Everyone seems to be freaking the fuck out about these snaps from the House of Dereon’s new kids collection. Apparently someone doesn’t think “fuck me” pumps and five year olds mix. Personally, I don’t think this message is to far off from the one we’ve been promoting on the Disney Channel or in tabloid media. Women are discovering at a much younger age the need to be “sexualized”. Yes, it is disgusting, but like the Miley Cyrus backlash, this is just another attempt to place blame in the wrong direction. Should you be pissed at Beyonce’s momma for hawking this shit, or at the idiots who buy it for their kids?

Personally, while I do think the collection is extremely tacky, I don’t see anything wrong with heels on little girls. What girl or boy hasn’t attempted to walk in their mom’s heels (It was once, I was 6, and had it not been caught on tape it probably wouldn’t have been as big as a deal as it has become. Especially, love it when Mama Saynt shows it to my prospective love interests. Nothing says question your boyfriend’s sexuality faster than a video of him strutting in stilletoes. Thanks mom.)? Regardless, I think it’s weird to see girls at such a young age in heels, skinny jeans, and make-up, but isn’t this how children are displayed on shows like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hanna Montana, and High School Musical?

Where should we draw the line when it comes to decency amongst children? Oh, yeah at home. If you don’t want your kids looking like tramps, don’t buy it, but quit being such a mom blogger and freaking out about it on the web, it’s annoying and know one cares about you flipping opinion.

Yeah, this seems bad, but it could be a lot, lot worse..

Apple Bottoms for babies?

Popularity: 1% [?]

On Wednesday, May 7th editors, buyers and bloggers gathered at the rooftop deck of Hotel Gansevoort for the announcement of the winner of Project Handbag, a collaborative talent search conducted by fashionindie media and maurices, a fast-retailer with over 650 stores across the country. The runway was set, models were dressed and at 7:10 the music blared and the lights shone brightly for what was to be maurices first New York City fashion show.

Over 40 looks hit the runway, ranging from wear at work items to lounge wear, and editors were pleasantly surprised by a collection of low-priced fashion pieces which fit a New York ethos of style, sophistication and wearability. Rebecca and I were backstage directing traffic, while Busie played figurehead with the editors of Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Girl, and Oprah magazine. Models were changing at breakneck speeds, lining up and hitting the runway once more. The music was a mix of eighties girl bands and solo artists; Madonna, Joan Jett, the GoGo’s, and Blondie energized the walk with DJ Cassidy mixes thrown in.

After the last piece hit the runway, we were ready for an official announcement. With her handbag created and ready for it’s debut, Christina Oertel of Plover, WI. Her Layered Leather Handbag design won over 30% of all votes in this competition from the 17,000 online style loving voters who headed to fashionindie.com and maurices.com to choose the best handbag.

THE DESIGN

THE FINISHED BAG

Christina Oertel couldn’t have been a better winner. The 27 year old mother of two had always wanted to be a handbag designer, but it wasn’t until this contest came around that she had the opportunity to share her talent with the world. When her handbag, a tri-leather carry all, came on to the runway it was met with loud applause. We had a chance to sit with the young winner and grill her on her inspiration, becoming a fashion designer and her personal style.

FI: What was your inspiration when creating this handbag?

CO: I was inspired by many things: the classic high-end bags I’ve always admired; the great layering trends; and most importantly, with spring on its way, I wanted to keep it fresh by adding a bold, colorful print on the inside. As a young mom, I wanted to keep things practical so I played with the size and added pockets.

FI: Have you always wanted to be a handbag designer?

CO: The thought of being a handbag designer, or any type of fashion designer, would pretty much surpass my wildest dreams. So yes… that would be a definite ‘yes’.

FI: How is fashion a part of your daily life?

CO: Although I am a graphic designer by trade, I fit in my fashion fixes throughout the day. In the morning, its choosing an outfit that fits my mood; throughout the day, I’m surfing fashion websites while eating my lunch and on breaks; and after I put the kids to sleep, I’m all over the lastest magazines. On a lucky day, I’ll even catch a Fashion Television podcast on my mp3 player.

FI: Describe your style?

CO: My style changes from day-to-day … as well as season-to-season: I love trying new things! In the summer, my style leans toward clean, classic, easy-going and girly-bohemian. Living in Wisconsin, my style has to be a little more practical in the winter months. This winter, I focused on great winter coats and knee-high boots. My biggest celebrity inspirations would be Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Kate Hudson and Rachel Bilson.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hey Indies,

I’m currently having a sartorial dilemma. Rebecca and I just got invited to the Tulips & Pansies event taking place next week. The theme is flowers and while Rebecca may have been able to score the perfect Tracey Reese floral print dress for the event, I’m stuck wondering if I can actually rock a couple of rose buds on my lapel for the event which will celebrate the blooming of some fine fashion creations.

My problem: I really don’t feel confident enough to rock florals. I’ve done it before in the past, playing with prints from desingers like Tommy Hilfiger and allowing flowers to enter my tie collection, but I’ve never been able to accept some of the crazier flowered designs and wild hues and bright colors that accompany typical mens floral fashions. And it seems of all times, this is the time to rock some agriculture. GQ Style has just released a spread featuring boys in bloom. Designers seem to be embracing the floral print for men and taking petal to the metal, so to speak, by designing full flowery jackets and jeans, but is it safe for a straight man to rock such looks or will it just confuse women into thinking they play for a team that’s more ready for twigs and berries than blooming orchids?

I guess this one goes out to you indies. Can straight men wear flowers with out looking like a pansy?

Photo: GQ Style

Bud Behaviour [GQ Style, not online]

Popularity: 1% [?]

There is no doubt in any fan boys fantasy that Gwyneth Paltrow would prove to be the perfect Pepper Potts to Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man.

Okay, I lied there were huge doubts. Fortunately, Gwyny brought her Oscar ready A-Game and gleamed as the shiny suit man’s love interest/personal assistant. But what really stood out was how Gwyneth’s natural style came through in her character. Her tight form fitting skirts, her structured jackets, her tall designer heels. It seemed that Pepper Potts had the uncanny ability to look nothing short of super.

Well being the fan geeks we are we picked out some very fashionable items to give you you’re very own Pepper Potts look.

Check them out below and enjoy.

Popularity: 1% [?]

You must be aware by now that white wayfinders and fedoras are just about over-the-hill in the world of trendsetting fashion items, right?  If not here is one final nail in the coffin of style for all you hanger-ons. Janice Dickenson decided she would join the young’uns by fishing in her closet for items she actually once wore in the 80s.

Vintage wayfinders. Check. Vintage fedora. Check. Vintage faded jeans. Check. Vintage set of milk bags. Double check.

I think we can officially put this trend to rest. When 50 year old grandmas start rocking your look it usually signifies an end.

[Los Angeles, May 6. Image via x17. Photo from Jezebel.com]

Popularity: 1% [?]