If Barbie Was A Fashion Editor…

Edited by Princess Glover

She would probably look like this, minus the bizarre hairdo. An Anna Wintour bob perhaps? No…Barbie would scoff at such drabness. Elle magazine’s creative director Joe Zee give her the devil wears prada makeover, trading tacky Toys “R” Us collections for something more au courant–Balenciaga peacoat, Chanel bag, Hermes scarf, slim, dark denim jeans and oversized shades (worn indoors, of course). The only thing she’s missing is a pretentious scowl.

The Fendi Bike: Another Case of Impractical Mobility

Edited by Princess Glover

I’m still not understanding why high-end fashion houses find it necessary to lend their names to various modes of transportation and other outdoor apparati. I mean, is there a market for this kind of absurdity? First Chanel comes out with a segway and now Fendi has produced this $9,500 fur-accented deluxe bicycle that defies both logic and good taste. Granted, it’s not as obnoxious the segway, and with it’s detachable Fendi case, leather accessories, and vintage, almost rustic design, some might even call it charming. However, this is just another example of conspicuous consumption—and what person who could actually afford such frivolity would have the compulsion to ride one? Isn’t that what chauffeurs are for?

Ashley Olsen Answers Her True Calling

Edited by Princess Glover

It’s been reported that the reclusive one has decided to quit acting for good to pursue a full-time career in the fashion industry. This comes as no surprise and I would think that most people would have already come to that conclusion since she hasn’t really acted since “New York Minute”. Anyway, Ashley tells V Man Magazine:

“I’ve been transitioning from acting as a kid to doing something that I’m choosing for myself – to be part of the fashion industry. That’s what I want for my future. It has nothing to do with my past, nothing to do with anyone else’s agenda. And I followed my heart the whole way.”

While she and Mary-Kate will continue to collaborate on their line, The Row, she’ll be much more involved in the creative process as well as expanding the line into menswear later this year. I suspect that with her current fashion icon status and keen sense of style that she can definitely be a success and squelch any belief that their collection is just another celebrity line.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?: Zoe Saldana

Edited by Princess Glover

Another case of beautiful girl, ugly outfit. During the 2009 Cannes Film Festival this past week, Zoe decided to show up to the amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS benefit in a posh burlap sack. Was this shapeless, flesh-colored abhorration her idea? Or was she just the unwitting victim of an underqualified, scatterbrained stylist? And that hair…seems to me as if she’s still in Star Trek mode because it’s looking very extraterrestrial, not to mention unflattering. Her forehead looks twice as big in that high, bumped-in-the-front ponytail that is doing her no favors whatsoever. The only thing that stands out in this outfit is the shoes and clutch, which are totally fierce. Had the dress been a more saturated color, and we took away the nonsensical hairdo, this might have worked. Otherwise all you have is a weak ensemble.

STREET HEROES: So Fresh, So Clean

Edited by Princess Glover

When the universe sends me a man, I want him to look exactly like this. Being the Taurus that I am, I can’t help but be drawn to richness and minimalism, which is exactly what this look emanates. It’s unassuming and low-key, yet it stands out tremendously. I absolutely love the rolled-up sleeves and trousers, the traditional boat shoes, the oversized man-bag, and the unisex accessories all amidst a neutral color palette. It’s classic without being dated, simple without being boring, and bold without being excessive.

DESIGNER TO KNOW: LEAF

Edited by Princess Glover

I can’t get enough of organic and sustainable clothing, especially when they look as luxe and hip as designers Debra Kellner and Marie-Helene Gautier’s new line, Leaf. Based in Montreuil, France, the duo sources materials from small cotton fields in India, proving again that you can produce aesthetically pleasing garments while sticking to ecologically sound practices. The collection consists of urban basics such as jersey harem pants, menswear-inspired vests, wide-leg trousers, and swathy, oversized button-downs that are earthy, yet très à la mode. Parisian hipsters and fashionistas alike are taking notice, with the collection being carried at fashion enclaves such as Le Bon Marche in Paris, Liberty in London, and Flying A in NYC.

As If There Aren’t Enough Tragically Hipster Photos of Chloe Sevigny

Edited by Princess Glover

Nonetheless, prolific photographer Mark Borthwick’s new book, Not In Fashion is an artful, sensory stimulating collection of unconventional photos which, incidentally, features a then 21-year old version of the indie ingénue, amongst other quirky and well-known celebs. It was during the ‘90’s, while helping then-fledgling magazines like Purple, Self Service and AnOther, that Bothwick first began integrating elements of architecture and design, developing a very personal and intuitive style that can still be seen today. This book showcases over 200 images from his best fashion editorials, celebrity portraits, and advertising work, displaying his ability to turn a stationary photo into a fluid performance. Borthwick’s work is not only about the movement of the model, but the beauty of accidental clutter, which is as important to his images as the garments. Not In Fashion also features excerpts from his personal journals, which mainly consist of Polaroid’s, sketches and notes on shoots, revealing the inner workings of a photographer’s mind.

SHOP Current/Elliot Ruffle Swimsuit, $$

Edited by Princess Glover

My only question would be, can you actually swim in it? Apparently so, but this might be one of those “I’m just going to sit by the water and look cute” situations, unless you don’t mind waiting an hour for your swimsuit to dry—talk about old school. This 75% cotton, 25% linen vintage-inspired one-piece comes in a light blue, worn-in wash and bears a playful, tiered ruffle detail with midline ruching and halter tie design. It’s not absurdly expensive and it’s a fashion forward option aside from your basic bikini.

$231 available at Revolveclothing.com