Partying your Saturday night away can be a blast, but waking up hungover the next morning may just be the worst feeling ever.  Our favorite remedy: a bunch of online retail therapy, direct from your bed. Here are our recommendations of where to shop this weekend.

1. LAmade Clothing: Up to 70% off select merchandise! Promo code: MEMORIAL12

2. tibi New York: Up to 80% off sample sale.

3. 7 For All Mankind: 40% off summer essentials.  Promo Code: MEMDAY0512

4. The Outnet: Up to 70% off select merchandise.

5. Refinery29: $100 off on Rachel Pally dresses.

6. Bloomingdale’s: 20-65% off select styles.

7. The Hip Chick: 20% off everything.  Promo code: MEMORIAL20

8. Silent Gypsy: 50% off select items.

9. Intermix: Up to 70% off select merchandise.

10. Bergdorf Goodman: Up to 40% off select RTW and shoes.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! 

When designer Teong Kay immigrated to the United States in the late 60s with his wife Gigi and 1-year-old son, he carried a mere $35 in his pocket. He took an entry-level position in fashion and quickly began learning about the industry. Fast-forward a few years, and Kay was both a boutique owner and started his own successful lines, Pave and St. Romei, both of which could be found at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks. Most recently, Teong and Gigi launched their contemporary jewelry line, Charlene K, named after the couple’s 10-year-old daughter. The pieces are both classic and trendy, perfect for the woman who looks for a chic statement when accessorizing. The collection features gold, sterling silver, rose gold and 14k gold vermeil metal tones along with rare gemstones. If you’re near Newport Beach this weekend, don’t miss the Charlene K Mother’ Day Trunk Show at Bloomingdale’s May 11, 12 and 13.

Want a chance to win these four gorgeous pieces from Charlene K? Tell us in the comments what you are doing for the special gal in your life this Mother’s Day weekend. Whether for a mom, aunt, grandma or gay dad, let us know how you will treat her. The commenter with the coolest idea will win all four pieces. Good luck!

For more information on Charlene K, visit them online. Questions about the contest? Ask me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs. This contest is open to residents of the United States only. 

Bergdorf Goodman, a subsidiary of Neiman Marcus, came in second with a respectable 8.37 while Barneys brings up the rear with an 8.23, according to the 2012 Luxury Consumer Experience Index (LCEI).

Nordstrom is also the most visited retailer with 36% of surveyed shoppers having glided through one of its locations within the past 12 months. The Seattle-based department store also ranked highest in customer retention, with 96% of respondents claiming they would shop there again and another 94% likely to recommend Nordstrom to friends and family.

“Retailers, especially in luxury, are selling experiences to customers more than they are selling any particular good,” says Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza. “In the case of a retailer like Nordstrom, we see that a program of continuous improvement in the customer experience can lead to higher degrees of loyalty and improved financial performance.”

In comparison, only 6% of shoppers visited Bergdorf Goodman and 7% shopped at Barneys, though the study suggests this exclusivity helps ratchet up the pricing. While 76% of Bergdorf shoppers and 74% of Barneys shoppers felt that the stores’ goods were of a “significant price premium,” only 65% of Nordstrom devotees felt the same about its offerings.

The Luxury Institute surveyed 1,200 participants with an average income of $292,000 and an average net worth of $3 million. Which I guess explains why I never received my survey in the mail. Lop off a few zeroes next year, however, and I’ll be ready with my answers. [Globe Newswire]

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Way before the advent of the Project Runways (and its alleged All-Stars), the The Fashion Shows and the Fashion Stars, there was one illustrious design competition that actually set out to do what those shows only dream of doing: producing a design superstar. In 1955, the Australian Wool Industry‘s International Wool Secretariat prize produced two, Lagerfed and Saint Laurent. Lagerfeld won in the coats category, Saint Laurent in the dresses category, and the rest is history.

A thousand years later, AWI wants to make wool hip again(?) and in the process give a  few lucky designers a couple thousand bucks. AWI will hold regional design contests in China, Australia, India, Italy, the UK and France, with each finalist receiving cash money towards their next collection and a chance to participate in the international final.

The international finalist will be crowned in March 2013 and will receive $100,000 to underwrite their next fashion show, and their collections will be sold in Harvey Nichols in the UK, Lane Crawford in China, Eickhoff in Germany and Bergdorf Goodman in the US.

The US judging will take place on July 9 in New York with a panel of judges that includes CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, Narciso Rodriguez and T: The New York Times Style Magazine EIC Sally Singer. The international judging will he held in September during London Fashion Week where Diane von Fursteberg and Vogue Italia editrix Franca Sozzani will be among the judges. Designers are required to submit sketches of a six-piece merino wool capsule collection with one outfit fully produced.

Kolb has said that the CFDA has already received some 25 applications, not just from emerging designers but also brands “who could use a boost.” Although we’re not talking about the Calvin Kleins but rather small business owners. So to paraphrase another famous fashion competition,  ”Designers, start your engines…and may the best merino…WIN!” [WWD, sub req'd]

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Cut out circular holes make the cork-like inset that locks the cuff in place.

Six agate strings line up straight, held steady with a silver plated lotus rectangle.

Gems puzzle piece together in candy colored assortment.

Concentric oxidation gives a natural momental look.

Shapes move about amorphously in its surreal effect.

It explodes like a multicolor sunburst, pyramidal studs jutting off.

Octagonally cut and sliced for forearm armor.

Circle and square, held together by chain, could make for makeshift handcuffs.

A meshy cuff with harsh angles creates a cool dichotomy.

Become a walking piece of art. Nicholas Kirkwood's Scribble-Flower heels bring his sketches to life in a very literal way.

Go electric with blocked colors in the new neon hues.

Can't drop seven Benjamins on light bright tootsies? Try this blinder from

Layered beads at the ankle shake exoticism with each step.

Starring in plastic, on a gold platform, these sexy Charlotte Olympia pumps are also a trick of the eye.

Go candy colored in luminous pastels. Christian Louboutin will ensure your sole is still red.

Well now I know where Jeffrey Campbell might have been inspired for my Peruvian-esque printed woven wicker heeled shoe. This Lanvin shoe took the theme all the way with braided leather. The rest of my JC is all plastic.

Not only will your feet be vibrantly wedged, but they'll also be elasticized into place by the architects at United Nude.

Go geometrically striped in a darker than bubblegum pink for a solid summer jogging shoe. Now that's a statement.

Getting dolled up for the evening's festivities doesn't always mean an elaborate gown. A beautifully tailored jacket has the same elegant effect when it's adorned with a collar embellishment or metallic threads. Stella McCartney does it with scalloped lace and a deep V neckline, keeping things both sexy and refined.

We love all that crazy costume jewelry as much as you do, but forget about it for a minute while you let the real deal shine. If you want to channel Leigh's rich elegance, opt for a cocktail ring in gold or silver with the stone of your choice. We like this vintage Sterling Garnet Ring from Purple Daisy Jewelry.

Leigh's hair was pulled into a graceful up-do after most likely being styled with pin curls. For maximum staying power, place the pin curls while you hair is slightly damp. Before styling, add a mousse like Bumble and bumbles Curl Conscious Holding Foam so your hair stays in place and frizz free all day.

Put away that girly pink blush and grab something with a bit more shadow. Leigh used blush to contour her cheekbones and give them a deep, vampish appeal. NARS makes the best blush in town, and Taos is literally the perfect shade to master this look. The touch of shimmer gives it a modern, glamour girl feel.

This one explains itself, really. Choose a red that Goldilocks would go for - not too dark and not too bright but just right. Line your lips with a matching liner or the lipstick itself to create a full pout. To get this look, we're crushing on Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick in Red Abundance.

With the amount of air brushing going on these days, models in magazines look nearly good enough to hang in the Louvre. Their skin so dewy, their teeth so white and their eyes so clear, so it only make sense that the fashion world is rediscovering the lost art of illustration.

Back in the good ole days, names like Joe Eula, Antonio Lopez and Kenneth Paul Block would cross the pond to sketch the latest looks coming out of Paris to be featured in WWD and Vogue amongst others. Illustrators also worked closely with department stores such as Bonwit Teller and Lord & Taylor as well as other high end boutiques who wanted that certain pizzazz in their ads and catalogues.

Many of the great illustrators of those days have since gone to the great sketchbook in the sky, but luckily a new brigade of sketchers is cropping up. We recently met Katy Smail and were lured in by her dark and mysterious fashion damsels. Her playful animal sketches are equally mysterious and amusing. Read on to hear how this Scot ended up in Manhattan, her dream clients and who the hell this woman is she keeps drawing.

These gorgeous teardrop earrings are designed in sterling silver and red enamel and adorned with white topaz for just the right amount of sparkle.

Red snake-embossed leather gets punked-out with gold flat-top cone studs and a jaguar head clasp adorned with Swarovski crystals. Roar.

The perfect gift for a no-frills kind of Valentine, this do-it-all canvas tote will be her go-to all year round.

Take her to outer space with this mystical ring, boasting an antique gold band and trippy red resin stone.

Classic with an obvious va-va-voom edge, these wedges pack a serious punch when paired with opaque black tights - perfect for a night out.

This adorable bowler has a vintage feel with a color combo that's undoubtedly modern.

Not only is this scarf soft and light as a feather, but the classic polka dot pattern will never go out of style.

Hand-faceted garnets are set in hand-formed 18K gold for an organic design that breaks the boundary between classic and modern.

Get them for $1,195 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Clearly, these plastic topped night walking Moon Walks will keep everyone on their toes.

Zippers on your hot heels will have him thinking about unzipping all of you.

Curved abstractly womanly in the essence of Gaudi, the metal heel is irresistible. The black strappies twist it wildly sexy.

The thigh highs will keep you covered while you're prancing around in your lingerie with your lovah behind closed doors. The cutout on the front of the platform is just one less thing to take off.

Bump. Set. Spike. Remind him of how much ass you can kick.

Developed by Dr. Marko Lens, the ingredients in this unique, plant-derived "3t" complex are known for their protective and regenerative properties. Not only will this day and night cream leave your skin feeling hydrated and looking younger, the formula is clinically proven to firm, smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only does this luxurious moisturizer reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it fights further damage with SPF 15. Defense Complex 3.0 stops aging at the cellular level where it starts and is available for both combination-to-oily and normal-to-dry skin.

This rich cream penetrates the skin, wrapping even your deepest layers in luxurious moisture. Free of fragrance and artificial colors, the formula both moistures and smoothes the skin for a supple, more even complexion.

Who knew herbs and spices could fight signs of aging? Clé de Peau Beauté uses turmeric and thyme extracts to prevent DNA damage to cells that cause wrinkle formation, and the advanced-performance sunscreen helps prevent photo aging before it starts. And don't be fooled by its feather-light texture - this cream packs extreme moisturizing power.

Leather Jackets by Balmain
Boots by Chrissie Morris

Clockwise from top left (click photo above to purchase):

Chrissie Morris Dakota Bootie, $496

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian Textured Slice Bangle Set, $64

Oscar de la Renta 24-karat Gold-Plated Geometric Link Clip Earrings, $185

Incase Chrome Slider iPhone 4S Case, $34.99

3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Woven Trousers, $665

Balenciaga Montre Acier Silver Watch, $1,795

Pierre Balmain Metallic Leather Baseball Jacket, $1,335

Whether lounging at home or covering those shoulders for a night on the town, a fur stole is a must for channeling Audrey's beguiling style. A vintage mink will do just fine, especially one like this beautiful pocketed version.

These gems may be from the 80s, but they possess the same elegance as the pair Audrey is so gracefully wearing. Not too big, not too small, and with a nautical touch - sold.

A strong woman keeps a strong brow, and Ms. Hepburn's certainly meant business. An expert consultation could be beneficial to get the right color for you, but Clé de Peau Beauté Eyebrow & Eyeliner Compact is our favorite by far.

Audrey rarely had a blood red lip - if you look closely in colored photos, her pout almost always had a tint of coral or orange. Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in stiletto is the perfect orange-red that will have you channeling her in no time.

Sweeping your hair into a perfect undo doesn't have to be a difficult task. The key is to get your strands to stay put without weighing them down. Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray adds volume, controls frizz and adds shine, all in a few sprays.

Graciously Yours,

Lady Jessica, Indie of Fashion.

Whether you're the Queen of the silver screen in Hollywood or King of New York, your highness will be high in these limited edition Christian Louboutin Highness-160 patchwork pumps. On the unseen left shoe, New York City is emblazoned in whatever material Monsieur Louboutin sought fit. He made only 20 and has signed them individually.

You can't be a Queen, or at least not a proper Princess without a bit of Alexander McQueen. With a curved heel and fine leather strapping, you're out for a regal afternoon high tea.

It seems I can't turn a corner without seeing a Guiseppe Zanotti shoe I'm in love with. If I didn't believe in brand fairness, you'd see approximately 7 of the 10 of the shoes on this list by Zanotti, and I'm sure Her Highness Lady Gaga would agree, especially custom, with next season Calvin Klein.

Double Duchess colors stripe a salute to your highness. Charlotte Olympia keeps you at Greek goddess status.

Make your feet fascinate with feathers. Diego Dolcini gets you ready for a royal wedding.

The neon hue will get you high on tip top colour. (Yes it's British, your Highness.)

For the modern princess, we have a sky high heel that will get down to the knuts and bolts of it. Spikes off the top that sparkle like diamonds top off these ZiGiNY heels.

Now for the mod young Duchess, give her a mary jane with some sturdy support. Named the "Sky High Society Heel", it means you're walking in the light.

Named the Trib Too High Heel by the Yves Saint Laurent tribe, be towering in ivory, majestically.

Your royal wedding might just take place above lace Valentino. The entire world will watch and sob/cheer you on as you kiss Prince Charming, your highness.

A mini version of Clarisonic's famous deep pore cleansing brush, you can take the Mia with you on all life's adventures. Clinically proven to remove six times more makeup and twice as much dirt and oil then your hands alone, this is perfect for the gal who can't get enough of the spa.

Her skin will glow like never before when using these luxurious skincare products. This 14-day travel set is an absolute necessity for the jetsetter who refuses to sacrifice her beauty routine.

Different from every other skincare brand we know, Tata Harper manufactures her 100% natural and non-toxic products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. Formulated to instantly moisturize, these essentials will keep skin hydrated all winter long.

Described as "holy water" by many religious SK-II users, this special limited edition bottle features a gold cap, Rochas lace detailing and a box signed by Cate Blanchett. And as always, it can improve the five dimensions of aging skin when used in a daily skincare regimen.

Good oils fight bad oils, something iconic makeup artist Shu Uemura discovered in the 60s. This shampoo helps draw out impurities on the scalp while cleansing without stripping hair of its natural fibers.

Give her the gift of beautiful, shiny, healthy hair. Damaged ends instantly absorb this formula, infused with Inchi Oil which is rich in omega-3. And it protects against heat styling for the gal who loves her curling iron.

My sister, who has very beautiful but particularly fine hair, swears by this heat styling tool. For the first time in her life, her curls stay perfectly bouncy from morning to night. Ideal for your friend who's bored with her stick straight mane.

For the girl who has piles upon piles of palettes, this is the only one she'll actually need. With 56 Photo Op Eye Shadows, four Brow Tech Powders, one Brow Tech Wax, eight cream eyeliners, two blushes, three Soft Lights & four lip glosses, she'll never get bored with her makeup routine.

Perfect for the diva who is all about her eyes. This clever set comes with a black mascara, crayon intense eyeliner in stromboli and a gold, branded eyelash curler. It's all a girl needs.

Need a tan for one night but not a fan of commitment? Your gal pal won't be afraid to use this beautiful bronzer - not only does it wash off with one shower, the formula dries instantly and will not stain clothing.

Rudolph the Red Soled Reindeer.

Had a platform made of cork.

And if you ever spike it.

You would even fringe it suede.

All of the textured leather.

Used to laugh in python heels.

And if you make it velvet. You would even use a bow.

Then one trademark Christian thought, YSL had infringed. "Laurent, with your sole so bright, that's my red, you have no right." All of the jury listened, As Loubie shouted out, I sue! Do you? But then he lost the lawsuit. He cannot claim the red soled shoe.

It's cold in NYC, and we get very cranky without our furs. This shaggy number is just too chic.

We love these to death, but don't bother buying them for us if you did't get a motorcycle to go with.

The entire FashionIndie teamed FREAKED OUT from a cute overload after seeing this crystal panda bear clutch. We need and we need now.

Forget weaving straw into gold - we want to weave gold into gold bracelets. Or rather have someone else do it for us.

18k rose gold, Alligator leather band, 126 set diamonds - what's not to love about this time-telling luxury?

Our skin glows like you wouldn't believe when using these luxurious skincare products. This 14-day travel set is an absolute necessity for jetsetting.

Described as the "scent of peace," we're more interested in the bottle, covered entirely in Swarovski crystals.

We drink a lot of champagne in the office, and Ikea is cramping our style. We need five, by the way.

Five bedrooms plus crew quarters, 5 bathrooms and a kitchen larger than all our NYC apartments combined. You might as well buy us a house, but that's no fun.

Because commercial flights are for plebs. We need to get to Paris for Fashion Week somehow right?

Photograph by Ricky Zehavi

This window features metal birds made int he 1970s by artist Sergio Bustamante and a dress exploding with falling feathers.

Each animal in this display is handcrafted from paper (none were harmed in the making - - - except for the furtastic jacket).

This underwater wonderland was brought to life by artist Brett Windham who embellished each fish with rhinestones, gems, mosaic tiles and sequins.

The coldest region is repped by upholstered polar bears, reindeer, and other white snow animals.

In a huntsman valley lies the season's forestry inclination, deep golden browns strike the hues of hides.

So, what exactly makes the Synactif facial so special? After years of research, Clé de Peau Beauté discovered a way to strengthen our lymphatic channels – when they are in a healthy state, they help to purify skin by removing harmful substances that cause the dermis to easily wrinkle, puff and become dry. I left my treatment at Bergdorf Goodman and was literally glowing – everyone in the FashionIndie office commented on my radiant complexion. I experience no redness or breakouts following the nurturing treatment, which is always a concern for my sometimes troubled skin. The question that immediately followed was “how can I continue to get my skin in such prime condition on the daily?” The answer lies inside the beautiful box above. Page two has all the juicy details.

Pakistan, a country known more for extremist violence than for extreme couture, possesses a thriving fashion community of dedicated individuals working for something in which they truly believe. Pakistani designers won’t see their clothes in Bergdorf’s or Barney’s anytime soon, let alone on their country’s own women, many of whom still don traditional burqas from head to toe. Despite this passion, it’s hard for Islamabad Fashion Week to shake the stigma of fear and religious conservatism — after all, the fashion shows were staged in a former bomb shelter.

Even for Charlet Duboc, the lovely and statuesque hostess of Fashion Week Internationale, going to the Middle East was a challenge for which she wasn’t sure she was prepared. “I consider myself a fairly worldly person but it made me start thinking: fashion week in Islamabad. What do I know about Pakistan? Militant…a fucking load of shit going down. Nothing good! Fashion? No way, everyone covers up. But there was a story that really needed to be told.” Charlet then went about educating herself but along the way she had to deal with her family, who actually staged an intervention to keep her from going. But as soon as she arrived in Islamabad, she didn’t want to leave.

Me with Fashion Week Internationale's Charlat Duboc

Greeted by “wonderful, warm” people, Charlet was struck by the youth of the country and their dedication to fashion, particularly the women, who were volunteering backstage and sitting front row. “I couldn’t quite believe it. How does that work? How can you look at that and admire it and yet know you can’t wear it? But they were there, they were appreciating it and it didn’t feel like there was a divide. Like, ‘You do your thing, I do my thing’ and everyone got along.”

Islamabad Fashion Week ultimately proved to be a learning experience for Charlet: “Pakistan is strictly not what we see on the news. There’s shit going on [but] they’re wonderful people, it’s a beautiful country…They have a budding textile industry, even though the economy is up the creek without a paddle. It’s still massively divided, but the people are some of the warmest, most open people and I’ve remained friends with them. I have friends that come visit me in London and I’m going to go back there.”

Throughout the documentary, the thing that intrigued me most was the gay culture in Pakistan, if one even existed. After all, and speaking from experience, fashion is a queen’s industry. “The few guys I spoke to, and that I recognized as gay, when I asked them ‘How is it being gay here?’, they were like, ‘You know, there’s opposition but we get by. We have our own network, we just cope with it. Not a big deal.’  Some of the models weren’t so forthcoming about it. I got the impression that a lot of the men working behind the scenes, like the stylists…they were gay and that their wives quite clearly were like beards.” These men that Charlet came into contact with were very rich, however, and she noted that being gay and poor was probably “not as forgiving.” But then again, where is it?

New York’s first Full Figured Fashion Week was more of a celebration of women than of the clothes themselves. Whereas in the mainstream shows, the clothes often end up wearing the models, at FFFW, the models most definitely wear the clothes. And the celebratory air of the show was contagious, causing Charlet to enthuse that it was one of the best fashion weeks she’s ever been to. And the after party, making no qualms about it, was the best fashion party she’s ever been to. “They were fucking wilding out! You go to fashion week and everyone’s going to faint, no one’s had anything to eat. They were just the most warm-hearted and open [people].”

But like Islamabad, Charlet, being tall and thin (hard life, I know) was a bit wary about infiltrating the world of plus-sized fashion. But turns out she had nothing to worry about. “They were so accepting of me. They were happy to make jokes about it. And when I spoke to them off camera they were like, ‘We were bullied at school. It’s not like I was born being confident about my body.’ That’s what’s inspiring. At the time, I felt like if I woke up tomorrow and I was a size 22, these women are here. There’s a support network. It’s not the end of the world.”

After Islamabad and Full Figured Fashion Week, we saw a preview of the third episode, taking place in Medellin, Columbia, renowned for being Pablo Escobar’s old stomping grounds and thus high on its reputation as a cocaine capital. To shake that stigma, the government stages its own fashion week, Colombiamoda. But downtown is the “real” fashion week, Colombia Para el Mondo, put on by the people and purportedly funded by drug money. Aside from a different clothing aesthetic, the models in Colombiamodo represent a European ideal whereas girls in Para el Modo are curvy and cosmetically-enhanced. Plastic surgery is so prevalent, in fact, that 70 percent of Colombian women have had plastic surgery, starting as young as 16 or 17. To better understand the phenomena, Charlet actually sat through a butt implant procedure — an experience that left her feeling much better about her own assets.

Further installments of Fashion Week Internationale are planned, with Las Vegas International Lingerie Week, followed by Russian Disabled Fashion Week and then Charlet and co. are off to Lagos, Nigeria. But to catch the completely enthralling first episode on Islamabad, log onto Vice.com next week.

Me with Fashion Week Internationale's Charlat Bubob

Amanda‘s Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

1. Tilly & William Armer

2. House keys/coke spoons

3. Wallet

4. Makeup bag with assorted contents: MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation, Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional, Benefit Cosmetics Play Stick, Lancôme Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner, Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss, Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge

5. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

6. Business card for Time Will Tell Watches

7. Other assorted business cards

8. M.Patmos cheat sheet

9. Norma Kamali 3D glasses and lookbook

10. Front row seat card for Anne Bowen

11. Sunglasses

12. KAUFMANFRANCO lookbook

13. Broken POS Apple Earphones

14. Hugo Naturals French Lavender Hand Sanitizer

15. Sephora makeup brushes

16. FashionIndie Mixtape Vol. 4

17. Hand creme from some gift bag

18. FashionIndie stickers

19. iPhone 4

20. Piazza Sempione tote

21. Macbook

22. Go green wireless phone charger

23. Concept Korea lookbook

24. Lemon-Lime Emergen-C

Color palette: Black, white and neutral growing to rich art deco purples and yellows witgh a spot of illustrated pastel florals.
Mood: Black tied man meets ancient Greek goddess.
Statement Pieces: She’s fused the tuxedo shirting with volumes of jersey that flow like water in betwixt the wovens. It is the piece I want to take home with me now.
Front Row Name Drops: Vogue European Editor-at-Large, Hamish Bowles among top buyers from Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf’s and more.
Gossip: Snubbed by the Naked Cowboy who made an appearance last year.
Runway Music: A fiddling melangé. 

Let’s see, we have:

- Michael Kors celebrating his three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, along with live performances and their “BG Best in Show,” featuring designers such as Joseph Altuzarra, Reem Acra and Pamella Roland trotting down the runway with their dogs

- Live performances from Kelly Rowland and Joss Stone at Macy’s Herald Square, with appearances by Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudemire

- Rachel Zoe and Erin Wasson will show face at Bloomingdale’s

- Jade Jagger will launch her new jewelry line at Henri Bendel’s

- Lord & Taylor will have Solange Knowles on the turntables and an appearance by Ivanka Trump

- Saks Fifth Ave will feature appearances by the inimitable Tilda Swinton with Pringle of Scotland designer Alistair Carr and Central Saint Martins professor/Kanye West mentor Louise Wilson, while Ne-Yo performs and signs hats

This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of  events listed on FNO’s website and you can filter through all of them by neighborhood, category or specialty. FNO also has an iPhone/Android app to help you plan your itinerary on the go thus ensuring this year you can make as many regrettable, booze-induced purchases as possible. [WWD]

Brazilian-born installation artist Eli Sudbrack of Assume Vivid Astro Focus — working under the direction of Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman – developed the artwork for Gaga’s Workshop, which will be featured throughout the workshop, in display windows, on shopping bags and in packaging.

The workshop — open from mid-November through January 2 — will be a Gaga-inspired shopping environment featuring limited-edition gifts designed by the popstar and her wonder twin, Nicola Formichetti. Barneys.com will also carry these gifts — which include candies, toys, apparel, accessories, candles and cosmetics – through a special microsite with 25% of sales from the workshop being donated to a charity of Lady Gaga’s choosing.

“Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that,” explains Mark Lee, chief executive officer of Barneys New York. Lee took his inspiration from Gaga’s recent takeover of New York landmarks — “from Carnegie Hall for the Rainforest Benefit to the Metropolitan Museum and the Today show at Rockefeller Center” — and, of course, Babs Streisand‘s first TV special featuring a performance in Bergdorf’s.

While Gaga is expected to show up to the unveiling of the workshop, Lee hopes that she’ll be so “blown away” she puts on a little show of her own right then and there. Ugh, imagine? It would be something of a miracle on Madison Avenue. Oh, I do believe in Lady Gaga! I do! I do! [WWD]

Halston with his girls — Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson

See it from the side. I know you can’t get enough either.

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict . Join me as we explore this week’s best online sample sales, NYC street deals, exclusive discount codes from your favorite designers and more. Like what you see and want more of it?! Check back with us every Tuesday, and visit my blog Diary of a Fashion Addict for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Remember Angelina’s arrival at the Jersey Shore Season 1? Since when do garbage bags = suitcases? Get new gear and travel in style with Tumi via Hautelook, July 12^th. Do you think they’ll throw in that man with my purchase???

For an invite: email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

Anna Sui is getting in on the action to help commemorate Hanky Panky’s silver milestone with an “Anna Sui Celebrates Hanky Panky” seven-piece collection in a special print launching this September. Sui is a fan of the brand and said it “epitomizes creativity, style and true quality – three things that have been the cornerstone of my work as a designer.”

Classy! But did you know the name Hanky Panky wasn’t always considered a household staple? Stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus would not buy the product line in the 80s because they thought the name was too risqué. But the indie boutiques knew what was up. “Pants were getting tighter and tighter… I really do believe that women saw how unattractive a visible panty line was,” Epstein told WWD. She noted that specialty boutiques embraced the idea of thongs.

You can read more about Hanky Panky and check out all the amazing goods on hankypanky.com.

- Prada‘s IPO was initially valued at $9.5 billion but that number’s looking more along the lines of $15 billion. [WWD]

- Besides starring in early 90s sitcoms, Ashley Olsen and I have something in common. According to one half of The Row: “I don’t like being around a lot of people, I don’t like being in crowds….” Join the club, Ash. Except I disbanded the club because there were too many people in it. [Style.com]

- Models without make-up, airbrushing or retouching are still very much…models. [Models.com]

- Zoeheads can go bananas for Rachel Zoe‘s clothing line in July when it hits the shelves and racks of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Intermix and Selfridges. [The Cut]

- Lady Gaga‘s “Glam This Way” project with MAC Viva Glam will allow her little monsters to upload photos of themselves which in turn will be used in a gown created by Nicola Formichetti to be worn by the Lady this fall. [Us Mag]

The Cut: The length is demure cutting just below the kneecap, and the details on the side provide outer thigh shaping.

The Pattern: The dark stripes keep it colorfully subdued, and the low espadrille flatforms complement it.

The Confidence: The thing is, Marc Jacobs will always be taken seriously in this skirt. You can pull it off too with a demeanor like that.

The Verdict: Let’s put a Bookmarc on this trend, we’ll see who catches up.

- A test shot of Julianne Moore as Hillary Clinton for the HBO movie, The Special Relationship, proved so strikingly similar to the real Mrs. C, I had to do a double take. Though the part ultimately went to Hope Davis after Moore dropped out to do The Kids Are All Right (good choice), I can’t help but wonder what could’ve been. Much like everyone who voted for Hillary in the 2008 election. [Blackbook]

- Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman, a documentary about the luxury retailer, is set to begin production this month. A party was held for the movie this week at Bergdorf’s, which has given writer-director Matthew Miele full access to shoot in the store. Miele’s wish list of interviews include Valentino, Sarah Jessica Parker and the reason I get up in the morning, Liza Fucking Minnelli. [Page Six]

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

1. Ochre Pintuck Jumpsuit ($80 missselfridge.com)

2. Janis by Janis Savitt Multi-Strand Snake Chain Necklace ($569 bergdorfgoodman.com)

3. Arden B. Faux Suede Wedge Pump ($59 ardenb.com)

4. Cynthia Rowley Ostrich Feather Vest ($330 cynthiarowley.com)

5. Karen Walker Agent Sunglasses ($210 gargyle.com)

1. Celine Linen Dress (lanecrawford.com)

2. YSL Oval Turquoise Ring ($295 cultstatus.com.au)

3. Casadei Ankle Boots ($820 thecorner.com)

4. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

5. AllSaints Caledonian Jacket ($490 allsaints.com)

1. Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Top ($620 farfetch.com)

2. Balmain Cropped Leather Motocross Pants ($5,190 net-a-porter.com)

3. Noir Gotham City Ring ($238 charmandchain.com)

4. Alexander Wang Dakota Lace-Up Terracotta Ankle Boots ($800 shopmrsh.com)

5. Marc Jacobs Leather Julie Bag ($1,348 colette.fr)

1. Mulberry Sandwashed Silk Blouse ($460 mulberry.com)

2. Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans ($200 net-a-porter.com)

3. Alexander McQueen Studded Skull Pumps ($1,250 ssense.com)

4. Fendi Patchwork Calf Hair Peekaboo Tote ($4,600 bergdorfgoodman.com)

5. Oscar de la Renta Crystal Tassel Drop Earrings ($257 bergdorfgoodman.com)

1. Tibi Fitted Jacquard Dress ($184 theoutnet.com)

2. Anna Sui Magenta Microfiber Tights ($14 zappos.com)

3. M.A.C. Lustreglass Lip Gloss in Wonderstick ($14.95 amazon.com)

4. Prada Satin Half Bow Peeptoe Pumps (£495.00 flannelsfashion.com)

5. Dominic Jones Tooth 22-Karat Rose Gold-Plated Ring ($129.50 theoutnet.com)

1. Vivienne Westwood Red Label Classic Black Blazer (£439.00 hervia.com)

2. Ramzi Musa for Browns Leopard Print Silk Shorts ($265 brownsfashion.com)

3. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

4. Maison Martin Margiela Line 10 Paperbag Ankle Boot ($925 barneys.com)

5. Topshop Coral Leather Lock Handle Bag ($110 topshop.com)

1. REDValentino Ruffle Blouse ($495 valentino.com)

2. D&G Stretch Satin Skinny Trousers ($313.50 my-wardrobe.com)

3. American Apparel Poly Canvas Bow Hair Clip in Shale Green ($14 americanapparel.net)

4. YSL Tribtoo Shimmer Leather Pumps (£545.00 harveynichols.com)

5. Paige Novick Becca Bangle Set ($575 farfetch.com)

1. Topshop Lilac Sleeveless Tea Dress ($95 topshop.com)

2. Rick Owens Gold Calf Leather Jacket ($2,146 shopmrsh.com)

3. Acne Hydro Leather Plateau Boot ($440 youheshe.com)

4. Erickson Beamon Spike and Crystal Ring (£250.00 harveynichols.com)

5. YSL Rouge Personnel Lipstick in #23 Irresistible Violet ($25 yesstyle.com)

The line is expected to cater to a younger, hipper demographic and will include boots, leggings, knit tops, handbags, jewelry, jackets, handbags, shoes and sweaters all for under $60.

In an interview with WWD, Vergara, who took home the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series with her Modern Family family, said of the collection:

“It’s comfortable and chic, affordable, and versatile to wear from day to the night. It’s fantastic because you can mix and match.”

Kmart may seem like an odd choice for Vergara but she chose it not only because of the store’s large Latino customer base, but also because she’s familiar with it:

“This is not a new store for me. When you have kids you don’t go to Bergdorf Goodman to buy underwear and socks. You go to Kmart.”

John Goodman, Executive Vice President of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings Corp. echoed the sultry star’s sentiments and stressed that Vergara’s line will be sexy, but not slutty:

“Some pieces are more curvy. We don’t go too far. We go with what Sofia is comfortable with. We want to make sure her image comes alive.”

Check out Sofia come alive in some of her Kmart kouture:

Link Love: WWD

1.  LOOKBOOKS.COM- With more professionalism than the presidents of fashion, their blog connects the fashion industry through everything designers, street style, fresh faces, and interviews with creatives like Danielle Levitt. All names to know for any aspirational fashion guru, and if that isn’t enough they’re always giving away million dollar baby prizes like Manolo’s!

2.  The Ford Models Blog- This is their second time being on a FashionIndie influence lists as they were on the list of The Top 10 Websites Every Fashion Professional Should Know and today making it second on our favorite writers worth reading! Fresh faces, and a wicked tongue on every tweet Damien Neva keeps us updated on model lust all day!

3.  Modelinia- It might say it in the name but if you really want top news about any model, from endorsements to what shoes they wore last night keep up with Bianca Posterli our favorite blogger on Modelinia.com

4.  @DKNY- If we only could wish this anonymous PR guru had a blog! But luckily she does have a Fashion Week SS11 for Elle Collections out on news stands now! And with tweets like “Do you ever notice that the light never turns red when you are trying to reapply to lipstick” to “Is there a word stronger than QUEEN for Drama? Queen is just not cutting it” this Donna Karan super tweeting girl is the one to follow from all things fashion, to laughing at her so true statements!

5.  Collegefashionista.com- A website filled with Zuckerberg’s  inspiration of creating a connection with every fashion guru throughout every University in the world! From Yale to the many campuses of NYU, Amy Levin has pushed the limits of what fashion means to a younger audience and allowing everyone to glimpse into the innovative styles that the young create, and follow! Any fashion business would be dull without a little CollegeFashionista.com in their life!

6.  @IamSamLim- I’d be surprised if you all weren’t familiar with Lookbook.com ‘s Fashion Director & Stylist, Samantha Lim. A wicked fashionista taking on New York City with killer six in pumps no matter what weather, having the best closets any girl would kill for, and getting to attend all the best style filled events out there! Not to mention she’s ridiculously funny and can write up a mean article!

7.  NYLON Magazine Blogs- Not only is NYLON magazine a wicked piece of print that we anxiously wait for every month but it’s also one of the best blogs in fashion whom the magazine’s witty digital director Faran Krentcil dominates! From songs of the day, to behind the scene fashion perks, and twisted culture, it’s all about the NYLON blog.

8.  @COACD- Just like a modeling agency but better! Douglas Perrett a model-casting director says it like it is and keeps his blog running with fresh faces not to mention was listed under Refinery 29’s Fashion’s 50!

9. Refinery 29- From putting together the perfect outfit dictionary for just about any occasion any glitter-veined girl would have to attend, Refinery 29 is like the guide to a perfect and easy outfit life. Clearly with some of the best street style coverage R29 is rocking it!

@Bergdorfs- Bergdorf Goodman, two words that can change any bad situation for any women into pure bliss! With a timeline dedicated to inside tips from the designers, to the store’s events, and some twitpic beauty here and there, we’d be crazy not to love @bergdorfs tweets and blog.

The price range of these awesome filled accessories aren’t always in everyone’s wallet budget, but it’s always fun to twist up designer styles and mock up your own outfit! These are just some perky ideas, we all know we love nothing more than all the pretty sh!t we can’t afford!

Karen Millen Studded Leather Dress, $302, ASOS.com

Velvet Bandeau Dress, $35, Janenorman.co.uk

Lucifer Spike Bow Pump, $995, Bergdorfgoodman.com

Christian Louboutin Denim Pigalle studded 120 denim pumps, $975,

Net-A-Porter.com

Pamela Love Double Cage Sterling ring, $485, Net-A-Porter.com

Lulu Guinness Studded Padded Lips Clutch Bag, $681, ASOS.com

Judith Jack ‘Contrasts’ Stud Earrings, $75, Nordstrom.com

Alexander Wang Rocco leather studded bag, $875, Net-A-Porter.com

Camilla Skovgaard Studded leather platform sandals, $515, Net-A-Porter.com

Bettye’s Fancy Wide Black Crystal Studded Necklace, $85, FantasyJewelrybox.com

Alexander McQueen Jersey Samurai-Print Dress – $2,165 at Bergdorf Goodman

Issa Strapless sequined silk dress – $586 at Net-a-Porter

Lanvin Jersey-silk sequin draped t-shirt dress – $2,485 at Lanvin

Alice + Olivia “Priscilla” Bustier Dress – $495 at Bloomingdales

Express Metallic one-shoulder banded dress – $79.90 at Express

D&G Ocelot Print Stretch Satin Bustier Dress – $625 at Nordstrom

ABS Silk organza strapless dress – $330 at Saks

Badgley Mischka Platinum Label black silk georgette covered sequined v-neck dress – $259.20 at Bluefly

Motel Spider mesh dress – $80 at Nasty Gal

French Connection Morningstar knits dress – $298 at French Connection

The bag costs $2,600 and is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus Los Angeles and Net-A-Porter.com. Stay tuned for more fabulousness from Beckham‘s bag line as the styles are released.

LINK LOVE: The Zoe Report

Looks from Halston III for JCPenney

Looks from Halston III for JCPenney: a marabou jacket (about $150) and an ostrich-trimmed velvet jacket ($110) and skirt ($70).

Looks from Halston III for JC Penney: A crepe suit ($200) and a wool coat ($190.)

A look from the Halston III for JCPenney holiday 1984 show.

“Who needs cashmere?”

So said the legendary Halston on June 7, 1983, as he made his way through the racks of pieces he had designed for Halston III, his lower-price line for J.C. Penney. Looking back, the pact made Halston a pioneer in the world of high-low fashion, but it was ruinous for him personally. At the time, though, he sounded quite optimistic.

Though his dresses had appeared on Studio 54 regulars such as Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston now had his eye on the Everywoman. “When I think of these clothes, I think of my family,” the Iowa-born designer said. “I have a sister in Little Rock [Ark.] and a sister-in-law in Gainesville, Fla., and they’re dying for these clothes to come out.”

Prices ranged from $24 for a casual shirt to $200 for a coat, and included splashy items such as an ostrich-trimmed velvet jacket. In keeping with the venture’s populist spirit, Halston made appearances on “Phil Donahue” and “Good Morning America.” White- and chrome-fixtured Halston departments were built in the individual stores to house the line. “The idea is to display the merchandise to its best advantage, without things like Dynel wigs taking away from them,” the designer quipped.

But would selling at J.C. Penney hurt his cred with the Beautiful People? “I haven’t had that much flack from the stores,” Halston insisted. “I have a big public, which has been conditioned to buy my things for the past 30 years.”

In a separate story that day, several top retailers shared their reaction to Halston III. According to Bloomingdale’s Kal Ruttenstein, the line “is so much lower-priced [that it] will not hit the same customer.” Phillip Miller, then president of Neiman Marcus, agreed: “I don’t think this will have any adverse effect on Halston’s top line.…It’s a totally different market.”

In fact, the effect was disastrous. Bergdorf Goodman dropped Halston’s main line immediately, and a year later, he would lose the rights to his company and name. Still, in his vision of high-end design for the mass market, Halston anticipated the trend that Target, Kohl’s and other big-box retailers would mine two decades later.

(WWD)

As a lover of ANYTHING Halston, this article kind of saddens me a bit. I’m fully aware that many designers have their ups and downs when trying to market their “particular brand” to certain segments of the population, but that was such a different time in the world of fashion. My personal feeling is that, it had less to do with his design aesthetic and more to do with the fact that the high-end stores such as Bergdorf and Neiman’s want exclusivity from their designers.

I’m quite sure the “rankling point” was the fact that, while Halston wanted to reach that “everywoman,” the high-end stores obviously wanted to disassociate themselves with his brand, as their target market is always the “monied set.” The thought, I’m sure, was that if the “average” woman could purchase Halston, it would no longer prove appealing to that particular group.

While some of that feeling still exists today,(a few years back, I read an article about Bally, and the fact they really prefer, that only a certain segment of consumers wear their designs, so as not to “sully” the Bally name. So there again, they fall into that category of high-end brands, that would never entertain the thought of partnering with Target or anyone of the kind; that’s fine, as that’s their absolute right, it’s just some information that I find interesting). Today’s designers do possess much more levity in how their collections will be distributed, which is evident by those who continue to partner with Target. Reputations certainly aren’t as “fragile” as they were in past years, as the high-end stores will always receive the “best of the best,” regardless of any “side ventures” in which a designer might engage.

LINK LOVE:A Trip Back in Time: Halston for J.C. Penney

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

LINK LOVE: NY Mag

The collaboration, which will be sold only online,  “ranges from chiffon day pieces to more structured sheaths, inspired by what Wu calls classic American style.” The line features defined waists and a color palette of lemon yellow, red, and navy blue. Dresses will retail between $1,150 to $2,990.

LINK LOVE: Racked via WWD

I haven’t had a chance to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox yet, but I am hoping to get around to it something within the next week. In the mean time I may have to head up to Bergdorf Goodman to check out their store front based on the movie.

LINK LOVE: I Watch Stuff

According to New York Magazine, Courtney Love leaves the tags on her $7,800 Bergdorf Goodman dress so that she can return it the next day. That’s an interesting way to remain chic through the recession. Guess the songstess has never heard of RentTheRunway.com.

Last night, Love was wearing a slinky black dress on her hanger-like frame. We noticed that there was still a tag on it, and she politely asked us to rip it off, before hesitating: “Oh, no — what if I want to return it? No, no, I can’t. That’d be bad.” We hand her the evidence of the $7,800 dress she bought at Bergdorf Goodman today, and she laughs.