Photographed by Mario Testino and styled by fashion editor Tonne Goodman, Karlie Kloss gets dirty on the farm in clothes by Marni, Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Isaac Mizrahi, Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Paul Smith and A.P.C.

Balenciaga? Is that you? I never pegged Nicolas Ghesquière as a hoodie and jeans type, but it’s different, so I’ll take it! The Balenciaga Spring 2010 was athletic while retaining it’s shock and awe, classiness. While I’m not terribly crazy about the garments that resemble a child’s canvas, I am in love with the molded leather hooded vests and oh, those heels!

If you guys hadn’t noticed in the gallery, the above model is actually Miranda Kerr. Totally doesn’t look like her, but apparently here she is walking for Balenciaga.

Anna Wintour, the infamous Vogue Editor-in-Chief, was seen leaving Balenciaga show in Paris wearing snake skin coat to which some say she’s finally stepped out in her fall skin.  And that’s all I will say about that.

LINK LOVE

Nicolas Ghesquière does it again…tons of leather, amazing prints and patterns mixed with bright colors and fun textures.

Find more photos like this on CULT

Just because Balenciaga and Rodarte make beautiful clothes doesn’t mean they look good on everyone, and they certainly don’t look good on Jennifer Connelly! Looks like stylist Leslie Fremar needs a little recap on dressing celebrities.

Thanks Just Jared!

When the first images from this Jennifer Connelly campaign surfaced i was not a fan of the intentionally awkward posing, it seemed like the photo editors had it out for her. Now, when I see the series together, my feelings have changed. The slightly robotic posing gives Jennifer the look of a fierce creature and draws extra attention to the amazing footwear. Check the gallery to see the rest of the transformation.

GALLERY: Balenciaga Fall ‘09

SOURCE: Fashion Gone Rogue

I’m almost hesitant to post these, but I’m not going to bid on them and I think someone should.

Check them out at Housing Works.

The other day my daughter and I took a trip up to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Center. We were looking for school shoes for her as we had found some fabulous deals in the past and were hoping to find the same this trip. She was very pleased with her selections!

The news was all over blogs, newspapers, and magazines so most of us had heard that a Balenciaga outlet had opened back in April, but the very few mentions online didn’t make it sound like a bargain shopper’s paradise. But the lure of

quality goods at discount prices was too much to bear and I just had to have a peek inside. And what I found was almost too good to be true! 40% off, but that was off the already marked down prices for shoes! Handbags were 20% off the markdown price! Jesse, the sales assistant that helped me make my selections (yes plural) was as sweet as they come, and honestly all the sales assistants were also very helpful, polite, and dare I say it — without pretense. Some of the outlets up there are quite snobby (um for shop worn two seasons old stock? Get over yourself!) But this was clearly a case of the opposite, not only a bargain hunter’s dream, but a shopper’s delight, making my visit quite pleasant. I wound up purchasing two pairs for myself, and another pair for a friend who asked me to pick them up for her. Since we weren’t sure of her size I wound up getting two different sizes, and some lucky friend will be the benefit of my thrifty purchase. Check out my gorgeous selections…

I could only upload one photo, but to see my other pair of fab Balenciaga’s, check my blog at Idee Fixe

5 inch heel with platform. Gorgeous, buttery soft suede. I love that the heel is partially a wedge, and it satisfies my urge for wedges. Ignore the weird angle that makes my foot look like its too small for the shoe. I can assure you they fit like a glove! (I guess having a 9.5 year old photographer may have something to do with the weird angles! But she’s learning!)

I wound up getting two pairs of beautifully crafted Italian leather shoes for the price of one crappy pair at some chain store like Aldo. I will not scrimp on quality when it comes to shoes as I am quite hard on them and prefer having something that will last season after season. (I tend to go for classic styles that live on — one day I will photograph my vintage collection to prove my point. Imelda has nothing on me, as I’ve been a collector and seller of vintage for over 30 years and have the shoe collection to prove it!)

Woodbury Commons is easily accessible via car (under an hour from the city) and they run bus specials as well. Make sure to sign up on their website for a voucher book that has additional coupon savings, as well as unadvertised specials. Chelsea Premium Outlets then click under “Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Center.” You’ll have to sign up for the VIP club to get the voucher, but they don’t spam you with email so its worth it.

If you do visit Balenciaga, Jesse will be glad to help you! Its located at 885 Grapevine Court, and the phone number is 845.929.2006, he said the sale was ongoing, and that they would continue to receive more merchandise through the end of the month.

One word of warning when shopping any designer outlet center — know your prices! Many outlets discount from regular retail, some don’t discount at all on the off chance that you’ll think its a bargain and scoop it up. Such was definitely not the case at Balenciaga.

Posted by Suzanne Reinhardt Kuhn
VIa Cultindie

Alexandra Neel is helping restart Charles Jourdan Shoes. The designer, who once worked with Balenciaga and Celine, has gone to Charles Jourdan to reintroduce the label. Charles Jourdan, which was popular in the 60s and 70s, is set to relaunch this September.

LINKAGE: Black Book

I am lusting over those Balenciaga booties and will be for the rest of the day. The only thing I’m not feeling are those glasses, but hey, she’s got pretty good style for an 11-year-old.

See this and more on Hello Over There Nik’s Polyvore

With their Fall ‘09 collections having hit the runway, we’re expecting just as great of a show for Spring 2010 from these top 20 designers.

MAINSTREAMERS

Alexander McQueen:

Each of McQueen’s Fall ‘09 pieces were sculpted to perfection to create forms in unique patterns and versatile shapes.

Marc Jacobs:

Marc Jacobs was all about the bright colors with this collection. Grabbing inspiration from 80s fashion, the neon hues and big shoulders were a hit on the runway.

Prada:

With fur shapes, wool suits, and some knee high boots, Prada styles hit the runway in edgy fashion

Balenciaga:

With draped satin and silk, paired with fitted tops and flowy dresses, the Balenciaga collection was all about luxury and versatility.

Louis Vuitton:

Bubble skirts, coats, and a ton of accessories marched down the runway for Louis Vuitton Fall’09, of course, bright colors added that perfect touch on all pieces.

Donna Karan:

Fitted coats and long skirts accessorized with belts and necklaces produced a strong collection for Donna Karan this fall.

Alexander Wang:

Focusing mostly on blacks and whites, Alexander Wang explored much more with textures for fall ‘09. With each style paired with a matching accessory models looked the part from head to toe.

Moschino:

Ruffles and roses were at the forefront of Moschino’s line up for this Fall ‘09 collection. Navy and black dresses with a hint of red adds that special something to each piece.

Roberto Cavalli:

Lace leggings, fur jackets, and knitted fabrics were all part of Roberto Cavalli’s image for Fall ‘09.

Lanvin:

Leave it to Lanvin to let loose black gloves and intriguing silhouettes down the runway. With dresses and coats in beige, black, and white, the designer remembers the excitement of color with the occasional spark of red.

Proenza Schouler:

Though many designers stuck to inspiration of the past for Fall ‘09, Proenza Schouler kept it modern for the runway. High necks and fitted coats were all a part of the designers vision for the season.

Alexandre Herchcovitch:

Alexandre Herchcovitch was all about the idea of chaos for his fall ‘09 collection. Taking inspiration from big cities, multi-textured coats and printed dresses marched down the runway.

THE INDIE TEAM

A. F. Vandevorst:

For Fall ‘09 A.F. Vandevorst dreamt-up silk dresses and fur vests colored in quite a specific scheme. With trenches in variations of beige, green, and black it’s clear that this collection was one of a kind.

ADAM:

Releasing an array of colorful styles, ADAM put forth bright, upbeat separates for Fall ‘09.

Erdem:

It was all about embroidery and intense color for Erdem’s Fall ‘09 collection; lace and satin worked together to create ensembles fit for the runway.

Haider Ackermann:

With flowy dresses under more fitted and architectural coats, Haider Ackermann found that perfect line to combine edge and sophistication.

Ann Demeulemeester:

Stiff black works combined with soft white dresses allowed Ann Demeulemeester to explore the importance of balance for Fall ‘09.

Rodarte:

Working with pale schemes, leathers, and silk-screened styles, Rodarte lead a flood of breathe-taking dresses and skirts down the catwalk.

Phi:

Zippers and sequins were among Phi’s best looks for the Fall ‘09 season. Edgy styles made it clear that the collection was really for the strong and independent woman.

Albino:

Focusing on geometric shapes and silk dresses, bronze, black, and even a few bright-colored numbers made a strong statement when they took the runway.