Photos: W Mag

“Carine Roitfed. She has such great style.  I would love to raid her closet, for her shoes. We have the same size shoe and we used to share shoes.” I ask her if there are any shoes in particular she would snatch. “All of them.” Well-played, Lara Stone. Well-played.

Stone, the official fashion ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, is whisked away in a tornado of Prager’s creation as part of the automaker’s “Icons of Style” campaign, featuring the SL Roadster. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Vertigo and a bit of the Brothers Grimm, Prager tells a modern day fairytale with Stone as the beautiful blonde “with dark, suspicious undertones,” to borrow the photographer’s words. To achieve the “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” vibe, the super was strapped into a harness and flown around the air — a process she actually enjoyed.

“My favorite part of working with Alex was all of her crazy ideas!” Stone says. “Hanging in a harness was so much fun and a great change from just standing around [posing].” Of course, at this point in her career, Lara Stone is no stranger to uncomfortable situations. When I ask her what was one of her favorite shoots, she immediately mentions her latest campaign for Calvin Klein, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“The rocks were so sharp! I love that campaign, all those bright, different color jeans, but laying on the rocks was very uncomfortable,” she says with a laugh. “They were sharp and it was hot with big waves crashing over us. Very scary! When I saw the final shots though, it was totally worth it. I always love working with them [Mert and Marcus].”

Wondering what, if any, of her plans were outside of modeling, Lara responds simply, “I just got a puppy and I want to hang out with him. His name is Bert and he’s a boarder terrier.” I’ve never been much for dogs, though lately I’ve been contemplating getting one, so I took this opportunity to do a little research. “What size is he?” I ask. “Oh, you know…dog-sized.” She then  attempts to approximate Bert with her  arms, and he seems a little big for my taste.

“We have sort of an office dog,” I venture. In truth, we have like five office dogs —  one of them’s wandering around now as I write this. But I single out the pug, who makes the most regular appearances in the FashionIndie office. “Oh, they’re so cute!” she exclaims and we discuss the general cuteness of the tiny little monsters and their giant bug eyes. Then I mention that his name is Napoleon. “Does he have the complex?” she asks, not missing a beat.

Meanwhile, I wish I  had brought along a rimshot if I had known Lara Stone would be serving shtick.

- Andrej Pejic perfected his tuck to model a bikini on a rooftop in New York. All in a gay’s work. [Telegraph]

- Wet Hot American Summer 2. Happening. Get into it. [Huff Po]

- Is Barneys broke? The luxury retailer is having some fairly public money woes. Hey, the recession has hit us all in considerable ways. [WWD]

- Seems like I wasn’t the only one who had a rough night. But in all fairness, I didn’t get stuck in an elevator. But then again, I didn’t get to see Chaka Khan. You take the good with the bad, kids. [Racked]

- A history of the front row at fashion shows proves that celebrities have and will always take precedence. See Babs Streisand resigning Richard Avedon to the second row at Chanel in 1960. [The Cut]

- Calvin Klein, class of 1963 donated $2 million to FIT, the biggest donation from an alumnus in the school’s history. [WWD]

Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

- Speaking of the Obamas, the campaign’s Runway to Win e-commerce site went live today, featuring designs by Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang and —  for kicks — the House of Dereon. [Runway to Win]

- Will wonders never cease? A Top Model contestant actually becomes a top model. ANTM‘s Cycle 10 reject Fatima Siad — the second coming of Iman — landed Hervé Léger‘s spring 2012 campaign. [The Cut]

- Blue Ivy Carter is officially a hitmaker. The less than a week old diva-in-training is the youngest person to enter the Billboard charts, riding on the coattails of daddy Hov’s “Glory.”  No one’s ready for this baby’s jelly. [People]

- Calvin Klein and his jailbait lothario Nick Gruber are apparently “on a break.” Guess Calvin finally put Nick down for his nap. [NYDN]

- Indie Music Style Star Azealia Banks is going Gaga, working with the Lady’s right-hand queen Nicola Formichetti on her latest video. [Fashionista]

- Nike‘s agreed to pay a group of nearly 4,500 Indonesian factory workers $1 million in overtime, which roughly comes out to the price of a pair of Air Jordans per worker. Congrats. [The Cut]

- Lingerie models stripped down to their skivvies in Paris’ Musee d’Orsay as part of a publicity stunt for panty purveyor Etam. Museum officials, however, were not amused. Mostly because they did it without getting permission to film in the museum first. [Huff Po]

[WWD]

- “You think gay people love Gaga? You should hear when a Robyn song comes on at a gay bar. Then it is fucking over.” Truer words have never been spoken. I’ve burned down several dancefloors to “Dancing On My Own” and have been practicing my backwards roll for “Call Your Girlfriend.” These and other alleged truths, courtesy of “The Secrets Gay Men Don’t Want Straight People to Know.” [Gawker]

- Fellow Greendale fans, rejoice! Community is returning after all. However, a fourth season is still up in the air. Because god knows we need more Whitney in our lives. [E!]

- Justin Bieber got a tattoo of his lord and savior Jesus Christ on his calf. Shortly after getting inked, the Biebs downed a 40, smashed it on the sidewalk, hopped in his low-rider and got high in the parking lot of a Taco Bell with his other cholo buds. [Huff Po]

- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton may be having an 80s-themed 30th birthday party. Meaning Will can once again bust out his sweet dance moves to the delight of sassy black girls everywhere. [The Cut]

- Absolutely Fabulous finally returns this Sunday on the BBC. Get excited, Sweetie Dahling. [Vogue]

- Brad Goreski and Rachel Zoe still aren’t on great terms it seems, despite Brad’s olive branch to the Baby Skyler. Zoe made it perfectly clear, via a retweet that has since disappeared (so SUPER perfectly clear) that she wants It’s a Brad, Brad World to fall on its bespectacled face. [WWD]

- In addition to all things crotchless, American Apparel is now specializing in vintage scarves, including Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Kenzo. [Racked]

- And why not shouldn’t AA class it up a bit? According to CEO/repeat sex offender Dov Charney, American’s getting “its groove back.” thanks to a recent influx of  consumer dollars. [Fashionista]

- Bridesmaids is snatching up trophies and nominations left and right, and while it seem ripe for a sequel, star and writer Kristen Wiig is not interested. But a sequel might happen, nonetheless, focusing on breakout star Melissa McCarthy‘s brash and ballsy character. Two words of advice: Evan Almighty. [NYT]

Graciously Yours,

Lady Jessica, Indie of Fashion.

So this whole shebang is getting all kinds of complicated so here’s a quick run-down:

New York, London, Milan and Paris had agreed — at least in the minds of New York and London — to always and forever start the fashion show calendar on the second Thursday of February and September way back in 2008. Milan and Paris claimed they had agreed to no such thing.

In accordance with this — the “second Thursday rule” — NYFW would start on September 13, thus moving everyone else back one week. Milan said, “Not cool, bro” and threatened to decide its own dates and Condé Nast threatened a boycott by all Vogue editors.

Milan said “Screw you guys, bring it on,” by deciding to keep their original dates, September 19-25, thus conflicting with both New York and London, prompting DVF to ask, “Can’t we all just get along?”

Then New York said, “Fine, you win” and offered to move the dates of the September 2012 shows, to Septembr 6 (the first Thursday) through September 13.

Milan said, “Damn right we win,” then decided to throw its weight around by stipulating that New York had to cut out the September 13 date to accommodate London’s men’s collections. And New York said, “Fuggedaboutit.”

Which more or less brings us up to speed. So the CFDA is waiting to hear if the Camera Nazionale accepts this latest development. As for the second Thursday rule, the CFDA proposed revisiting it after three years and meeting with the Camera in 2013 to discuss the 2014 show dates.

Still confused? Don’t blame you. Which is why they should just settle this with a good old-fashioned walk-off like civilized people. [WWD]

Sorrenti is actually the first Italian to photograph the Pirelli Calendar, whose past lensmen have included Herb Ritts (1994, 1999), Richard Avedon (1995, 1997), Bruce Weber (1998, 2003), Annie Leibovitz (2000), Mario Testino (2001), Peter Lindbergh (1996, 2002), Patrick Demarchelier (2005, 2008), Mert and Marcus (2006), Inez and Vinoodh (2007), Terry Richardson (2010) and last year, Karl Lagerfeld.

For the shoot in Corsica, Sorrenti chose mostly women with whom he had previously worked, including supermodel among supermodels Kate Moss, whom the photographer has known for some 20 years — the two worked together on the iconic Calvin Klein “Obsession” campaign when Sorrenti was just 21 and Moss was practically still in diapers. In the “Making of ” short film that preceded a Q&A with Sorrenti, he remarked that he “couldn’t do this without her.”

Check out all 25 images from the 2012 Pirelli Calendar, featuring Saskia de Brauw, Edita Vilkeviciute, Margareth Madè, Lara Stone, Guinevere Van Seenus, Malgosia Bela, Milla Jovovich, Fontana,  Smalls,Poly and Moss.

The Lady made her solo directorial debut  to chronicle what she describes as the “worst day” of her life. I’m assuming it has to do with some sort of attempt at self-mutilation/destruction, as a “next season Calvin Klein“-wearing Gaga is wheeled into a clinic by similarly-attired nurses. Seems that after her ballet instructor told her to hang up her pointe shoes, the Lady went all Black Swan in her apartment — weeping, screaming, breaking glasses, stripping down in a tub and dying her hair blue: a perfectly rational reaction.

Following her hospital stint, Gaga is determined to be a star now that she “has nothing to lose.”  She slips into Madonna‘s discarded Desperately Seeking Susan skin to return to her dance school to show them what-for — and in a stiletto no less. A Fame-like dance number ensues with cars exploding all over the place as the song violently careens into its thrilling conclusion — accompanied by a high-speed, high-fashion montage. It’s an orgy of 80s nostalgia and over-the-top opulence and gamely displays Lady Gaga’s talents as a director, actress and pyromaniac.  Strap on your Mugler tutus and get ready to pirouette into the secret history of Lady Gaga.

Tomboy Girlfriend

Neil Moodie engineered the “tough pony” for the BCBG Max Azria show here in NY, but it was also seen at Rochas and Calvin Klein. This self-wrapped pony is easy to do yourself.

The CFDA has agreed to move New York Fashion Week back one week next September to accommodate Milan, but the catch is that Milan and Paris have to agree to abide by the second-Thursday rule from here on out. If Milan accepts the proposal, New York Fashion Week will be held from September 6 to 13 and London Fashion Week would run from September 14 to 18.

Boselli will have a meeting with the Camera on November 30 to discuss the matter. [WWD]

Link Love: Vogue.com

Photos: Fucking Young! 

Photo: Terry Richardson...duh

I would’ve thought that Marc was already on the board, if not president Diane von Furstenbrerg‘s girl Friday, but mazel to the kids, who were nominated by the board of directors way back in July. They’ll be joining the ranks of 26 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa and Norma Kamali. Meanwhile, Nicole Miller, John Bartlett and Richard Lambertson are leaving the board of directors to join the Emeritus board. [WWD]

*Kate Middleton‘s Alexander McQueen was a late addition and Rubenstein had to cut one of the dresses to keep the list to 100. So it was sayonara Nancy Reagan and her white one-shoulder inauguration ball gown. Michelle Obama‘s Jason Wu, however, remained in tact. [WWD, sub req'd]

To an audience including Vogue‘s own Anna Wintour, no topic was off limits. Growing up in the same Bronx neighborhood as Ralph Lauren, Klein admitted that his childhood was “actually kind of a wonderful experience.” And while he knew Lauren from the “peculiar way” he dressed, they weren’t really friends: “[Lauren] was older than I. I grew up in a very Jewish kind of intellectual environment.”

The designer also tells of his early days in fashion and how he got started, though he only narrowly avoided a career in the supermarket business. His friend and business partner Barry Schwartz had inherited his father’s grocery store and Schwartz wanted he and Klein to “become the next A&P.” Conflicted over his love for fashion and a future of assured security he consulted his parents:

My dad said, “You know, I never knew exactly what you studied all these years, but I have a feeling if you don’t see it through, even though this is a great opportunity your best friend is offering, I think you will be unhappy all your life. You have to go through with it.” I left their apartment on cloud nine. That did it for me. It was the best advice I ever got.

Klein also spoke openly about his struggle with addiciton, referencing a very public meltdown at Madison Square Garden in 2003:

That was really a shameful, horrible moment. It had nothing to do with work. I’ve done enough therapy and enough work on myself. Addiction is not caused by stress on the job, even though lots of people in the fashion industry have suffered from the same problem. It’s not about the work. It has more to do with your childhood and lots of other things. You’re always in recovery. You’re always aware that this is something you don’t want to do, whether it’s drugs, sex, food. There are lots of addictions.

While he was married — twice — to women, Klein revealed that he is happy in his life now, which includes a young man who takes him paragliding.  Through it all, he’s learned that family and friends are really “what completes life.” Of course creating a multi-billion dollar empire couldn’t have hurt either. [WWD, sub req'd]

Olsen cherished meeting Pfeiffer, whom she claims was “one of the reasons I wanted to become an actor.”  While Wood remembered brandishing a jump rope as a whip pretending to be Catwoman, like every little girl — or sexually-confused little boy — did after seeing Pfeiffer claw up the screen in Batman Returns.

Pinto, meanwhile, gushed over a crushed velvet-wearing Streisand: “I can’t believe you are right here in front of me. You’re not only a legend in Hollywood, but literally all over the world. I can say that because I come from India.” Streisand wasn’t short on praise — she never is, if everyone knows what’s good for them. Bigelow, the first woman to win a Best Directing Oscar, praised Babs as “somebody who has mastered virtually every art form imaginable: directing, acting, composing, singing, producing, writing.”

The legend, however, was quick to point out that out of the 250 films released last year, women directed only 7 percent and wrote only 10 percent. Aside from the glass ceiling behind the camera, Viola Davis emphasized diversity in front of it — or lack thereof.  “You don’t always love what you do,” she said during her speech, “but what keeps me in the business is hope, and that’s the hope that women of color are also part of the narrative.” [WWD]

Lauren Hutton (Nov. 17, 1943) That signature gap has been captivating audiences for four decades. both on and off the runway. Hutton easily transitioned from model to actress with roles in American Gigolo and The Gambler, but never forgot where her roots lay. Lest we forget, our senior citizens can still turn it.

Photo: Life

Born in Stockholm, Sweden of Dutch and Indonesian descent on August 4, 1968. Schenkenberg was discovered by photog Barry King while rollerskating in Venice Beach in 1989 after which he appeared in ads for Calvin Klein, shot with the legendary Richard Avedon and strutted on catwalks for Versace, Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani. Schenkenberg has managed to survive over 20 years in the modeling game — as well as a stint on Vh1‘s precursor to Celebrity Rehab, The Surreal Life and a much-publicized affair with Pamela Anderson — rightly earning him the title as the World’s First Male Supermodel.

Photo: Models.com

Karlie Kloss – The supermodel of the moment, Karlie’s stardom was cemented with her special cover of Life magazine and her transition to grown-ass woman cemented by her nude spread shot by Mario Testino.

Diane von Furstenberg: ”That’s her opinion. She is entitled. She has a voice, she uses her voice. I have a voice. All I will say is that I work very hard, and I do the best I can. I hope she comes to the show and I hope she likes the show.”

Michael Kors: ”People can make their decision as to what turns them on and what thrills them, and what doesn’t. It’s like shopping.”

Oscar de la Renta: ”It bothers me because I love my industry, and I love fashion. I think fashion is something of beauty and it really makes me mad when someone writes about fashion in a bitter way.”

Vera Wang: ”We actually employ a lot of people, and we try to support our industry, and we do pay for things. We’re doing our best to be honorable and support our industry. If those things don’t stand for something, I don’t really know what does.” [WWD]

11. University of Delaware Newark, DE

Campus Tour: The smallest state also has a small design program that is focused on quality garment making from every angle. The program follows a garment through its entire lifecycle, from the creative design and tailoring, to a focus on sustainably producing goods on both small and large scale in a socially and environmentally minded manner. An entirely student run fashion magazine, UDress, and fashion shows exist outside of class, working to show and pull fashion out of this college driven town.

Programs: Apparel Design, Merchandising, Sustainability

Student Body: 16,500

Tuition:  $27,000

Star Alumni: Well, me. And a fierce force that is the backbone of the garment industry.

Lisa Immordino Vreeland, Diana’s granddaughter-in-law, directed the film Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, debuting at the Venice Film Festival September 3rd, as well as wrote the similarly-titled coffee-table book, which hits bookstores October 1st.

Featuring contributions from everyone and their mother, including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Hubert de Givenchy, Diane von Furstenberg, Richard Avedon, Anjelica Huston and Ali McGraw*, the film is Immordino Vreeland’s first:”As soon as I started research for the book, I said to myself, ‘I should be working on a documentary.’”

The Tents Trailer from Marcus K Jones on Vimeo.

Let us remember a time when 7th was on 6th, when Betsey Johnson could roll her rolling racks down the block, skipping and singing to her show. When fashion made a spectacle for commoners to notice in the middle of a “public park”, when there was more than the 1 2 3 to get you there. When NYFW got classy, got prestige, got monetized, then outgrown.

A small recap of the film by James Belzer, formerly of Harper’s Bazaar, before you see it this Fashion Week at its true premiere:

Photos: Racked

Tom Murray, president and CEO of Calvin Klein explains the Lara factor thusly:

“Lara Stone is one of the world’s top models and her distinct look and sex appeal resonates with our consumers and has synergized our branded lifestyle advertising campaigns around the world.”

I guess everyone loves big boobs and a gap tooth — I can at least get on board with one of those things.

Naked Glamour is designed to make women look sexier than they do naked, featuring “luxurious fabrics with a hint of shine, subtly contrasted by feminine matte trims” and four bra styles: “Contour with Lace Trim,” “Convertible Lace Plunge,” “Push Up” and the imaginatively-titled “Add a Size.”

Click through for images from Stone’s print campaign and to watch her writhe about somewhat seductively in the Naked Glamour commercial. [WWD]

DSquared2

You’re getting your gams in gear for your spankin’ new short shorts, and one thing is certain: Your upper thighs need a tan.

The Dubious Bisexual may be gay, may be straight, or may just like to drink a lot so they have an excuse to grope anything within reach. Who knows and furthermore who cares? After having their names sullied by drunk college girls and dudes on the down-low the nation over, the Dubious Bisexual is a wild card who’s hard to please but pleased to be easy.

- Summer Tank. Pride is like the beginning of gay summer — a Mo-morial Day if you will — and the Dubious Bisexual has a right to bare arms like any queer American. Calvin Klein‘s simple but vibrant Spring 2012 mens collection will look great when being flanked by a girl or guy or if they’re lucky, both.

- The Joe Francis Signature Collection. The success of Francis’ Girls Gone Wild franchise led to the less popular —  and also less slutty, thank you very much — Guys Gone Wild. Both videos have enough passably attractive nudity to entertain even the most Dubious of Bisexuals, though the guys — to general audience chagrin — have something against making out.

Photo: Sodahead

- Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope. Janet’s last great gasp of musical brilliance before succumbing to pop royalty complacency, The Velvet Rope stands as a pride classic. Besides the thumping disco-tinged ode to friends lost to AIDS, “Together Again,” Janet bolsters the “It’s fine to be who you are” mantra nearly15 years before Gaga‘s “Born This Way” with “Free Xone” that should resonate with the oft-marginalized bisexual. And then there’s the bi-curious cover of Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night” that will put the Dubious Bisexual in the mood for man and/or lady love.

- Absinthe. To finally push the Dubious Bisexual over that questioning hump, sometimes regular alcohol just won’t cut it. Between 90 and 148 proof, the infamous liquor is wildly available since the US lifted a ban in 2007, but you’ll more than likely find pale imitations. Nevertheless, absinthe provides a completely plausible and unquestionable reason for anything. And I mean anything.

Community NYC Agency, LOOKBOOKS and Talenthouse are inviting aspiring models from around the world to submit their best photos for the chance to be selected for a photo shoot at Cult Studios in New York.

Two models will be cast — either 2 male or 2 female or 1 male and 1 female — for this exclusive shoot, selected by a panel of judges, including Magni himself. For more details and to enter the contest, click on through to Talenthouse!

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict.com. 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 www.diaryofafashionaddict.com for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Love vintage style handbags but can’t shake the fakes from Ebay? Guaranteed authentic vintage Chanel sale from Billion Dollar Babes, June 23.

For an invite: email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

Discount Code DL:

Get amazing bang for your buck on lust-worthy designers like Suno, Chris Benz, Theory & more from Hampden Clothing via Refinery29 Reserves:

Spend $125, get $250 value

Spend $250, get $500 value

Spend $500, get $1000 value

***bonus: you even get a VIP card with a 25% coupon for your next purchase @ Hampden Clothing!

AND, Sense of Fashion has offered a FashionIndie exclusive discount! Place your first order with this high fashion designers direct to consumers, socially based site, and get 15% off with the code: 5W15J

Sale on Sale:

Just yesterday, Net-A-Porter launched their International Spring sale with up to 70% off! I shouldn’t have to say more…. But I will:

Marchesa, Lavin & Alexander McQueen evening gowns, Herve Leger bandage dresses, Roberto Cavalli serpent jewelry, Alaia waist cinchers, Jil Sander “Market” bags, Miu Miu clutches and wooden platforms, Nancy Gonzalez crocodile iPad cases, Helmut Lang leather & shearling…. should I go on????

Real Life NY Sample Sale:

Are you a bride to be?? Then you’ve probably read every bridal magazine this year and fantasized about those designer gowns that you thought only Kim Kardashian can afford to go with her absurd 20-carat engagement ring.

Well I’ve got major news for you: owning your own Oscar de la Renta bridal gown is so close you can taste it. I mean that- just a 45 minute trip from NYC @ the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. Get up to 70% the bridal collection for one week only- you won’t want to miss this.

Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale:

When: 6/23-6/29

Where: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets

415 Red Apple Court

Central Valley, NY (845) 928-4000

Th- W (10-9)

The Male Sale:

Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein & Ralph Lauren had a baby, and they named him Simon Spurr. 2010 CDFA Menswear award nominee and winner of the Vogue Fund award- you know this guy has some serious English chops.

Ladies- tell your boyfriends, tell your dads, spread the news… the Spring collections are on super deep discount from his 2011 ready-to-wear line Simon Spurr and his denim collection Spurr. #FOMO

Simon Spurr Sample Sale:

When: 6/20-6/23

Where: 210 11^th Ave., near 24^th st. Suit 903

M-Th (10-6)

Bonus: The City Steal

***Not one, but two NYC deals so awesome I couldn’t exclude them from this weeks feature.

Love the Hamptons? Got some extra cash, but no time? Then this Urban Daddy deal is probably for you. Hurry fast to catch the last few hours of this awesome opportunity to charter a Seaplane from Fly The Whale. Leave from East 23rd & the East River and 30 minutes later, you’re $339 less richer, but at least you can laugh at everyone sitting in bumper to bumper on the LIE.

Another hot Urban Daddy deal for ya! Have you ever wanted to share a romantic night under the stars with someone listening to Shakespeare? You better hurry up- there will only be a few hours left by the time you read this. Get VIP seating a 2 free drinks for $145 via Urban Daddy.

For tickets and showtimes visit the official website HERE.

For more Steals and Deals, go to DiaryofaFashionAddict.com and look HERE for more and HERE for men’s.

1. Perfect for a Hamptons getaway; Coach $88

2. Treat your toiletries like royalty; Bottega Veneta $520

3. Match your tote to your dopp; Jack Spade $155

4. K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) Barneys New York $475

5. Go wild and break the mold; Paul Smith $180

6. Designer label for basement prices; Dolce & Gabbana $48

7. Monograms can go everywhere; Gucci $375

8. Great for every style; Calvin Klein $30

9.  Mix up your textures; Lacoste $80

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can’t wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ

Nima Taherzadeh

With a new color palette came a more “sporty,” laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. That’s right, dear readers, we’re talking about “scuba-influenced silhouettes” (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (“a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease”) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of “matchy/clashy prints”). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the “emerging must-have” that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I’d like one in every color, please.

Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt – belt it!

Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year – and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year – always good staples to have in your closet.

Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com

Sofia Coppola will present good friend and longtime fag to her hag, Marc Jacobs with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, amidst a roar of boos. Somehow Jessica Alba scored an invite and will hand over the Founders Award to Hal Rubenstein and sexy septuagenarian Grace Coddington will hurl the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award to an unsuspecting Arthur Elgort. Karolina Kurkova, not to be outdone, will present the three Swarovski Awards.

Meanwhile, Patrick Ervell dug up Kirsten Dunst for his date, Micahel Kors will be chaperoned by Ashley Greene and Calvin Klein‘s Francisco Costa by noted actress Kerry Washington. Liv Tyler forsake frequent gal-date Stella McCartney for the humpy Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and last but not least, Chlöe Sevigny will stumble into the ceremony with MAC Cosmetics.

This should make the FiFis look…well, like the FiFis. [WWD]

The spot
Il Bastardo, Chelsea

What to wear
Gap Jersey Maxi Dress $69.95, gap.com

A|X Armani Exchange Aviator Sunglasses $65, macys.com

French Connection Cleo’s Haze Clutch $158, usa.frenchconnection.com

Calvin Klein Blaire Wedge Espadrille $93.50, piperlime.gap.com

Lynn Ban Fintail Ring $1,600, kirnazabete.com

Topshop Moto White Denim Crop Jacket $80, us.topshop.com

What to order
Eggs Benedict with Imported Prosciutto and unlimited champagne

The spot
Southern Hospitality, Upper East Side

What to wear
Topshop Red Stripe Suntop $50, us.topshop.com

Gap High-Waisted Flare Jeans $69.95, gap.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Theia Caged Wedge Sandal $275, farfetch.com

American Eagle Outfitters Braided Skinny Belt $19.50, ae.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Aviator $98, piperlime.gap.com

What to order
The classic BBQ Combo and a Mint Julep

The spot
Caracas Brooklyn, Williamsburg

What to wear
Topshop Yellow Mini Floral Print Dress $80, us.topshop.com

Tom Binns Ethno Teknik Hand-Painted Swarovski Crystal Necklace $2,175, net-a-porter.com

kate spade new york “Make Waves” Bangle $78, nordstrom.com

Sonia Rykiel Dalya Platform Sandal $1,087, shopsavannahs.com

Malababa Pocahontas Bag $395, calypsostbarth.com

Illesteva Leonard 3 Sunglasses $230, lagarconne.com

What to order
Llanera Arepa with a Tropical Bloody Mary

The Spot
Juliette, Williamsburg

What to wear
Nasty Gal Flora Sweetheart Romper $68, shopnastygal.com

Reiss Classic Two Button Blazer $320, reissonline.com

Michael Kors Darrington Flap Hobo $895, neimanmarcus.com

French Connection Jakoba Platform Mule Espadrille $138, fashionbeans.com

Bonamano & Ferrari Rhinestone Bracelet $138, amrag.com

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses $145, swell.com

What to order
Roasted Banana Stuffed French Toast and a JOiE DE ViVRE

Did we miss anything? What is your favorite brunch spot in NYC?

Swedish giant Alexander Skarsgård who plays 1000 year old vampire Eric Northman

Aussie hottie Ryan Kwanten, Sookie (Anna Paquin)’s older brother Jason Stackhouse

The absolutely gorgeous Mechad Brooks, Tara (Rutina Wesley)’s slain boyfriend Eggs

And last but certainly not least, Joe Manganiello, the sexiest werewolf  this side of Transylvania, Alcide Herveaux.

I can’t wait to be reunited with the zany, kooky and in-bred folk of Bon Temps, Louisiana for another season of vampire hi-jinks, random mysticism and more gratuitous flesh than you can shake any kind of stick at.

And if you’re craving more of a Blood-y good time, head on over to our Facebook page for more pics!

Clare Waight Keller waves goodbye to Pringle of Scotland.

Hannah MacGibbons bows out of Chloé.

As Hannah MacGibbons moves on from her ten year tenure at Chloé, we will get to see how Clare Waight Keller’s vision evolves in this new house. Keller’s experience spans through top design houses: senior women’s designer at Gucci in the Tom Ford era, men’s design director for Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label, and her first job was women’s wear designer at Calvin Klein. Keller’s got it going on.

The aesthetic she’s honed at Pringle seems to be aligned with the concept of Chloé, and she will likely bring into focus the more technical aspect of knits. Her vision for dramatic capes and flowing yet fitted separates is sure to make her a welcome figure at the Chloé house. She brought the concept of luxury ready to wear to Pringle, just as Chloé introduced that concept to the world.

Besides, she fulfills Chloé’s anglophilic fem obsession. Aside from a unsuccessful s two-year tint with Swede Paulo Melim Andersson from 2006, it’s been Brit after Brit at the French design house: Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, Hannah MacGibbons and now Clare Waight Keller. Fancy that. Of course, those all succeeded his Royal Kaisership Karl Lagerfeld as he helmed the brand by freelance after the original designer, Gaby Aghion, from 1966 through the 70s.

So, how do you feel about this round of musical chairs?

Link Love: WWD

*Andre Leon Talley wins the award for best purple tent. As always, his volumes are amazing.

Let’s take a look at the Best Dressed of the night. This category has quite a bit of people, as it should, for fashion’s biggest event. These were the As and high Bs, the working girls.

Shalom Harlow is my pick for BEST DRESSED in Marchesa. This is what the Met Ball is all about – she looks breathtaking in that gown.

I almost fell over when I saw Christina Ricci in Zac Posen. She never ages a day and looks super sexy in this sheer number.

I found Mary-Kate’s dress underwhelming, but Ashley Olsen looks ravishing in vintage Dior Haute Couture. The whole look is perfect.

Elle Fanning looks like a little couture doll in Valentino. She is so outshining her sister, it’s not even fair.

Rihanna has been looking haggard lately, so I was pleasantly surprised at how elegant she was in this striking Stella McCartney gown.

Iman, also in Stella McCartney, turned it out in a metallic gold jumpsuit. A little draggy, a lot amazing.

Karolina Kurkova in a spring 2011 Jean Paul Gaultier lace legging-dress creation. If the models can’t do it, who can?

I love this Prabal Gurung gown and funky jewelry on Ciara. White could be difficult to pull off at the ball, but she did it right.

Even though Crystal Renn is too skinny for my taste, she is an absolute vision in Alexander McQueen. I need my hair to look like this.

After getting ready in a Barneys window yesterday, Daphne Guiness showed up in McQueen. Perfect, amazing, stuns.

I loved Ginnifer Goodwin‘s look from the moment  I saw it. Then I realized it was custom Topshop. Damn she makes it look good.

Naomi Campbell looks like the queen she is in custom McQueen. She wears the sedatives well too.

Hamish Bowles looks like a true gentleman in custom McQueen. Love it from head to toe.

I always wait with baited breath to see what Blake Lively is wearing. She obviously did not disappoint in a Chanel toga.

New York’s best couple showed up looking better than ever. Beyonce is working that Emilio Pucci gown like whoa.

Queen Bitch Anna Wintour gave her best smile to the camera and looks like a shiny grandiose statue in Chanel.

On to the Most Boring of the night. On any other occasion, these folks would have looked great (probably). Unfortunately, this also means they’re the Cs of the Met Ball.

I’m sleeping. Zoe Saldana is usually among the best dressed. Why did she choose this boring Calvin Klein for the biggest fashion night of the year?

Leighton Meester is amazing, but she has trouble getting it right. Different shoes and hair would have done this Louis Vuitton dress more justice.

I love this Michael Kors dress on Emma Roberts, but she has the body to wear something more over the top on a night like this.

Madonna, the Material Girl herself, definitely could have done better than this Stella McCartney dress. Pretty, but boring.

I’m actually quite obsessed with this Miu Miu dress Michelle Williams is wearing. But I would wear this to a nice dinner, not a gala.

And now ladies and gentleman, the Worst Dressed of the night. These are the Ds and Fs of the Met Ball, the creme de la creme of mistakes.

ARGH! Christina Hendricks used to dress so well! This Carolina Herrera gown is an unflattering fit and color on her.

Oh dear. Hate to say it Alicia Keys, but it looks like you’re wearing a giant turd instead of Givenchy. Brown jacket AND dress is NOT fly.

Jennifer Lopez looks like a halfway plucked bloody chicken. Matchy-matchy lipstick, bag and Gucci is a no go.

I thought Chloe Sevigny would make McQueen look good, but I was wrong. The hair is awful and the dress fits like she grabbed it off some rack.

Sorry to say it Kate Hudson, but this Stella McCartney is not a cute pregnant lady dress. And whatever is on your head isn’t working either.

Nooooo! In the rush of preparing for the gala, Lucy Liu forgot to get a wax! Oh wait, that’s just her looking blech in Vionnet.

I hope everyone enjoying looking at the red carpet photos from the 2011 Met Gala as much as I. Who was your best and worst dressed of the night?

- Grace Coddington‘s 70th birthday was a who’s who of fashion royalty, with a guest list including Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Annie Leibovitz,  Helmut Lang, André Leon Talley, Liya Kebede, Karen Elson, Stefano Pilati, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Nicolas Ghesquière, Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Riccardo Tisci, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler and Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte. Twas clearly a magical night, as evidenced by this photo of Anna having what appears to be…a good time:

There but for the Grace of Coddington go I. [Styleite]

- Another image has “leaked” from Beyoncé‘s video shoot — either B has awful security or we’re just the pawns in her little chess game of pop supremacy…either way I couldn’t care less because she’s wearing Alexander McQueen. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

Photos: Image Amplified, Models.com, Homotography

Ashton Kutcher

Channing Tatum

Tom Welling

Josh Duhamel

Boris Kodjoe

James Marsden

Ian Somerhalder

Jason Lewis

Mark Wahlberg

Travis Fimmel