DVF Facebook page and sign up for their email newsletter. You’ll be automatically entered to win. The sweepstakes runs from November 17th – November 29th.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for all the women in your life? DVF has an amazing selection of accessories and fashion staples like wrap dresses and handbags that are perfect for the most fashionable people on your gift list.

DVF has always been a fan favorite at FashionIndie.com. Her looks define trends and the DVF girl is both sophisticated and ready for anything the world throws at her. Be sure to follow DVF on Facebook to receive special offers and access to insider info only available to her fans.

Monarchy, one of the seven men’s fashion brands being revitalized at HMX Group, has completely redesigned the collection to reflect the relaxed attitude currently influencing sportswear. For Spring ’11 the color palette features cool, neutral shades of stone, oatmeal, ash, olive and charcoal. The signature graphic T-shirts have also gone through a transformation, scaling back the designs to reflect a more distressed finish with a vintage influence.

The collection is sexy, a bit more understated and has great-layered pieces.

The updated look for Monarchy is presented in a hybrid fashion/music video look book featuring the stars of the upcoming Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, Reeve Carney and his band.

The video for the song Testify recently featured in the film Machete will launch November 8, was directed by David McIntyre and produced by Abe Gurko.

“It was important that we took a non-traditional approach to how we re-launched the Monarchy Collection. Aligning with the music industry was key to telling our story and the band Carney embodies the spirit and energy of the new collection,” says Doug Williams, CEO, HMX Group LLC.

Reeve Carney will also star in the film, The Tempest, directed by Julie Taymor, opening in December.

There was a buzz behind the scenes at Rue La La when we all laid eyes on the Chanel pieces that New York-based Madison Avenue Couture painstakingly curated for our Members. Just a few of the statement-making offerings that had us all talking: the classic quilted flap bags with the famous “CC” interlocking logos in different colors, beautiful bouclé tweed jackets with logo buttons that work with jeans and pencil skirts, a rare coat from the famous “Devil Wears Prada” collection, funky boots that turn leggings into a fashion statement, hard-to-find necklaces and earrings from the 1980s, cozy winter coats and scarves to brave the cold in high fashion.

Only one of each coveted piece will be featured in our Boutique, so we suggest arriving early (we’re all setting our reminders and postponing meetings as we speak). The Madison Avenue Boutique opens at 11AM and lasts just two days.

Here’s your exclusive invite: www.ruelala.com/fashionindie

Page Six writes:

According to witnesses, White walked to 10th Avenue at about 4:50 a.m. to hail a taxi after leaving a Chelsea club. But while standing on the corner of West 17th Street, she got into a dispute with “a 28-year-old woman.”

The court complaint says 26-year-old White “pulled the victim’s hair and struck [the victim] numerous times in the face with her hand, causing abrasions, swelling and substantial pain.”

People magazine confirmed the model’s arrest with the NYPD. White’s lawyer told Page Six, “The police report doesn’t sound like Jessica, and she must have been provoked.”

White has modeled for Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and is the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Sean Penn. She’s also been connected to Jaimie Fox and Ryan Phillipe.

You can also follow Ruffian on Facebook for the latest news on winners of this competition and to talk to the designers directly.

Think You’re 2Sexy 2(X)IST? Click Here

Follow Rockmysweater on Facebook and Twitter

Grace Styling Inc. takes over San Diego and Las Vegas one client at a time.

The company’s motto as the Premier Fashion Authority for any woman or man in need of a wardrobe revamp or life renewal has proved to be successful. Owner and executive stylist, Amy Grace Winn, celebrated her one-year anniversary of owning and operating the business in August 2010. Her fresh perspective and background in fashion merchandising and PR has helped launch Grace Styling into the forefront of the styling industry.

With a new website launched over the summer, Grace Styling has taken their fashion consulting viral. Utilizing their blog and newsletter, Grace is able to lend followers a free piece of fashion advice everyday.

These updates coincide with continuous Twitter and Facebook updates illustrating all things fashion focused.

Winn comments, “With the Blog, Twitter and Facebook we have been able reach out to a larger fan base and connect through constant updates and information about the latest in men’s and women’s fashion. But, it’s not about one post or blog that defines our style as a company, it’s a feeling that resonates throughout everything associated with Grace Styling… our business cards, the website, the feeling of luxury that encompass our motto and takes us beyond a typical styling agency”.

Grace Styling is busy with clients in Southern California and Nevada while also planning for multiple speaking engagements during the end of fall. With “Dress to Impress” as the theme, Winn will be attending and presenting at the Women’s Business Enterprise Council’s West Coast conference.

Visit GraceStyling.com for more information and a look into one of the most promising styling agency’s to hit the fashion world.

Also be sure to follow Grace Styling on Twitter and Facebook for style updates on the go.

Daniel Jenkins primary focus is fashion and beauty related images for commercial advertising, catalog, and editorial.

Jenkins takes a personal approach to his business. He believes in building valuable relationships with his clients. He understands the importance of delivering more than just an image. Daniel understands the job is to communicate a specific message to a predetermined audience in a way that will stand out and get noticeable results.

That is what visual communication is all about.

Based in the heart of Los Angeles’s Fashion District and with established arrangements with commercial photography studios and high profile production companies in various cities across the globe, Daniel is available to book assignments worldwide. Reach him at DanielJenkinsPhoto.com.

Also follow Daniel Jenkins on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from photo shoots, rooftop parties and fashion shows. This is one photographer with a story worth following.

Photographer Victor Demarchelier

Live action Newtons Cradle below…

I now you’ve learned something…

Fashion Indie is out to prove we’ve got the hottest readers on the web. If you’re a brave little Indie, snap a photo of yourself in your underwear to win a one month supply (30 pairs) of 2(x)ist Sliq Underwear. Click Here to Submit…

We’ll be featuring our favorite Indies throughout the month and will let our members vote for the very best from November 10th – 15th. Can’t wait to see what your rocking underneath it all…

MORE CHANCES TO WIN!!!

Think Your SLIQ? Tweet @FashionIndie with your Best Pick Up Line to Win a Pair of 2(x)ist SLIQ Underwear.

Free Music Download: “Watching” by North of Madison featuring Vasi

About SLIQ

FITS: SLIQ Brief, SLIQ Trunk, SLIQ Y-Back Thong, SLIQ Sport Brief, SLIQ V-Neck Muscle.

COLORS: White, Black, Sangria, and Charcoal. SLIQ Pink is a limited-edition offering starting this October, exclusive to Bloomingdale’s. Proceeds from sales benefit BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) and aim to raise awareness.

SLIQ is a completely re-designed silhouette for 2(x)ist. Details include a lower rise, slimmer sides, higher-cut leg openings. SLIQ’s construction is stretch cotton with a microfiber waistband. The subtle logo is flush with the waistband, preventing snagging, etc.

PHOTO CREDIT: Roger Moenks | Model: André Ziehe

GET SOCIAL: Follow 2(x)ist on Facebook Twitter and on their Blog

Limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt for the first time in Japanese to launch on December 1stfor the world AIDS day.

The charity AIDS T-Shirt has been present in all Maison Martin Margiela collections since Fall/Winter 1994/1995. Each T-Shirt is produced in a different colour with contrasted text every season and bears the text marked below in English.

When most T-shirts carry a slogan their message may be read from a distance… dialogue is not necessary. When this T-Shirt is worn it is no longer possible for others to read the text printed on it (most of the text is on the inside at the back of the V-neckline). A dialogue on HIV/AIDS is there encouraged once another asks the wearer to explain what is written on their T-Shirt.

A percentage of the sales is donated to ‘AIDES’, a French organisation dedicated to fight the HIV virus and take care of patients living with HIV/AIDS (www.aides.org). Over the years, 170,000 T-shirts have been sold and brought a contribution of over 700,000 euros to ‘AIDES’. Unfortunately, the virus is still around and that action is still valid.

Further to the seasonal English version, the Maison has decided to have a yearly edition every time in a different language for the World AIDS day, starting with Japanese. Created in Paris, sold around the world, worn touching the heart, this limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt will be exclusively available in all Maison Martin Margiela stores.

“Katy is my friend! I would never diss her. I don’t see her as my rival. My only rival is myself, because I always wanna get better and better. I meant all the producers that give singers like Katy, Gaga or Kesha the same kind of pop songs. They think, for sure one of them will take it and make it a single. They don’t realise that everyone of us has their own style. I love Katy’s music! That’s why I wanna make a duet with her. We’re already working on it”.

On Alexander Wang:

Mr. Wang is not a great designer, though he probably would be happy to accept any laurels that people want to toss him, but he is clearly a shrewd guy . . . The designs were cool, but they didn’t have to stand up to much scrutiny – hey, didn’t Marni do those pants last season? – so long as the stuff was widely and easily available. Mr. Wang doesn’t really have courage in the traditional sense of trying something new and difficult, but he does have China. Nearly all of his clothing is now produced there.

With Alexander, he’s a smart kid, I admire the business that he’s built, but you have to be critical of what he’s done. You can’t just say ‘Oh well, he’s young and he’s working hard, he’s putting a product on the runway.’ I found that show boring. I may not have found other shows boring, but I found that one boring.

On Fashion Night Out:

I hope it doesn’t go on. I don’t want it to continue . . . You know, we’re a nation of shoppers. That’s how people spend their time, shopping online, shopping in stores, acquiring. And I feel like we perpetuate that with Fashion’s Night Out. What are you really celebrating? Not art or great books. You’re celebrating shopping.

On Her Critical Approach:

[I] want people to be better. [I] have standards. [I] want people to be not just good but very good. And I can be tough on people, sometimes too tough, especially with the most creative. I once called one of Tom Ford’s collections freakish and ugly.

These comments were part of a larger article written by The Daily Beast. In the story, the Beast writer tries to find people willing to talk about Horyn. No one wanted to open up.

She did get a comment from Karl Lagerfeld:

I prefer to look at beautiful pictures in magazines like American Vogue and French Vogue by editors like Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld. (My guess is he’s too old to read…)

And Carolina Herrera:

I don’t think reviews really matter anymore.

And Donna Karen who said that getting swiped by Horyn “still hurts. You can agree or disagree with her, but it’s definitely passionate. She’s not neutered, let’s put it that way.”

Not neutered is correct, Cathy Horyn is one bad ass bitch mothafuckahs!!! Check out her runway reviews on NY Times

Thompson, who is still modeling had a lot to say about some top designers and the general failures of a industry that preys on young girls, slave labor and unhealthy images of what is beautiful. Her words aren’t anything new, we’ve all been aware of this attitude for some time, but it’s interesting when such a public person comes out with stories.

On Karl Lagerfeld:

Karl Lagerfeld two years ago was saying the only people who care about plus size are the “fat mummies sitting on their couches eating crisps”. Now he’s shooting the plus issue for V, are you kidding? Really V, you forgot about that? I mean, it was a huge issue. And he has a Chanel line for plus girls and Crystal Renn’s in it and it’s so fake, it’s so phony and people just jump on the bandwagon. So I think it’s important to do research and be smart about the companies that you do support.

On “Naturally Skinny” Models:

The majority of girls who do runway shows are 16 and under. Agencies and designers look for girls who haven’t hit puberty yet and so we ship these girls in from Russia and Brazil and they’re 14 and they don’t speak English and these are the girls that I go to castings with. That’s fine, they’re all great and young and “naturally skinny,” when they’re 14 — most people are. But then once they hit puberty, 16 and 17, they have to do drugs, they’re doing cocaine, they’re smoking cigarettes all day every day, they’re doing the lemonade cleanse because if they don’t then they get shipped back to wherever they came from, and that’s just how the industry works.

A lot of girls get depressed, some girls commit suicide, some girls starve to death, literally, and we kind of just don’t pay attention to it in the industry. We don’t really talk about it, but it’s very common.

On Sample Size:

The samples are tiny to save money. Because when you make a sample, say there’s a Versace gown and it’s hand-beaded and it costs Donatella $40,000 to do. And she makes it for a size six, OK a model’s going wear it on the runway and it probably will never get worn again.

Well, wouldn’t it be smarter for her to make it in a double 0? Because she’s saving all this fabric, which means she’s saving beading, she’s saving work on the dress and it’s cheaper. She’s saving a lot of money by doing it at that size. And that’s I think where it started and basically where it stayed. It goes back to models having no rights or say in the industry and instead of fitting the dress to the model, they fit the model to the dress.

On Model Bookers:

Oh yeah, models get treated like crap. Worse than anyone. We get fed last, we don’t sleep, they treat you like nothing. When you think about it, everyone thinks modeling is so glamorous, but you don’t get to say what you wear, you don’t get to say how you look, what your hair color is, what length it is, where you live, what you do — you have no voice at all.

And the bookers — because I was a straight-size model growing up in high school, and my hips were always one inch too big — and, yeah, you have 45-year-old men saying, “You’re too fat.” You’re a teenage girl. It’s really disgusting. It’s an awful industry and, yeah, there is no soul in modeling.

Now that we know. What should we do about it?

Would love suggestions below the jump…