- Rooney Mara, Givenchy’s spring 2012 Haute Couture collection and the Oscars are a match made in heaven. At least that’s the general consensus. [Fashionista, NYT, The Cut]

- Speaking of award-worthy dressing, Leesa Evans, costume designer for Bridesmaids, took inspiration for the characters’ wardrobes from everyone from Forever 21 to Alexander McQueen. [NYT]

- Demi Moore was hospitalized Monday night, allegedly following an epileptic seizure. Moore is — also allegedly — seeking treatment for anorexia and substance abuse. [Huff Po]

- The most expensive T-shirt in the world may be made out of 16 diamonds and cost $400,000, but it still looks like something the Ed Hardy factory threw up in or around New Jersey. [Styleite]

- Jean Paul Gaultier sent models with Amy Winehouse-esque beehives down his spring 2012 haute couture runway. [Style.com]

Photos via Nitrolicious

“Our customers are very digitally savvy,” Linda Chang, Forever 21 senior marketing manager said. “We love that, because it challenges us to meet them head on with a fashion experience that’s innovative, fun and progressive.”

What do you think, are hologram fashion shows the next big thing? Tell us in the comments.

For the Pretentious Art Snob:  You’ve been there, done that, own everything and everyone so even the most avant garde installations leave you bored. But that doesn’t mean you have anything else to do.

Hamptons- There are two things to think of when dressing for the Hampton: minimal & chic.

Top: Diane Von Furstenberg, $198

Shorts: GAP, $35

Shoes: Aldo, $70

Sunglasses: Prada, $290

Atlantic City-  Some say AC is the East Coast’s version of Las Vegas. That being said, why not wear something a little eye catching.

Dress: A|X, $125

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, $295

Shoes: GAP, $60

Bracelet, GUESS, $25

Fire Island- This little isle adjacent to Long Island can be the perfect chill out getaway so rock the relaxed look.

Top: American Apparel, $36

Skirt: GAP,  $60

Shoes: Lanvin,  $569

Hat: Forever 21, $13

1. American Eagle Outfitters Tumbled Wristlet $11.95 – I have this in yellow,  and it’s perfect for the beach.

2. Forever 21 Vibrant Floral Bracelet $6.80 – The floral pattern is perfect for summertime frolicking.

3. M&M Headphones $10 – A true treat for your ears, could these be any cuter?

4. Fred Flare Breanne Sunglasses $12 – Big, bold and beautiful, everything shades should be.

5. Freedom at Topshop 3D Feather Bird Ring $14 – Turquoise is our favorite stone for summer, and this bird ring is perfectly ethereal.

6. Forever 21 Pretty Pendant Necklace $6.80 – This is a great length for a breezy summer tank or maxi dress.

7. Peacocks Geo Coral Print Scarf $9.70 – Wear it around your head or neck on a chilly beach-side evening.

8. Topshop Nude Lace Corsage Headband $8 – A perfect accent accessory for a so-so hair day.

9. Forever 21 Vibrant Ikat Scarf $8.80 – This lightweight fabric includes all the colors summer brings to mind.

10. 6×6 by No.6 Printed Coated Pouch $10 – Doubles as a great waterproof clutch for pool parties.

11. Old Navy Embellished Canvas Tote $9.94 – Makes a great shabby-chic laptop bag for summer.

12. Forever 21 Braided Floral Headband $3.80 – A cute way to jazz up a high bun.

13. Topshop Rope Encased Studs $15 – Throw on a cocktail ring with these blue babies, and you’re ready to go.

14. FEED Guatemala 1 Wristlet $14.95 – Not only is this pouch cool, you’re helping a good cause in the process.

15. dELiA*s Savina Tonal Bracelet 4-Pack $12.50 – Stack these adorable leather bracelets for a fresh, boho look.

What is your favorite bold summer accessory?

Tribal prints – Colorful and fun, these cool, statement-making dresses will spruce-up your closet in no time.

Clockwise from top left:
Dorothy Perkins Multi Tribal Print Dress $39, dorothyperkins.com

Billabong Friday Dress $$31.99, tillys.com

dELiA*s One-Shoulder Tribal Dress $29.99, delias.com

Forever 21 Tribal Maxi Dress $24.80, forever21.com

Papaya Tribal Print Beaded Halter Dress $18.99, papayaclothing.com

Forever 21 Self-Tie Tribal Dress $19.90, forever21.com

Forever 21 Strapless Patch Print Dress $19.80, forever21.com

Forever 21 Abstract Drawstring Dress $19.80, forever21.com

dELiA*s Tribal Woven Dress $29.99, delias.com

AX Paris Tribal Print Shift Dress $49, axparis.co.uk

Country chic - Channel the prairie life with a mix of down home and big city style.

Clockwise from top left:
Jane Norman Horse Print Tie Waisted Shirt Dress $37, janenorman.co.uk

Forever 21 Striped Chambray Dress $18.90, forever21.com

Daytrip Flower Power Dress $36, buckle.com

Akira Silk Blend Lace Sleeve Dress $39.90, shopakira.com

dELiA*s Vintage Crochet Dress $39.50, delias.com

ModCloth Homeland Honey Dress $47.99, modcloth.com

WeSC Ika Dress $39.99, swell.com

ModCloth Vase Vortex Dress $47.99, modcloth.com

Maxis - Bring it to the floor with a breezy ankle-length dress. We have one here for every body type and taste.

From left:
Vero Moda Floral Print Maxi Dress $34, houseoffraser.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins Orange Embellished Maxi Dress $46, dorothyperkins.com

Forever 21 Leopard Maxi Dress $24.80, forever21.com

Forever 21 Ikat Maxi Dress $16.50, forever21.com

ModCloth Bicycle Taxi Maxi Dress $49.99, modcloth.com

Old Navy Smocked Gauze Maxi Dress $39.94, oldnavy.gap.com

Mudd Crochet Maxi Dress $29.99, kohls.com

Dressrail Boobtube Colour Block Maxi Dress $25, dressrail.com

Sporty spice - Sleek and easy to move in, these classically casual frocks can be reinvented time and time again.

Clockwise from top left:
Life In Progress™ Pinstriped Dress $24.80, forever21.com

American Apparel Fine Jersey Racerback Tank Dress $32, americanapparel.net

Nordstrom Stem Knit Tank Dress $37.90, nordstrom.com

Forever 21 Draped Tube Dress $16.90, forever21.com

Steve Madden Blushing Ruffle Dress $46.62, zappos.com

American Eagle Pintuck Dress $39.95, ae.com

Go Green M by M Lina Sustainable Vest Top Dress $42, fashion-conscience.com

Aqua Sleeveless Racerback Stripe Maxi Dress $23.52, bloomingdales.com

70s-Inspired – Whether going for the hippie or late mod feel, these vintage-esque dresses will quickly become summer staples.

Clockwise from left:
Peacocks Belted Wrap Dress $33, peacocks.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins Mocha Gypsy Lace Panel Dress $46, dorothyperkins.com

Peacocks 70s Maxi Dress $25, peacocks.co.uk

Vero Moda Fluted Sleeve Low Back 70s Shift $48.27, asos.com

Vintage 1970′s Womens Mod Knit Dress $42, rustyzipper.com

H81 Anita Sleeveless Woven Dress $16.90, forever21.com

Peacocks Chiffon Crop Dress $32, peacocks.co.uk

GoJane Printed Tie-Waist Tank Dress $31.70, gojane.com

Darling denim - Keep this classic look updated with rope belts and colorful accessories.

Clockwise from left:
French Connection Phillipa Dress $39.99, usa.frenchconnection.com

Oasis Skater Dress $25, oasis-stores.com

Thread Sense Sweetheart Button Denim Dress $35, threadsense.com

H&M Flared Denim Dress $21, hm.com

Hurley Wilson YC Denim Dress $44, zappos.com

Peacocks Denim Embroidered Dress $25, peacocks.co.uk

Forever 21 Denim Tube Dress W/ Belt $24.90, forever21.com

Forever 21 Belted Denim Dress $19.80, forever21.com

What are your favorite dresses from this guide? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: WTForever21

“My site, WTForever21, does not infringe on any of Forever 21’s rights. It contains only criticism, commentary and news reporting, all written in an educational and humorous manner, which are protected under applicable law. To the extent any of the material used on the site is in fact subject to intellectual property protection (which, in many instances, is by no means clear), the site’s incorporation of that material is a ‘fair use’ under copyright, trademark law, and similar state law. It’s incredibly unlikely that any portion of the site would ever cause confusion in the minds of the general public about whether or not Forever 21 endorses or is affiliated with it. The blog in no way dilutes Forever 21’s trademark, as the company claims.”

Well, that sounds legal-like.  At least on the upside, even if she does get her blog shut down, Kane probably won’t have a hard time starting a new one. May we suggest H&FML? [WWD]

- Target‘s CEO Gregg Steinhafel still living down that Gaga gaff. [The Cut]

- Some people just shouldn’t have kids. People like me or Amy Winehouse or Anthony Weiner and of course Botox mom. Recently added to that list: Sarah Burge, who gave her seven year old daughter, Poppy, a £6,000 voucher for breast augmentation surgery as a birthday present. That is unless she develops juicy melons all her own. In that case she’ll just use that money for therapy. [Styleite]

- The sky is falling! The sky is falling! At least that’s what Chicken Little would have said if she (he?) was shopping at Forever 21 in Times Square. But she/he’s more of an H&M gal/guy. [Racked]

- Michael Jackson‘s iconic jacket from the “Thriller” music video is going up for auction with an estimated value of $400,000. [Mogulite]

- Duran Duran‘s supermodel-stuffed music video for “Girl Panic” is quickly approaching. Jonas Åkerlund directed the clip featuring Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, Helena Christensen and Yasmin Le Bon. Also aboard were Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who styled the ladies for the video, which will also serve as a photoshoot for Harpers Bazaar UK. [Fashionologie]

1. A romper made chic; Twenty8Twelve $140

2. Nothing makes a women look slimmer and taller that a great pair of high waisted pants; REISS $215

3. Simple yest intricate details are what great outfits are made of; Joseph$255

4. Tailored linen shorts are appropriate for the warm weather and easily dressed up; Vince $168

5. You might recognize these from our exclusive editorial; American Eagle $40

6. Why not mix two of the season’s hottest treads: white & lace; Free People $300

7. Super cute and flirty; Windsor $20

8.  The perfect boyfriend blazer to wear all year long; Armani Exchange $130

9. This lightweight top is perfect for the difficult task of summer layering; Forever 21 $20

Right to Bare Arms

Either find some sleeveless numbers or go all Edward Scissorhands on some old jackets.

Summer Layering – Sleeveless by Les Fabian featuring a sleeveless cardigan

Leggings of the Fall

Slip a legging — or jegging or whatever the helll the kids are into these days — under those short-shorts.

Summer Layering – Leggings by Les Fabian featuring fringe shorts

Lighten Up

Try a light jacket, cardie, hoodie or sweater  in a fabric that breathes, like cotton, linen or silk.

Summer Layering – Light by Les Fabian featuring a stripe sweater

Put a Necklace on It

Heap on the accessories to add a layer of sophistication or plain ole whimsy.

Summer Layering – Accessories by Les Fabian featuring a chain necklace

The Long and Short of It

Mix up your proportions and lengths — if summer ain’t about a crop top, what is it about?

Summer Layering – Crop by Les Fabian featuring a studded jacket

- Forever 21, seriously WTF? [NY Daily News]

- High fashion girl fight! Iselin Steiro and Kinga Rajzak throw down for Steven Meisel in this Lanvin video. [Fashionista]

- In another video, Daphne Guinness gets Undressed for director Brennan Stasiewicz, who created a short film around her Barneys window experience. [Racked]

- For Haider Ackermann — and, you know, everyone else — the streetstyle blogger craze is getting a little on the “absurd” side. [The Cut]

Look 1 – Slutty Preppy:

From the Ivy League to 20,000 Leagues.

Look 2 – Chic Week:

An officer and a gentlewoman.

Look 3 – Funny Girl:

People who need sailors are the horniest people in the world.

Look 4 – Shore Thing:

Bling it out Jersey style for some sailor smoosh time.

Look 5 – Boys Just Want to Have Fun:

Don’t ask, do tell for the boy hoping to get his deck swabbed.

NAVy Anchor Motif Chino Shorts – Mens Shorts – Clothing – TOPMAN
topman.com

1. Factory Work – Working in a factory is probably the pits. Working with a factory is nearly as bad. In the current state of the world, you’re probably talking to people that don’t speak your language about very precise details.

2. Spec Sheets – Because of that factory fact, all of designs must be transferred into numbers and plugged into an excel spreadsheet. Attached to the spreadsheet is a basic outlined drawing of the garment on which you draw arrows, measurements and instructions (ie, the specifics). Tedious? Yes. Essential? Absolutely.

3. Pattern Making – Many “designers” sketch out their concepts and send it off to a pattern maker. I, however, believe that patterning is essential to the creation process and a proper designer will do it him/herself. It is mathematical and holds the key to transforming the two dimensional into the third. It is typically the step in between the draping and the sample making. Without exact patterns, it is impossible to replicate.

4. Pins and Needles – If you’re the slightest bit clumsy, your fingers might end up looking like Swiss cheese from the amount of time you poke yourself with pins and/or hand sewing needles. Also, when you start bleeding from the fingertips, remember priority #1: don’t get blood on the fabric.

5. Sourcing fabrics – From Project Runway you might think all it takes to get fabric is a solid trip to Mood. Not exactly. Many of the fabrics they carry are limited, like they’ve acquired excess fabrics from designers. That’s why they’re fabulous. But you’re going to need fabrics that you can order infinitely. It’s a catch 22 though, because many textile mills have super high minimums, like 1000 yards per order.

6. Sustainability – Designers looking to make beautiful clothing and do right by the world is going to have a tougher time at it. This means following the lifecycle of their garments from the beginning of fiber growth and spinning, through weaving textiles,  through screen printing and dyeing, through sewing and assembly, through packaging and shipping; all to ensure that the earth was minimally impacted and people were treated and paid fairly along the way.

7. Private Label – Many big companies have “in-house” labels. AKA they hire outside companies to design and manufacture these lines, and the designer will never get credit. But that might work in said designer’s favor when they’re designing for Lane Bryant and Chico’s. Or as I like to call it, Selling Your Soul.

8. Not Making Money – Fashion is a business that has historically relied heavily on slave labor. The slaves of the modern day don’t pick cotton – that’s left to machines – but rather are now called interns and are lucky to be there. Also, if you’re starting your own business, don’t expect to turn a profit for at least a year, if you’re any good.

9. Never Sleeping – If you have your own label, chances are you’re losing sleep. In fact, you should probably stop reading this and get back to work. And the closer it gets to fashion week, the less you’ll be sleeping. You simply can’t attain perfection and get eight hours of sleep a night. You can hardly get five.  Make it work with three.

10. Knock It Off – It’s going to suck when you go into H&M and Forever 21 and see your designs, being sold for a fraction of the price to people who may never know it was yours. But it’s the game we play.

Alexander Wang Vs. Forever 21

Work is work is work, but if you love it, those unglamorous moments are worth it. It’s the tireless buzz behind the scenes that allows for all the glamour that is fashion.

We know you’re fabulous, but tell us about your unglamorous fashionable duties.

Sewing Machine photo from Danielle Pettee

The Suit: Everyone knows that the suit makes the man and that’s why the Don wouldn’t be caught dead not wearing one. There are many suits that a guy can wear that will carry the same presence. For the more conservative exec a plain black suit that fits well is always recommended and adding a pinstripe in your repertoire will have people appreciating you attention to detail. For a bolder guy a suits with materials that have a little sheen are great and if you really want to turn head goes with a color like cranberry. (SEE: Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Brooks Brothers & Topman)

The Shirt: The same rules apply for the shirt as it did for the suit. You rarely see Donald on Celebrity Apprentice wearing a non solid color (or white for that matter) shirt. To make this look your own bust out this this mindset and go for your patterns. It’s always cool when you take your jacket off and there is a completely new look there. (SEE: Bloomindale’s, Saks, & Mr. Porter)

The Tie: When it comes to style I feel like if you walked into Trump Towers without a tie you would be fired immediately. The Trump man keeps it pretty simple with his neck wear. To add some spice go for a tie with patterns or even switch up the texture by adding knit and silk ties to your collection. (SEE: Ties.com, 21MEN, & EXPRESS)

1. First of all, the film is for Magnum Ice Cream. That alone is reason enough to cast a shadow of incredulity a mile long. Coupled with the fact that Bilson is eating at a photoshoot, I nearly threw my computer out the window in righteous indignation. People have been fired for less.

2. Rachel Bilson’s wig. Bilson ordinarily stuns, but this awful, carrot-top wig makes her look like Lea Thompson circa Caroline in the City — dated and unwatchable.

3. Rachel Bilson’s hair under the wig. When Baptiste as the sunglasses-indoors-kind-of-guy photographer tells her to take off the wig, Bilson asks if her real hair is better. No. No, it’s not, Rachel Bilson. Because someone went a little cray-cray with the highlights.

4. Baptiste’s “acting.” Baptiste Giabiconi always struck me as kind of a douchebag. Don’t ask me why, he just gives off an air of douchebaggery, so playing a douchebag photographer should be right up his gorgeous alley. Granted it’s only a glorified commercial so he doesn’t need to display a range of emotions. But I would take any sort of emotion. At all.

5. The clothes. I mean, seriously, did the stylist dip a blind hand into the clearance bin of Forever 21 to pull out these gems? You got Karl Lagerfeld behind the lens but there’s nary a hairbow nor a tweed in sight. Plus this black negligee-esque number gives Bilson a muffin top. And that’s why you don’t eat at a photoshoot.

Check out Photo Mood for yourself and see if you’re left with a big fat WTF? afterwards like I was.

“Shopping can do a world of good.” – Forever 21

The contents of someone’s bag tells a lot about them. And here at FashionIndie, our bags can’t keep their goddamn mouths shut.

Sam – Louis Vuitton backpack

My favorite moment was about 4 hours into our Blogger Break Room when we had like 80 people simultaneously getting spa services, drinking champagne, being fabulous and magically nothing went wrong!

Rebecca Minkoff mini wallet
Camera
Grey matte nail Polish
Keys
Gucci aviator sunglasses
Fashion GPS front row seat and after party drink tickets to L.A.M.B. and Ivana Helsinki
Taxi receipts
A fat pile of business cards
NYFW credential badge
Dollar bill from the VMAN Magazine party
Louise Manna body wrap jewelry
3 pens
Moleskine mini notebook
Liquid black eyeliner
Maybelline lipgloss from the Tents
Lotion
Vitamins

Amanda – Bag made from recycled plastic bottles from Love Brigade

- These are my favorite sunglasses of ALL TIME. I bought them at my favorite old lady consignment store like 6 years ago. The case is from Topshop.
- My wallet is full of maxed out credit cards and a $5 bill, so sad.
- I keep vitamins with me in case I start to feel under the weather during fashion week.
- There’s nothing worse than when a nail breaks, so obvi a nail file is necessary.
- iPod, headphones, self-explanatory.
- Notebook and pen for notes and doodles.
- My Canon EOS 20D camera – I’ve been snapping photos all over town.
- My many keys
- Deck of cards from the Malan Breton show yesterday.
- My everyday beauty essentials – hairbrush, makeup brushes, Make Up For Ever Powder, Sephora eye shadow palette, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Burt’s Bees, Benefit Bad Gal Liner, MAC Satin Lipstick in Rebel, Sephora lip gloss and Maybelline Falsies mascara
- Hand sanitizer for public transportation horrors.
- The collection description sheet from the Son Jung Wan fall/winter 2011 show.
- Business cards from Fashion Week that must be filed away!

Lester – H&M tote

While typing up my list I realized I’m basically a woman. And am fine with that.

Sequined clutch — I don’t care for man wallets
Interview mag with Tom Ford
Nail polish remover — for the 2 bottles of nail polish I got from Blogger Break Room
Headphones
Hand sanitizer
Notebook
2 pens
Duane Reade Cold & Sinus Relief — I crawled over the fashion finish line with a fever and god knows what else
T-Mobile crap since I “lost” my phone and had to get a replacement
Carmex
Programs from various fashion shows, including Richie Rich and Kimberly Ovitz
Box o’ biz cards
Trial size deodorant, baby powder and lotion, should I spend yet another night on someone’s couch
Stain remover pen (LIFESAVER)
The Socializer under eye treatment
Orbit gum
The First Wives Club– one of my fave movies so I decided to check out the book
Body oils (red Egyptian musk and Sandalwood)
Lanvin perfume, Arpege
Lollipop from Cocktails and Couture
Press pass from Diesel
Cough and eye drops
Mirabella eyeliner lip and cheek ink and
Compact — I got so much free make-up even though I don’t wear any of it. Now I have a reason to start.
Gloves
Christian Siriano Payless pump Polaroid
Swiss Army knife should I ever need to cut a bitch

Jess – Faux fur bodybag from LF

1. My brand spankin’ new Macbook pro, that I would have died without. Frequented that AOL StyleList blogger’s haven with it on the regs.

2. Multiple sparkly Milani nail polish. I did my nails everywhere, painting over layers to change up the colors constantly. There was a rotating slew of colors that cycled through the bag this week.

3. Lipsticks: Illamasqua: The Box (rouge), YSL fucsia, Iman (Pat Field‘s) Jaguar

4. Business cards. Gave out about 75, received at least as many.
5. Several WWDs and Daily Front Rows. I do admit I love reading the Daily.
6. Tickets. Many. Some I’ve disposed of, some made it. Some standing, some seats. None actually with my name on it.
7. Various runs of show. Ones that have lingered in my bag: Timo Weiland, Anna Sui, Dennis Basso, Alexandre Herchcovitch.
8. ESSENTIAL: Blackberry. Can’t believe it took me this long to talk about it. Maybe because I’ve done so much damage on it that it actually just broke. Fashion Week broke my phone…. now…. iPhone?
9. Because that’s not an iPhone, that’s an iPod touch and it’s been keeping me cat walking myself from place to place.
10. Biggie camera. I spent 3 years, that’s 6 seasons in the PIT with this guy. Not this year. Now I just got to use it on celebs backstage, at presentations and the like.
11. WIRES. OMG. My bag was like a radio shack. Heaven forbid I should be without a charge.
12. Small purse. Vintage. Used it when I stashed the big lady mama at the after party coat checks.
13. Wallet. Duh.
14. Deck of cards? The last free gift to remain in this bag. They’re usually the first to go when I get home.
15. Voice recorder, which I ditched for my Blackberry video camera.
16. Pashmina – much lighter than a laptop case. I didn’t wear it, my MacBook did.
17. Vintage Korean flower cardi I wore yesterday. I took it off when the world got mild.
18. Urban Zen literature – got my reikis healed (?) in the AmEx Skybox. Still confused about the process, but I felt great after.
19. My handy dandy notebook. All of my show notes are in this little thing.
20. Napkin from Timo Weiland’s after party on which Paul Steiger (as in Walter‘s son) drew shoes for me. I’m going to the press sample sale today!

That is all that remains. I’m surprised I didn’t find at least 3 Frappacinos and a slew of Fijis, but I lightened my load as I went along.

Mac – Faux croc tote from 21Men

I used the camera to take amazing photos all over NYC this Fashion Week.The Coke Zero is used solely for caffeine purposes but Lord knows I dont need any empty calories. I have two pairs of sunglasses to switch up my eyewear but maintain my air of mystery. The Marc Jacobs ones were gifted to me by stylist Robert Verdi as was the Kenneth Cole cologne, Reaction (the scent is fresh and young).  Finally the latest copy of VMAN for the train and cab rides all over the city. And yes I still have the dollar that was in his mouth.

Coke Zero
Powerade
VMAN
Sony Camera
DOTS Wooden Bracelts
Forever 21 Sunglasses
Marc By Marc Jacobs aviators
Notebook
The Daily
Brush
Chapstick
Fashion Indie Vol 2 mixtape
Biz cards
Cash
Metrocard
Pens
Hand Sanitizer
Ray Ban glasses case

Josh – Laptop bag

At the Richie Rich show I heard several people say, “Oh my god! That Rod Stewart impersonator looks so convincing!” I later learned that person was the real Rod Stewart.

Olive Leaf Extract Pills
Vitamin C
Shades
Icebreaker mints
3 $15 iTunes gift cards
Apple wireless mouse
Apple ear buds
GQ magazine
3 Random pens
1 Show invitation
Notepad
Small USB dog that humps computer
Sony voice recorder

1. Boudicca pleated dress $1,355 – matchesfashion.com

2. Lanvin Knitted cotton-blend dress $1,290 – net-a-porter.com

3. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Graffiti $18 – urbandecay.com

4. Miu Miu Apple-embellished plexiglass bangle $265 – net-a-porter.com

5. Forever 21 Oval Stone Ring $4.80 – forever21.com

6. Proenza Schouler Bag $1,270 – colette.fr

7. Butter Women’s Swagger Mary Jane Pump $286 – endless.com

8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Large leather wallet $240 – net-a-porter.com

9. OPI Matte Gargantuan Green Grape Nail Lacquer $5.35 – amazon.com

10. Kate Spade palace of mirrors crystal earrings $145 – katespade.com

$72.41, ASOS

$65.61, ASOS

$22.80, Forever 21

$345, Karen Millen

$495, Haute Hippie

$178, Nanette Lepore

$219, The Reformation

$295, Cynthia Steffe

DIARY

Starting Friday October 22nd, for every comment you post on Forever 21′s blog THE SKINNY- they will be donating a dollar to the Susan G. Komen foundation!!

Guess I’ll have to stick with Forever 21 for all my trashy mini-dress and club top purchases. Le sigh.

• Store: TopShop/Topman
• Location: Soho
• Why it’s easy to steal : All the employees think they are to hip to do their actual job. They are all wannabe models,stylists,photographers blah blah blah. Why would they be worried with you taking an overpriced bracelet when they are worried about their image?
• How to get away with it: Walk in. Take what you want. Walk out.

• Store: Forever 21
• Location: Times Square
• Why it’s easy to steal: This place is so huge that it might as well be it’s own state. Seriously so much product means so much more cheap stuff to steal without anyone being the wiser.
• How to get away with it: It is all about diversion. Yes it is full with lackadaisical employees as every retail location in the world but they seemed pretty strong staffed. For example start a riot by saying something such as “OMG it’s the Jonas brothers!” All the girls will start to bum rush whichever section you point at and then you can abscond with whatever clothes that you really know you could have just paid for.

• Store: Century 21
• Location: Lower Manhattan
• Why it’s easy to steal: The place is crawling with tourists from all over the world that the staff and New Yorkers are overwhelmed to be in their for over 10 minutes.
• How to get away with it: Pretend you are a tourist from a country that no one has ever heard of. Try to steal the old fashioned way (which shouldn’t be hard) and if you’re caught just jabber in a make believe language until the person who caught you just let’s you go with the stuff.

• Store: Quiksilver
  
• Location: Times Square
  
• Why it’s easy to steal: Let’s be honest you kind of have to be stoned out of your mind to work here. As a ex employee I can say I wish I was that smart to do so. The store’s average customers are 6 foot 5 tourists and surfers who are great to hide behind.
• How to get away with it: Use Jedi mind tricks. Take whatever you need by hiding behind the previously mentioned giant customers and escape attention by walking around like a surfer who hass hit his head a few too many times.

• Store: Hollister
• Location: Soho
  
• Why it’s easy to steal: The place is usually swamped with people. The store is also extremely dark for no reason and has terrible music blasting. (All aiders to boosting)
• How to get away with it: Grab all their decent clothing they have (which might be hard to tell in the dark) and leave through the front door while everyone is ogling the shirtless male models outside. The bed bugs got in undetected so you can too.

The moral of the story is the NYC shops are not safe especially not after this article. Take our tips and shoplift till you drop. (Or get arrested)

DISCLAIMER: FashionIndie.com does not endorse illegal activities. (Just making sure our asses are covered)

NAME: Rumi Neely

BLOG: FASHION TOAST

NAME: Karla Derass

BLOG: KARLA’S CLOSET

NAME: Liz Cherkasova

BLOG: LATE AFTERNOON

NAME: CAMILLE RUSHANAEDY

BLOG: CHILDHOOD FLAMES

NAME: SUSIE LAU

BLOG: STYLE BUBBLE

DEVELOP A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE: Your life experiences, style and talents are what make you interesting. Don’t be afraid to open up and share what you’ve learned.

CREATE ORIGINAL CONTENT: Instead of re -posting content from other blogs, dig deep and produce articles that you’ve personally developed. Just like fashion, originality rules supreme blogging.

PASSION SHOWS: Believe in the content that you’re producing. Readers can truly sense your enthusiasm.

POST CONSISTENTLY: Update often. Develop a schedule that works for you. If you have an upcoming break, be upfront about it and let readers know what to expect.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR READERS: Reach out to your supporters while responding to comments and emails in a timely manner. Small gestures can go a long way!

PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF: Great blogs aren’t built overnight. Though stepping back and taking a break is sometimes necessary, remember that over time, your focus and consistency will propel you to blogging stardom!

Courtesy of: Forever 21.

Shop here.

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LINK LOVE:Twist.

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Courtesy of: twenty2.

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LINK LOVE:Forever 21-Fall 2010.

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I wore this outfit yesterday to an event in the city. The top is a floral print shirt length dress from Forever 21, H&M Jeans and Nine West Shoes. I love the colors in the top and paired with the pink platforms gives this look just the right amount of color for summer. Some people go over board with pairing brights, but the blue and tan in the top, tones down the yellow and coral and by adding the pink shoes it allowed the entire outfit to pop.

I also finally did something different with my hair! I put my hair in bantu knots (straight hair twisted into little knots) and it came out like this. I had different size knots which is why my waves were varying lengths, but this was just the experiment. Practice makes perfect right?

LINK LOVE:Look of the Day: Fancy Floral

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You can see how wet the sidewalks are from the rain.

Cupcakes from Vanilla Bake Shop

LINK LOVE:Come Rain or Shine

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Forever 21 has collaborated with Danny Roberts on a line of t-shirts, which will be available in stores and online Wed June 2nd. Loving the above tee of French style blogger Louise Ebel of MissPandora, whom we recently interviewed.

An anonymous commentator informed Racked that Forever 21 is training around 400 employees for a giant superstore to open in Times Sq. Read more on Racked.

LINK: Brian Lichtenberg Teams Up With Forever 21

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

SAY IT ISN’T SO!! As I was patrolling my blog roll instead of reading last night, I came upon some terrible news.  One of my favorite designers (and a Fashion Indie favorite) is making a collaboration that I’m afraid will ruin him for me.  WWD reported that the news is true, although Brian has yet to confirm (which I’m hoping means it isn’t true)

“A Forever 21 spokesperson confirmed that the collaboration was in the works and said an announcement would be made in the coming months.”

Regardless, I know that the Rodarte For Target collection was great, I know the H & M collaborations have been great…but as a corporation that is known in the fashion world for ripping off countless designers, I’m hoping that Brian Lichtenberg holds up his name, and signature ‘Brian’ play on designers (Brianel, Brian instead of Nike, ‘Lichteys’ instead of Mickeys), and doesn’t go down the cheap Forever 21 route and come up with some poorly made shoulder padded dresses that fall apart after you wear them once, and you see everyone and their sister wearing to the next frat party.

On the other hand, I’m not sure how they did it, but props to Forever 21 for actually being able to land a great designer for their collaboration…I’m guessing everyone else they ripped off previously turned them down.

Thoughts on this? Do you think I’m crazy?

LINK LOVE: Styleite

Another Kardashian hits the spotlight…Kendall Jenner, the half sister to the Kardashian sisters is the star of the newest Forever 21 campaign. Only question is, what’s wrong with the right side of her face?

LINK LOVE: NY Mag via People

Here’s a shot of what style editor Hillary and I wore to a recent charity “fashion” show:

Hillary’s DIY ripped tights are ingenious!

On me: Asos Velvet dress, Target vest, American apparel heart print tights, Banana clutch, vintage ring

On Hillary:  Brian Lichtenberg moto vest tee cut into a tanktop, American Apparel Lame bandeau, vintage chains and purse, DIY shredded tights, Forever 21 bangles, and DIY beaded bracelets

From runway shows to various celebrities, the classic leather jacket has been popping up everywhere. There are many ways to wear this look tough—you can sweeten it up with a frilly skirt or add a funkier twist by incorporating patterns and colors.

Here are three different ways you can sport this look, using the Plastic Island’s Black Moto Jacket from www.chickdowntown.com ($180.00):

Outfit 1: Skirt- $17.80, www.forever21.com
Top- $97.00, www.boutiquetoyou.com
Socks- $12.00, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Boots- $795.00, www.kirnazabete.com

Outfit 2: Jeans- $80.00, www.topshop.com
Top- $19.90, www.forever21.com
Shades- $275.00, www.bloomingdales.com
Shoes- $79.95, www.stevemadden.com
Bag- $50.99, www.macys.com

Outfit 3: Dress- $52.99, www.modcloth.com
Tights- $14.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Flats- $375.00, www.bluefly.com
Ring- $123.00, www.maxandchloe.com
Clutch- $235.40, www.endless.com

Houndstooth was a pattern seen throughout Alexander McQueen’s collection for the fall. It’s a classic and bold print amongst the many eye-catching ones that have made their way onto the must-wear list for this upcoming season.

Here are five different ways you too can make a statement with houndstooth over the next few months:

1. Forever 21, $2.80, www.Forever21.com
2. Express, $16.50, www.Express.com
3. Silence & Noise, $48.00, www.UrbanOutfitters.com
4. MARC by Marc Jacobs, $460, www.Net-a-Porter.com
5. oh DEER!, $65.00, www.Endless.com

LINKAGE: Style

More than 1,500 line up to get into the chain’s first store in Japan.

LINKAGE: WWD

One would think that after over 50 lawsuits during the last 3.5 years would deter Forever 21 from pushing the limits of copyright laws. With good lawyers on their side, co-founders  Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang, who also act as the corporation’s chief executive and head buyer, have been able to push almost all suits under the rug,  going about their merry, cheap-o knockoff business. 

With Trovata trouble currently looming, it seems as if the Changs already have enough strings to pull in order to escape the CDFA. But a recent deposition, one in which Anthropologie claims that Forever 21 infringed on 9 of it’s copyrighted items, isn’t going to be so easy to get out of. A Southern District of New York Judge has proof that Jin Sook Chang is linked to the buying of at least 8 of these infringed items. 

Although photos, videos and transcriptions of the lawsuit have yet to be released, it should be very interesting to see just how similar these items are. But as much as I detest the bargain version’s spot-on copies, I’m rather impressed at how many slaps on the wrist the Changs were able to walk away with. But if you ask me, by letting copyright cases slide so easily, the CDFA is just begging for designers to break the rules. 

Thanks WWD! 

Forever 21 is coming out with a plus size line (not news), but while marketing the Faith 21 collection they made the mistake of using a photo of Miss Kim.

She got offended and responded on her blog: “I feel that this clipping from Us Magazine is a bit misleading, so I wanted to comment on it.”

“I am a huge fan of Forever 21 and I’m very happy they have expanded their line to include a plus-size range, but I am not in that size category and this article makes it sound like I am! I am a curvy girl and I love my curves, but curvy and plus-sized are two very different things. I work really hard to maintain my curves while staying slim and healthy, so to be classed as a “fuller-figured woman” of extra large proportions is a little offensive. For the record, I am a size 2, not 2XL.”

The funny part: Kimmy truly believes she’s a size 2…

LINKAGE: hollyscoop

Any fully conscious person knows that Forever 21 is the knock-off capital of the world. Consumers toss a few dollars for poor-quality clothing that just so happens to look, from far away, like designer pieces. Although the repro-depot has gotten into its fair share of copyright infringements tiffs, a recent battle with Trovata could be the lawsuit needed to finally pass the CDFA’s Design Piracy and Prohibition Act.

Take a look at the image above. While there are obvious differences in quality and color, the naked eye registers that these pieces are basically the same. Come May, a jury will decide if Forever 21 (top row) is guilty of copyright infringement of Trovata’s (bottom row) button placements, fabric patterns, decorative stitching and other details. Should the Design Piracy and Prohibition Act pass, designers can expect a decrease in competition and consumers can start singing the blues, as they will be unable to buy penny saving knock-off items.

With Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” lawsuit barely in hindsight, it will be interesting to see what the CDFA deems as “original” in the fashion world. Designers borrow inspiration on a daily basis…does this make them criminals? Are designers only at fault if they borrow too much? Who determines what is borrowed and what is original? While the outcome of this lawsuit could potentially  make the fashion industry more unique, with it will come more rules and thusly, more restrictions on fashion. Dun dun dun.

Thanks NY Mag!

Forever 21 has come out with a pair of Fringe Open Toe Boots ($35) that are nearly identical to the Alexander Wang’s Alexis Boot. Check out the comparison after the jump.

LINKAGE: The Look For Less: Alexander Wang Fringe Platforms

So if you took Mary-Kate from four years ago and designed an entire collection around it and then added a couple of trucker hats, you’d have DSquared2 Fall 2009 collection. Leggings, leopard and Starbucks cups make this collection seem dated in the worst kind of way. While it is a collection that imitates many existing trends, it just doesn’t offer much in the way of something new and exciting, which means its the type of collection that you’d probably find at Forever 21 and H&M right this second.