Bodhi is Back: Spring/Summer 2010

Edited by Princess Glover

For designer Joseph Janus, it’s all about understated details. His latest collection for Bodhi handbags starts from a unique color palette and yields an intersting combination of luxury and function. Seafoam blue, salmon pink, sherbert orange and classic creme and black hues are fused with chic, compartmented details–multiple zippers, pockets, embroidered straps, signature safety pin handle–and textures. The original styles range from patent leather nighttime clutches, accordion-inspired totes, and ostrich and crocodile travel-friendly bags. For the collection’s release, NYC hotspot Tenjune hosted the event, sponsored by Fashion Week Daily, in which hundreds enjoyed and evening of fashion and cocktails.

RUNWAY: Banana Republic S/S 2010

Edited by Princess Glover

To say I was impressed by Banana’s spring/summer collection would be an overstatement. Yet what it lacks in originality it makes up for in breezy classics that exude that effortless style. That aesthetic is best expressed in variated denim with deconstructed finishes and streamlined fits,  lightweight khaki in the form of slim cargo skirts and culottes, boyfriend blazers, and versatile  materials like japanese silk and organic cotton.

The relaxed vibe is also prevalent throughout the accessories: leather cross-body bags, heeled wooden clogs, suede desert boots and boat shoes. It’s a collection that definitely reads “refined American sportswear”, and is something I would look forward to wearing once spring comes back around. Although I would’ve like to see something more progressive, Banana does what it does best–trendy, modern classics that are easily intergratable into any wardrobe.

GREAT MOMENTS IN FASHION: Rapper’s Delight

Edited by Princess Glover

Blondie’s 1983 video for “Rapture”, in which Debra Harry fancies herself a rap lyricist, could be considered corny by today’s standards. Her outfit, however, would look just as good now as it did over 20 years ago. Considering fashion is now deep in an 80’s revival, the look can be easily pulled off and would make for a rather stylish ensemble. The black tube top bejeweled with chunky gems is an obvious compliment to high-waisted dark shorts. Throw in a flimsy lace shawl, stringy, layered necklaces and understated heels, you get a look that is both simple and bold.

Watch: Rapture

BEAUTY AND BOOZE: A Girl’s Night Out With Shecky’s

Edited by Princess Glover

What’s better than a tote bag’s worth of free beauty samples, allowing one to bypass the beauty aisle at Duane Reade for at least a month or two? A tote bag’s worth of free beauty samples and liquor. Hard liquor. Free, hard liquor. And of course some cheese on a toothpick to balance out all that free, hard liquor. All this is thanks to Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out, the annual culmination of all things gorgeous. This awesome two-day event inlcudes a dj spinning some groove-worthy throwbacks, tons of beauty vendors, and the attendance of over 500 women (and maybe a couple of men–I see you Daniel) that just might be worth the $40.00 dollar price tag of admission. Representatives of skincare, makeup, clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories and even cosmotology companies, with even more free goodies in tow, were there to help us all look and feel just a little bit prettier. And who doesn’t want that?

Check out Shecky’s here!

RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Chado Ralph Rucci SP/2010

Edited by Princess Glover

Rucci killed it this season, delivering nothing less than stellar for his upcoming spring collection. Besides this being my first fashion show at the tents, I was beyond impressed by Rucci’s Japanese-inspired interpretation of elegant eveningwear. Every piece that floated down the runway was infused with a delicate balance of femeninity and architecture. His was a mixture of semi-structured sillouhettes, bold details, and fabrics that somehow give off the illusion of depth.

Layers of chiffon, silk and tulle were an omnipresent feature throughout the collection, showing up in dresses, skirts, gowns and daycoats. Eye-catching accessories such as obi shawls, and beaded tulle neckpieces were the proverbial icing on the cake. Not bad for a first show…

See more pics at nymag.com

MAG HAG: A Triple Threat for Vogue Korea

Edited by Princess Glover

In celebration of their 13th Anniversary, Vogue Korea decided to do not one, not two, but THREE separate covers featuring members of the League of Extraordinary Supermodels. Legends Naomi, Claudia and Eva manage to look unmistakably stunning, not to mention ageless, doing what they do best.

GALLERY: Cult

SHOP American Apparel | Long-Sleeve Mini Dress| $38

Edited by Princess Glover

What initially caught my attention about this dress is how simply sexy it is–it’s skimpy without being desperately slutty. And even though it has that early 90’s, Contempo Casuals vibe, one can easily bring it up to date lest you wind up looking painfully literal. My suggestion? Make it high fashion with a pair of high-heeled gladiators and some bold, chunky jewelry. Or for a more urban feel, go with some booties, an obi belt, giant around-the-way girl hoop earrings and a glowing décolletage.

Buy it at AA

THE TEN: Best Celebrity Clothing Lines

Edited by Princess Glover

Celebrity clothing lines are a dime a dozen nowadays, having become so unreasonably commonplace that it might be safe to say you’re not a real star unless you manage to churn out one (though you couldn’t even dress yourself without the help of a professional). I’ll be the first to say leave it the ones who know what they’re doing, but I will also say that there have been a few, very few that not only have managed to stay relevant as far as fashion is concerned, but exemplifies the true spirit of design: originality, creativity and quality–a rarity amongst the famous. Here are the exceptions:

1. Elizabeth and James by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen- because they don’t try so hard.

2. L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani- the shoes are beyond dope.

3. J.Lo, Sweetface by Jennifer Lopez- even though Sweetface went belly up, she’s the one that started it all, and don’t act like you’ve never owned (or wanted to own) at least one pair of her jeans or one of those ghetto fabulous velour sweatsuits. Guilty.

4. Kate Moss for Topshop- a fashionista’s wet dream

5. House of Harlow by Nicole Richie- hate the girl, love the jewelry.

6. Benjamin Bixby by Andre 3000- gettin his grown man on.

7. Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller- Does she still qualify as a celebrity? Nonetheless spring/summer 09 is looking pretty good…

8. Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony- hipster chic at its finest.

9. The Victoria Beckham Collection- this shameless clotheshorse knows her shit.

10. William Rast by Justin Timberlake- I think we were all surprised that this didn’t turn out as bad as we had assumed.