Brazilian Slum Pulls Itself Up By Flip-Flop Strap

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

While we’ve been busy handing out Model Citizen Awards, we found a real live model citizen in the rough slums of Brazil. One tough bid, Silvinha Oliveira found her way out, worked her way through fashion school, turned away her nose up at the frivolity of high fashion’s industry and, instead, brought it back to the favelas to flourish. Upon imparting her sartorial knowledge to a few women in the community, she was able to start her own company: Retalhos Cariocas. She takes scraps of factories’ leftover fabrics and uses them to transform the country’s ubiquitous Havaianas into gladiators, booties, wrap shoes and more. All at once, Silvinha is giving fabric andher neighbors a second chance at life.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Vera Farmiga in Sophie Theallet

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Vera Farmiga will be graded on her Sophie Theallet Spring 2011 look worn to the Source Code premiere in Los Angeles. See how she looked after the jump.

Kate Hudson & Elle MacPherson Show Us How To Look Cute On A Bike

Edited by The Fashion Web

There’s a huge trend in bike riding, and it’s not only about being trim and going green: it’s about being cute. Kate Hudson and Elle Macpherson (and other celebrities) can look gorgeous riding their bikes, there’s no reason you can’t too. Gone are the days of wearing head-to-toe spandex to ride. Thanks to B. Spoke Tailor and other clothing brands, it’s time to look pretty while pedaling. Check out our favorite bike-friendly finds:

Be as risky as Kate and wear this T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt dress ($85) for your 2-wheeled adventure. We do recommend a little something extra underneath… just in case.

Bloomer shorts, like these Jayden Bloomer Shorts by Genetic Denim ($154) allow your legs to move with ease and your thighs won’t be bursting out when you sit (think tight denim shorts).

Copy Elle’s style for your cruise and throw on this Topshop Straw Visor ($24). This is definitely the cutest visor I’ve ever seen and in case you pick up speed, it won’t blow away.

Safety first – gladiator sandals won’t fall off your feet while pedaling so grab a pair of Miss Me Kiki Gladiator sandals ($19.95, down from $35.95) in 1 of 6 colors.

Keep the sun and the dirt out of your eyes with these Forever 21 Aviators ($5.80). They’re cheap enough that if you do fall, you won’t worry about scratches (at least on your shades).

Check out more of our favorite celebrity styles. Shop our guides to the best summer dresses, the best flat sandals, and the best summer hats. Subscribe now for exclusive updates.

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SHOP IT: Jeffrey Campbell Caymen 5-Strap Leopard Print Sandal, $124 on ShopBop

Edited by Tracey

I’m totally falling back in love with leopard! I remember in 7th grade, I was obsessed!! I even got scolded by my Catholic school teacher for wearing leopard print capris on a field trip!  These leopard print Jeffrey Campbell sandals on ShopBop are a perfect fit for summer!  The style is fun for weekends and work, making it a great sandal to go with just about any look!  (If you don’t consider yourself a leopard girl, they also come in a fun zebra print!)

Givenchy: Spring 2010 Accessories Collection

Edited by Corey Moran

HOLY WOW!!!! I have this obsession with finding the perfect gladiator sandal for men, and I thought I found it at Topshop, but I was clearly wrong. The entire Givenchy accessory collection is amazing, but these sandals are definitely the highlight for me. Time to tighten up my budget so when Spring 2010 comes around I have the money ready!

Gallery: Givenchy: Spring 2010 Accessories Collection

via Men’s Rag

The Tragedy of Gladiator Sandals

Edited by admin

Ok. I don’t want to offend anyone, but look. Gladiator sandals. Why, ladies? I simply don’t understand. Do you want to look like an extra from Troy? Almost no one can pull off this shoe without looking like their bottom half comes from a different century. Ok, maybe this look can be totally rocked by a half-naked Italian model who spends her time being photographed by Guy Bourdain while draped languidly over obscenely expensive furniture, but this is not you. As much as you’d like to imagine yourself as a waifish, fashion-forward lady warrior, I’m sorry to say it, but you look awkward. Pairing gladiator sandals with denim shorts and a t-shirt from the Gap is a look that says “Hey, I totally read Vogue magazine, I get it, I’m trendy. I’m also an editorial assistant who makes under thirty thousand dollars a year and can only afford clothes from Marshalls—and unfortunately, as much as I’d like to strut around Newbury Street looking like I own half of Marc Jacobs’ inventory, I can only pull off looking like someone dissected Jason and the Argonauts and paired his bottom half with a freshman college student’s torso.” Is this really the message you want to give to passers-by?

Some trends are meant to be ignored. Maybe Mischa Barton can look good in it, but you’re not her. You’re a totally normal person. So dress like one. No Uggs (seriously, I don’t care it they’re warm and comfy. You can get warm shoes that don’t look like you stole them from an unconscious Australian backpacker. Also, especially don’t tuck your jeans into them. You will look like every teenaged girl I’ve ever seen. Be your own person.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on Crocs. The only people who are allowed to wear them are nurses. And nurses, since I’ve allowed you to wear Crocs, will you do me a favor and don’t put any of those cutesy little buttons on them?