I LOVE THE BLACK KEYS. The psychedelic duo encompass soul, rock and folk. Though it sounds like a rough musical experiment, the Black Keys have mastered their multifaceted funky style. Their producer D.J “Danger Mouse”, also known as the counterpart to Gnarles Barkley, has ensured once again added his Midas touch to this collection of quality music. I am enamored with DangerMouse, so subsequently checked out The Black Keys. Each song has a distinct sound yet The Black Keys maintain a quirky continuity.

I basically drool over The Keys. The single thing I love most is their originality. Lately, artists have put themselves in a box, so it is hard to find a musical talent who takes risks. This band has filled my void. The Ohio natives enable easy listening. Simply, The Black Keys are wonderfully unpredictable. The Keys took a slight hiatus but thankfully have returned. Attack and Release is their newest album. The newest cuts are better than ever.

If not, Check out ”Psychotic Girl” and “Strange Times.” You’ll get hooked. Trust me. 

She looks hungry… for BRAINS!!!!

Just kidding. Unfortunately, there is graver news to infiltrate the fashion rumor mill. Jovovich-Hawk is no longer a clothing line! According to Lucky, the quintessential downtown chic line has dissolved. Although, the line has only been around for five years, the brand had a huge following. Their flirty frocks and chic designs made fashionistas everywhere adore them. Grab the cute clothes while you can! Milla Jovovich further explains the end of her line in September’s issue of Lucky magazine. This is a sad day for Hawk, but not for Jovovich who can return to kick zombie ass in poorly directed flicks for the better of her years.   R.I.P Jovovich-Hawk

         Summer may be winding down but that’s no reason to get rid of those romantic beach waves! Maintain and put a spin on the waviness throughout Fall. This look is flattering on all types. Whether remaining casual with friends or spending a night out, waves are the perfect way to achieve a relaxed whimsical vibe.

          Wavy hair is attainable, even if you have not been born with romantic ringlets.  Simply use a curling iron of the size you desire; bigger iron for the curlier side and thinner for the straighter side. Then, break up the curls with your fingers, to create a definitive wavy look. Be sure to use hairspray! The luscious look is fantastically unique amongst the ubiquitous straight style. The trend is cute yet sultry. Which wavy look is for you?   

Thanks to Elle for the fantastic images! 

Fashion forward magazine, Pop, has created six amazing Fall issue covers.  Also similar to Italian Vogue, Pop features women of color. Each cover features a different iconic model: Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Campbell, Agyness Deyn, Oluchi Onweagba, Natalia Vodianova and Amber Valletta grace the covers, in Prada. The issue pays homage to the 80′s era and moreover the fabulousness of 80′s fashion culture. The culmination of stunning supermodels and love for Studio 54 should make this issue it’s best yet! Pick up a copy!    

Thanks to NY Mag for the pictures!

This past year, ombre has been prevalent in women’s clothing, specifically dresses. Lately, a new trend has come to the forefront: male ombre. The trend has transitioned into a unisex style. While, I didn’t think I would like male ombre, the Alexander McQueen blazer is gorgeous. Yet, I also think this trend can go terribly wrong. What do you think Indies? Pretty boy or pansy?

Thanks to Fashionista for the pic!

Boots have always been in style. However, this fall will see a recreation of the simple boot. Slouchy and scrunchy boots have hit the runway. From Balenciaga to Givenchy, this trend is evident. It has a relaxed street chic element yet maintains a refined quality. These boots would pair perfectly with a dress or fall peacoat. If you want to make a statement, pick up a pair! 

Thanks to The Fashion Spot for the pics!  

In September’s Elle, the famous bohemian designer,Anna Sui was interviewed. She was fantastically personal and candid. Sui covers everything from her favorite junk food to her distain for butt cleavage. Here are my favorite excerpts:

What’s your favorite color? Black.

What are you most vain about? My hair.

What are you most shy about? Talking about myself.

If you could have somebody else’s body, whose would it be? Naomi Campbell’s.

Whose diary would you most like to read? Elizabeth Taylor’s.

Who is your worst enemy? Myself.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? London.

What current trend would you like to see disappear? Butt cleavage.

What’s your biggest fashion regret? Perming my hair.

Favorite trend of all time? Bohemian mixed with ethnic.

Always: Live your dream.

Never: Say never

Read the whole interview here!

The Good

The Bad 

The Pineapple Express premiere brought the good, the bad and the ugly. While there were chic surprises,frumpy seemed to be the motif throughout the night. I hope Seth Rogen is playing a joke on all of us. Bad prints, wrinkled suspenders, frumpy tunics, sloppy bare mid-drifts, and unnecessary layering were just some of the fashion faux pas of the red carpet stars. I can’t wait to see Pineapple Express, so I can laugh this fashion atrocity away. What do you all think? 

Thanks to Jezebel, for the pics!

Despite Janice Dickinson’s rants, there were plenty of supermodels before her time. Dorian Leigh was a 1950′s ford model and revolutionized Revlon cosmetics. In fact, she was one of the first models to be signed to Eileen Ford’s prestigious agency. Soon after retiring from modeling, she started her own successful agency in France. Leigh was the quintessential chic model and booked major campaigns like Revlon and appeared regularly in Harper’s Bazaar. Her employers adored her. Eileen Ford called Leigh “truly the best model of our time, She instinctively knew what every photographer wanted, and she came alive just at the moment the shutter clicked” Dorian Leigh died earlier this month and will truly be missed.

Recently, I published an article on plaid patterns hitting the runway, and thus making a comeback. Elle’s September issue features Jessica Simpson on the cover, clad in plaid. While I am happy that the trend is being shown on a major magazine cover, this isn’t really the way to sport it. Plaid is inherently country but designers were thankfully taking the trend to sophisticated heights.

Jessica’s rodeo belt and trashy cleavage do not remotely suggest class. Why not a dress and cowboy boots? Aren’t these boots made for walking?Though Simpson is currently marketing herself as a “simple sweet country girl”, she could have worn something else to make her point. The sex symbol is recreating herself, and targeting a new audience, in hopes of success. What do you think of her new image?

Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford and Blake Lively

Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick

Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meister

Ali Lohan

Ugly Betty’s Becki Newton and Ana Ortiz

The stars of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2: Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn.

The NYC premiere of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 came to town last Monday. The stars hit the red carpet dressed in adorable fashion. From casual to chic, the celebs looked fantastic. While Blake Lively’s orange Grecian Gucci dress was my favorite, Alexis Bledel overall look was stunning. America Ferrera’s cerulean Brian Reyes dress looked great on her skin tone, and Amber Tamblyn’s navy jumpsuit was daring.

Unfortunately, everybody was not fashion forward. Lohan was by far the worst dressed. She looked too casual, as though she was going to the mall. Casual can work but it is all about execution. Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick looked laid back and dashing in Lacoste. The Sisterhood stars were all smiles and looked darling. Catch the girls in the film, August 6th!

Thanks to NY Post for the pics!

Supermodel Naomi Campbell stars in photographer and filmmaker Nick Knight’s film. The film ends with the infamous supermodel firing two handguns. I love it. While Campbell’s violent past could make this film hilarious, the movie’s subject touches on a serious fashion issue. The film’s premise is racism in the fashion industry.

Lately, this seems to be a hot topic. From Italian Vogue’s all black issue to small forums, the industry is taking note of the color void. The silent film addresses the blunt nature of designers, advertisers, editors and agencies who denounce black models for employment. While the film is only two minutes long, it is powerful and resonate.   

“By my own inaction, I am guilty of allowing racism to be normalized and accepted in this business. This has made my deeply sad and increasingly angry.”  - Nick Knight

View the film here! 

Thanks to SHOWstudio for the pics! 

Plaid is back! From flannels to chic coats, the pattern is a fall staple. Lately, the trend has been everywhere! Plaid summer bags, skirts and bathing suits are dominating the beaches.

Gossip Girl’s, Ed Westwick has paid homage to his character, by launching his own line, that embraces Chuck Bass’s style. Moreover, Westwick’s collection will be primarily plaid pieces, inspired by Gossip Girl’s private school chic style.

Another designer notorious for his plaid inspiration is Alexander McQueen. No one will ever forget SJP’s quirky tartan gown, courtesy of Mr. McQueen. He has always loved the Scottish inspired print and we are finally catching on.

Plaid embodies 90′s grunge while maintaining a new classic twist. Embrace the trend while it lasts!

A revival of the 80′s is upon us. The burgeoning of bright jeans and sneakers has turned into something bigger. Nail companies, Essie, O.P.I and Chanel have taken note and subsequently launched their own neon nail color lines. Women have been hitting the streets clad in colorful lip and eye color.  From the catwalk to the sidewalk, women are embracing ROYBGIV. 

Amy Winehouse’s Madame Tussauds wax statue with Winehouse’s parents.  

Amy was not present at the unveiling ceremony… She was busy. 

As much as I love Amy Winehouse’s music, her behavior is clearly out of control. Madame Tussauds London wax museum honored the absent Winehouse, by erecting an Amy Winehouse wax figure. Her sweet parents were in attendance. Her wax portrayal is a little different than her real appearance. For instance, Winehouse is not disheveled,scarred, snorting or smoking anything. Miraculous! Tussauds did follow through with the soul singer’s myriad of tattoos. It’s sad. Tussauds probably did this to honor Winehouse before her inevitable death. 

Although Penelope Cruz is August W‘s cover girl, the supermodels steal the show. Christy Turlington, the iconic 90′s supermodel and Gisele Bundchen both grace the pages of August’s W. The editorials are dramatic, strong and structured. Turlington and Bundchen, obviously, look gorgeous. The clothes are serious and paradoxically whimsical. W has beautifully woven precision and fun into their magazine. A+ for W‘s choice of models and editorial execution. Pick up a copy of August’s W today!     

Chanel has just paid a steep price of $400,000 to The Central Park Conservatory, in exchange to take over our lives. Beginning October 20th, Chanel will have their own building in Central Park, to showcase contemporary art inspired by… Chanel. As much as we all love Lagerfeld, a huge building in the park, to glorify the classic line, is not necessary.

Art exhibits in the park are interesting but risky. Remember Christo’s orange gates throughout the park? It was wack, and a waste of money. Coincidently, this is also a waste of money, and predictably disappointing. While it may be inspiring and provocative, it will only cater to a very small appreciative audience. The dog walkers and cyclers will be infuriated. As for buildings, in the park, Tavern on the Green is all we need.

 “I just can’t walk three blocks without spending serious money.” 

According to WWD Betsey Johnson has moved uptown, and purchased two Madison Avenue apartments. Johnson purchased one for herself and the other for daughter. Johnson’s roots are downtown, so fans were surprised. Once asked about her new uptown dwelling and inspiration, she responded that she now drops crazier cash, like spending 8,000 at Alexander McQueen. For verification, check the quote above. 

Thanks to NY Mag for the pic! 

Gossip Girl…everyone loves it…parents are pissed!!! The preceding ads have caused quite the stir among parents. Call me cynical but these same parents protesting should be watching their little “active” teens. It is a television show. Get over it. Since when is teen sex considered risque? Especially, when the baby boomers hit puberty? The current parental generation invented crazy sex and drugs. At least today’s teens are not dropping acid and walking around naked in Berkeley CA.  Look who’s calling the kettle black. At least the CW has shown their humor by using the Parent’s Television Council’s (PTC) negative review of GG and other disapproving reviews, in their own ads. For instance the PTC called the program, “mind blowingly inappropriate”, nice pun! The PTC’s quote can be seen on the top right, in all it’s glory.

The beloved Simon Doonan, creative director at Barney’s, is getting married! The self proclaimed fashionista will wed interior designer and Top Design judge  Jonathan Adler. The ceremony will take place in California. Although the ceremony is a joyous occasion, Doonan says that Adler is already his spouse unofficially and getting married “is more like paying a parking ticket.” He assures his fans that the event will take place after the main event: New York Fashion Week. Congrats Simon!  

Zac Posen, known for his gorgeous, typically colorful, gowns has recently hired Laura O’Connor as the Franchise’s new CEO. Formally, O’Connor worked as the president of the Women’s Wear department, for Theory. Posen has said that he looks forward to collaborating with O’Connor.

While I love Theory and adore Zac Posen, they are very different brands. Zac Posen has an intangible flair while Theory is classic. Both brands are wonderful but nonetheless different. Thankfully, you cannot really go wrong with Zac Posen or Theory. Only time will tell what the two new fashion forward partners will come up with.

The London premiere of Batman:The Dark Night, brought the stars and London guest together. I couldn’t help but notice a cohesive pattern among the red carpet: darkness. While Heath Ledger’s death and the film’s title evoke a dark tone, it’s summer! Summer is the time for white, pastels and brights. While most of the guests looked stunning, the lack of variation was disappointing. On a brighter note, the film raked in 155.34 Mill during the weekend, at box office, now there is something to smile about!

The newest Disney animation film, “The Princess and the Frog” is scheduled to debut in 2009. The film has incorporated a new kind of princess. Disney’s newest princess is, surprisingly, African American. Although some may rejoice at Disney’s weak attempt to embrace diversity, I am thoroughly disappointed. The Disney franchise’s intentions are questionable because of their notoriously racist history.

The princess and protagonist, Maddy is from New Orleans and is a servant. I find her occupation to be curious. It seems as though the only thing the producers did correctly was hire the gifted and charming Anika Noni Rose, as Maddy. Disney seems to be continuing onto their incorrigible path with their newest project.

In addition, to successfully developing a racist reputation, the franchise has managed to instill fear in young people. Think about it. How can Pocahontas and the Native American people’s plight be cheery? Yes, the trail of tears was wonderful walk. Cinderella’s evil step family showed little kids, all over the world, to deter daddy from every getting remarried. The “Beauty” and the dark savage like “Beast”. Need I say more? Who thinks of this shit?

The story takes place during the Jazz Age, so her place of residence, New Orleans, seems appropriate. Yet, there is still something unsettling about Princess Maddy’s portrayal. While, little girls around the country will have a new heroine and role model, Disney’s older viewing demographic is less transparent. Ranting reviews have already hit the web. People are disgusted. Disney better do a great job. The culmination of her lowly occupation and the racial southern tensions are a recipe for misunderstanding and disaster.

Last Friday, Busie Matsiko, Fashion Indie’s co-founder and CEO was invited to speak and moderate at The Annual Womensphere conference. The inspiring day conference was held at Manhattan’s Hunter College. The room brought powerful women together; CEO’s, founders, entrepreneurs, and more. Notably, among the celebrated guests,Fashion Indie friends, Enyinne Owunwanne, co-founder of the Uptown Emerging Designers Market,  and Zulema Griffin, Project Runway Season 2 finalist, were present, and dropped their fabulous fashionable words of wisdom.  

The new Guess? ads are out, and causing a case of Deja Vu. The ubiquitous blond Guess girl has gone “Back to Black”, by channeling their inner Amy Winehouse. The hair and eyes definitely resemble Ms. Winehouse. While, the look is epitomizes the soul singer, this could never be the infamous Amy Winehouse because the model is healthy, she is not calling for her Blake Blake or her three trusty backup singers.  

Thanks to Fashionista for the pics! 

The new highly anticipated season of Bravo’s,Project Runway is, thankfully, right around the corner. Time Magazine caught up with reality television’s fan favorite, Tim Gunn, for an informal interview. Lucky readers were able to probe his fashionable frame of mind, and subsequently learn how to “make it work!”

Here are excerpts from the interview:  

What has been your favorite outfit designed by a contestant on Project Runway? —Rachel Thompson, Dallas
May I give two answers? For me—and it’s very emotional—it was the winning look from the very first episode of the very first season, when we took the designers to a Gristedes grocery store and Austin Scarlett made a dress out of corn husks. It was the closest to couture as a corn husk in America could possibly get. On the fashion front, it was the collaboration of Christian Soriano and Chris March on Season 4, the avant-garde challenge. That dress was magnificent. 

With which designer, dead or alive, would you like to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?—Milo Keilo, MILILANI, HAWAII

Oh, the first really seminal designer of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. That would be some lunch. If it were a living designer, there’s no one more fabulous to have lunch with than Diane von Furstenberg.

Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain? —Sharlin Aldao MIAMI LAKES, FLA.

Michelle Obama. Absolutely. She looks so comfortable and relaxed in her style, in her fashion, and she exudes that. She has a presence that gives you confidence in her.

What’s the worst fashion trend you’ve ever seen?—Kay Soriano, MANILA
Well, sandals with socks are certainly up there. Generally speaking, it’s footwear trends. I mean, the Croc—it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know it’s comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don’t get out of bed.

Check out the whole interview here! 

Hermes is hosting three consecutive equestrian events, according to Women’s Wear Daily. Although Hermes is known for their iconic Birkin bags, divine designs,and celebrity clientele, Hermes origins are in the equine world. Hermes has been involved with the equine world for over 170 years. After all, Thierry Hermes was a saddle and bridle maker. Hermes has always stayed true to it’s roots, which is evident in their logo. Though, Hermes has hosted and sponsored horse shows previously, the brand will be running it’s first Le Galop Hermes event, a highly anticipated horse show, in, of course, France.  

Victoria Beckham is becoming a fashion icon. She takes risks while maintaining her fabulous style. Selflessly Beckham planned to share her fashion genius and launch her own line. Unfortunately, Los Angeles boutique, Kitson has pushed back Beckham’s plans of launching her men’s collection, dVb until next year! In addition, many other boutiques have discontinued her denim collection. Personally, I was enamored by her denim collection, especially those star embroidered pockets. Thankfully Mrs. Beckham has kept her head up, with hopes to launch a couture line debuting this fall, at New York Fashion Week. 

Lately, Lindsay Lohan has been making headlines for her cocaine use, rehabilitation and most recently her lesbian escapades with androgynous D.J Samantha Ronson. Today graver news infiltrates the rumor mill, Lindsay Lohan has come out with a “clothing” line. When will this celebrity trend/travesty end?! Her new project clearly confirms her inability to land a role.

Lohan’s disgusting and incorrigible reputation remains constant in her new (overpriced) line entitled 6126. The line is mainly leggings and accessory pieces. Honestly, these items are an easy find and 1/3 of the price at American Apparel. Surprisingly, the chic online boutique Shop Intuition has paired up with the scary star. The materials are cheap and frankly look cheesy.  Yet I never expected glitter, leopard print, and a plethora of zippers to scream class.

Maybe, Lohan is good at something after all… being predictably trashy.  

Jewelry designer, Monique Pean is genius. Her pieces have been sported by Angelina Jolie, Nicki Hilton, Nicole Richie along with other notorious celebrities. The popular Pean has now collaborated with Charity:Water, to aid impoverished people receive clean water. Impressively, fifty percent of Pean’s Charity:Water line proceeds will go towards the noble cause.

“Each piece of jewelry is unique and handmade. I aspire to enhance the individual through my designs and to raise awareness of the water epidemic that our world is facing today. Everyone in the world deserves access to clean drinking water.” – Monique Pean  

Now, we can all feel even better about flaunting her fantastic jewelry.      

Click here to check out her collection!  

Arlenis Pena is taking the fashion industry by storm. A newcomer, Pena has already booked Vogue, Italian Vogue, Banana Republic, Christian Dior and now a lucrative Lancome contract. Did we mention she has only been working as model, for four months? The 5’11 beauty is simply wonderful.

The Dominican Republic native has made history by being the second women of color to be featured in a Lancome campaign, with supermodel Liya Kebede preceding her. While we couldn’t be happier with Lancome’s choice, we are disturbed with Lancome’s track record. Lancome has been around, since 1935. Given the longevity of the Lancome line, they have had ample time to represent all of their consumers, but chose not to. Despite their previous void of diversity, we applaud Lancome for choosing a true star in the making. 

 Socialite Arden Wohl was already considerably odd. The New York based socialite is infamously tied with her public fondness for pot. She is recognizable by her signature hippie headbands. She never removes them! On Saturday, she confirmed her eccentric persona by writing “Ralphy Lip Shits”, at the Ralph Lauren’s Hampton store, with red lipstick. Wohl was consequently arrested, for graffiti and defacing property, in East Hampton N.Y. Wohl hates being categorized as a socialite, but her entitled actions would suggest otherwise. As if the hippie socialite’s antics were not enough, she felt the urge to steal little american flags, from the store. How patriotic! Wohl can now add petit larceny, to her wild child resume. 

For many of us, this year was the year of Gossip Girl. Every Monday, millions of teens and adults, alike, would tune into the luxurious lives of sophisticated Manhattanites. The show’s buzz resonated throughout the country, and became a principal subject of conversation.

Moreover, the featured fashion is coveted and subsequently hunted down by  fashionista fans. Lately, it seems as though everybody wishes to emulate the style of the Upper East Side. There has even been a newly launched site entitled “Gossip Girl Fashion” (www.gossipgirlfashion.com) which takes the clothing from the program and allows viewers to purchase their favorite pieces. I simply cannot fathom why people have such a hard time being original.  

 I will openly admit Gossip Girl has changed the way people dress. I cannot stand it!  I detest walking down the street and looking at mundane teenagers attempting to be cool and chic. Although, I love the clothes I do not think all the loud looks are meant to be compiled together nor worn in packs. 

The electric hue tights, preppy cardigans, knee high riding boots and posh patterned jackets are just some of the pieces that have been sported all across Manhattan by pre-pubesant teenagers. It’s becoming an epidemic. Stop the madness before it’s too late! You know you love me.

Wimbledon 2008 was simply thrilling.  Although tennis was the main attraction, fashion stole the show. At the summer tournament, white is always the staple. Players abided and contributed to the preppy vibe by sporting cardigans, blazers and totes. 

Thankfully Wimbledon’s classy reputation worked symbiotically with new fierce fashion decisions. The world class Wimbledon players tested the conservative waters as they strutted onto the court with their controversial fun fashion choices. 

Unfortunately, some of the Wimbledon fashions were not winners  

Sheer shirts and tantalizing trenches were motifs seen throughout games. 

 Wimbledon’s classically cute fashions and players will never go out of style. 

Throughout Barack Obama’s candidacy, he has been compared with John F Kennedy. Lately, I’ve noticed an interesting similarity…their wife’s style. Jackie O embraced her chic style, and consequently became an icon. I have always been a fan of Mrs. Obama, and now more women are noting and emulating her style. Her choices are classic. Obama ranges from sweet suits to tasteful tweeds, which all encompass her intangible great style. Fox News may have some harsh words to say about her personality but Michelle Obama is as demure, dashing and delightful as her style.

    I love Vanity Fair, It’s my dream, someday, to become the editor of the publication. Naturally, I was disappointed when I picked up the August issue to find a lack of color. Their featured “upcoming talent” was unimpressive. The magazine only featured two minority talents, Zoe Kravitz and Rob Brown.  No Asians and no Hispanics (Daniel was not happy). America Ferrera anyone? Vanity Fair could have chosen a lot better.

    The Vanity Fair shoot takes place on a white beach, features all white clothing and mostly, you guessed it, all white actors. To top it all off, the beach sort of looks like the Hamptons, at least they thoroughly completed the stereotype. And since when are the Jonas Brothers affiliated with Hollywood actors?  The byline reads “today’s crop of hot young things”, we think it’s more like “today’s crop of white young things”.